Returned to Boston this morning with Chardon Brooks. This day was a repetition of last Wednesday, being what is here called Artillery Election. Owing to this I had no way of passing the morning to my 243satisfaction but at last settled down in reading Mr. Brougham’s Speech upon the State of English Law.1 Afternoon. Executive Record and one of Mr. Burke’s Speeches upon American Affairs. Walk with Mr. Derby and evening, Cicero until I fell asleep and found my study useless, when I retired.

Morning at the Office. Occupied in writing a letter to my father. Received one from him of a peculiar character. It treats of the political history of the late Session of Congress in a masterly and pointed manner.1 Did nothing else this morning. In the afternoon copied Executive Record and read Burke’s Speech on conciliation with the Colonies. It rained as if we had not seen any before for a long time. In the evening I went to the Theatre, and saw performed Shakespear’s Twelfth Night in a most shocking manner. The orchestra was uncommonly large and the music to Der Freyschutz,2 the afterpiece, was remarkably well performed. I never saw this piece before. The Story is strictly German with all a complication of horrors, but it requires more excellent stage management than ours to make it go off properly. The performance lasted so long that it was long after midnight before I got home.

Morning at the Office as usual, but spent little of the time in useful occupation. Commenced reading Kent’s Commentaries.1 Called upon Julia Gorham according to an agreement made with Abby last Monday. But I found that I only fulfilled my part of it, and as I concluded she was not in town, I found that I should remain also. Afternoon, copied Executive Record. The weather which is damp and changeable made me sleepy. My spirits low, affected by constant reflection on one painful subject. My lot must be trusted to divine providence. Anticipation of evil is useless. Evening, reading a Novel.