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.

The Morning was as warm as any during the Summer, but it cooled off with rain and a thunder shower before night. We all attended divine service in the morning and heard Mr. C. T. Thayer deliver a discourse in quite a smooth, flowing manner. He imitates Mr. Everett and not badly. Indeed if his matter bore him out, I know no young man in the Pulpit who would succeed better. He dined with us and seemed pleasant enough though I have a prejudice against him from a resemblance to his brother. To think that he only a year before me in College has found a settlement in life, while I am as yet on the mere threshold.1 Yet we are all advancing with rapid steps into the midst of active and bustling existence. There is no time to be lost by any one if he is wise enough to think.

As it rained, we did not go, (Abby and I) in the afternoon. She read French to me after which I read Le Batteux. Not much to be got from him. After all my notion is the true one. Oratory can hardly be acquired by learning the mere theory.