Morning occupied before breakfast in writing to my Mother.1 After breakfast went down to hear the result of the meeting of Congress but no news came. The mail had been delayed for the first time. I then called at Mrs. Frothingham’s to see Abby and after a half an hour, I returned to the Office where I passed the day without doing much 191which could be called useful. My case went on but on the whole a good deal of time was wasted. At five I went to Mrs. Frothingham’s to go out in the Carriage of Mr. B. to Medford. Mr. Brooks, Mrs. Everett, Abby and I went out. The night was very dark and rainy as the whole week has been. Arrived safe and felt dull after I got there.

Mr. Frothingham who came out to preach this morning at Medford brought the news of the election of Speaker and the President’s Message. The opposition party have triumphed and this is a severe blow upon the prospects of the present administration.1 My own opinion is that their fate is decided and that all the rest will be nothing but a fiery struggle against it. And our own prospects are gloomy beyond description. I attended Meeting in the afternoon but did not think much of the Sermon. My ideas were elsewhere. In the evening I talked with Abby.

Returned to town with Mr. Brooks. Went to George’s Office1 and had much conversation with him. If this change has no other good effect, it may save him, and this is worth the fall. Received a high souled letter from my Father which did me good. Read the last paragraph for George’s benefit.2 The remainder of the day, I was occupied in making up my case for Court which was held in the evening. I argued it to the best of my ability.3 After it, Richardson and I went and had a little Supper of Oysters. Weather still very bad.