I returned to Boston bringing Abby with me. Morning at the Office. At one o’clock paid a congratulatory visit to Miss Frances Dehon,1 lately declared to be the choice of Mr. Sidney Brooks. I found her pleasant but not in the least handsome, and scarcely qualified to supply the place of his former betrothed, Miss Marshall. In the afternoon at the Office and in the evening at George’s. His situation makes me quite melancholy.

Morning at the Exchange to see my father. Had a great deal of conversation with John about our family affairs particularly in reference to George. Also with Dr. Welsh who thought he ought to go to my father, which I recommended. I then went to Cambridge with my Father to see the Botanic Garden, calling at the houses of the Miss Danas,1 President Kirkland and Dr. Waterhouse2 on the way. A visit so formal prevented any thing like serious attention to the subject. Returned to town with Antoine in advance of the President, being invited to dine at Mr. R. D. Shepherd’s.3 An agreeable party. Sidney and Gorham Brooks, George and William Slocum, two Messrs. Le Branch of New Orleans, Mr. J. Coolidge Junr. and Mr. John L. Gardner.4 Miss Shepherd is an only daughter and consequently much doted upon. She is tolerably pretty. I rose from dinner to go to a party at Medford. It was rather dull. My acquaintance was almost entirely confined to the members of the family. My spirits were completely worn out by the continual excitement during the day and some little deviations from what I thought propriety in Abby made me feel quite unhappy. Too much so considering how trifling they were.