Morning clear. I read a portion of Aristotle and went to the Office as usual. First, however, executing a parcel of Commissions which I am now charged with owing to the absence of my Man. Having forgotten the second Volume of my Grandfather’s Defence, I thought it a good opportunity to finish getting rid of the Papers belonging to my late brother and to R. New. To read the first always makes me melancholy. In looking over the Letters congratulating him upon his successful Oration delivered when only twenty three years of age,1 I was struck with the difference between his actual fate and that which was predicted of him. He might have accomplished all and more. For in some respects he had great advantages. His personal character was more amiable, and formed connections easily which are of great service to a man’s success in life. I have often thought that had we been able to form one character out of the advantageous portions of our two, Success would have been certain. But this would have been asking too much. We must submit to the will of the Deity who probably knows best what is for our good.

Afternoon at home, reading Cicero. Came across the famous Letter to Lucaeius about History. Which is amusing enough to be sure. My Mother came to town with Mrs. Nowlan in consequence of my Note of this morning.2 I am glad of it as Company for my Wife. Evening, quiet. Read Aristotle by Pye and the Spectator.