Morning cloudy with a chilly East Wind and occasional Showers. I pursued the study of Aeschines for an hour, and found that I had read it pretty thoroughly before. This is some satisfaction in studies of this kind as it shows that the time has not been wasted.

Went to the Office where I was occupied during the day in my Accounts and with two or three persons who came to me as usual about Houses. I went also to vote for State Officers and gave the regular ticket.1 No excitement about this election. Read an Account of France during the period of Louis the 14th. of no interest. The time that I pass at the Office is on the whole that attended with the least satisfaction to me. My Agency Affairs annoy me, and the waste of time discourages me. Took a short walk and returned home.

Afternoon, continued the Oration for Flaccus but found I had read it so badly that I began it over again. It is a desultory examination of Witnesses conducted ably enough. But it has less interest to me than any I have yet read. Evening, continued reading Parry to my Wife, whose Account of the Esquimaux while it is interesting is melancholy. But it is well to see human nature in all its stages. After this, continued Hearne and the Spectator. The numbers on Wit are worth deeper attention.