Fine morning after a smart thunder shower. Attended divine service in the morning and heard a certain Mr. Robinson preach a very dull Sermon upon natural religion.1 He gave me however one new idea, though I doubt exceedingly it’s being original with him. The house seemed exceedingly dull, as Mr. Brooks had gone to town on his law case which was still pending and troublesome,2 and Mrs. B. was unwell upstairs. She dined below however and seemed better. In the afternoon, Abby went with me to Mrs. Everett’s to take tea. Found her and Lydia Phillips alive and well. The former amused me with 393a letter of Mr. Everett’s, which she had just received. She seemed in exceedingly high spirits upon the occasion. After taking tea, we returned and found several people had been up to inquire about Mr. Brooks, his absence being wonderful at Church.

Morning, returned to town with Abby, leaving her at Mrs. Dehon’s. I went to the Office. Morning occupied in attending to George’s and my father’s affairs. I went to the Probate Court and applied for Administration upon George’s affairs, which was granted, and a bond made by which I as principal and my father and John as sureties, are bound in the sum of eight thousand dollars to make all the necessary arrangements for the due settlement of his affairs. John came to the Office and sat with me for some time. I conversed a little with him upon my mother’s detention though I saw so clearly that we were at odds upon that point, I did not like to risk much conversation. Ordered some wine for my father at Dennie’s.1 This took the morning. Afternoon passed in making out my Accounts with my father. Then rode to Quincy. Found Judge Hall and Mr. John Welles here and my father out, which I regretted. They remained but a short time. In the evening, conversation with my father upon business. He proposes to constitute me his agent in Boston. This is a trust I undertake in order to benefit myself. It may be the means of giving me some business in my profession.

Rode to town and went to the Office. Engaged the larger part of the morning in arranging my brother’s and putting my father’s Accounts in some order. Copied the papers relating to administration upon my brother’s estate and made some purchases for the family at Quincy. Afternoon passed in packing up my Clothes at Mrs. Tarbell’s, which I leave today. This took pretty nearly all my available time. I then rode to Quincy with a new horse which pleased me very much. Had much conversation with my father in relation to his prospects in regard to his property. He was very communicative upon the subject of his intentions.1 I hardly know what opinion to form in 394regard to them, but as I feel it to be my duty to make some representation in regard to it, and to follow up a decided course to assist him, I wish as clearly as possible to comprehend his designs.