Morning clear but it afterwards snowed a little and then turned to sharp cold. I went to the Office and found that I had my fire to make which was vexatious enough. Received letters from Washington,1 and one from Mr. James H. Shepherd of New Orleans covering two draughts for nearly ten thousand dollars of Mr. T. B. Johnson’s money.2 I had hoped that I should not be called upon to assume this task but it seems that it is to be so. Knowing the peculiarly difficult character of Mr. Johnson this is a business which I cannot say I admire. I called to see Mr. Brooks and converse with him about it. Then down to the Advocate Office but I did not find Mr. Hallett, nor did I gain a sight of Mr. Slade’s Pamphlet.

Home, read Livy. My Wife and the baby both unwell with colds. Afternoon, accomplished the arrangement of the letters of Mr. Gerry making another and a very valuable volume. The progress in this work, although wearisome, affords me great satisfaction. It is a record of family labour which will do to be perpetuated. Read de la Motte Fouque’s Magic Ring and heard my child Louisa who is learning to read. She comes regularly now for half an hour a day. Evening at home, Madame Junot, but as the baby seemed quite unwell, I went myself for Dr. Bigelow. Anxiety. But I have been favored in that respect this winter. Began Bolingbroke’s Letter to Sir William Windham.