Morning fine with a clear cold air from the Eastward. This weather for such a succession of days has put the Country and the season back to its common place. I read a portion of the Oration for Ctesiphon with more ease than I had anticipated. Then to the Office where much time was wasted as usual in talking, and I accomplished only a little of my review of La Politique Naturelle. Nothing else material took place. Took a short walk and returned home to dine.

After dinner, as my Study was in a state of confusion from cleaning which it very much needed, I went to the Athenaeum, and sat down 36to a very deliberate examination of Mr. Gallatin’s Article upon the subject of the Bank.1 It is a very elaborate performance and so long that nearly three hours of reading did not complete it. I was therefore obliged to reserve the balance for another opportunity.

Returned home calling by the way at the Post Office, where I received a letter from my Father dated Baltimore, and informing me of his progress.2 He says he shall reach Quincy tomorrow but I doubt it. Evening. Read to my Wife a part of Moore’s Byron, and afterwards continued Captn. Franklin—and the Spectator.