Morning very mild but inclining to rain, which came in torrents in the course of the afternoon. I went to the Office and received a letter from my Father very short, authorizing me to do what I liked about the Stone posts at Quincy.1 Mr. Brown called to see me about some Shares of the Suffolk Insurance Office which I wanted and after conversation I agreed upon taking twelve for myself and three for T. B. Adams Jr. and thus getting rid of his balance. This is an attempt on my part, to make use of the floating balance of Money in my hands. I am sensible that there is hazard in it, and it may lead to much more and looser risks. This must be regulated by my Judgment.2 Mr. Curtis called to pay me my Fees for Mr. Boylston’s Estate and I obtained the Dividends upon different Stocks. The Tenants pay amazing slowly this Quarter.

Took a walk and returned home to dine at P. Chardon Brooks’s. Found my Wife so unwell she could not go, so I went alone. Mr. Brooks was there and our dinner was agreeable enough. Returned home and read the Orator which is excessively hard and technical. It requires severe reviewing. Evening, read Evelina to my Wife and after she retired, prosecuted my Catalogue and read two Numbers of the Tatler.