Morning at the Office. Received a very pleasant letter from my Mother, in very good spirits, which I answered directly. Occupied the remainder of the morning in reading Mr. Austin’s Life of Mr. Gerry, parts of which are interesting. Afternoon, reading Adam Smith, though not able to fix my attention properly. The subject, though intricate, is very interesting. In the evening I went to a meeting of the Debating Society. Subject of Infant Schools, and licensing Lottery Tickets. I took no interest in either. I was appointed on a Committee at the next evening on the subject of amending our Constitution. And this affords an opportunity, if I desire, to improve it. But I cannot tell.

Morning cold. Went to Meeting in Federal Street, and heard Mr. Emerson preach a Sermon upon Slander. Very good, more to the purpose than ten from Mr. Gannet. The good effect of these is palpable, that of others serves only to heat and inflame the community. After dinner, I went out to Medford and passed the day as usual. Abby was not well, and I myself felt a little head ache. Nothing remarkable.

After waiting an hour or two with Abby, I came into town. The weather was very mild and became fair. At the Office, but not particularly occupied during the morning. Threatened with a head ache but it disappeared after dinner. Read some Chapters of the Wealth of Nations, and in the evening, amused myself as usual with Boswell. A quiet day.

Morning foggy with rain. At the Office and in Court. Heard the close of an argument by Mr. Fletcher in which he injured his cause by too much earnestness. George came into my room and passed some time in conversation. We have at last in some measure got over the coldness. But I am determined in future to remain more at my own room. Having found that I can save much time which was formerly wasted. Afternoon, some Chapters of Adam Smith, and in the evening, Boswell. The rain changed to heavy snow.

Winter is again upon us, and I do not welcome it with pleasure. 339But it is early to think of a release in this climate. Morning at the Office. I attended a meeting of the Proprietors of the Middlesex Canal at the Exchange. Found a small attendance and no interest taken in it. Returned to Office and finished Austin’s Life of Gerry. Afternoon, Adam Smith upon the Tariff policy. Evening, Boswell fast verging to the last days of Johnson, and Mr. Pickering’s Review of the Cunningham papers.