Morning at the Office. The day promised fair but became gloomy and cold. I passed the larger part of my time in reading Marshall. The prolixity of his volume makes it tedious. I feel wearied by its minuteness, though the importance of the period to our History makes it necessary. The subsequent time makes very evident the influence which the division of parties at the early period of the Administration of Washington, has exerted. It is to be felt now, as the principles of contest between the parties are effectively the same—The same division between the friends of the national and the friends of the State power. I was occupied in this manner the whole time, excepting a small portion in which I called upon Mr. Brooks, and went to the Estate at the South end, to see about a partition wall which was thrown down in the gale the other evening.1 After arranging it’s repair I walked in and made an arrangement with Miss Longhurst to settle her rent by taking her Note, which finishes that business.2 I then walked to the Washington Bank to receive the Dividend upon the Boylston Market Stock which was four dollars upon the Share, being quite a comfortable thing at this time.3 This is excellent Stock.

Thence back to the Office. As this was the last day to which entry 210could be delayed, I was compelled to make up my mind what to do in Whitney’s case. After much doubt and hesitation and misgiving, I at last concluded to go on. I hope I did right, but right or wrong, I mean to pursue the best interest of the employer. The issue is not with us. I trust to a higher power. My own judgment will often be found wanting. John Gorham dined with us, and after dinner I finished Graham’s first volume and the Account of New England. I then read the Account of it in the “European Settlements,”4 and part of Mr. Webster’s Plymouth Oration, which does not seem to me to treat the subject exactly. The Evening which was to have been taken up in reading Eustace, was passed in conversation with Edmund Quincy who came to visit us.

Morning cold and gloomy. I went to the Office and passed my time as usual in reading Marshall, excepting a small portion of it devoted as usual to the regulation of my Accounts. Mr. Kinsman called upon me to pay a portion of the Note of the City Guards to the Estate of my brother, and to discuss the matter of Mr. Whitney’s Affair. I left the settlement of this altogether to him, if he can make terms with him, it is well and much more than I can. I hope this disagreeable business will terminate without a reference to law, but if it is not my mind is made up. I have only the course of decision to take. My character always was one which verged to obstinacy in points where it was based upon belief of right and now when the conviction of justice is most prevalent, it is rather hard to yield to the sense of expediency.

Marshall was not over interesting but I got along tolerably in progress. At home found Mr. Brooks who dined with us. I was very glad to have the opportunity to receive him in this way, without ceremony or parade. And he was very mild and pleasant as usual. He left us immediately, and I occupied myself during the afternoon in reading and writing upon Mr. Graham’s History. I feel as if I might be able to write upon this subject but I do not know whether it does 211not require more perseverance than I am equal to. And yet it is a shame to say so. But the subject is interesting and I propose at any rate to pursue it for my own instruction.

The Evening was passed in reading Eustace to my Wife. This author is full of prejudice, and John Bullism but yet has a cultivated mind, and much that is entertaining and instructive. After this was finished, for the Evening I read some Articles in the North American Review upon Jefferson’s works and others.1