My No. 2 appeared this morning exceedingly well printed. I met Mr. Hallett in the Street and he told me that they had some effect in consolidating his party which has evidently been most dreadfully shaken by the late Election. He asked me respecting the course the party should take in the Senatorial Election. It seems my father is a formidable candidate to the Whig party. He is not their favorite but he embarrasses all their other candidates by the weight of his name and character. It is not a little curious to a philosophical observer of events to think that his name should be put in contrast with those of such persons as Henry Shaw, Levi Lincoln or William Baylies.1 I have always maintained the ground that the Office is no honor to him unless freely given—And that if given at all, which is unlikely, it will not be graciously is plain enough. Under these circumstances it would be pleasanter not to be included in the list at all. At any rate, my Numbers shall go on—If it is only to afford myself some little amusement. I send a copy to Mr. Van Buren and a copy to Mr. Webster as they are the persons principally affected by my arguments.

The day was warm and I took a walk which fatigued me much. Read the Volume of the Fasti with the Notes of the French translator which are heavy. Learning is a good thing for every purpose but that of mere display. Afternoon, assorting letters as usual. Nothing material. Evening reading d’Israeli. T. K. Davis came in and we had a couple of hours very agreeable conversation. I have almost given up my German in the evening.