The rain which fell heavily during the night ceased and gave us a very beautiful morning. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied after writing my Journal in reading the Journal of the Virginia Convention. Patrick Henry seems to have been as mad as a March hare upon the subject, and therefore totally unable to give distinct reasons for his course. Mr. Monroe was much more sensible. Mr. Marshall came out here in defence of the system. Took a walk as usual.

Afternoon, read a large part of Cicero’s second book de finibus in which he endeavours to refute the Epicurean doctrine. The selfish nature of it is well exposed, but I think he hardly argues on the true basis when he does not admit the definitions of his Opponent. The Epicurean doctrine as explained by Torquatus in the first book is a harmless one if not the true one. It does in fact make virtuous conduct the happiness of life.

Evening. Read Sir Joshua Reynolds’ five first discourses which are exceedingly sensible, then dressed myself to go to a Ball at Mrs. J. L. Gardner’s with my Wife.1 It was the most splendid affair I have seen since I have been in Boston, and I enjoyed myself pretty well. Returned by eleven and read the Spectator.