Missed Prayers this morning as usual and from a slight indisposition sent Sheafe to state it to Mr. Hayward. I employed the Morning in writing answers to my letters received on Thursday.1 I always feel contented when writing home as my thoughts revert there with a sort of calm pleasure as a residence of happiness. I did not write so long a letter as usual today to John, because there was but little material in his own letter to afford me any subject. It was too much on a single subject which is the general fault of his letters. And although Thyrsa is amusing upon the second page, she becomes marvellously flat upon the third. I could say nothing to it all. I wrote to my Mother upon a subject which I have long had in mind, and which it was my intention to dismiss had not she invited me to it in her last. It was upon the state of affairs at Quincy and Abby’s Washington visit. I think I gave my opinion on this subject here long since.

When Sheafe returned, he informed me that Mr. Hayward was unwilling to excuse me unless I felt myself sufficiently unwell to stay away tomorrow from the exercises. This is a singular decision of that gentleman’s. But I took no notice of it, for I felt too slightly unwell to do more than remain in the house all day. I had a little inclination to a nervous head ache which I did not wish to agitate or increase. I remained at home exactly as usual, and spent the afternoon writing up part of my Journal which has fallen somewhat behind hand. I had a singular visit from Mr. Otis2 who had come out to see his son. He not being at home, he came to my room for a pair of spectacles. He looks ill and appears to be breaking down very fast. I have not seen him so near for some length of time, and was surprised at the change. My Journal employed all the time I was not asleep or reading over my lesson in Paley for tomorrow.

After tea I took a walk with Richardson and Sheafe and we collected a number of specimens of flowers. As Nuttall has now finished his course and I have gained all the information I am about to, I intend 270to examine a few examples now and then without any view to forming a collection, but merely to keep my memory fresh as to the general terms and flowers. I found two or three correctly this Evening then read my Bible and went to bed. X:15.