Weather cleared off during the Night so that upon this morning it had turned cool and promised an entrance upon Winter. I went to the Office as usual. Had some Conversation with Mr. Welsh about the House in Hancock Street and from that diverged until we got upon the last Election and the prospects of Mr. Webster. He was explaining his agency in the matter when I was obliged to leave him to see Mr. Degrand who came up to ask if I had any orders for the sale of the State Bank Shares, belonging to my Father. I told him, No, and we then proceeded to talk upon subjects in general relating to Stocks and Property of all descriptions which he seemed to have a pretty accurate knowledge of—But talked in an ambiguous manner as all brokers do. After him Richardson called and sat a few minutes talking as usual of nothings. I engaged him to accompany me to Weston next week which he assented to. Dr. Welsh came in apparently to give me some Message but did not owing to the presence of Richardson. The remainder of the morning passed in completing Marshall on Insurance, the Chapters on the Insurance of Life and of Fire which led me to examine the Policies of the Mutual Fire Company, and I then found myself having spent the morning. Afternoon, as usual occupied with Aeschines, a considerable passage of whom I read, but did not com-67plete the whole of my task in the short time I had to perform it in. Two hours each afternoon are not a very large allowance for a study resumed after a lapse of four years or more. My time is not yet entirely employed to my satisfaction. Evening, read a part of Clarissa Harlowe, to Abby, but we were interrupted in our pursuit by the entrance of Mr. Hall, the Clergyman of Northampton, and Cousin of Abby’s.1 His was a short visit, and after it I read a Chapter of La Harpe upon the early Historians of the first Class.

Weather cold and affording us the experience of what here may be called the second Stage of Winter. I went to the Office earlier than usual and sat there with little interruption all day. But I did little as I had forgotten to bring with me from my House the book I proposed to read. I therefore amused myself with looking over the Journal des Scavans a little old volume containing four Numbers.1 But the reviews seemed to be for the most part Theological and uninteresting, and I considered the time as passed unprofitably on the whole.

Mr. Degrand came to know what my opinion of the sale of Stock was, which took place yesterday. I am fearful that my father will not be able to sell out just now at par as that yesterday brought but 59 and a fraction. I have therefore made no propositions and am glad of it. But Bank Stock is now so reduced that I should think it a tolerably safe investment for any person not desiring a great interest. I am on the whole well satisfied that it should be so as I do not feel alarmed about my Stock. After this I had no visitors and so I returned home earlier than usual in order to see Abby who had been unwell this morning and felt quite low spirited. I found Miss Anne Carter with her, and shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Everett came in; they all dined with us, and we had a stiff and disagreeable dinner. Why and wherefore I cannot say, but this feeling has grown on me so, that it is now absolutely intolerable. Afternoon, Occupied in study. I completed my translation which should have been made on a preceding day, and continued Aeschines but finished little. I find translation easier than I thought. Words arise very rapidly. In the evening, Clarissa to Abby, after which a Chapter or two of La Harpe on the later Historians. But this branch of his subject is very quickly closed.