I was aroused very early this morning by my Wife with the announcement that her confinement was at hand. This made it necessary for me to go down and see Dr. Bigelow who happened to have an engagement to deliver a Lecture before the Medical Society today. I thought it doubtful whether he could give his services and called for the purpose of ascertaining. He said he was at liberty excepting for one hour and would make an arrangement for that. I then went to Medford to see Mrs. Reed the nurse engaged and brought her in with me. All of which before breakfast. Afterwards I was on and off at home all day. Calling in from hour to hour. Nothing material done on that account.

The Afternoon and evening devoted to the seventh number of my speculation. This morning the sixth appeared and is well written. But what the effect of these Papers will be I do not know. The Atlas contains a short and spiteful notice of my last which shows anger rather than the power to resist. All that I must expect.1

I sat up very busily writing until midnight so that my anxiety was in a measure kept down until my Nurse came to inform me that my Wife was safely delivered of a fine boy,2 and had suffered less than usual. I could not realize it, so great has been the tension of my mind for months past, and could not retire until I had the Drs assurance as well his action by retiring to bed for her safety. I poured out my soul in gratitude.