Morning warm with a South west wind. My father accompanied me to town. I was engaged at the House where the Painters were 157doing a little more outside work, and in various commissions which kept me going most of my morning. Dr. Parkman came in to get my father to dine with him.

I had made a sort of half engagement yesterday to P. Chardon Brooks that I would dine with him so that this left me free to fulfil it. Nobody there but Henry Dalton1—A very pleasant dinner and some very nice Bordeaux. Conversation detained me until five. No news from New York. As this was one of the purposes of my stay I called at Edward’s and then at Mr. Frothingham’s. He went out with me to the Post Office, where we found a Letter from Mrs. Sidney Brooks. I thought as far as it went, it was decidedly for the better, but there was no indication of any permanent improvement. This poor fellow has been struck down in a manner which I can hardly realize.

Called for my father at Dr. Parkman’s and we returned about sunset. My Wife talked with me, and gave me reasons for altering my plan.