Morning clear, and tolerably mild. At the Office as usual, where I was occupied in reading Williston. Drew my quarterly Check from Mr. Brooks and deposited it. My funds appear now in a condition tolerably healthy and so I hope to invest a little more. The affairs of my father are in a condition so doubtful, that I feel in duty bound to do every thing by which I may assist myself.

Mr. Jackson the Painter called to take my directions about the Houses, in Tremont Street, which must be put in order as soon as possible.1 Richardson came in for a little while to talk, though he appeared suffering with a cold, and Mr. Whitney passed an hour, upon whom I exerted all my powers of persuasion to induce him to pay me three hundred and fifty dollars in full settlement, but without effect. This is the toughest affair I have ever yet had to go through, because it seems to me that this man is relying upon my accepting three hundred dollars, and thus is going to run into twice the expense to get me out of the trifling balance. He left me promising to give me an answer tomorrow. I called in a moment to see Mr. Brooks. All the rest of the morning was passed in reading Mr. Hopkinson’s very good Speech upon the trial of Judge Chase and Mr. Emmet’s upon Col. Smith and Mr. Dexter upon T. Selfridge.2 The first I think much the best. It is clear, comprehensive and forcible and though not worked up quite so much as it could have been, yet shows no little skill and talent. On the whole I did a tolerable morning’s work.

Afternoon passed as usual in reading Demosthenes, but I have lost the general train of reasoning and feel less interested. I tried to get it 179up again by looking over La Harpe’s Analysis but it is not clear. I shall have to take Auger’s. My Study was cold as I am circumscribed in fuel owing to the great use made of it by the copyists.3 Evening, engaged in reading Lear to my Wife. After which Lord Kaimes.

Morning fine. The weather like Spring. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied in reading Williston very pleasantly. Commenced Mr. Pinkney’s Speech in the case of the Nereide but did not progress very far in it before I was compelled to stop by a number of interruptions.1 Mrs. Wells came today to pay rent for two months of her Tenement and to notify me that she should be unable at this rate to remain in the House longer than the end of this month. Thus another of the tenancies will be vacated which almost discourages me—Nearly one half of my sources of profit from real Estate thus becoming stopped and the amount of funds called for to supply repairs being enormous. I feel excessively worried at this responsibility upon me. Mr. Champney also called to talk about his rent. He seemed also to be half tempted to move but did not know what to do. I told him that I would be as liberal as I could but that I was very much pressed. He is a man I like and if Hollis had not been so engrafted on the property I should incline to transfer the work to him. At it is I must keep the rod over the latter and make him do his duty. Thus much for the morning.

Abigail S. Adams, my cousin dined and spent the day with Abby. I have not seen her for a long time. She was pleasant. After dinner I went to the Estate in Tremont Street and looked over it, with a view of giving the proper directions to begin the work of putting in order. The furniture of Miss Longhurst was sold today, and I went in to see what could be done to put it in good order. It needs touching considerably. I gave Dr. Wendell notice to quit and on the whole imagine I did not consult my interest in having him remain.2 Thus ended the matter. I hope I shall rent these two Houses at least. The afternoon was so spent, that I did nothing more but sat with the Ladies until evening talking. I. Hull Adams her brother came to take her away, and after that I read Lord Kaimes.