Morning clear and pleasant though windy. I passed some time in reading a portion of the thirtieth book of Livy, giving the account of the final battle of Zama which terminated the contest between Rome and Carthage for the government of the world. Then I assorted MS and attempted to draw up a paper which would do as a Lease to the Railway Company but failed in description as well as in terms. There are difficulties in the way beyond what I had imagined. Then to the top of the hill where the workmen are busily at work upon the cellar. They are not however sufficient in number to show much progress. I have some doubt whether they will get through in the time fixed by me. The great difficulty now here seems to be that there are too many undertakings in proportion to the power to execute them.

I called at the Quarries to see their progress and get a plan from Colburn which I left of the bottom of the house or underpinning to the wall. They appear to go on much encouraged. I then went to the 116canal for explanations and directions as to the timber upon which we did not finally decide. Home. Evening, writing Diary and in my Mother’s room playing Whist, after which I read some of President Goguet.