Weather doubtful, more than half the time showery. T. K. Davis called in the morning and sat talking until noon. We then accompanied my father to see the studio of a sculptor by name Pettrich who called here this morning and who is seeking for employment. He had a bust of Commodore Rodgers which was very good, two of a couple of Indian chiefs done with great spirit and some sketches in charcoal on his walls of the same which appeared to me well done. I think this man has much talent.1

From here we went into Pennsylvania Avenue and I parted from Davis with the object of making a call upon Mr. J. Pope. He is now a Representative from Kentucky.2 I found him in a poor room enough, but enjoying it alone. The surprise to me is that men who live comfortably and even luxuriously at home can submit to spend half their time here in the Metropolis in such lodgings. Conversation mainly political. Pope is disposed to be non committal. He has no fondness for any man among the leaders, and opposes the Administration just enough to keep himself well at home. He appears to be shrewd in his judgment, but not great either by nature or education.

Home. Dine at the President’s by invitation. Mr. Tallmadge and his daughter with his brother the Senator, Mr. Howard, his Wife, and daughter and Miss Swan of Baltimore, Mr. Rives, Mr. Legaré of S.C., T. K. Davis, my Wife and myself with two sons of the President made the company. A small dinner in what used to be called the yellow sitting room, next to the Circular room. The house looks in much better condition than it ever did before within my knowledge. The dinner was therefore very conservative in its character and for a democratic President sufficiently aristocratic. Mr. Van Buren is very well fitted for the ceremonials of Office but I cannot help mistrusting upon more important points a great deficiency within. Perhaps I may be in error. I sat between the sons of the President, two youths of little acquirement and less talent. The dinner was fatiguing and I was glad to get away at ten o’clock home.

Of all the gentlemen whom I have met with here Mr. Rives is the man whose personal address has pleased me most. On my return I found my father reading the Journal of Commerce sent to him containing the letters to Mr. Biddle all in one paper.3 I had expected that press would from its slightly neutral position transfer them as it has done.