Morning, wrote to my Mother as usual, attempted to be amusing but I fear without much success. Office, reading Blackstone. Went to Medford with Mr. Brooks, the family all as usual, nothing remarkable. I talked with Abby and read Belinda by Miss Edgeworth. Had a good deal of conversation with Mr. B. upon the subject of grounds and agriculture in general.

Morning at home, conversed with Abby, little or nothing material. After dinner I went to Church with Mr. Brooks, and heard young Emerson1 deliver a good flowing discourse. He has much of the manner of the family but rather softened. On our return I perceived a Chaise at the house which immediately disclosed what from a letter yesterday had been anticipated. I had thought however that he might still continue, the symptoms of dissolution being generally gradual in that complaint, at least until tomorrow when I should not have been here. Edward Brooks and Mrs. Frothingham came out with the information that Ward C. Brooks had died on Wednesday at a little after one o’clock. Scarcely had I heard it as from motives of delicacy I had remained out of the way as long as possible, when it was announced that Mrs. Brooks had herself arrived. This was astonishing to all. For myself I never recollect being in a situation more vehemently painful to me, being a third person and evidently a burden without the possibility of removing myself. Mrs. Brooks behaved admirably and surpassed my expectations amazingly, but the traces of feeling were strongly visible and only made me feel aware how much I was now an intruder. I have seldom been more strongly affected. Conversed with Abby part of the evening and retired early.

Returned to Boston in the Carriage with Abby. The weather was very stormy. I felt amazingly relieved in getting back to Boston as I no longer felt myself such a dead weight. But my sympathy had been so strongly excited as to make me feel very gloomy all day. I could not help thinking that it was only a year since I saw him at Baltimore in full health and spirits and now he is a corpse under the effect of a disease which may come upon us all. Received a letter from my father and occupied myself all day in my usual avocations. Evening quietly at home reading Cicero and writing Record.