Quite cold and cheerless for Country life. My Wife has by imprudent exposure caught a violent cold which has fixed in her throat and makes her very uncomfortable. I accompanied Mr. Brooks to town. Received a letter upon business from my brother at Washington and was engaged in other money matters.1 Called to see Mrs. Frothingham on some little commissions. The remainder of my morning wasted. Neither was the afternoon much better. After dinner, I rode down to see Mrs. T. B. Adams at Mr. J. Angier’s and make her the payment usual in April but which from her absence was delayed. Saw Mrs. Angier and her brother Mr. Luther. Stopped about half an hour only. Then home, children and Madame de Stael. Evening, Mr. Lincoln’s Speech aloud.2