Morning at the Office, weather quite mild. Went down directly to attend at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Middlesex Canal, and afterwards that of the Proprietors. The old statement was read and accepted and the same board of Directors were elected for the ensuing year. On the whole a pretty indifferent way of passing one’s morning. I went however to keep my place at the Board, which I thought it likely I might lose without. I care nothing about it, excepting that as representative of my father’s Stock, I can see how his Interest stands and keep him informed of it. I returned home and found Mr. A. Spear the Tenant of Mount Wollaston, come to pay his Rent, and take up his Note. I was sorry for this not being anxious to receive the Money but as he wanted to pay it, I received about enough to counterbalance the loss of the Middlesex Canal Dividend.

Took a short walk and returned home where after dinner I read the Oration against Caecilius over again. It displays power from the confidence of its tone, the method in which he depreciates his Antagonist, and yet the adroitness by which he avoids the invidious appearance of preferring himself. It is not remarkable for much else, not having any of the necessity for the kind of Oratory, he calls “grave” or sublime. Evening read some of Buffon—His introduction to the Natural History which is written well. After it the Latin Grammar and the Tatler.