Morning clear. At the Office, after inquiring and ascertaining the character of Mr. Spear. Found the reference so good that I decided upon accepting him. Gave my directions to regulate the Store and overlooked the Workmen in their progress which was tolerably satisfactory.

Mr. Brackett called and found himself anticipated about the House, but took the refusal of the other.1 hope in this way to get rid of both, and with an application this morning for a Tenement I hope this will close all my distresses about letting the real Estate. Now the trouble comes on respecting funds. Having received a letter from my Father respecting the Arrears I immediately addressed a Note to Whitney offering him what I considered as my final proposition.2 If this is not accepted I am afraid I shall be reduced to the gratification of sending him to prison which will hardly suffice to pay the demands coming upon the Property here on the 1st of April.

I had an hour’s work in drawing Leases of the Store and House which I have let, and the morning wasted away to a very small remnant, which I spent in reading some Eulogies of Washington in very bad taste.3 Returned home. Afternoon passed in reading Demosthenes, in which I made considerable progress. Then came down again to the Store, to see that all was safely arranged for night. For my workmen do not yet get through. I repent a little letting it so low, but next year I hope to redeem the deficiency. And I think the permanency of the Tenant will remedy the defect. Returned and read Campbell’s Rhetoric, a work I am going over again. Found it was time to go over to the usual meeting of my Wife’s family which tonight occurred at Mrs. Frothingham’s. It was tolerably pleasant. I was occupied merely in laughing for it is always impossible for me to talk, when so many louder voices are collected to make more noise. Returned at ten extremely drowsy.

Morning cloudy. Went to the Office as usual, but being about to try to make a settlement with all the little outstanding debts to this 189concern, I accordingly went out to see about it. First I went to see if I could not save by a threat a little remnant of Miss Longhurst’s debt to me. Wales was the person, a dealer in dry goods in Washington Street.1 I talked with him but the result was not encouraging, and for fear of getting into a useless passion about it, I retreated. The effort will not cost much, and it may save a trifle.

From thence after dropping in, to see the condition of the Houses I returned home, to my Office, where for the balance of the morning, Mr. Miles Farmer annoyed me exceedingly with his account of the affair still pending between himself and Storer. The former has been imprudent and the latter rash, and thus every body is to suffer from their folly. I talked with Farmer very rationally and tried to convince him that the best course was to wind it up. He appeared half inclined to listen to reason, and half to passion. I still hope it will be arranged. Received a Note from Miss H. Welsh requesting the payment of the debt due to her from my brother, which I answered forthwith.2 My troubles now are considerable. I am involved in three suits at law, and am without funds to meet my father’s debts. A most unpleasant situation. But I hope for the best and anxiously look for the clouds to scatter. After dinner I read Demosthenes, my study for this afternoon is easy. Received a letter from Miss Longhurst,3 trying to get me this money, but I am afraid it is too late.

Went down to see that all was safe at the Store and Office. A violent Storm came on with very high wind and rain, which beat fearfully all night. I was in great dread for my responsibility, but the evening was passed quietly and pleasantly in reading Lalla Rookh to my Wife,4 whom I am teaching to like Poetry. Afterwards, Campbell’s Rhetoric.