Morning clear and warm. I passed it in a pretty unsatisfactory way, unless I may consider myself as having provided my father’s table with its best dish. I went to fish, and soon after my Mother and I. Hull joined us. We had excellent sport, catching more than seven dozen of Smelts among us. But it took us until dinner time.

On my return it was growing cooler. And the Office is so uncomfortable without a fire, I passed the time in weeding a bed of Strawberries in the Garden. My father in all practical matters wants the power of executing any thing like a connected system. The consequence is that his farm, his house, his garden are all exhibiting the progress of decay. His Property generally is in the hands of his Agents, a matter depending more upon their honour than his attention.

Miss E. C. Adams passed the Afternoon and Evening here. I tried to read a little of Cicero but the letters to Atticus require great attention. Finished all of Dr. Gillies’ history that related to the period of Demosthenes and was surprised to find how meagre it is. Also the Spectator.