Morning to the Office. Weather again severely cold, although I did not feel it nearly so much as before. My Wife received an amusing Letter from my Father,1 which I read. It is full of the Washington scandal, but sarcastic enough. I was very much prevented from attending to any thing in particular, by several visits I made. One to Mr. Brooks to inquire how Mrs. B. did, one to Edward Blake to know what the result of the meeting of the Committee was. I was very little interrupted however while at the Office, so that I had opportunity to finish the record of my Diary, which had been lagging behind.

In the afternoon, instead of reading Demosthenes, I was engaged in making preparation for some few remarks I had to submit at the Meeting in the Evening.2 My arrangements this day were short, for my only duty was that of attack of a proposition without submitting any thing for a substitute. But I pursued the course I always propose, that of methodizing my ideas in such a manner as to present a clear and definite statement of my grounds of argument, and not going at all out of the way. I accordingly attended and succeeded in submitting my propositions very distinctly. They brought on an animated discussion 156which lasted till quite late, and though myself considerably attacked, I had no opportunity to reply, a thing perhaps a little lucky for me, for I was perhaps a little too warm. We adjourned, and I returned home tolerably well content—My powers of speaking being undoubtedly improving.

Morning again severely cold. Miss Phillips who returned to us on yesterday, Abby and I attended divine Service this morning and heard Mr. Emerson preach a Sermon upon Charity. It was good as most of his are. There is a degree of practical sense running in them enough to interest, and to improve, a quality not always strong in the efforts of our Clergy. My feet were so cold that I could not enjoy it as much as I otherwise should have done. This weather is thorough Winter. After dinner, the ladies inclined to remain at home, so that I went out alone and heard Mr. Sewall again preach a Sermon upon temper, it was sensible but long and poorly delivered. It might have been made a very good thing. Returning we had a little flurry of snow which soon brought on Clouds to promise to us still more.

I passed the afternoon in examining Copies of the Letters of my Grandfather for Mr. Sparks, and finished for him a considerable number, though it occupied us until late in the evening. Many of these are interesting, some of them powerful, showing a mind and a pen not of a trifling character. It is something agreeable to me that I can look to my Parents with so much pleasure. It may be improper pride, if so may God forgive me. But I think it is a humbling reflection to add to it, that I am a son, a very lazy and indolent son, doing very little for my own support.

In the evening, I read a part of Sir Charles Grandison to the young ladies who soon found a more agreeable subject in a little Supper of devilled Turkey legs. I read Lord Kaimes afterwards. This Author is full of instruction and must be read again and again.

The Snow had fallen heavily and had already given to us a very considerable addition to our mass of snow and extended the probable period of our sleighing indefinitely. I went to the Office as usual and 157was busy all morning in making out my Account as Administrator of the Estate of my poor brother. It was not long and I finished and copied it in time to submit to the Judge of Probate today. He hesitated about receiving it and finally advised me to send it to my Father, ask him to settle the Fee and give me a release, which would then close the Administration. I accordingly was obliged to return and write a letter to my Father upon the subject,1 and as I was writing I thought I would add a little upon other subjects, particularly the astonishing sale of the Shares of the Boylston Market at 25 1/4 to 29 1/4 advance, which is beyond expectation.

Mr. Curtis called to ask if I had any News from my Father. He had nothing to say. This business took up all my time so that I had none left to write even my Journal. Returned home. After dinner, Abby went to see her Mother with Dr. Stevenson, and Miss Phillips was left to compare letters for Mr. Sparks with me. I also copied the letter to my father, and thus went the afternoon without touching my Demosthenes. Abby did not return until late, and then a little dejected by the condition in which she found her Mother. I am fearful the closing scene is rapidly coming. Miss Julia Gorham came to pass the Evening and I therefore went upstairs but my room was so cold, I could pursue no regular study, so I looked over King John.2 After the ladies retired as usual I read Kaimes.