Wet but it cleared. Went to Quincy where it looked full cheerless. The workmen were however all very busy in their occupations and I felt a little ray of prospect ahead of land. This house has been a burden upon me, undertaken in such disastrous times, but I am now upon the last of the heavy draughts. Home.

Much sensation created by a letter of Mr. Biddle’s announcing his determination to decline specie payments whatever the New York banks may do. It has satisfied me of the impolicy of leaning much upon him.1 I regret to be obliged to withdraw my confidence from him 22but I cannot help it. My disposition is to answer it, but where is the medium.

Afternoon continued work upon the coins. Evening T. K. Davis here. Conversation upon the general theory of our Institutions as usual. Not much gained from speculations of this kind.