Medford. Went to Meeting in the Morning. Walked with Mr. Brooks, both going and returning. Mr. Stetson, the Parson of the Parish, preached pompously enough. In the afternoon I read the Reviews, and in the evening I talked with Abby. My observation of her is at last leading me to one definite conclusion. I see where the principal trouble is likely to arise, but as yet have found no adequate 173plan to remedy the probable evil. Her feelings are most amazingly sensitive, inconceivably so to one who did not know her, and the mischief has been in her education, for these have been always nourished so much that she is still a child.

I rode into town this morning after spending an hour with Abby, the recollection of which induced me to make the remarks upon the preceding page. I felt slightly melancholy as I was apprehensive that a trivial speech of mine had left an unpleasant effect upon her mind. She is in some respects a little childish. Time will certainly wear off some of this, but in the mean time I have a difficult part to play. Morning passed at the Office and in Court. The afternoon in study at the Office. In the evening I attended a Moot Court which is established here by a Society of Students at Law. Heard an argument, which was all on one side owing to the misunderstanding of the Parties. It was hardly a regular Meeting.1 They commence on Monday next. And I am Chief Justice as we commence in the order of our names. After this Richardson and I took Supper at the Exchange.

According to my father’s advice in Saturday’s letter I arose at five o’clock, and wrote more than an hour by Candle light. As it is new I do not know how it will succeed, but I am determined that he shall not again say that I neglect his advice. My time was occupied in replying to his letter, and in copying the reply, which is also a new thing to me. Morning in Court. Afternoon at the Office. Evening with Richardson at the Federal Street Theatre. The Comedy of Errors. I have never seen it performed before. The Dromios were tolerably like each other. Hackett and Barnes.1 Interlude, The Citizen,2 Mr. Hackett’s Stories and Monsieur Tonson.3 Fatiguing. Supped with Richardson at the Exchange.