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.

Morning passed principally in Court, listening to an argument on the part of Mr. Fletcher. I see no way of shewing my disposition to do business so ready as being in Court, and propose to attend generally. Richardson came in and I went with him and sat in the Office. George came in and shewed me a letter from my father to him on the subject of the present controversy with the Federalists.1 I dined at Mr. Frothingham’s as Abby was in town. Had some conversation with him upon the election of Mr. Quincy to the Presidency of Harvard College which took place today. After dinner, sat with her an hour or more and then went to the Office and read one or two Chapters of Adam Smith. Evening, finished Boswell. He has been an amusing Companion for my evenings and I am almost sorry to come to the close.

Morning at the Office; received a pleasant letter from my Mother, in pretty good spirits. Looked up a case that was argued at Moot Court a fortnight since, read the Law upon it but could not make up my mind. The news was that Col. Pickering was dead.1 I cannot say I am glad but I am not sorry. For he is an inveterate enemy to us, and my father’s residence here will be rather painful as it is, I fear. I this day, through the agency of Mr. Degrand, purchased two shares more of the American Bank which is in addition to my former investment. I have managed tolerably well, and hope it will do me service, for I have none to thank but myself in my two last purchases. Obtained a Dividend of ten dollars on a share on two shares of the Middlesex Canal. Dined at Mrs. Frothingham’s again. Gorham Brooks and Ellen Shepherd, Abby and myself. A painful affair to me, and it entirely turned the cheerfulness of my spirits. I cannot feel easy where I am conscious 340I am asked merely on Abby’s account, and the repugnance grows in me. A little of Adam Smith, Conversation with George, and in the evening, finished Pickering’s Review.