Morning rather wasted. Received a letter from John1 explaining the troubles in the family, rather a sad picture but one which will not probably change much for the better, at least at present. Talked a good deal with George and found him sophistical as ever. This will be his ruin. Thomas J. Hellen came in and sat some time. He had re-entered from his suspension, leaves College and returns to Washington tomorrow. In the afternoon Richardson called and sat at the Office some time so that I read but little of the law during the day. In the evening I wrote an answer to John2 instead of going to the Theatre.