A mild, melting day so that the Streets were in very poor walking condition. I went to the Office as usual. The town full of details respecting the fire in New York and the Insurance rooms crowded with Applicants for Insurance here, as the Policies in New York most of them turn out good for nothing. The losses have been very much exaggerated but they are nevertheless immensely heavy. I concluded to go down and anticipate the payment of my Note at the State Bank which falls due on the 29th and thus get rid of all the liabilities I am under. This together with the Accounts it gave rise to and an application to transfer some Boylston Market Stock took up all my time.

Called at the Advocate Office for the latest news from Pennsylvania. It seems the Antimasons from that Quarter are determined upon supporting General Harrison so that Mr. Webster’s last device proves but a fancy. His letter has caught nobody but himself. It is now altogether likely that we may be able next Autumn to change the majority in this State. So far, so good. Mr. Hallett read before several persons an answer made by him to a letter of Mr. Heister’s. I did not like the tone of his remarks though they are in substance just enough. I objected however to the general manner in which all members of Congress of the Antimasonic party are attacked. I think it worse than imprudent. I think it foolish because it causes most unnecessarily great opposition to our course. My remonstrance appeared to prevail though I saw it was not aggreeable and that it would not do for me to hazard such often. In truth I am perfectly aware of the fundamental differences of opinion which exist between Mr. Hallett and myself. And I hope I do nothing which commits me to any of his opinions or abandons any of mine. My course is one which will be safe to me only so long as I honestly maintain and express my opinions.

Home, but I lost my hour for Persius. Afternoon, tried to write a comment upon Mr. Slade’s late Address but I spoilt five or six sheets of Paper without satisfying myself.

Evening to the Play alone. Guy Mannering. A piece as I think by no means worthy of selection for a benefit night. I have accustomed myself so much to Italian Music as to lose relish for such pieces as “My love is like the red, red rose” or “I’ve been roaming” even when sung as they were tonight. The finale is however quite pretty. I remember the last time I saw this tough now nearly twenty years since in England. I liked it better as a boy than I do now. Afterpiece, the Waterman for the sake of three or four of Dibdin’s Sea songs.1 Black 289eye’d Susan, The bay of Biscay and one or two others. They repeated so much that I was very tired and it was midnight before I got home.