Morning cool and cloudy. I went to the Office. Time occupied much as usual. I wrote, calculated my accounts and went on with Mr. 413Lingard. But I am pretty tired of his perpetual labour to justify that which cannot be justified. His candour is just sufficient however to keep me not absolutely provoked with him. I took a walk with Mr. Cazenove. The political news is of somewhat an alarming character. South Carolina has assumed a warlike attitude. She is about to fence with the Union, and God knows what the end of it will be.

Afternoon. Worked upon No. 5 which I finished and extended. It is altogether the best of the series in my estimation. But what is the benefit of all my labour. Nothing but vanity and vexation of spirit. The amount of power necessary to produce an impression upon the Public is four times what it used to be. Talent has come forward so rapidly under the impulse given by our system of government.

Quiet evening at home. Read Malvina with my Wife, and the Life of John Bacon the Sculptor to her. Afterwards, instead of German, hammered away upon No. 6.