The day was mild but exceedingly windy, so much so that upon riding back to town I felt exceedingly apprehensive that we should be blown over. My head also felt a little out of order and when I reached home, my entire feelings were far from enviable. Found a note from Miss Oliver inclosing the amount of her taxes for the past year. I did not know what to do about replying to her and so prefer to let the matter go on as it does now, until next Quarter when I shall feel obliged to make a final decision according as she is able to pay. To the Office where Mr. Conant came in to pay me the balance of the sales of wood at Weston. It fell a little short of what I had expected, but it was not a final settlement. Mr. Kinsman came to tell me that Whitney had consented to compromise by giving his Note with satisfactory endorsers to which I assented. I put into his hands the demand against Ayer for Collection, being tired out by his want of punctuality. The remainder of my morning was taken up at the Probate Office where I assumed the responsibility of Administrator of New’s Estate, signed the Bond and inclosed it to my Father for his signature and John’s.1 The latter I objected to in my own mind, but as two were necessary and I could ask no one else I sent it intimating an understanding that no risk was to be incurred by any one but my Father.

In this manner the morning vanished with great rapidity and I returned home. The afternoon was passed in reading over the Essay I had written and as on the whole I approved of it and thought if I once sent one it would help me to write constantly, I set about copying it, so that now I think I shall send it to Mr. A. H. Everett before the close of the month.2 Once acquire confidence and I shall do better. My wife thinks the tone too positive and I believe she is right but I am not able to write milk and water. Evening, reading Eustace’s Account of Naples to my Wife. It is interesting, though his positive tones ought to give me a lesson how disgusting they are. I afterwards continued copying.

Morning bright and somewhat cold. Went to the Office as usual, and occupied myself in my father’s Accounts and business affairs. Called to see Kinsman and found that Mr. Ayer was disposed to resist the claim of rent against him, which is very disagreeable indeed but I cannot see how to help it. A writ must be issued. The amount is trifling but the giving up would be making a sanction of injustice, which I never can do. But I dislike exceedingly going into one case when I am barely out of another. I received this day Prentiss Whitney’s Note indorsed by Baker and Alexander payable in thirty days, for 308.75 clear of expenses, which is a miserable way of getting off, but it is not my fault.1 This is the consequence among many others of the eminently negligent system followed during the last Agency. We can only regret what is past. I had this morning another disagreeable business relating to George settled. Mr. Miles Farmer came up for the last time and after various attempts at extortion, which were strenuously resisted he consented to give me a total release of all demands whatsoever if I would give him up his Note which I consented to do.2 So we exchanged receipts and he went away as I hope not to return to us very soon. I am tired of the sight of his face. Mr. Ayer my Carpenter came in wanting to be paid but I had not the money so was obliged to state the case. My purchase of the Boylston Market Share has embarrassed me. The rest of the time was not well spent.

After dinner I continued writing but felt less satisfied as I went along. Much occurred which puzzled me, and my Wife’s conversation distracted me. But I progressed notwithstanding, and the more as this was the evening of the family meeting which takes place late. I went at eight. It was not over agreeable and I was glad to get home. The severity of remark upon writing a little discouraged me.