Morning snowy and cold. I had some doubt about my executing my intention of going to Quincy but as it cleared up at noon decided in favour of it. Passed the morning however in constant labour with my pen, and transacting business. Called to receive my Dividends especially that upon the Dover Stock which makes me comfortable at once. I do not recollect for a long time so thoroughly employing my Morning. Mr. Brooks dined with us and kept me until after three, so that I started late in a Sleigh with my man for Quincy and did not get to my Uncle’s before Sunset. Took tea and transacted all my business with the family, had as little conversation as I could about 213Joseph’s affairs dreading the moans and groans from all quarters, and got home to my own fireside by seven o’clock. My Uncle looks ill and is singularly affected in his Nerves as I never observed before. On the whole this was a day actively spent. I was fatigued in the evening and read only the rest of the sixteenth book of the Iliad as well as my Spectators.