Extraordinary mild weather. I do not recollect such a season. I went to the Office and was engaged all the morning, in making up arrears of Diary which I at last succeeded in doing and now hope to be able to sustain.

The Advocate contains my latest number of the Massachusetts Voter. It attacks the Atlas and I do not know how far it will irritate it, but I imagine the policy is laid down in clear lines to give me wide scope and it is probably wise on their part. The result of the election will tell whether my labours have had any effect. I must look for it to the county of Bristol, and Plymouth and Norfolk. On the comparative vote in these counties with that of last year can I form some judgment whether all my efforts have been labour in vain.

At noon I went to Quincy to see the family. Nothing of any conse-258quence. Found my father much as usual. Political conversation. In the course of it he went as I thought somewhat too far and we had a difference. I wish in all cases to adhere to right, and if I see it in any body I am willing to concede much to the persons who act upon it conscientiously. But on the other hand I cannot admire laxity of principle nor can I make such enormous allowances as my father does.

I returned home late by a bright moon. Quiet evening. The ladies spent the day at Medford, and E. C. Adams came to stay the night.