Morning cold and clear. I went to the Office as usual and occupied myself with my Journal, Accounts and other duties, as well as with Enfield. But as there must always be something or other to distract my attention, so today it was taken off by the eclipse of the Sun which took place about noon.1 I spent some time in observing this phenomenon. The Sun was not entirely darkened as the eclipse was not total, consequently the light was but partially affected. The cold however was considerable, and the temperature did not recover it throughout the day. The sight is a splendid one. It seems to bring so strongly before the mind the magnificence of the Solar System. The Planet Venus was visible, and a cloud which passed over the Sun presented a beautiful set of colours. Every body was looking and little was done. The appearance of the Streets was certainly curious. Men, Women and Boys all gazing at a spectacle the nature of which there were not many to comprehend.

I went to the Athenaeum for a moment, and then returned home. Miss Julia Gorham dined with us. After dinner, I continued the Orations against Verres, beginning the one upon his Sicilian praetorship. My progress was tolerable. Evening went to the usual Meeting of the Debating Society. Few members present. I had a pleasant conversation, and returned early. Latin Grammar and Tatler.

The weather is steady and cold. No material variation in the Thermometer from about eight or ten, at sunrise, which is severe winter. I attended divine Service and heard Mr. Frothingham deliver a very clever Sermon upon the Eclipse of yesterday. The subject was a good one and he managed it well. Afternoon went alone and heard Mr. Gannett who is a shocking Proser. I like him less than ever since he has ceased to be regularly inflicted upon me,1 yet he is not so bad as most people find him. He has good intention and earnest zeal, without tact or taste.

Returned home late but felt it my duty to sit down and write a Letter to my father at once, as I found by his of yesterday that his eyes are in bad condition.2 This engrossed all my spare time. And I did not accomplish copying it either. This is a business which I feel as if I ought to do and yet as if I could hardly spare the time.3 Evening, 422French, and a little of Buffon upon the Earth which is interesting. Afterwards, Latin Grammar and Tatler.