John was better this morning and there is an appearance that his fever is reduced. I went to town earlier than usual and was much taken up in various matters. Accounts settled with one of the Tenants, Mr. Hurlbert, and with Mr. Stanwood who came to pay his Interest. Also 87Mr. Rufus Davis came with his daughter about his Pension Certificate which he has put out of his power and now wants back. I got rid of him by giving him a letter to the man who detains it. But if he neglects to observe this, I am somewhat doubtful how far I can proceed further. Mr. A. H. Everett also talked about my father’s Eulogy and seemed uneasy at an intimation of my father’s general disposition to discuss the great points of Mr. Madison’s life.1 Mr. Everett is of the class of politicians who see expediency with both eyes, but principle and duty with only one. All these visits and occupations consumed much time so that I had to hurry to get home to dinner.

Joseph H. Adams went out with me. The weather had changed from warm in the morning to quite cold in the afternoon with a north east wind and slight rain. But after dinner I went notwithstanding to Colburn’s Quarry, saw him and had a talk about my stone which he now offers cheaper than he did. I took him to a place where I thought he might get me out some stone easy but he thinks not. His own Quarry appears to work pretty well. I saw his man Mr. Dutton and gave him my Draught of his Lease which he is to read over and to call and execute on Wednesday afternoon.2 Evening quietly at home.