I was still up when the new year commenced and had changed my dress and walked to the Exchange in order to meet the band which Blake and I had engaged for a serenade. We were employed about three hours travelling to different places. The music was fine, the evening was mild and I felt a great deal of enthusiasm. My thoughts naturally turned to the close of this year when our family would know decisively what was our future prospect. I felt very calm about it, as my mind is made up to meet the reverse of fortune, if it comes, and to look for advantages from it. My own prospects are still more intimately connected with the period. I trust them all in the hands of a divine providence. I got home at three and in the morning found myself less fatigued than I had expected.

Went to the Office, found a letter from my Father in a more serious tone than usual enclosing three instead of two hundred dollars.1 The present was exactly in time for my expenses have been enormous latterly. I then proceeded to settle my accounts for the quarter after which I bought a Souvenir and went to Mrs. Frothingham’s to present it to Abby. Thus went the morning. On my return to dinner I found a beautiful present from Mr. Everett of a pair of Essence Bottles, which was quite unexpected and agreeable. In the afternoon I went again to Mrs. F.’s where I staid until her father called for her to go to Medford. On my return, conversation with George at his Office. Evening at home writing an answer to my Father after which I passed an hour or more in copying Executive Records.

Arose early this morning and copied the letter to my Father which I wrote last night. Went to the Office but did little or nothing. Called at George’s and at Blake’s and was busy in settling my Accounts for the Quarter. At half past one o’clock I called at Mr. Brook’s room and joined him on his return to Medford. We had a pleasant ride and much Conversation upon indifferent subjects. There was a family dinner given to Sidney on his departure. Edward, Chardon and Sidney with their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham, Mr. Blake, Miss Dehon and myself were the guests. Abby had a violent head ach and was sick with a cold, which prevented my enjoying the dinner so much. I felt flushed and feverish. After dinner, passed a short time with Abby and had a good deal of agreeable conversation with Mr. Brooks after the rest had all gone to Boston.

Returned to Boston with Mr. Brooks this morning and talked with him upon many subjects. At the Office. Commenced Blackstone again which I design for a slow and final Review. Afternoon occupied in copying, from the lecture of Judge Howe as usual. Evening quietly at home reading the Messages of the different Presidents at the opening of Congress, and copied a portion of Executive Records.

Morning occupied in reading. At the office, Blackstone, but was very much annoyed by the pinching of a new pair of boots. George got some letters from Washington with but little in them. Afternoon at the Office copying a Lecture as usual. Evening at home, commenced Middleton’s Life of Cicero which I have obtained at last1 and copied a portion of Executive Record.