The day was very beautiful being clear and warm. I was occupied in making the final arrangements for leaving the City on our short summer residence in the Country. At the Office where I read over the Paper on the influence of Montesquieu. It seemed to me not to destroy one of the positions attacked, for in not a single instance did it meet them fairly. The attempt to destroy the Aristocracy of France, of which this was a part, succeeded, but it brought no such advantages with it as were anticipated.

At one o’clock I started with a horse and gig to Quincy leaving my Wife to go in the Carriage. Reached there some time before her, and found the family much as usual. My Mother seemed to be in very good health and spirits, but my Father from some reason or other seems dull.1 I am a little apprehensive about him. Quiet is not his 51sphere. And when a legitimate scene of action does not present itself, it is much to be feared that he will embrace an illegitimate one.

My time was not occupied very usefully. Mr. and Mrs. Cruft and Mr. F. C. Gray called in the afternoon.2 I read two or three Sections only of Cicero, and felt on the whole dissatisfied and unsettled. Took a walk in the Garden which looks very well. Evening, Conversation with my Father about the Judge’s Affairs. The Spectator as usual.