Morning promised well but it clouded and finally rained hard with a sharp thunder storm. To Boston. Afternoon, reading. Evening at the Mansion.

I went to Boston this morning and passed my time in various little duties incident to the preparation of the house, but finding the rain threaten seriously I hastened home arriving at my door exactly as the first clap of thunder rolled over our heads. This is the second time within a few days that we have had lightning, and the rain poured in torrents. Mrs. Adams returned half an hour later who had been to the City in the Carriage and it was drenched by it.

I do not ever recollect a thunder shower so late in the Season before, for it cleared up afterwards and became a clear moonlight evening. The afternoons are now so short as to prevent any thing like occupation. I found the family at the Mansion whither I went dull for the weather is discouraging to their departure.