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.

Morning occupied in reading as usual. After breakfast went to the Office and pursued the study of Blackstone. Nothing further from Washington. At noon I went to Medford with Mr. Brooks. He had no later information concerning his Son. I was somewhat struck with the difference in the family occasioned by the absence of Mrs. B. It seems to have lost all it’s tone. Abby was in low spirits and I concluded in consequence to give up the journey to Washington. This is undoubtedly a sacrifice, as I had anticipated much useful and amusing matter from my contemplated word omitted, useful, to allay feelings evidently existing, amusing, in affording me a little variety, and the pleasure of home which I feel the want of so much here. But Abby would feel it unkind in me to leave her at this particular junction and I cannot go with such an idea either on her or on my own mind.

Returned to town this morning with Mr. Brooks. Found nothing from Washington relating to this marriage and therefore sat down and wrote a letter to John1 declining his invitation and giving my reasons. I am afraid that it will be subject to misconstruction and productive of future coldness but it was impossible for me to avoid it. Read Blackstone and Hutchinson during the day and in the evening Cicero and Executive Record. Thus returning to my old habits after a recess occasioned by the expectation of absence and the separation of Richardson.

Reading before breakfast. Went to the Office and read a little of Blackstone. News arrived of the death of Governor Clinton of New York. It will make some stir among the Politicians of the day and is in itself not an uninstructive lesson as to the vanity of human ambition. I regard it as the establishment of Mr. Clay in this part of the Country. Copied an answer to a bill in Equity for Mr. Kinsman 214and read Hutchinson. Evening quiet at home reading Cicero and writing Executive Record.