It is usual for me to moralise a little upon commencing a new Volume of my Journal but upon this occasion I feel infinitely little disposed so to do. My last Volume contains much of happiness and some misery, but on the whole it is a specimen of the best part of life. Before I can arrive at the close of my present undertaking, it is probable that my lot whether for good or for evil will have been cast. My mind is now inclined to gloomy foreboding, but I hope for the best and as is usual, rely upon divine providence for support.

The morning was passed in reading Mr. Burke on the Sublime and Beautiful, which work I finished. But it affords room for much more study than a single attentive reading. Went with Mr. Smith and John to the race ground where we saw a very prettily contested match, but it did not last long as the wind of one of the horses gave out somewhat. But it was interesting and with the beauty of the day it paid us fully 296for going to see it. On returning, I paid a visit to Baron Krudener1 and walked over to see the commencement of John’s intended house.2 The remainder of the afternoon was filled up with writing to George.3 I sent him a draft on the Branch Bank for one hundred and eighty dollars which together with the balance in his hands already I want him to invest for me. Evening at home with the family.

Morning at home. Read a portion of the Life of Columbus to my Mother. The mail brought us pretty poor News of a political character from Pennsylvania.1 Took a walk. Day lovely, met Johnson Hellen, chattered half an hour with him. Spirits very variable. Returned to take a ride with my Mother from which we did not return until late. Thomas B. Adams arrived this evening from Quincy looking well, on his way to Old Point Comfort. Passed the evening at home.

Arose quite late and had therefore but little time to copy much. After breakfast, I went to St. John’s Church and heard Dr. Beasley of Philadelphia preach.1 His Sermon did not strike me much. On my return I found an extremely pleasant letter from Abby, which I answered in the course of the day, after returning from my usual ride with my Mother.

Mr. Clay dined with us and Mr. Gales came in after dinner. We had a great deal of conversation and I never before met with so good an opportunity of seeing them in contrast. By them, I mean my father and Mr. Clay. They discussed many subjects, the Ghent treaty occasioned by Mr. Jonathan Russel’s expose lately published to injure them,2 the Seminole war, and other matters. It is needless to say that on the second subject, they differed widely,3 they have always done so. Clay has become much of an egotist owing to the constant individual pressure upon him which has contributed constantly to make himself the subject of his story, but he still has uncommon points. And no one can listen to his conversation when free and unreserved without being considerably fascinated. He sat very late and on the 297whole, I consider this as one of the most fortunate occurrences of my life, by which I was admitted behind the scenes and saw these men exhibited in some of their brightest respective points. The Conversation was very animated but it rolled on so many points that although I wished it, I could not fix upon any thing sufficiently definite to commit it to paper as remarkable. Mr. Jefferson’s letter relative to my father’s course upon the Embargo, lately published,4 Mr. Lloyd’s letter about the fisheries,5 Mr. Clay’s course upon the Seminole affairs, and some remarks upon Mr. Tallmadge of New York comprised the points of conversation upon each of which there was a good deal of discussion. Evening short in consequence.