Wrote a letter to my Father which detained me longer than usual as I did not rise quite so early. Upon going down to the Office I found a Note from Abby1 requesting me to go out to Medford. I accordingly went with Mr. Brooks. There was a large party of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Chardon and Mrs. Edward Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and the usual family. Mary B. Hall came in afterwards and in the evening some of the Medford people came in. The party to me was of course dull and a sacrifice of my own feelings, but I have learnt some salutary lessons in life since my engagement, one of which is that a man cannot in this existence live entirely for him-209self. He must endure much. I exerted myself considerably but still feel the difference which exists between this place and the home of my own family. Talked a little with Abby.

Returned to town with Mr. Brooks. Suffered a little from head ache but read Blackstone during the morning. As I was returning to dinner Genl. Sumner called and asked me to dine with him which I was obliged to consent to, although it deranged me very much. I almost finished Judge Howe’s Lecture notwithstanding. As I was waiting for George we were as usual in such cases late. No body at table but Col. Cutler of the Army1 and Genl. Sumner, his wife and sister. We had a tolerably agreeable day although I was not sorry to return home. Found Richardson had called and devoted the evening to reading.

Reading Middleton before breakfast. At the Office reading Blackstone. Received a letter from my Mother in tolerable spirits, relating much of the amusing conversation of the day. Also documents from John.1 Finished the long laboured Lecture of Judge Howe. Afternoon at Mrs. Frothingham’s to see Abby. Returned to dress and went with her to Mrs. Derby’s route. She is the most prodigious attempt at ton we have and her parties contain none but exclusives. They are consequently very dull. I was glad to get home. Her house is handsomely furnished but without use.