Wrote to my Mother.1 Morning and afternoon at the office occupied 189quite diligently at the Office. My spirits much improved although still liable to momentary depression. Political news improving a little. Busy at home in the evening in reading pleasantly and profitably.

Morning reading and occupied until eleven o’clock when it was time for me to go to Medford. The day seemed fair, but a cold wind made my ride less pleasant than I had anticipated. At home all day with Abby and in the evening. We are very much in love. And the idea of living so long engaged becomes quite fatiguing. But I suppose it must be. And after all it may be the remaining happiness in my lot. The dark clouds often pass over my brow when she notices them, but I can not explain them to any one. If my prayers will avail ought, (and why should I not believe that they will?) she at least will be free from my causes of unhappiness.

Returned to town after some conversation with Abby after breakfast. Received a letter from my father quite pleasant. It is now growing more and more probable that he will be defeated in his re-election and I am therefore disposed to alleviate his mortification by making some effort to please him. At the Office in the afternoon looking over cases for a decision. I dissented from the opinion of the Chief Justice at the Moot Court this evening. These meetings are becoming both interesting and profitable by our success in infusing a little spirit into them. A debate afterwards. Richardson and I adjourned from there to a supper of venison which I enjoyed exceedingly. Returned at eleven.

Wrote a letter to my father according to custom. Received one from my Mother, which was not very intelligible.1 The day was passed at the Office but I suffered with a bad head ach in consequence of my eating too much at Supper last night. This prevented me from much diligence during the evening. Weather gloomy and I experienced much difficulty in keeping my spirits even at a reasonable point.

Occupied at the Office all day copying a Paper called a bill in Equity turning pretty much upon the question on which I gave a decision at 190the Moot Court sometime since. It was long and I did but little else. Evening at home. George came in previous to going to Quincy’s Wedding where he is Groomsman.1 We had an animated discussion upon the propriety of writing to John upon his contemplated marriage. He will not do it and thereby betrays more littleness of feeling than I had wished to suspect him of. Read the remainder of the Evening. Pascal and Vivian Grey. George serenaded me as he was obliged to be out with the band.