The day was a very fine one. I arose later than usual from having disturbed rest on account of the Baby. I have tried her three nights and have slept but about half as much as I commonly do. Isaac Hull went to Boston with his brother Thomas. I therefore1 did not continue with Demosthenes. My father stopped me with a few moments Conversation. He entertains the intention of purchasing the Patriot Newspaper as a Speculation, in case of his not being nominated for any situation which should make it improper, and he suggested to me the idea of becoming it’s editor, to be assisted by him as a Contributor.2 This is a matter for consideration. Some circumstances might make the situation quite desirable to me while the care, responsibility and hazard would rather alter my present smooth way of living. I told him that I would consider of it. Read a little of the Federalist, but my attention was shaken by thinking upon this subject. I copied a letter for my Father which took up a good deal of time.3

Afternoon, walked with him to the Orchard at Mount Wollaston, and examined the condition of the Trees. Found them pretty well, but overgrown with suckers about the root, which I felt obliged to Clip. So that my afternoon’s work was somewhat laborious. We got home by Sunset, and I read Bacon’s Essay, of suspicion.

Evening, from my walk, and my sleeping so little of late, I was very drowsy. Read the Spectator and retired early.

Morning clear, warm and very pleasant. Occupied myself this morning in my usual way. Read a large part of the first Olynthiac of Demosthenes, in which he tries to encourage the People of Athens in their struggle with Philip. He uses in this a figure which struck me before in the Oration for the Crown. Here it is amplified—The pains and aches which remain concealed in a healthy body, but break forth again upon the Attack of any new Disease. Is not this coming close to the border of the Rule as to unpleasant objects?1 I also read attentively the Numbers of the Federalist written by Mr. Madison upon the powers and nature of the Government of the United States. They certainly qualify my Father’s position in his late Oration and increase my doubts formerly entertained of the solidity of it.2 I mean to say that though I think the argument he urges is eminently necessary for the safety of the Union, yet that it was not at the time of the formation of the System the intent of its makers to rest upon it.

Afternoon, read a part of the letters to Atticus, but I am so little provided with the necessary Notes and explanations here, that I do not take their force so fully. Bacon’s Essay on Discourse, which contains a great deal of sense, as usual. This little book might be made a practical guide for human conduct though not always for good. The wheat must be winnowed.

Evening at home. Conversation with my Mother. I communicated to her my father’s proposition and talked with her over it. I have reflected upon it considerably. Yet it is hardly of importance until we shall see what a month may bring forth. The objections I find rest in my political opinions, and in my father’s decided temper which leads him to neglect tact, and make the prospects of the paper’s support suffer. These may be avoided if I can obtain the management of i.e. obtain management for the fiscal concerns and confine myself to the literary portion of the Paper in the editorial department. On the other hand the advantages are numerous. It will give me an employ-142ment, at once creditable and useful, perhaps profitable, and it may enable me to obtain reputation sooner than in the beaten road.

Read the Affairs of 1830 in the Cyclopedia, finishing the first Volume, and the Spectator.