My head was relieved this morning, but I felt my cold oppress me still very much throughout the day. It was warm and rainy but I nevertheless went to the Office. I have very few interruptions there now, and have an opportunity of passing my time much more profitably than formerly. I go through every day the usual routine of Accounts, Diary, and Lingard with occasionally a mere glance at politics with which 8however I am at present not much engaged. This makes my morning, excepting only an hour for exercise. The rain prevented my taking this today.

Afternoon consumed at home in reading parts of Hallam’s Constitutional History1 and in writing more of my Article. I will go through this as rapidly as possible and then make a full stop in composition for this Winter. My occupations will then take some other direction—Principally to some light literature I believe.

Received a letter from my Mother. She is better and talks of nothing but the Washington outrages.2 National affairs are in a poor condition. Evening, Ourika and the very odd Memoirs of a very odd Woman, the Margravine of Anspach.3 I do not mention the Bible because this like the World must be always understood when we are at home.