Morning cloudy with rain and severely cold for the advanced season. I remained at home working up my Diary as usual, until noon and then walked up to the Capitol.

Nothing doing in the House but matters of private claim; I went into the Senate where Mr. Clay was speaking upon his resolution for the reception of State Bank paper. He re-stated the circumstances under which the Treasury Circular had been sustained and the reasons why it should not be adhered to. He was answered by Col. T. H. Benton in his usual style and tone. There is however an appearance of heavy pressure upon the Administration party throughout all of it’s movements. And a vacillation of purpose which has the effect to dishearten the friends and encourage the enemies. Benton himself, boaster as he is, boasts in a subdued manner, as under correction from a majority. Home to dinner.

Evening, all the family but my Mother who is still quite unwell went to Mrs. Smith’s to a small party of the family, Mr. and Mrs. Randall and Genl. and Mrs. Macomb. Cards and a Supper. More company than room and very cold indeed, but there was every effort to do the “possible” and on the whole we retired before midnight handsomely entertained.