Morning cloudy and cold, threatening a storm. Rode to town as usual, and passed a large part of my morning at the House in pursuing the Catalogue of my father’s books in Boston at my House.1 I was also overlooking several changes which are going on at my House. I propose to mend the condition of things there a little. My study was so charming, I felt very much indisposed to leave it, but was obliged to.

Stopped at the new City Hall to a sale of the Stock and found that it was all as high as ever. Returned to my office late and found little or nothing to do. My time is now so much cut up that I cannot feel disposed to undertake large designs for want of it, and small ones use it up badly. Returned to Medford. Mr. and Mrs. Everett dined with us and it was tolerably pleasant. They went home early.

As the portion of time devoted to my stay here was rapidly vanishing I took an opportunity to ask Mr. Brooks to accompany me to see the Apple Trees for my Father’s Garden which I wished to purchase from the Nursery of a man by the name of Warren. After examining them and ascertaining their origin and goodness, I concluded a bargain for eighty of them at twenty five cents a piece. This is to be a fair 325experiment as we can make to get an Orchard.2 Returned to tea, and wasted the Evening in yawning and conversation.

Morning cloudy but rather warm. Mr. Frothingham accompanied me to Boston which was pleasant enough. He is a man of agreeable conversation and mild disposition, without any assumption. At the Office and from thence to the House where I passed an hour occupied upon the Catalogue. My old manservant Benjamin made his appearance today and applied to be taken back again. I was glad to see him, and to talk with him. He had repented of his bargain and therefore I thought might prove more satisfied of the advantages of my situation from his experience of that of others. I engaged him. Returning to the Office I read Hutchinson until dinner time.

Mr. Everett had invited all the Medford party to dine with him and so I went over at two o’clock. Mr. Alex. H. Everett was the only additional person. The dinner was very well but I did not like it. In the afternoon Mr. E’s child was christened by Mr. Walker, before these members of the family and Mrs. Hale—the name was Edward Brooks. That such a man as Mr. Everett should manifest so much fawning sycophancy is enough to disgust me with my species. I believe this is the third Child with that name.1 Returned to Medford accompanied by Mr. Frothingham. Mr. Stetson and Miss Eliz. Brooks paid a short visit.2

Morning remarkably fine, the air being warm and soft. I went to town accompanied by Mr. Frothingham. At the Office part of my time and the rest at my House to which I walked up twice. My picture came home today and I was confirmed in my opinion of it’s merit.1  326My Wife was in town, bringing in Mrs. Sidney Brooks who has finished her visit, which has been pleasant to us all.

My spirits were a little affected. Looking over the announcement of the new Number of the North American I found my Article not included. This is a little mortifying, and the proper course to take upon it is not absolutely clear. I shall wait until my return to town. Mr. Everett may think this fair to a young man struggling into life, but it may turn out unpleasantly. My prospects are respectable, and though it is in the power of others to check them, I trust, are not to be destroyed by any body but myself in this world.

I returned to Medford to dinner, and spent the afternoon in strolling over the Farm with Mr. Brooks. He showed me a body of Mud he was digging out of his Swamp with which he made Manure for his Land, and he went over the place to show me his quantity of Apple Fruit. It is very great. I hope to put the experience I gain here to some profit if I ever should be called to exercise any thing requiring some. Evening Rollin. I was quite fatigued.