Went to town accompanied by my father. His engagements were such as to require his presence in town at 1/2 past 9 o’clock which we just accomplished.1 I went to the House and upon several Commissions. Had visitors to see my father, Mr. Marston, and Mr. Degrand. I wasted my time.

My father engaged me to dine at Mr. J. H. Foster’s. This was somewhat against my will as I was not very fit to grace any other gentleman’s table with my unqualified Diet. But when a man has adopted 385a system, it is not worth while to put it all out for a mere inconvenience. I stuck it out, but it was a very unpleasant affair. Mr. Frothingham was the only invited guest besides ourselves. My father was remarkably animated in conversation so that on the whole we did better.

We started at a little before five o’clock and reached Quincy shortly after Sunset. The night was cold. I read Lingard.