Reading Plato in the morning, then Blackstone at the Office. No letters from home. Nothing remarkable occurred during the day which I passed in my usual avocations. But omitted them in the evening. I cannot account for the remarkable feeling which has this week possessed me. An unaccountable apathy and dullness have come over me and my usual labours give me no gratification. This has not been experienced before since my arrival here. It is attended with an excessive propensity to sleep which strikes me as being unnatural. But I am among other things strongly liable to fits of hypochondria and so I don’t remark symptoms. But I could not sit up beyond ten o’clock.

Morning reading Plato. Rode to Medford. Weather cold and harsh. Fast day by the proclamation of the Governor. Conversation with Abby. In the afternoon walked up the canal until I reached the locks and the new Aqueduct.1 The scenery is exceedingly pretty all the way up and the spots for situations beautiful. I have seldom enjoyed a walk more nor did I return till sometime after the family had returned from Meeting. Edward Brooks and his wife were out here. He is very much excited about the resignation of Dr. Kirkland which has created much noise everywhere. It seems that Mr. Bowditch insulted him grossly at the Corporation board.2 I certainly think it a shameful business. But some men have no delicacy. Evening with Abby.

Returned to town this morning. Forgot to notice the receipt of a letter from my father yesterday. George puts off his Journey until Monday. Morning, Blackstone. Afternoon, Edwards. My spirits still under the same load of depression. In the evening, had a fit of sleep which disabled me from any active occupation. Read a little of Cicero.

Wrote to my Mother1 this morning. Then to the Office. Some pages 227of Blackstone. Received another letter from my father this morning. Weather, cold with snow clouds. After dinner rode out to Quincy with George. It is now six months or more since I was last here. Found my Uncle’s family all very well. Employed in planting some Spanish Chesnuts belonging to my Father. We put down between forty and fifty of them, also some Cork oak Acorns, common oak acorns and two cherries. In George’s absence the care of them devolves upon me. Mr. Price Greenleaf will be a great assistance to us. Took tea and returned to town in a heavy shower of rain. Evening at home.