Arose rather late and after breakfast which I took in my solitary way, I waited for Abby’s return. She came, but in exceeding low spirits and much affected by having been left alone during the night. I remained with her for some time but finding her still depressed I went out to the Office. My morning was spent in reading Marshall which interested me considerably. Richardson called in and spent an hour with me discussing matters and things in general. He did not seem to be so lively as usual. Indeed time with him has produced much change. 24In reading Marshall I occasionally read the cases referred to which delays me considerably in my regular progress.

Returned home to dine and conversed further with Abby upon the affairs of yesterday. Our happiness returned more gushingly than ever, and I remained at home the whole of the afternoon and evening. I read one or two Articles in the first Volume of the New Monthly Magazine, while Abby was writing a letter to my Mother,1 and afterward finished La Harpe’s Analysis of Longinus, which was interesting so that I retired feeling much more happy and contented than ever.

Morning after leaving Abby, I went down to the Office and sat reading Marshall a large portion of the time. As I become more regular I find myself better able to allot my time to my duties without obstructing or interfering with any. Mr. Hollis called upon me to tell me he had examined some of the repairs as required and made a report wishing me to go and see for myself with the Carpenter’s assistant whom I had required. I pointed out some time during tomorrow. Another person whose name I did not know called with a plate of the Meeting House at Quincy and to ask my opinion as to its Title. I was a little puzzled, for I felt modest about giving to it the proper name.1 Captain Willis Howes was the Master of a trading vessel between this and Alexandria and called to be paid the freight for certain boxes, which I paid. Mr. Carey sent a Man with Copies of my Father’s inscriptions to his Father and Mother, which I corrected and sent to Quincy.2

Dined with my Wife at P. Chardon Brooks’ where I was amused as I always am, for I calculate when there to do nothing but laugh. The strange originality of his character makes up for some defects in delicacy, and one is induced to smile at what could not strictly be approved. My dinner was a very pleasant one and as Abby staid until evening, I returned there to tea and remained there until near ten o’clock, listening and laughing for I seldom say much. They have been exceedingly kind to us and I feel much obliged to them, as I do not know that I please them—but I have heretofore said so much that I shall only go into needless repetition to continue. So we returned home.