Owing to my fatigue I did not perform my exercises as usual before breakfast. And consequently was occupied during a large part of the morning in making up the omissions for the two mornings regular occupation. But my law suffered in consequence. I barely finished this when I sat down to write to Abby an answer to the two last of her’s. Our information from Boston has been that George has failed in his election to the Legislature on the first trial, but with such a vote that it is probable he will succeed in the next.1 Evening at home as usual. Billiards.

After the finishing of the Record which has of late always occupied me until breakfast time to the great injury of my reading of Voyages, I went out with John in a sail boat and went to the bridge but not striking good ground and the wind dying away, we did not succeed very well in fishing. This was the first regular warm day we have had. We did not return until late. I forgot to mention that Miss Roberdeau returned the Tuesday1 on a continuation of her visit and Miss Buchanan went away today.

Occupations of the morning tolerably well performed. I did not read Coke today, otherwise regular. Received a letter from Richardson1 and spent my afternoon in rather a lazy manner as I felt as if I had not yet recovered from the fatigue of the other day. I read Tacitus as usual however and wrote a draught of a letter I am to send to Mr. Brooks, which I put by to consider of.

We had company to dine at the House today. Mr. and Mrs. Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Mason, Mr. and Mrs. Macomb, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Junr., Mr. and Mrs. Gales, Mrs. Johnston, Captains Hull2 and Chauncey and Lieut. Gordon of the Navy3 composed the company. It was stupid, particularly as I got situated directly between the new married Couple to whom the dinner was given. Evening dull. Billiards with the family. My feelings are rapidly undergoing a change here as I no longer feel the interest in things here which I had. My thoughts, feelings and affections lead me to think of another quarter. The family too seems to have lost the tone which it used to be my gratification to cultivate. I came here with feelings of the most anxious kind to remain, and was unhappy if I was absent, looking upon this place as the centre of pleasure and happiness. It has now lost all its attractions and I am anxious to leave it. Such are the effects of time, and the power of circumstances.

I performed all my exercises tolerably well today with the exception 131of my Voyages, which I had no time to read a part of. I received a letter from Abby in low spirits. My method of writing has at last affected her so much that I find it necessary to change it and this day wrote laughable things. But I am afraid she will grow suspicious of my quizzing her. She is a little too fearful of me, but in time that will wear off. I am now so involved in her fate that my own will materially depend upon it. I trust to a directing Providence.

I read Tacitus after it, and in the evening after a ride I was dull in the parlor as the ladies only hummed songs.