Morning quite mild and cloudy. The alternations of weather are worse than continued cold. I went to the Office as usual. After the regular duties, I saved an hour for the purpose of reading Gibbon, but a part of it was encroached upon by a call from Mr. Degrand whom I had consulted about investing some money, so that I in fact accomplished only a portion of a Chapter. Then took a walk. The day was not favourable but I thought it better to take exercise notwithstanding. My health is now excellent and I ought to keep it so. Indeed when I consider my present situation, it seems to be as near happiness as man can well get. So much so that the only danger is the chances of an unfavourable change are so much greater than either remaining as I am or doing better. In all things, however, good or evil I trust in a power far above this world.

Finished the fourth Book to Herennius this Afternoon which compels me to look round for some new subject to employ my mind upon. It is a chance whether I shall be so well satisfied. I leave the works of Cicero as one parts with an old acquaintance, quite unwillingly. Evening I had intended going to Mr. Everett’s but Gorham Brooks and his Wife came in and kept me. Read the 23d book of the Iliad and the Guardian.