Morning warm and dry. I was a little delayed by my fathers wishing to go with me, and he is rarely ready at his time. We started at last and reached town rather after my usual hour. Found on my table the decree of distribution upon the Estate of R. New and sat about a pretty heavy work of arranging the particular Dividends of the Creditors. As the rate is 27 Cents and 318/1000, this is not an easy process. As my father wanted to converse with Mr. T. Fuller1 I went to the Boylston Market to write out the record of that Meeting last Monday. I could not find the Clerk so that my Walk was useless. Obliged to return and hear a discussion of Freemasonry which I did not relish, and therefore sat about writing my Journal. Perhaps the record of yesterday can speak for itself, as to the confusion necessarily resulting. We returned at the usual time.

Afternoon, read the Oration for Ligarius. These are beautiful pieces of composition. They seem to flow from the power of Oratory in its highest perfection. No labour but the fruit of a habit. Although not equal to the early works as specimens of art, yet they will always be the most agreeable to read.

Assorted papers also. But this evening was selected for the purpose of giving a little party to the Bride, Mrs. Angier. The Quincy people generally were here and the two Mrs. Everetts from Boston. It went off well,2 and I went to bed fatigued after reading the Spectator as usual.