My father accompanied me to town this morning being engaged with the business of the College. I went to the Office and engaged as usual in my various avocations. These consist mainly of Accounts and the Diary which by intermissions becomes something of a tax. I had also some little Commissions to perform. At the regular period returned to Quincy.

Afternoon somewhat wasted. Managed to read an Epistle of Ovid from Pontus which varies only from the rest by being addressed to persons by name. The same general tone, querulous and servile. Read more of the Memoires de Mad. Maintenon.

The family were quite interested in the ascent of the balloon although no one went into town to see it. Mr. Durants was a brief ascension, coming down safely in half an hour at Mount Auburn.

Mr. P. Whitney called and paid a short visit after which my father and I joined him in a walk to Mrs. T. B. Adams’s. There were several of the Quincy people. Mr. and Miss Beal, Dr. Woodward, Miss Whitney and Mrs. Hill together with Mrs. Angier, Miss Harrod and Mrs. Boyd who are staying at the house at present. Mrs. Adams took me aside to ask a question or two about Mr. Gourgas and my father in connexion with the Administration Account. I could give but little satisfaction in answer. Home.