Wrote a letter to my Mother this morning,1 in a deep fit of the blues. My temper is variable in the extreme. Received one from her after breakfast which is rather better than usual. John’s affair is still going on. The day was rainy and disagreeable. I went out of town with Mr. Brooks to Medford where I have not before been for some time. Found 233Abby well but the children all sick, and Mrs. Everett consequently in low spirits. Passed the evening in conversation with Abby.

At home all day. Abby went to Meeting in the morning. My mind was running a good deal upon the conversation which we had upon the prospects of our marriage. Abby intimated that her father was opposed to any consideration of it for some time to come. I told her that in that case I could not consent to remain in Boston and live such a dull life as I do, deprived of every comfort for another winter. The idea of postponing this when brought up by others depresses me terribly and my mind was running upon it much of the time during the day. Perhaps if there was no opposition I might move to delay it myself, perhaps it may never happen at all. My fancies on this subject are thick coming. And it is useless to entertain them. Time will disclose all things and my trust is in heaven. In the evening Dr. Swan and Mr. Angier came in.

Returned to town with Mr. Brooks. The weather has changed at last, and become milder. Received a letter from my father of a most agreeable kind. It seems such an exposition of his feelings under the recent severe attack upon them. Indeed his letters to me during the past year are examples of the peculiar character of his mind which will show hereafter. Prepared the remainder of my case. Afternoon, finished Dibdin, a book on the whole rather flimsy and dull. Evening, argued my case against Chapman. I happened to have the right side and therefore had little to do. In the evening, remained at home and read a novel.

Wrote a letter to my father as usual. No news from George yet. Took a little medicine this morning. I do not know whether I need it or not but I am a little hypochondriac and do it to raise my spirits. Finished the subject of real actions. Afternoon, at my room. Copied some Executive Record. Commenced Novanglus and Massachuttisensis1 and in the evening Voltaire’s Louis 14th. On the whole better content with myself than usual.