The day was pleasant. I went early to the Office and was engaged most of my time in Accounts prior to taking my departure which I have fixed for Wednesday. Made several collections of money as well as a final arrangement of Mr. Johnson’s funds which have been on my mind for some time.1 I drew off an Account current which requires only the entry of the last transaction to be complete. I saw Mr. Degrand about it but could not finish it today. My own Account which I had hoped to close for the year before I started must remain as the balance does not close right. After much labour I discovered one error, but there was still a difference of $10 which probably arises from some accidental mistake in adding or subtracting some of the Accounts, which I have not now the time to find. The business of keeping books by double entry is a fatiguing one and hardly pays me the labour of doing it, but I am now the depository of so much of the property of others that what I began as an experiment to try my capacity, I must 3continue as a measure of self protection. My Cash Account for the past year exceeds 70,000, 42,000 of which being Mr. Johnson’s there yet remains nearly 30,000 of my father’s, T. B. Adams’ and mine.2 These accounts must be kept distinct. Home late.

Afternoon occupied in writing the final draught of the paper upon Slavery. Finished it and inclosed it to Mr. Hallett. In my own opinion, it is the best thing I ever wrote, but whether it will meet with much approbation in the world is more than doubtful to me.3 Evening, we had some of the family at our house, Gorham Brooks and his Wife, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham, Mr. Shepherd and T. K. Davis.4 A very pleasant evening. They left at about ten.