Morning at the Office. Suffering under a head ach, the consequence of the wine. I have become so unaccustomed to this article that it has a very unfavourable influence upon my nerves. Received quite a pleasant letter from my Aunt Smith which I answered directly.1 But my reply did not have the point I wished, as my spirits were not high. The wit which formerly sparkled in my letters is nearly extinct. My character is not what it was. It is useless to trace the causes of the influence which has changed it for I know them well.

A little law. Afternoon, Pelham, very interesting. Rather a singular book, but containing much sense, and observation of character. Exaggerated as such books generally are for it is difficult to avoid this in a Novel, and besides, it is easy to call a thing extravagant though much in human life can be found too high wrought even for the wildest scene of a Novel. Yet as we see little out of the common life, in general, we pronounce all equally impossible. Evening, dressed for a Supper party. Had on a Coat which I have never worn before and which I had hoped first to put on for a different occasion.2 My spirits were depressed by it and by the unexpected idea of the Company I was to enter. Mrs. Ignatius Sargent gave the Party and it was very handsome, but the character of the Company was not pleasant to me being People in whom I took no interest, and with whom I have very little in common. My great dislike to this kind of society is that I feel myself in some measure invited on Abby’s account, as a pendant, and this entirely stiffens me. Sat between Abby and Mrs. Frothingham but had a stupid time.

Morning at the Office but not much occupied. Wrote a letter to my Mother and conversed with George. My mind was disposed to dissipation of thought, and so I read Pelham. This I finished in the afternoon. I have been much interested in it. The book bears signs of a manly and vigorous mind. The reflection is of a very high character. Novels are in general dangerous resources for studious Lawyers, and I consequently dabble in them but very little. Conversed with George upon it. His mind is a pleasant one from it’s high cultivation, and though it is undirected to any useful purpose from his want of steadiness of action, it affords agreeable results in desultory conversation. Evening with Abby, found her dull and could not succeed in rousing her. Am I right in wishing this probation over. For the cold and the hot of lovers is after a certain period quite distressing.

Morning at Meeting at Dr. Channing’s. Heard him but not with much interest. The sameness of his case worries me. He always talks prettily but not often to any useful purpose. Afternoon, Mr. Gannet with his usual fulminating style. He would have made a capable Pope of Rome in the days of power. Spent an hour with Harriet Welsh and another with George pretty agreeably. Evening at home. Tried to see Abby but found so many people I returned without attempting it. Very stupid at home. I hope not to be condemned to such another sunday evening.

Morning at the Office. Received a pleasant letter from my Mother enclosing a present of a ten dollar bill. This was unexpected and hardly agreeable, for I know she has little and that I should be the one to give. I confess it is a relief though I might easily go on without it. But in accepting it, I shall put a stop to any thing similar in future. Perhaps a time may come when I can return it with interest. Passed a part of the morning in the Court of Common Pleas and George talked away the remainder. Afternoon pleasantly with Abby. I cannot help feeling a wish that ought not perhaps to be indulged, that the engagement was nearer to it’s close. But patience, three months have already 348passed of the additional probation. Evening at the Office, reading Pope. Mr. Fletcher this day became a fellow boarder with me.