I was at home much of the day, occasionally taking a trip up the hill to observe the progress, but a great part of my time was consumed in looking over the accounts of the various polar voyages which decidedly fall into number, and in making such an abstract of them as would in my opinion do. A difficulty occurs to me in regard to a map which is a very necessary portion of the matter. How I shall get through I do not know, but nothing can be done without a trial and where is there a better place to begin?

The accounts from Washington appear to be rather inclining towards an adjournment though not positively. Afternoon very short and mostly passed superintending the filling up the drain which is now nearly done and very materially contributes to smoothing off the back of the house. This is the first day it appears at all to me as if I saw any end. Evening at home. Mr. Whiting called to settle.