Morning at the Office. Weather dull and disagreeable. The Child had caught a severe cold and was dull all day and restless in the night. This is so unusual with her that it made us both restless. My morning was spent as usual. Conant from Weston came in and paid me a sum of Money which gave me a little business. I read Gibbon, finishing the short remainder of the fourth Volume, and took courage to despatch my writing to Mr. Willard with what success I know not. Property in this Country is so precarious that a man ought always to make himself of value if possible, in order that he may in time of need have the benefit of reputation. I try hard enough.

Mr. Brooks dined with us and I remained conversing with him until four o’clock. So that I had very little time for Quinctilian. The consequence was that I read only fourteen pages of the fifth book upon the examination of witnesses and treatment of evidence. One thing struck me. His giving advice as to the management of false testimony for a cause, and yet laying it down that no man can be an Orator if he is not virtuous.

Evening quiet at home which I enjoyed very much after being out a night or two. Read part of Hunt’s book. Afterwards, the rest of the 8th and the 9th Odyssey over, and the Guardians.