Cool morning but clear. I went to the Office and was occupied all the morning in Accounts, Diary and reading Mr. Everett’s publication. 383Mr. Forbes came in about the horses and urged a settlement. He appears to be very confident and has in fact got me pretty much in a corner. I shall remember it. My last resource will be in his own surgeon, a poor one enough.

Walk and Athenaeum. Home, Livy, Speeches of Scipio and Hannibal. Afternoon, I got courage and worked upon the MSS. Ariosto and Fouqué, nothing of any consequence. My Wife was not well and went to bed. I went to my study and wrote.

Began a series of papers for the Advocate. The fact is that the current is running now somewhat on the Whig side, and the differences in the Jackson party here are taking an alarming shape. I do not care, because like Hamlets, my purpose is almost blunted.