Morning clear and calm. I went to the Office as usual and passed my time in writing and reading a little more of the Debates in the Virginia Convention. This displays as clearly as any thing the character of the People. For they spent a great deal of time in talking about nothing; in going round the question, in general debate and furious declamation and little in a philosophical Analysis of questions of Government.

At twelve, I went with Mrs. Frothingham, Miss Dexter, Miss Glover 179and my Wife to see a new Picture by W. Alston. The subject taken from the “Italian.”1 I think it is in many respects a superior picture. The expression of the frightened figure is very powerfully done, as well as the effect of the lamp light upon the faces of the pair. But I have doubts upon the head of the Friar and the Unity of the Picture, by this I mean the difference in the direction of the eyes of the two figures. Would it have been better, had they had the same? On the whole, this specimen of the Artist’s manner is creditable.

From thence I went to look at some Engravings advertised to be sold,2 which turned out much better than I anticipated. Dined at Mr. Frothingham’s. Nothing of very material interest.

Afternoon, finished the second and began the third book of the Moral Treatise de Finibus. Evening quiet at home. Read some of Sir Joshua Reynolds, and as usual, the Spectator.