Morning at the Office, and in Court. The Judges occupied the morn-362ing in delivering opinions upon the different cases argued, previous to their adjourning. Few cases of much importance were passed and I thought the opinions less distinct than they were the other day. The rain fell heavily, and the day was dark. In the afternoon, read Say so long that I weakened my powers of attention. I am disposed to think that the mind will not bear being forced too long, for I always find my best acquisitions are those which are made in short and severe application. Evening, did not go out, but read part of Mr. Blunt’s Annual Register.1

Morning at the Office. Received a letter from my mother, in good spirits. But I regret to hear by it that my father talks of purchasing Meridian Hill.1 To be sure, this is no affair of mine, but I was in hopes that nothing would occur to fix him permanently at Washington. The arrangement is not yet complete so that I have still hopes. Read part of Blackstone (over) for the fifth or sixth time. Afternoon, Say. Called to see Abby at Mrs. Gorham’s. Found her well, but felt anxious for her. I do wish most excessively that she was at home. This business is longer and more fatiguing than she ought to be subjected to. Felt dull and out of spirits. Evening, Pope’s Correspondence with Swift and Bolingbroke. Interesting on many accounts as exhibiting human nature though not exactly as they intended. Mr. Tarbell returned from Groton, having buried his father.

Morning at the Office. Read Blackstone and felt better than I did yesterday. At twelve I went to meet Abby at Mrs. Frothingham’s and passed an hour with her very happily. She does not seem very well but I was delighted to see her at any rate and she promised to go home on Monday. It was announced to me at home to day that Miss Tufts1 had the Scarlet Fever and that if I remained I might run the hazard of catching it, which was unwelcome news. In the afternoon wrote to my Mother and did little else. Evening, attended the last meeting of the Debating Society and it was an amusing though not a very dignified one. I feel on the whole satisfied with the success I have had here. It 363is well for a Commencement, and this evening, I was flattered by the decided attention that was paid to me.