Morning fine. I read a large part of the second Olynthiac which I find was more thoroughly read at first, than the other was. Then to the Office where I was occupied in writing in continuation of my political squibs. This took all my time so that I did little of a more useful kind.

My father came in at about one o’clock and according to agreement we proceeded to Medford. My mother with Miss Roberdeau, Abby and the child had already gone. We arrived there rather late, but in time for dinner. Had a pleasant time enough. My father seemed to be in pretty good spirits and Mr. Brooks quite comfortable. It is a long time since I have been out there. And the autumn with its falling leaves and chilly wind reads a moral to the mind that remembers last the richness of Summer vegetation and the extreme of heat. I have no fancy for the Country after the sharp frosts, at least in this climate.

We returned home shortly after dinner calling on the way at Mr. Angier’s where Miss Roberdeau was left to stay for a day or two. I felt upon going home almost as unsettled as at first. This is not pleasant. I wasted the Evening, reading only Bacon and the Spectator.

Morning pleasant although rather cooler than it has been. Finished the second Olynthiac of Demosthenes before going to the Office. Find it easier than the last. When at the Office was engaged in writing but as usual my productions did not satisfy me. All my late efforts come to nothing. This is mortifying and discouraging. I went to the Athenaeum and from thence home. Afternoon finished the fifteenth book of Letters to Atticus. It is lucky they are drawing to a close or my patience would hardly hold out the difficulty of extracting any sense from them.1

In the evening, Read to my Wife the beginning of the History of George 4th which will I hope do much to fill a void in my information and yet be entertaining enough to read aloud.2 Afterwards I read some Chapters of Miss Edgeworth’s book on Practical Education which deserve serious consideration.3 On the whole, this day was passed more to my satisfaction than usual. Read Bacon’s Essay upon Anger and two numbers of the Spectator.

Morning fair. I began reviewing the third Olynthiac this morning, and finished a considerable portion of it. Then to the Office but my time was wasted very much. The mason was at work in the next room 161upon the fireplace there and I felt obliged to oversee him so much that I left myself little else to do. This is the way my best plans come to an end. I ought to sit down and work hard and I cut up my time into such shreds as to do nothing. Took a short walk before dinner.

Afternoon spent pretty quietly at home continuing the Letters to Atticus of which I have got into the sixteenth and last book. My time now passes so quietly, I have little or nothing left to record. Read Bacon’s Essay upon the Vicissitude of Things making the last of his finished ones. I have been about two Months reading these, for the third time. And the more I read them, the more I admire the profoundness of their Author.

Evening, read Miss Edgeworth. Miss Julia Gorham was here and I read aloud from the Specimens of American Poetry.1 Finished by the Spectator.