I wrote my Record and performed my duty in Geography exceedingly well. But after Breakfast, instead of studying, I wasted the day in fishing and came home in bad humour. This was much increased by a mistake in not receiving a letter from Abby immediately and thereby concluding that there was none. I afterwards got it, but it produced very little gratification, why or wherefore I could not myself divine. I had a nervous head ach for the remainder of the day and cursed my fishing excursion. I rode with Madame, and answered Abby’s letter in the evening but in less spirit than usual. I am afraid 125I am growing a little jealous. Her last seems written with more effort than the others.

I arose one hour later than usual, owing to my servants carrying away my clothes, and I could not dress myself. This created an omission of Geography. I studied Law however, and wrote to Richardson.1 The day not remarkable otherwise.

I finished my Record and Geography as usual, but spent the principal part of the day in reviewing the Newspapers of the week. Particularly in reading some papers of Mr. Reynolds upon the subject of his expedition. I think him very clever, but without polish to make it tell as it ought. Afterwards I wrote to George quite a long letter1 and spent the evening with the family.

Morning occupied as usual. Studied during the day due portions of Grotius, Coke, Burke, Campbell and Tacitus, in this way fulfilling my tasks most completely. Received a delightful letter from my dear Abby, which has again restored my spirits, and in the evening felt well satisfied with myself.