The morning was showery but mild. I went out in the carriage with my father, who on his way to the Capitol was kind enough to stop at the President’s with me to make a call. We were admitted and found him alone in the room where my father used to have his study, at least upon our entrance the persons whom he had with him left him.

He is much altered from what he was, looks older and as he grows old his face takes a meaner expression. I was disposed to watch him with attention inasmuch as his character has been singularly represented to the world. Upon our first entry, I thought I perceived a slight flutter in his manner by no means indicative of the equability ascribed to him, and this did not wear off until my father himself led the conversation into English politics. He appeared here exceedingly well informed and skilful in the denouement of party tactics. He afterwards answered some questions made by my father upon home matters, but rather briefly and not with ease.

I left him glad of having had this opportunity of seeing him and we then went on to the Capitol, where having left my father I went on to the depot to wait for my Wife who arrived in the Cars and accompanied me home. Having left her, I then walked to the Capitol to listen to the debates.

In the House my father was speaking who was followed by Thomas of Maryland and then by Boon of Indiana who seemed excessively enraged by one of my father’s sarcasms. This led to calls for yeas and nays and questions of amendment which destroyed the interest, and so we transferred ourselves to the Senate. We were quite fortunate here, as we came just as the debate was going on upon Mr. Clay’s resolution to receive bills of specie paying banks. We heard Col. Benton, Mr. Clay, Mr. Preston, J. Davis, Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Niles in such a manner as to form a good idea of each. They all speak well but there is a great difference as well in the matter as the manner which is worthy of more study. On the whole we were glad of this opportunity of seeing the leaders in the Senate so favorably. Home rather fatigued. Evening short after dinner and I retired early.