Fine day. Office. Mr. William Spear called upon me to let me know that William Field one of the Tenants had run away from Quincy after having embezzled and forged to no inconsiderable amount. Loss to my father of half a year’s Rent and House vacant. At the same time here the Tenant has gone from the House in Court Street without paying his last month’s due. These are losses resulting from the state of the times. I gave Spear a general power to collect the remaining rents for fear of loss.1

Accounts. Walk. Afternoon reading Constant and Cicero. Mr. Brooks came in by request to see my Wife and they settled it between them that we are to go out on the tenth of May to Medford. In the mean time there seems to be a probability of the adjournment of Congress. I never was more in doubt in my life.2 Evening quietly at home, reading Miss Edgeworth’s Manoeuvring and German.