The morning was damp and rainy, so much so that Mr. Brooks decided upon not going to town. As I had remained here once this week, and was anxious to go to town, I fixed upon disregarding the rain altogether. My ride was of course dark and I reached my office only to sit down quietly and read Walpole after finishing my Article for the Patriot, which I believe will close for the present at least, my writing in the Newspapers. It is at best an unprofitable business, and this a peculiarly unprofitable subject.

I was much interested in Walpole. On the whole he has made a favourable impression upon me. I like his warmth, his politics and his nature. Qualities which though they hurt him as a historian, yet increase my personal feeling for him. He writes English too, remarkably well. It is a style exceedingly flowing and easy yet very difficult to imitate well.

I rode out in the Rain though it did not wet me, and passed the afternoon in reading Batteux, whose remarks upon the manner of Oratory are exceedingly good. I also brought out a number of the Edinburgh in which I dipped.

Evening, finished Winthrop’s Journal. Mr. Savage closes by saying that he died too early to hear of the distressing news of his old master’s, (Charles’) execution. A sympathy which I doubt if Winthrop himself had so feelingly entertained, particularly as his connexions in England were all engaged against the King, and he considers in one of his letters the account of his temporary success as sad news. All which Mr. S. does not condescend to consider.