Fine day. I was quite occupied all the morning, first in Commissions, then I went to Quincy. This being my dear Wife’s birth day, I remembered it by presenting her with a little trifle. Found my father very quietly situated and apparently very well contented. I had an hour’s conversation with him upon a variety of subjects and then returned to town. Arrived at home exactly in time for dinner.

Mr. Brooks and his son Gorham dined with me and upon the special occasion I treated them to a bottle of Burgundy. The former was a little indisposed today but the latter sat until five o’clock.

I could not read to any purpose after such a day, and I therefore concluded as my Wife was not at home to try my luck at the Play. Obtained a seat in the second range of Boxes, and sat quiet and incog. The Provoked Husband. Lord Townley, Mr. Kemble, Lady Townley, his daughter. The piece wants spirit in the performance. Johnson, and the rest who are very good where the conception of parts has been taught them, fail here in a piece not for a long time since represented here.1 I came home but slightly gratified.

Called at Mrs. Frothingham’s for my Wife and found Mr. F. returned from his trip to New York. Chateau-briand a little.