Morning cool but clear. I went out directly for the purpose of gaining time enough to go to the House and arrange matters there before going down to meet any of my Saturday visitors from the Country who might chance to come in. I was late notwithstanding but had few interruptions so that when I got to work I was able at the Office to accomplish the draughts of my two Leases. Mr. Dudley came in and urged me so much to get his ready that I decided upon going through with them at once. I did not finish the fair copies however, not being able to decide some trifling points of detail which occurred to me.

Returned to the House to give some further directions and then home. Afternoon, Thiers, with whom I proceeded almost to the fearful close of the reign of terror. Was there ever any thing like it among civilized nations. Massacres there have been and butchery of all sorts but such systematized destruction I have never seen any record of before. Evening, quiet and alone. Read Cumberland’s Autobiography.1 Received a letter from my Mother presenting a very indefinite prospect of return.2