Morning at the Office and in Court. Heard an argument which did not instruct me and so returned to read Blackstone. Attendance upon 361Court is useful, but the tedium of it is at times extremely discouraging. In the afternoon. Read Say for an hour and then went to the funeral of Dr. Gorham. The number of persons who attended was very large and there was something solemn in the idea. We followed the body to Brattle Street Church and heard a Prayer from Dr. Channing with an Address by Dr. Jackson. The place was crowded. I could not help feeling this voluntary tribute to moral worth. It struck me more in its simplicity and in my precise state of feeling than would have done much more expensive, perhaps more brilliant exhibitions and performances. Dr. Jackson did not succeed in touching the feelings. These were affected purely by the circumstances. They did not need, nor obtain any adventitious aid. I did not follow the body to the grave, it being late, and about to rain, having paid already my mite of respect to his memory. Evening at the Office, reading Pope’s Correspondence.

Morning rainy and dull. At the Office and in Court. Heard an argument upon the right of the Mayor and Aldermen to take land for the purpose of making improvements. Mr. Otis gave us a voluntary upon the subject. His manner of speaking is agreeable but not very affecting. He has an easy, graceful manner of saying things which pleases, but not those which convince. I felt today exceedingly affected by my walk of the other evening. My system seemed to be entirely relaxed by it and I was a little disposed to be low spirited, though I received a long and pleasing letter from my father. Afternoon reading Say. Mr. Davis called and chatted with me for some time. I was glad to see him. Evening, Correspondence of Mr. Pope with Aaron Hill. He does not shine very much in that business.