Morning at the Office examining the law case. Looked over the Massachusetts Statutes in relation to deeds and devises, which constituted my morning’s work. In the afternoon went to Mr. Blake’s Office to see Sidney Brooks and was detained there all the afternoon listening to long stories. Took a walk, met Richardson who accompanied me to my room, found a note from Abby requesting me to go out to Medford,1 but it reached me too late for this evening. George came in and we drank a bottle of Champagne after which Richardson begged my company to eat a Venison Supper with which invitation I complied and did not return until midnight.

In consequence of the Note from Abby I started at ten o’clock for Medford. My ride was a severely cold one but I was well wrapped up. They seemed glad to see me there and I remained to dine. Mrs. E. is of course barely on the recovery. She sent down her child for me to see. The appearance of it struck me very much and set me in a fit of moralizing which I will not here repeat. Infancy is a disgusting part of life under any circumstances, and when one considers that this was a very fair healthy specimen, it would seem as if life itself was of little value which arises from such painful and long enduring support as the generality require. My own feelings upon this subject are peculiar.

Returned to town with Abby in a snow storm, stopped at Mr. Blake’s and George’s Offices. Conversation upon his affairs. Returned home and at seven o’clock went in a Carriage for Abby to go to Mrs. Dehon’s. This was the evening fixed for the marriage of Sidney and her daughter. Abby and I were attendants as the phrase is; the company consisted only of the Brooks family who were in Boston and a few of the relations of the Dehons. Dr. Gardiner1 went through the Ceremony very properly and the Couple behaved remarkably well. At nine we had a Supper which was handsome at which we sat an hour and passed it quite agreeably. I exerted myself very much although there is a most unaccountable weight upon my spirits all the time. Returned early wishing the bridal pair lots of contentment.

The weather changed from snow to rain during the night and the 198consequence was that the streets were scarcely passable this morning. Morning at the Office for a few minutes, received a long letter from my Mother explaining the mysterious letters and surprising me very much.1 Went to Mrs. Frothingham’s to see Abby and remained there until dinner. Afternoon at the office. Conversation upon miscellaneous subjects until Late so that I did nothing all day. Evening with Abby passed in the luxury of love.