Morning clear, but still having much in it of the East Wind. I went to the Office as usual and read Graham without interruption during the morning so that I progressed very rapidly indeed. One reading however will hardly be sufficient. And much reflection and reconsideration will be necessary to form any thing like an agreeable production, or even a sensible one. The task I have undertaken too is a hard one and perhaps at this stage almost sure to fail. But then it has much ingenuity to recommend it.

My mornings now pass very quietly and without disturbance. The afternoon was spent in writing and that very steadily though as usual very much dissatisfied with my first draft. To write is easy, to write well is the hardest of all things. I have nearly finished my first sketch which is rough enough. This evening, being invited to Mr. Frothingham’s I walked down and passed the Evening. Nobody but Chardon besides my wife and myself. Tolerably pleasant, but I took too much supper.

Morning clear but with the usual chill in the Air from the East wind which is generally prevalent at this season. I went to the Office a little under the influence of a head ach from eating imprudently last evening. On this account, having finished Graham and finding that I was not equal to much attention to business, I thought I would take a walk. I accordingly went to the beginning of the Neck, and though not directly benefitted, found the advantage in the course of the day.

Called to see Mr. Foster and obtain my bill of him which he would not send in, I suppose fearful of my intending to make a change which I do contemplate, it is very certain. He told me also that I might have Mr. Knapp’s share in the Boylston Market which we had been talking about. I have invested every thing I can for this Quarter already it must be allowed, but I believe notwithstanding I shall accept this offer.

I called also to see Mrs. Bittner and try to arrange with her about her debt to Hollis. She has gathered courage and is now very stubborn. I must see Hollis and settle the matter. Returned to my Office, found Deacon Spear who came to inquire for his Note, and to inform me that he designed paying it, upon the first of May. I accordingly sat down and wrote to him i.e. JQA about it which took the rest of the time.1 Miss Julia Gorham and her brother John dined with us. My afternoon was not passed as profitably as might be because my head ach did not go off until the latter part of it. But I succeeded in reading over carefully the History of Virginia in Chalmers, Robertson and Graham.

The Sun set in all his glory tonight and shone in full upon the curtains of my room, throwing thus a blaze of living light upon my study. This is delicious, and never before, have I felt so fully the great value of this privilege. It cheers the spirits exceedingly. Evening at home reading Eustace to my Wife. Afterwards my father’s Lectures.