Morning clear with a cold Easterly wind. I spent more time than I had intended running over the books in the library down at the house and selecting such as I wished. Out of my fathers whole collection there are comparatively few that come within the range of my present wishes. I propose to devote the summer to increasing my acquaintance 67with American history and my general knowledge of the geography of the world. This is a branch of science I always had a fancy for, and my father’s library is pretty well provided with ancient works. The modern ones are more numerous but not so valuable. Afternoon Pliny in whose letters I take much pleasure. Evening, called with Mrs. Adams at Mr. Beale’s and sat an hour.