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.

Morning at the Office. Time occupied in making my record for the three preceding days which was somewhat laborious. Called in to see Mr. Brooks who seemed to speak as if his Wife was better. Richardson called for a few minutes and Mr. Curtis. The latter read a letter for my Father which arrived here from the House of Baring, being another act of Mr. Petty Vaughan’s Play. I enclosed this with a bill for Thomas J. Hellen and sent them both to my Father.1 But on reflection I find my morning wasted very much in the manner they all are. This is bad but I hardly know how to correct it.

I returned home and after dinner devoted myself to the Oration on the Crown in which I made some progress. The text is not so difficult 158to understand as that of Aeschines, and the style is more polished. I feel pleased as I go on. I took part of the time, as the ladies were out, to attempt a little of my second Essay. Mr. Child not having published my first in his Saturday’s paper gives me a little respite. Perhaps he may not publish it at all—How do I know. If not he ought to return it agreeably to my request. I succeeded in forming a skeleton of an Essay, this evening which I shall fill up at leisure. It embraced the prominent points of defective deliberative Oratory. I then recollected it was time to go to Edward Brooks’ to the weekly Meeting. The usual persons were there, and the guests enumerated at the last Meeting, with the addition of Mr. Shepherd who came in upon a visit without any intention of interfering. Our time was merry but I did not enjoy it; We returned and I read some of Lord Kaimes.