The morning opened with a heavy thunder shower which prevented my being able to go to town immediately, but at ten o’clock it seemed to hold up and my father being desirous to go, I decided upon starting. The intermediate time I employed in beginning the operation of assorting the Papers of my Grandfather for which purpose I came out more especially to Quincy.1

Arrived in town we were here for so short a time that I was unable to do any thing very particular. Mr. Hayford called upon me to be paid for his work as a Mason on my Father’s Estate.2 He satisfies me better than any of my Men. His work is good and his prices are reasonable.

After waiting some time I at last found my Father and we proceeded together home. The weather cleared and it became a very fine afternoon. I read a part of the Oration for Balbus which is not so interesting, the point turning upon the construction of law. There is a high encomium upon Pompey in it, which I think he did not deserve.

This business of my grandfather’s papers I foresee will prove a laborious business and I do not wonder that my father has avoided it. Evening T. B. Adams Jr. down here and spent the Evening. Afterwards, I read two Spectators.