The thermometer has not varied much from zero for a week past. I went out this morning and occupied my time as usual at the Office. But my Diary still lags behind. Mr. Hurlbert called in and we finally 324came to terms so that hereafter I am to devolve the whole of this building upon his shoulders for a clear rent of one thousand per annum.

Called at the Advocate Office to see Mr. Hallett, found him there and conversed with him. He wishes me to write one more number in answer to Mr. Slade and to draw up what I think best for the Address to the people. I told him that I thought he had better take charge of a general plan and that I would select one or two topics upon which I thought I could make suggestions.

I afterwards got engaged in a discussion of Banking questions in consequence of an application to me of Harvey Field to lend my father’s and my name to an application to the Legislature for a Bank in Quincy.1 I declined on the general ground I have assumed. But it was plain immediately as it respects me that the position would be regarded in Quincy as aristocratic and overbearing. Such is the difference between who do things.2 I gave this to Mr. Hallett as an illustration of the difficulty of his position in practical execution. This brought on a general discussion between those at the time in the Office, and one chance person from Duxbury amused me very much by his excessive hostility to paper,3 which I approved although not on the mistaken ground he has assumed.

Home. Too late to read Livy. Afternoon, made up for it and then Madame de Stael. Evening, Madame Junot and afterwards writing.