Warm, cloudy morning. After writing my Diary, I went up to the House of Representatives, calling on my way at Judge Cranch’s.1 There being nothing of interest in that body, I went to the Senate where upon the presentation of petitions Mr. Clay took occasion to bring forward his views of a National Bank.

He read them from a paper, an unusual course with him and showing the meditation with which it had been concerted. The points were important and well calculated as I thought for his object. Buchanan in reply attempted to turn his flank by assuming that the place was New York for the sake of rallying Pennsylvania jealousy, but he did not succeed. After a lively conversation, the matter dropped and I returned home.

Early dinner for the sake of going with the ladies to a regatta held at the Navy yard. Great numbers of persons there including almost all the official personages. We did not leave the Carriage, but procured a situation very favorable for seeing. There were five or six boats entered, five of which started, and moved to a flag boat stationed at a distant point round which they went and returned. The rounding was the act of trial and in that a white boat succeeded in gaining the advantage. After it was over, we concluded not to remain for the festivities but returned home. Evening at home. Retired early.