Morning as usual. Exercises not well performed but it is well to commence on them. I received no letter from Abby today. But I wrote quite a long one, which rather surprised me as I had but little subject, for I cannot write love letters in the silly style. In the evening a ride and evening at home.

I recommenced my practice of bathing in the morning, left off for some days on account of a pain in my breast. I studied quite well today and on the whole got through the day. I received a letter from Abby with some striking things in it.1 One also from Richardson.2 In the evening, a ride with Madame.

Morning as usual. I read but without much effect, my mind being full of other things which I found it impossible to expel. This might be owing as much to the dryness of Grotius as any thing else. I finished it however and much to my joy. Little or nothing of any consequence, during the day, and in the evening a ride and billiards.

Morning as usual. In the day I was occupied in filing and arranging papers as usual. After which I sat down and wrote a long letter to Abby in answer to her last. In which I got over the subject which she touches, for the present. At some future time it will be well to say more of it.1 In the evening I took a ride with my father and Mother. The former of these two seems in very low spirits today and not in good health. I have felt much concerned for him.2

I employed myself at home during the day, and as Grotius was finished, I sat down to read Coke more constantly. My occupations 140were tolerably regular. In the evening I rode with John, and afterwards played Billiards.