Morning pleasant, but the wind changed soon and it grew hazy 173with all the appearance of bad weather. After attending to the expediting of the Flower Roots for my Mother, I went to the Office and was occupied there as usual. Received a short letter from my Father at New York which I propose to answer as soon as I think he will get to Washington. He seems to me not to be taking judicious measures.1 Read some of the Virginia Debates in which I was struck with the views of Mr. Madison. They seem to me to reach the truth. Took a walk.

Afternoon finished Lucullus. But I must read it well over again. The doctrine is necessarily obscure. It takes me a great while longer than it ought to attend to my fire. This must be mended.

I spent the evening reading Fuseli excepting a couple of hours at Mr. F. Parkman’s where my Wife took Tea. There was a party of that family which is extensive and clans together very much. We returned at ten. I read a little of Condillac and the Spectator. I find a peculiarity in most of Steele’s papers which betrays very much the character of his mind. The constant introduction of some allusion to sex, showing that he was one of a numerous class who indulge their imaginations until it becomes a habit.