Previous to my starting from here to go to Boston, I continued the conversation with my father which I had commenced last evening. It related to a serious consideration of my present situation and engagements. I told him that having arrived at the time which had been pointed out by him as the termination of the condition which he pro-270posed with his consent to my marriage, I thought it necessary to come to some definite understanding upon the prospect before me; I then wished to know his views respecting the support he proposed to allow me. He went, in consequence, into a long detail of his prospects and intentions and ended without saying any thing further than that my present allowance should be continued to me. I thought that his own views were not at all well digested but that is usually the way with our family. Our conversation widened until we were interrupted by strangers, upon which I went to Boston.

Morning at the Office reading Saunders without much profit. Afternoon, a few pages of Pitkin’s book. I am beginning to be dissatisfied with my way of life. Returned to Quincy, found many persons here. Mr. Isaac Smith, Mrs. Hall1 and several other ancient characters. I was glad when they were gone. The evening appeared long and I was dull.

Having left my keys in town, I was obliged to omit my usual occupations this morning, and in their place read part of a history of Navigation. After breakfast, went to town. Morning at the Office, not very well spent.

At the usual time I rode to Medford with Mr. Brooks in company. I took this opportunity to open the subject of my marriage and he explained his ideas and feelings with regard to the proposed arrangement. He told me that he allowed his daughter the income of twenty thousand dollars which would be twelve hundred. This united with mine will do to live tolerably well but not more. He came to nothing definite however in regard to any positive time for the marriage. It is difficult to force cautious old gentlemen out of the general phrases in which they are usually intrenched. I succeeded very well for a first effort.

On arriving at Medford, found Abby alone, her mother having gone to Concord. Passed a very pleasant afternoon and evening with her. Mrs. B. returned in the evening with her sister, Mrs. Bartlett.1

After passing an hour with Abby, I returned to Boston. Morning at 271the Office reading a case or two in Saunders which is very loose reading and wasting much of my time in reading Newspapers. The result of the Kentucky election is still extremely doubtful and not less interesting.1 My own prospect depending somewhat upon it, I feel a little though not very anxious about it. Afternoon, Annual Register for 18262 and a little of Mr. Pitkin. Returned to Quincy. My father had been on a fishing expedition from which he returned somewhat heated. Passed the evening in conversation.