I was engaged all the morning in preparing letters and papers for the Mail. I was to transmit to Mr. Giusta at Washington the balance of the money for my purchase of silver, and the payment of the paper currency of the Northern States which he gave to me to pass. The day my Note was due being Monday the 8th a draught upon the Branch Bank at Washington would be just in time. I accordingly prepared letters to my Mother, to my father and to Mr. Giusta by which I hope the business will be completed.1 But they are such very dilatory persons in business that I am fearful of trusting them with such little matters. Poor John in his bright days had activity and punctuality, and I might have entrusted him, but even that went in his later times. There is something enervating in the climate and the manners, I am satisfied.

Took a walk. Afternoon papers as usual. Miss Julia Gorham spent the day and evening here. She is a pleasing girl and much more worthy than you commonly see. But her claims to notice are not shining and she remains unmarried.