Morning clear and pleasant, I went to the Office. Received several pamphlets from Washington, Among others, Mr. Woodbury’s Report upon the cultivation of Cotton from himself.1

Mr. Alexander H. Everett came in afterwards and we had much conversation upon a variety of matters respecting the present state of political affairs. He appears to be better satisfied with his reception than I thought, although there is evidently a want of acquiring confidence which he does not appear to have gratified. I asked him how Mr. Van Buren’s opinions stood respecting the Currency. He said that he supported the views of the Globe so far as they went. I remarked that these formed no adequate system. He admitted it, and said he had urged the acting upon the State Legislatures to which Mr. Van Buren had answered that he thought it safer to follow than to direct public opinion. Kendall on the contrary thought the States had the right to do as they pleased in issuing paper. I am thus more and more convinced that the Administration is utterly without plan, and I told Mr. Everett so. At the same time, I urged him to check Mr. Hallett’s zeal in this matter, so as that he shall not find himself in the advanced guard and sacrificed in case of retreat of the main body.

Home, Livy. Afternoon, Sismondi, and Rose’s Ariosto.2 Evening at home, Madame Junot, and Swift, various political Essays. Up late again waiting for Joseph, who was out at a party.