Morning clear but much cooler than it has been and far more in accordance with the season. I went to the Office as usual. The returns of the Election continue to come in and present the varied aspect of such struggles. But the general complexion is eminently favorable. The Antimasons continue to show a heavy preponderance in the scales. As they vote, the decision generally follows. This is precisely as it should be. The effect abroad will be the greater.

I was engaged in Accounts and so forth. Nothing particular. I went down to the Athenaeum and passed much time in investigations connected with my Essays for the Newspapers. It is wonderful how inaccurate my Memory is in details, and how very difficult I find it to settle doubtful points. I did not succeed at all today. Home where I went on with Juvenal. Afternoon, Rousseau’s Contrat Social. And working on my paper entitled the Result of the Election, which I finished and think will do.1

I accompanied my Wife this evening to a party at Mr. T. B. Wales’. Company generally strangers to me. The lines of society in Boston are drawn singularly distinct. Of all the company present to night not more than eight persons ourselves included were at Mrs. Taylor’s. I managed to get through the evening and home before eleven.