Fine day though cold. I went first to Market where I found silver yet freely circulating then to the Office. The people are yet in a restless, agitated state about the step which has been taken and eager lookers on of events. The news today is that the Bank of the United States has suspended specie payment on the plea that it will not allow itself to be weakened of it’s resources to go on again whenever the Government will announce itself as ready to perform it’s obligations. This is adroit and specious if not sound. It now remains to observe the course of the Government itself which is unquestionably in a most perilous predicament.

Home. Read Homer. Wrote a letter to Mr. Johnson which I copied in the Afternoon and sent.1 Experienced difficulty in effecting payment for small articles by want of silver change. How rapidly effects develope themselves. Called on T. K. Davis and saw Mr. Walsh. Conversation about the only topic of interest. It is now affirmed that all the great commission houses were about to declare themselves bankrupt when the suspension took place. And rumour has touched the credit of most of the wealthy men here. The Independence too, it is said is detained for want of specie.2 Home. Agathon. Evening, Mr. Brooks and Gorham called. The latter talked of his affairs more openly. He has barely escaped the storm. They went early, then my Wife and I to the Concert of my German friend Mr. Geitner.3 I distributed my Tickets as freely as I could. Found about one hundred and fifty people. Music dull, principally concerted instrumental music selected rather with reference to execution than beauty. Mrs. Gibbs, a star sung a couple of songs in a very cultivated style but with a voice more powerful than sweet. Home at ten fatigued.