Returned to town but not to remain long. P. C. Brooks Jr. came into the Office and informed me that he had a letter from his father, telling him to prepare himself to come on and with an intimation that Abby would also be wanted. I thought that it would be as well to inform her of it and so went out again to Medford, just in time to dine. I have a disposition to leave here myself and pay a visit to our family if Abby should leave me and take away my only object for remaining. Had some conversation with her upon the subject.

Returned to town this morning. At the Office. Conversation with George and reflection upon going to Washington. Made up my mind to go with Abby and her brother on Monday, in case they went. Afternoon occupied in copying a writ for Mr. Kinsman. Evening at Mrs. P. C. Brooks Jr. to see Abby. Mr. Brooks did not arrive until late and I went down to Mr. Frothingham’s to see about their arrangements. Mrs. Frothingham did not return with him and this will probably alter the plan as it regards Abby. But at present nothing is settled. Took supper at Mr. P.C.B. Jr. and returned at eleven.

Wrote to my Mother.1 At the Office and then to Mrs. P. C. Brooks’ to see Abby. Settled that she is not to go on to Baltimore which will relieve me from the necessity of going myself. At one o’clock drove Abby to Medford. Weather chilly and unpleasant. Mr. Brooks seemed a little disposed to be dull about his son and well it might be. He talked much of his journey and showed that he had not gone on without gathering information. Sterne, I think, notices the difference in travellers in this respect and I was forcibly reminded of his words.2 Evening conversation with Abby.

Morning occupied in reading one of Miss Edgeworth’s Tales, Patronage.1 She displays great knowledge of human nature in her work but is a little prosy now and then withal. Went to Meeting this morning and heard Mr. Stetson deliver a tolerably good Sermon with an intolerable air. Occupied in reading much of the time in the after-220noon while the family remained at Meeting. In the evening Mr. Ward, a Medford gentleman, paid a visit and conversed much on many subjects, and among others, political ones.