Morning clear but the wind remarkably sharp from the North. I rode into town very much to my own discomfort, having been indiscreet enough to forget my coat. Occupied in the various little ways which I have so often mentioned when living out of town. Went to my House and found it very well taken care of. Then several Commissions besides persons at my room about the House, to be let, and Mr. T. K. Davis who sat and talked a couple of hours.

Returned to Quincy and after dinner busily occupied in the Garden. Tried to sit down and read Horace, but I am not sufficiently settled to be able to do it. I have always found that when at Quincy I do not make one half the progress in study that I do at home. Yet the Library is larger, and the conveniences for reference are consequently so much better. One difficulty however is that nothing is in its right place. If ever so good, it is of no value when you cannot easily lay your hands upon it. Evening quietly at home. Mr. Beale came in for a little while.