The day was lovely, full of the softest feeling of Spring. I went to the Office early and passed my morning in making up the accounts falling due at the commencement of the Quarter. I was in some degree of trouble about having funds sufficient to meet the demands accruing today besides what I wanted to invest. Degrand called upon me however quite early and there was no retreating so I drew the Check and the transfer was made at the Atlas office to my name of five Shares putting this business beyond a doubt. I was then busy in financiering until I was relieved by the voluntary settlements of Messrs. Gay and Welsh, by means of which money I was enabled to prepare the necessary payments if required. I then sat down and read the new Number of the North American Review which contains some quite interesting Articles—One by Mr. Sparks upon the Life of Arthur Lee which will give many and among others my father, a pretty exciting sensation.1 I confess I do not altogether admire the tone and style of it. But it seems to be a defence of Franklin by means of attack, which pleases Mr. Sparks much, but which is a fault of his temper. My mind however is so disorganized that it is impossible for me to make much headway in any purely literary subject just at present.

I went out to Quincy in the Afternoon, thinking that I should scarcely soon have an opportunity of a more lovely day. The roads were not over good, and as I thought I should not have any conveniences for my horse, I took my Servant Benjamin with me to take care of him at the Stable. Looked into the House and found every thing much as it was. The rain seemed to have injured it much less than I had anticipated.2 Every thing looked natural and pleasant. From thence I went to Mr. Brighams where I received two years Interest upon the Quincy Canal Notes,3 from thence to find Deacon Spear to discuss the matter but I could see him only a minute. He told me however that the House was let. This proves to me how wary a man should be in his prices and how ready people are to impose upon him.4 Thence to my Uncle’s where I found all the family but Abby who was still in town. I settled with Elizabeth, but as my Uncle was coming into Boston tomorrow postponed the rest until then.5 Returned home to tea and passed the evening reading to my Wife from Clarissa, after which Campbell, a sensible author.