Morning delightful. This weather must be a monstrous relief to poor People whose supplies of wood have been so freely drawn upon by the unusual coldness of the preceding month. I said last evening that I had finished the Spectator by reading two numbers regularly since the month of March last. It is the first time I ever went regularly through them. And on the whole I think I have gained something. It has given me a more correct idea of the beauty of Addison’s style, although I am yet far from impressed with that admiration of it which is common. I like a more flowing, forcible current.

Went to the Office and wasted my time. Read a long Debate in the Intelligencer1 and took a long walk as my head was a little out of order. After dinner, I was obliged to attend a Meeting of Directors of the Boylston Market to consult upon a Plan for certain alterations to be made, and this kept me there the whole Afternoon. The last Director’s Meeting this Year, and I decline the position next year.

Evening, went over and paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Gorham Brooks, found them at home, and Mr. Brooks came in soon after. On the whole a pleasant Evening. Returned early, read the 21st book of the Iliad and two numbers of the Guardian.