A very warm day. An hour upon my article which I finally conclude to give up as a bad job. Then fell into desultory reading which ended in the examination of Dr. Franklin before the House of Commons.1 Lessing which was however cut short by a visit to Mount Wollaston with my two elder boys to take a bath. Afternoon reading and a ride towards sunset. Evening, to return Mr. Whitney’s visit and home.

I never could entirely satisfy my mind respecting the distinctions set up about the power of Parliament over the Colonies. Dr. Franklin does not clear the matter. The fact is the connexion was not a fair nor just one and was therefore properly terminated. Lessing 208–222. Lucretius 578–735. Nothing of interest from Mr. Whitney nor in the Newspapers.