The Child still seemed heavy and restless so that I felt uneasy all day with a sensation of undue depression of spirits. I went to the Office as usual and employed myself but my time was broken in upon by various interruptions, more particularly that occasioned by taking in a new supply of Coal to last me as I hope for the remainder of the Winter. Mr. Peabody and I divide half a Chaldron. Read a little of Gibbon but without making much real progress. The Snow was falling all day so that I did not take my usual walk.

Afternoon. Continued reading Quinctilian upon Common places 237and Arguments, all of which was very good. But my progress was not very great. My Wife received a letter from Washington in very good spirits.1 They seem to be doing quite well there.

Evening quiet with my Wife. Continued Leigh Hunt’s book, which is a compound of truth and malignity, of just reflection and a low spirit, of indignation and book making. Afterwards, I went on with the tenth Odyssey, and read a little of Graham’s second Volume of American History,2 with the usual Guardians. My night was again anxious and disturbed on account of my Wife and child.