The severity of the cold does not appear to diminish at all. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied in various matters. Accounts. Diary and interruptions. I again saw Mr. Hurlbert and we were upon the point of agreeing when again separated by a misunderstanding about my Office. We therefore postponed decision until tomorrow.

I then went to the Athenaeum where I procured nothing. My walking is this winter almost entirely a failure. Home, Livy. Afternoon, Madame de Stael who manages to intermix with unheard of persecutions, a sort of Journal of observations upon men and manners. Recurred to my fathers Account of his interview with her at St. Petersburgh—A very excellent letter worthy of preservation.1

Mr. Brooks took tea with us after which they went off to Edward Brooks’ where I joined them at eight, the interval devoted to reading Dr. Channing’s late Pamphlet—A conscientious publication and therefore to be respected. But it is absolutely smothered down here.2 The family at Edward Brooks tonight. She was able to come down. Rather pleasant but not much. Home.