I spent an hour this morning with my two elder children playing upon the Common. This is just the season when I enjoy this kind of thing the most. They seem so much benefitted by the fine pure air, and I by seeing them enjoy it.

To the Office. Occupied in writing, called at the Advocate Office and gave my communication. Nothing new of any consequence. Congress appear to be indulging a state of repose. Met at Mr. Brooks’ his son Gorham who arrived this morning and purposes to spend the whole Summer here. Baltimore is not the most agreeable summer residence in the world.

Home, Livy, Hannibal and the battle of the Trebia—An extraordinary man. The secret of the Roman prosperity was perseverance under misfortune. How different from the present character of the inhabitants of that country. Afternoon, MSS, particularly the letters of La Fayette, one or two of which are very curious. Made up a volume. Ariosto. Rose1 is lively but he cannot give the whole spirit of the original. Evening somewhat wasted. I afterwards wrote.