Wrote a letter to my father according to custom. Went to the Office 217and found a message from Abby who was at Mr. Frothingham’s. I went immediately and spent the morning with her. She was very dull. The news from Ward is very unfavourable, and they are solitary at Medford. She left town at one. Afternoon, Hutchinson. Evening, walk, and Cicero, Executive Record. Had a slight cold.

Read the Grecian philosophy as usual this morning, after which I went to the Office. The rain was pouring in torrents all day and rapidly carrying off the snow. Read Blackstone. Notwithstanding the rain I went to Medford in as much as they wanted letters and I was the only one able to convey them. The news from Baltimore is most discouraging. Mrs. Everett’s second child is quite unwell also.1 Miss Bartlett is staying with them. Abby was a little dull. This is the first time in her life that she has had any care, and it is not surprising. But I see many things in her which make me love her the more.

Returned to town. Called upon Miss Gorham to tell her how I had by accident lost her Note. Read Blackstone at the Office. Nothing material occurred. Hutchinson in the afternoon, a walk and my usual avocations in the evening. A very quiet day. George received letters from Washington1 which betoken a better state of things.

Morning occupied in reading as usual. Office, Blackstone. Received a letter from my Mother giving an account of the family affairs.1 They seem a little better. P. C. Brooks Jr. came in and asked me if I would go to Medford which I readily consented to do. We went out and dined so as to return before evening. Found them pretty well. On my return had a warm conversation with George which was painful but I hope will turn out for the better. Evening occupied as usual.