Cold and clear. The winter goes backward. I finished Wilhelm Tell this morning, and I have rarely read a piece which charmed me more. The keeping is so good.1 But there is a difficulty in the fifth act which must affect it as a representation. The interest is most wound up at the close of the fourth act upon the death of Gessler. So that the remainder is dragging. The acquisition of the freedom they fought for may be supposed as well as represented, and the introduction of an entirely new character in John Parricide as he is called seems to be without any adequate justification in the plot of the piece. Yet I will not criticize further a poem which has given me so much genuine enjoyment.

To the Office, where I was occupied in Diary and finished Diderot’s sketch of which after all I do not think much. It is curious to observe what a stress he lays upon Religion, in Education. Short walk. Home where I read Murphy’s Play of “All in the Wrong.”2

Afternoon attended a Meeting of Directors of Boylston Market. Dividend declared for next month, 3 per cent, the rest reserved to go on with the new Fishmarket. Remainder of the day passed in looking over plans and estimates with the Carpenters. This will cost a great deal. I am right in selling out. Home.

Evening went with Mr. Brooks to the Theatre to see Miss Jarman who is now here. Murphy’s Comedy of All in the Wrong. Lady Restless, Miss Jarman, Sir John, Mr. Ternan, Beverly, Mr. Barry, Belinda, Mrs. Barrett. The piece was well cast and performed in a spirited manner. A want of grace on all sides but otherwise very well. Miss Jarman is better fitted for Comedy than the tragic. But she is so masculine a style of woman that she never could make me feel much in any part. My impressions received at Philadelphia were confirmed.3 Home late.