Wrote to my Mother before breakfast. At the Office, Blackstone. Received a long letter from my Mother and one from John.1 The latter, an Invitation to his Wedding on the 25th. I do not know what to say about it, and I reflected so much upon that subject as 212to make study quite useless. After dinner, as I felt incapable of doing any thing, I went to Medford, and spent the remainder of the time in conversation with Abby. I consulted her upon the subject of this visit. But she felt in a manner bound by her peculiar situation. It has its advantages and its disadvantages, and I am more fairly puzzled than I ever was before in all my life.

At home all day. Little or nothing remarkable occurred. I talked with Abby. Mrs. Everett seemed desirous to have me express an opinion in favour of her going on, which I declined doing, and thereby hurt her feelings a little I fear. John’s letter is urgent to me, and there are many reasons why I should go in the family arrangement. But I propose to wait until I see what my father may say in his next letter.

Returned to town. The weather which hitherto has been warm has now suddenly changed to cold. No letter from my Father. Read Blackstone. Afternoon, Hutchinson. E. G. Prescott informed me that there was a report in town that Ward Brooks was lying very ill at Baltimore. In consequence of it I thought it my duty to call at Mrs. Frothingham’s. They had heard of it. This may have a material bearing upon my own plans. Walked with Richardson and on our return attended the Moot Court. Davis delivered a very able argument. Took an Oyster Supper afterwards.

As I intended to wait until I saw whether the mail brought me a letter from my Father, I did not write to him before breakfast but read as usual. A letter came but not a word concerning the Wedding, which put me in greater perplexity than ever. I was called down to see Mrs. Brooks off as she has determined to go and take care of Ward, her son. I should not be surprised if this was to have a worse effect upon her than it is worthwhile to risk. But no one can resist her decision. I am afraid of the consequences to that family very much. Her eldest Son, Edward, went with her, and all the family collected to see her off. Abby returned to Medford with her Father and Henry. I could not go. Afternoon, Hutchinson. Walk with 213Richardson. He came to my room and drank Champagne after which he invited me to take Supper which I accepted and did not return home until twelve o’clock. The last evening of our acquaintance on these terms as we are soon to part, which I regret considerably.