Morning cloudy but much cooler. I went to the Office and passed my time in reading the controversial papers which took place between Hutchinson and the Legislature. I accomplished the Message of the Governor and the reply of the Council. The first appears to me an ingenious argument, but it wants bottom—The bottom of sound principle. My time passed so rapidly that the number of pages accom-175plished was very small. I look upon the labour bestowed upon these points as the substance of my proposed article.

In the afternoon, as my Wife seemed anxious to know how the ladies got through their trip yesterday evening, I rode to Quincy. Found them safe and sound at home, they just escaped the storm. My father had gone to Randolph to look after some land, which has been sold for taxes. A Note which I brought to my Mother from my Wife was so pressing,1 that she concluded to come in with me, so that we returned and got home by seven o’clock. Quiet evening at home. I read the remainder of the first Georgic.