Contrary to my intention formed yesterday, I rode into Boston this morning, Thomas B. Adams being with me, who is about to start for Portland. I am sorry he is going as I shall miss him considerably. Morning at the Office, finished Jones’ Essay on the Law of Bailments and read a little of Cruise on the Title, Mortgage. But not as much occupied as I should have been. Afternoon, Executive Record and 258Cicero. The day was an extraordinarily fine one and was doubly gratifying after so much bad weather. Returned to Quincy, having a pleasant ride. Found there John Foster, a nephew of Mrs. T. B. Adams. Had some fine occupation in the Nursery this evening, it being the first in which I have had any opportunity since my coming here. Voltaire’s Peter the First and Conversation. The evening was lovely.

Arose early this morning and commenced writing to my Mother,1 but did not finish my letter before it was time to go to Boston. The weather quite warm. Went to the Office, finished my letter but did not do much beside. At one o’clock I rode to Medford and found quite a company collected. The family and no one beside. Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Brooks Jr. neither. I was surprised and at first a little disconcerted as I had not been invited and scarcely expected it, but having recovered from that, we did tolerably well. I forgot to mention Mrs. Boott, the mother of Mrs. Edward Brooks, who though not exactly one of the family, still has some bond of union with it. Evening with Abby.

My morning was occupied in reading Michaux and I took a short walk in the woods to gather leaves by which to judge practically of the varieties of the oak. The heat of the morning however caused me shortly to desist. In the afternoon, Abby dragged me into the service to hear a poor blind man preach, who had by accidental circumstances been landed in the town yesterday and who had no more money to carry him farther. He was a pitiable object. I was obliged to a little charity and I reflected how rarely I have been guilty of such a thing. Selfish and cold. Rode with Abby to see Edward Brooks and his wife and drink tea. Found Mrs. Boott and Miss Wells, a niece,1 there beside. I like Edward better than any of Abby’s brothers. Returned before nine.

Rode to Boston after passing a short time with Abby. Found myself in low spirits without knowing any particular cause. Found letters at the Office from my father and my mother which amused me much. 259Morning wasted in very unprofitable conversation. Afternoon, Executive Record, after which in consequence of the heat I decided upon a bath and went down to see the new one at the Free Bridge for the purpose. I found it would not answer for me and so went directly to Quincy and took a refreshing bath before tea at the wharf below Mr. D. Greenleaf’s. I wanted it exceedingly. Passed a short time in the Nursery and found the Catalpas making their appearance together with many new Oaks. Evening delightful.