The weather changed during the night and this morning we found it quite cool with an Easterly Wind. This put us in mind of fulfilling our engagement. So that after breakfast Abby started with me to go to town. I drove to P. C. Brooks Jr. where she got out, and then went myself to the Office. Stopped to see Mr. Stephen Brown and inquire if he had any Atlas Insurance Stock for sale.1 He thought he had ten shares but the man concluded to keep them, and I was disappointed of the Investment I had hoped to make for my father.

My time was much cut up. I was in State Street for some time and there met Mr. J. H. Foster who asked me to go and see the Shark caught lately, who was supposed to have destroyed the man from 286Lynn.2 Rather a terrific animal as I should think to meet single handed. His teeth are arranged with a singular economy, for prey. The inner row lie flat in the mouth unless when necessary for use, when they strike as firmly as the external row, and both are sharp as the teeth of a saw.

I read a little of Horace Walpole today also. It then became time for me to start for Medford, so that calling for Abby at Miss Julia Gorham’s, I rode with her out of town. We found Mrs. Frothingham as usual, with Miss Phillips one of the large number from Andover. An innumerable quantity the count of whom it is difficult to keep.3 I did little or nothing after dinner though I attempted to read the first part of Le Batteux, Principes de la Construction Oratoire.4 Edward B. Hall, and afterwards Mr. Stetson called and passed the larger part of the Evening here in conversation, so that I had only a very short period of time to apply to Winthrop whom I have resumed.

The morning was cloudy and from the exhaustion of last week I probably slept much more soundly than usual, for it was breakfast time before I arose. My wife had not a very good night, she being affected by some of the prescriptions given to her by the physician Dr. Holbrook.1 After breakfast rode to town accompanied by Mr. Frothingham. The road extremely dusty.

At the Office, occupied in writing my Journal and arranging my accounts. Read a little of Horace Walpole’s Memoires but my time slipped away so rapidly I did not accomplish much. My friend Richardson called in to see me for the first time for a considerable period. I was obliged to stop the conversation, in order to attend a sale of Stocks at Merchant’s Hall where I wished to buy.2 Insurance Stock went so high, I declined making any purchase, and now I feel it doubtful whether I shall be able to make any investment at all. Mr. 287Degrand came in afterwards to ask me to get a power to sign for the State Bank Stock, as he was projecting a movement there. I told him I would see about it. Mr. Curtis came in to tell me that my father’s picture had arrived and was ready for transportation. I called in at Doggett’s to see it, and was disappointed in the effect of Sully’s finishing.3 Thence to Medford. Found P. C. Brooks and Lt. Griswold of the Army there to dine. The day turned out very warm, and I was so sleepy that my progress in Le Batteux was not very rapid, at least so far as being thorough was concerned. Evening passed in conversation.

When absent from Medford I think I like it, because I try to, but when I go back there, things are constantly presenting themselves to me in a very disagreeable way. The true secret is that there are no leading points of agreement in opinion and feeling between Mr. Brooks and myself.