Morning fine. I arose early and took a Bath though the water was low and not very pleasant. Then at the Office. Passed some time in writing my Index and then went to Dr. Welsh’s for some books I wanted to read. Conversation with Harriet Welsh. She is a little too officious. I then went and made a call upon Julia Gorham whom I 391have not seen since the death of her father. She looks poorly and seems out of spirits. The remainder of the morning passed in studying law. Starkie on Evidence. In the afternoon, I commenced Bishop Burnet’s History of his own Times,1 as a continuation of Clarendon. Read also some biographies by Scott, of Sterne, Goldsmith, Johnson and Mackenzie. This with a few numbers of the Spectator passed the time. Received a short letter from John2 at New York stating their case, and that they would arrive tomorrow. He is surprised I did not write which is absurd, for I could do nothing without instructions. After tea, I took a walk. Evening cloudy, and I felt unusually fatigued.

Morning at the Office. Occupied in reading and writing, first my Journal, then Starkie and some Massachusetts Cases on Evidence. The weather quite warm. In the afternoon, as I felt pretty confident that my father had arrived, I concluded upon riding to Quincy at once. Upon reaching it, I found my father and John at the old Mansion where they were about to establish themselves. The house looked poorly but the presence of it’s owner made it seem more cheerful. My father looks pretty well, but he has a manner which I never before saw in him of quiet sadness, in itself really affecting. John seems pretty well and in tolerable spirits. I had much conversation with them upon various subjects. George’s affairs more especially which must directly be attended to. The arrangements are that I shall go to Quincy and that we shall live there keeping Bachelor’s Hall. Louisa Smith to take care of the House. Evening, return to town, bright moonlight and pleasant ride.

Morning at the Office. Wrote my Journal and copied a portion of my Index but was much occupied all day. Richardson called in and spent an hour with me. Mr. H. H. Tuckerman called to offer to my father ten shares in the Boylston Market.1 Hollis, the housewright called and I instituted a commencement for a settlement in regard to the Common Street Houses. My father proposes to look into these affairs pretty thoroughly. Mr. Hovey, the Deputy Sheriff of Norfolk,2  392called about an execution against Jacob George, no settlement. I then went to Dr. Welsh’s and got some Keys for Quincy. This took up nearly all the morning. I then made some purchases, and after dinner again rode to Quincy. Found my father not very well. The afternoon and evening were passed in desultory conversation. My father opened the subject of George and Dr. Storer’s letter.3 I conversed freely with him and relieved his mind much. Then into town which I reached shortly after ten.