Morning at the Office, and at the House where poor George was, looking over his papers to find the Certificates and policies which he mentions as being in his possession, but I was unable to find them. In examining one Trunk which I had not opened before, I came across a paper which I recollect his saying to me that he addressed to me. It was in the shape of a request in case he died during the year 1828 that his debts should be paid and the balance given to a little girl whom he had seduced and who was then pregnant by him, to the best of his belief.1 I was anxious to get possession of this paper, as it might pain my father, and as the provision upon which it depended failed, he having survived the year, it could have been of no avail. His debts to my father are so large that the balance will amount to little, and that would be too much to put into the hands of a weak young girl to say the least of it. Indeed his wish was it should be secured from her and forfeited in case of ill conduct. I shall do what I can in pursuit of the spirit of the request, though I confess the whole to be a foolish effusion of a thoughtless moment. I destroyed the paper, it being in itself of no value, and apparently laid aside among a parcel of old papers, not thought of again. But I will attempt to find her out, and preserve her, if possible, from destruction.

I went out of town with Mr. Brooks and passed the afternoon and evening with Abby. A house in Hancock Avenue is purchased for her and now she is to prepare to take possession. I am not so eager for the marriage now, my poor brother’s fate still pressing upon me.