Morning, arose much better. With rubbing my shoulder with spirit, I have prevented any serious consequence, but it was a serious injury and came near making my visit a pretty disagreeable one. My 284Mother was much better this morning and I passed it with her, in general conversation. Afternoon, wrote a short letter to George,1 and received a long one from Abby written only the day after I left her. This gave me great pleasure and put me in good spirits for the day. I could not think of wasting all my time however and so began the Works of Burke in a copy which John has been so kind as to give me, a most acceptable present. I passed the evening with my Mother.

The stiffness of my shoulder is gradually disappearing. Morning occupied as usual in conversation with my Mother. She seems much better than on Monday and I now hope will rapidly recover. My way of life will probably have but little of interest for some time, as I live here in a regular course of doing nothing. This rather displeases me as I can not yet bring down my mind to a life of nothingness. In the afternoon I read a portion of Burke, consisting of his Vindication of Natural Society in the manner of Bolingbroke. He succeeds tolerably well, though sometimes he almost caricatures.

Took a short walk, and was struck with the appearance of the City. Feeling now little or no interest in the place, it seems to me more like the description which travelers give of it than it ever did before. The general indolent character of the population had often struck me, but never so much as now when I am habituated to a system of life so totally different. Indeed this year has made some strange changes in my character and disposition. I feel them more since I have had occasion to adapt them to our state of society at home. As the freshness of meeting wears off, it will become more strongly perceptible. Evening at home with my Mother.

Morning passed as usual with my Mother. She seemed tolerably well today. In the afternoon, wrote a letter to Abby which occupied me pleasantly the whole time until dinner. This took up pretty much the whole day, and I only read a few pages of Burke. John passes his time pretty much in shooting. The rest of the family in their rooms. A singular disposition among us which renders absurd any attempt at society. Evening with my Mother.

Morning passed with my Mother. Conversation relative to my 285prospects and the situation in which my conversation with my father places me. I have not yet recovered from that and my feelings are more alienated from him than I feel entirely willing to express. It was extremely unfortunate that this thing occurred for it has had an extremely depressing effect upon my spirits. Disappointed in not having any letter from Abby. Afternoon, reading Burke, dissertation upon Taste. Evening with my Mother.