The morning was cloudy and weather disagreeable. I went to the Office as usual first going to inquire of Mr. Brooks what the proposed arrangement might be, as to Abby’s going to Medford. He told me she would go out with her Aunt, Mrs. Gray, probably to remain until tomorrow. I then returned to the Office. Mr. Russell Freeman called upon me, he is the ejected Collector of Newburyport and has lately returned from an exploring visit to Washington, he came to me only to make acquaintance and to say he had seen my father and family well.1 Mr. Jones called upon me from Weston to inform me he had a little more money, proceeds of the sale of Wood at Weston. I was quite glad of this for I fear the funds of this Quarter will turn out but poorly. The remainder of the morning was passed in finishing Mr. Hayne’s Speech upon the Tariff of 1824. It is good but it is a little surprising that this should have been the course taken by the Southern Gentlemen. For in raising up a new Market for their Cotton here what is it to them if they lose a little elsewhere, and but little for Great Britain must take 165what they want, because they can get none so good and so cheap any where else.2

Miss Phillips and I dined together, Abby sending me a Note saying that her Mother was worse even than she expected, and wishing to stay. Miss Phillips left me after dinner so that I passed the whole afternoon and evening in my study. I read a portion of Demosthenes as usual with all the critical remarks in themselves a material assistance. In the evening not having written for a long time to my Mother I sat down and made one out,3 though now it is hard to write as she has very much ceased to interest herself in the smaller affairs of my situation. I am sorry, but I think she does not think so nearly of me as she used to do. Retired to a solitary room.

Morning mild and pleasant. Went to the Office as usual and to see Mr. Brooks who told me he had brought my Wife in with him so that I need not go out. His report of the condition of Mrs. B. is such that I think it likely she will not live many days longer. Returned to the Office and after finishing my usual Diary I sat down to read Plutarch’s Lives of Demosthenes and Cicero which I wish to set before me as constant studies. They are deeply interesting in themselves as exhibiting the greatest specimens on record of perfection in the highest powers of man.1 My morning was gone before I thought. Only one interruption. That not welcome. A man by the name of Haskell came to me to present a bill for lumber used in the House behind my Office.2 Mr. Hollis being the responsible man, I sent him off, but as this was one of poor George’s loose practices, I was obliged to pay it only calling Hollis pretty severely to account. I think I should benefit the Agency much if I could dismiss him.

Found Abby at home, but exceedingly dull and dispirited. I am sorry but cannot help it. She must now go through a hard trial, one of the first she has been subjected to. I called upon Dr. Stevenson to know his opinion—it is decided.3 I then for the rest of the afternoon read Demosthenes with usual interest. In the evening, resumed Clarissa Harlowe with my Wife, so long interrupted.4 After which I read part of Lord Kaimes.