Morning clear with a high wind quite in character for the month of March. I went to the Office and was occupied very constantly in a great variety of matters. First it was necessary to make settlement of the business of Mr. Johnson, which took up much time but was finally accomplished. I loaned upon two houses in Somerset Court for him, the sum of twenty thousand dollars for five years at six per cent payable semi-annually. And as the draught was not due until the tenth I procured at the Merchants Bank a credit for one half of it in advance and gave a Check to Mr. Stanwood the Mortgagor for the other half payable the 11th. I then called to see Mr. Derby about his House in Acorn Street and finally agreed to purchase it on my own Account. Mr. Degrand called upon me respecting the payment on my Bank Stock and I made another engagement with him. Mr. Jones also called to make a payment on his Note. Thus every instant of my time was taken up, and I was fatigued with my exercise when I got home losing my Livy.

Afternoon reading Niebuhr and writing to Mr. Slade. I sent my first letter today. The second is doing but without spirit. In the evening, my Wife and I went to hear the Woods who have come back again for a few nights to warble the Notes of the Somnambulist.1

I was as much delighted as ever. The Opera gains if possible upon repetition. Home at ten. Cold.