The weather had changed so much as to affect me sensibly with cold in riding to town this morning. At the Office engaged much. Mr. Clough1 called upon me to tell me that I must apply to Mr. Rayner, the President of the Republican Institution, to call the government together to decide upon my request. I accordingly wrote to Mr. Rayner.2 Then I was engaged in making a Writ, Floyd against Lumee. 412Mr. Brooks called upon me to ask for the Keys of the House. I had them not and was consequently obliged to go and look after them, which carried me first to the House and then to Dr. Welsh’s. Found that my Carpenter had been at work at my room, and had put up my cases. The shelves however hardly tall enough. When I returned to the Office I found only time enough to look over very few of my brother’s papers, before I was obliged to go with my father to Medford. Found there, Mr. and Mrs. Everett and Col. Barnard with the usual family. The dinner was pleasant, indeed unusually so. My father left early but not to escape heavy rain which fell for two hours. Conversation with Abby as to the time of our marriage. She has qualms now and then. Subsequent conversation with Mr. Brooks who professes to be indifferent.

Morning at home, engaged in reading the last Number of the Quarterly of Philadelphia.1 Not much interesting matter in it. Conversation with Abby. Reflection upon her character. Impatience predominant. Natural character fine, but the early neglect had fixed roots difficult to eradicate. I see her difficulties strongly and have tried to change them by urging to the extent of her patience. Now I am soon to marry her when this will not do and kindness and affection are all. Much of her character is fascinating and her vivacity, playfulness and affectionate simplicity are delightful characteristics for a companion in life. Mr. Davis of New York was here in the afternoon, lively and amusing. Nothing remarkable otherwise. Mrs. Brooks was uncommonly well today.

Morning to town with Mrs. Frothingham and Abby in the Carriage. Engaged first in drawing and depositing for my Father the interest on the West Boston and Neponset Bridge Stock. After which I went to the new House and passed there a considerable part of the morning, in fitting the Keys and making preparation for my books. I moved this afternoon all the books from George’s room which I intend to come from there to my house. The weather was very warm and the business 413most excessively fatiguing so that by the close I found myself so accablé as to require a cold bath which I took forthwith and it relieved me exceedingly. But I was nevertheless much fatigued. Rode to Quincy quite late and though my appetite was prodigious owing to my having had no dinner, yet my bones were so wearied that I could not rest very well. My father returned home quite sick on Saturday but seemed well this evening. I retired very early and had no conversation.