It was still cold today but not so cold as it has been. I went to Boston with the view of operating pretty extensively in preparations for my return but I did not succeed in doing much, for visitors.

Mr. Walsh came in and talked about the nominations of the democratic party. He said he had attended the meeting the other evening and found there were difficulties in the way. This led him to ask me if I wished my name to be put on the list and to offer any assistance he could furnish. I do not suppose this is much but still I thanked him for his good will and explained to him exactly how I wished to stand. He said he saw the obstacles in my way but thought nothing necessary excepting to attain a position. I am aware of this myself but hitherto 121my honest efforts have proved fruitless. I talked very frankly with him and stated my motives of action. I asked him to remain quiet and let things take their course. I preferred this to again declining before nomination through Mr. Hallett. If they should leave me out there would be no occasion for any movement. If on the other hand they should put me at all upon their ticket, I should have the opportunity of explaining my own reasons for declining. After he left, T. K. Davis came in and talked of things in general. He has been lately to Philadelphia and has been pleased. A. H. Everett came in and read to us a letter from a Committee of Abolitionists in his district, upon which he wished me to give my opinion. I could not very well do so, because I see that his position is not independent and that he must get his head at the expense of a little independence. After a call to see Mr. Brooks I returned to Quincy.

After dinner I walked up the hill. They are at work today upon the cellar and will soon finish. But I must leave many other things undone which I regret. Home where I was occupied in writing. Evening, Price Greenleaf came in, miscellaneous conversation. Stone Quarries and Trees are the topics for him. Read a letter or two of Lady Wortley Montague.1