Morning cloudy which ended in a thunder Storm. I pursued the study of Aristotle as usual and formed clearer ideas of his doctrines and illustrations. A critic should not exercise his Art, until he has read him thoroughly. Went to the Office and was busy in reading over and destroying the remainder of the Papers belonging to my Brother. 103Among others a great many of my letters.1 Some of which I read and could not help thinking of the alteration in myself. I have lost ground since then, at least in genius if not in morals. I could not write so sprightly a letter now if I was to try ever so hard. Returned home.

Afternoon, Attended a Meeting of the Directors of the Boylston Market. No business of importance so that we adjourned soon. I drew up the record for both Meetings and returned home in time to avoid a Thunder Storm. Read the Fifth book of Cicero’s Familiar Letters, one or two of which at the close are very obscure.

Evening quiet. My Wife continues quite tolerably. I conversed a short time with my Mother, after which I read Mr. Pye and the Spectator.

The weather very sultry, though cloudy. After reading my usual portion of Aristotle, I went to the Office. Time passed quietly and with only one or two interruptions. I. Hull Adams came from Quincy and called in to say a word, and my father’s man John Kirke. I read a little of the second Volume of the Defence, looked over my Accounts and went to a sale of Wine to see how it was, but did not feel like paying a high price for it. Called in at Mr. Brooks, and upon my return at the Office I sat down to copying my Father’s Bible Letters, the originals of which I found in a much damaged state, in the Papers of George.1

Returned home and spent the Afternoon in reading Cicero’s Letters. They are very interesting. The Author throws himself out of his Robe. These however still have an under dress. The letters to Atticus are said to display the man naked. My Mother and Wife went to Charlestown to pay a visit or two, so that we took Tea late. T. B. Adams Jr. called and passed the Evening. He has just returned from a Journey of considerable length.2 After a little talk with my Mother, I read Aristotle and the Spectator.

Morning dark, with very heavy rain, but it cleared away before 104night. After reading Aristotle, I went to the Office. Mr. Tenney called to pay me his rent. I went afterwards to do some little Commissions. Found at the Post Office a Packet for me containing the long threatened publication about my poor brother.1 It is bad enough to be sure, but I felt on the whole as if it was better out than kept as it has been two years hanging over us. Farmer has not spared falsehood, to increase the effect of his tale.

I walked down to the Athenaeum and from thence to obtain some Wood for my family. The walk drenched me so that I went directly home and changed my dress. This made it too late to return to the Office.

Afternoon, engaged in reading the Letters of Cicero. Perhaps there is a little too much sameness in his expressions of kindness and offer of service. But his advice to Trebatius is excellent. It is this kind of encouragement that great men have it in their power to do good by. For their opinion gives force to truth. My Mother and Wife went to Cambridge to see Mr. and Mrs. E. Brooks, and did not return until late. I finished Mr. Pye’s Commentary, and read two numbers of the Spectator.