Morning at the Office. Weather very disagreeable and the streets wet and muddy. I finished the second Volume of the Massachusetts 333Reports and examined some of our Statute Law. In the afternoon I read Mr. Burke as usual. Evening, Dr. Johnson’s Tour to the Hebrides. Spirits rather depressed. The day was on the whole usefully passed.

Morning at the Office. Received a letter from my Aunt Smith,1 instead of the usual one from my Mother, to inform me she was unwell. I had been apprehensive of this. My own customary letter was written notwithstanding and occupied me a large part of the morning. Remainder, reading Massachusetts Reports and Statutes. Afternoon, Mr. Burke upon the Regicide Peace. Evening at the Debating Society. Heard a very smart and spirited argument upon the subject of closing the Post Office on Sunday. At times, there was much piquancy, and some disagreeable personality, but it was on the whole, the most interesting debate I have witnessed. The subject is one at present agitating the Community, and many petitions are in circulation for the purpose of forcing Congress into Legislation upon it.

The Cold was almost as severe today as it was last Sunday, giving to us the bitterness of Winter. I suffered more than usual, although on the whole, I think I bear the season pretty well. Morning at Meeting. Mr. Gannet preached a Sermon upon divine influence, to which I tried to listen, and to parts assented very willingly, particularly to that which asserted the efficacy of Prayer which I most firmly believe in. Afternoon. Rode to Medford. Arrived just as the People were leaving the Meeting house. Passed them all which annoyed me. Got through on the whole, more comfortably than last Sunday. The Country presented a magnificent Spectacle. The rain which had fallen heavily was congealed on the trees and grass and bushes and as the Sun declined, it’s rays were reflected in a thousand different ways from every prism which had been formed, and the whole mass looked like a magnificent powder of diamonds. Evening as usual—Abi.

Returned to town this morning. The weather still cold, but much moderated. Morning at the Office. Massachusetts Reports. A long case upon the Law of Insurance. Slight peevishness at dinner, being 334rather troubled with questions. Afternoon, finished Mr. Burke on French Affairs and with the subject, ends the Copy of his Works which I have. Evening, finished the Tour to the Hebrides which has interested me much. I admire it as a travelling sketch very much. The grandiloquence of Johnson is not generally popular at this day, but there is a philosophical tone attending his reflections, to me far more than equal such an objection.