A thick mist hung over the Country followed by heavy rain. As I had made engagements that could not easily be broken, and my Father wished also to go to town, we started together and reached Boston as usual. I went to the Office where I transacted some business, received the amount of the Note taken in payment for rent, from one of my Tenants, and gave directions for the few additional necessary ones to be made upon the Tenement not yet occupied. I then went to the House and from thence to the performance of a variety of Commissions with which I had been charged. In this way my time all went, and my Father having done all he had to do, we started upon our return at one. The weather had been terrible all the time.

Afternoon, Engaged in the Oration for Balbus in which I made much progress. It is one of the series for which Cicero is responsible to his Country. His weight having by then1 been thrown into the scale of Caesar and Pompey, and against the Senate. In itself I see little of peculiar interest—The question being upon a point of law. My task progressed a little besides, but it is surprising how much time I am always managing to waste. Evening with the family. Nothing material. Read a little of the Spectator.