Morning cloudy with rain. I went to the Office as usual. After writing my Diary which on this day of the week always takes much time, I went over to vote—This being the day in which by the new law, all the State Officers are chosen together. The distracted state of public feeling here leads to exceedingly divided votes. And this owing to the wretched mismanagement of the party called the National Republican. This party, not having any particular grounds to adhere with, splits into a thousand divisions upon the most trifling causes. As a party I have done with it, and instead will try to stick to an independent judgment even though by it I throw away my vote.1 Took a short walk, stopping first at the Athenaeum.

Afternoon. Read Cicero’s first book De finibus, containing an examination of the Epicurean Doctrine. It is delightful from the flowing easy nature of the style and the clearness of the argument.

Evening. Read Mason’s translation of Du Fresnoy on Painting with the Notes of Sir Joshua Reynolds,2 and after it the latter’s Journey in Holland and Flanders.3 All these things give me new ideas. Read the Spectator.

The rain which fell heavily during the night ceased and gave us a very beautiful morning. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied after writing my Journal in reading the Journal of the Virginia Convention. Patrick Henry seems to have been as mad as a March hare upon the subject, and therefore totally unable to give distinct reasons for his course. Mr. Monroe was much more sensible. Mr. Marshall came out here in defence of the system. Took a walk as usual.

Afternoon, read a large part of Cicero’s second book de finibus in which he endeavours to refute the Epicurean doctrine. The selfish nature of it is well exposed, but I think he hardly argues on the true basis when he does not admit the definitions of his Opponent. The Epicurean doctrine as explained by Torquatus in the first book is a harmless one if not the true one. It does in fact make virtuous conduct the happiness of life.

Evening. Read Sir Joshua Reynolds’ five first discourses which are exceedingly sensible, then dressed myself to go to a Ball at Mrs. J. L. Gardner’s with my Wife.1 It was the most splendid affair I have seen since I have been in Boston, and I enjoyed myself pretty well. Returned by eleven and read the Spectator.

Morning clear and calm. I went to the Office as usual and passed my time in writing and reading a little more of the Debates in the Virginia Convention. This displays as clearly as any thing the character of the People. For they spent a great deal of time in talking about nothing; in going round the question, in general debate and furious declamation and little in a philosophical Analysis of questions of Government.

At twelve, I went with Mrs. Frothingham, Miss Dexter, Miss Glover 179and my Wife to see a new Picture by W. Alston. The subject taken from the “Italian.”1 I think it is in many respects a superior picture. The expression of the frightened figure is very powerfully done, as well as the effect of the lamp light upon the faces of the pair. But I have doubts upon the head of the Friar and the Unity of the Picture, by this I mean the difference in the direction of the eyes of the two figures. Would it have been better, had they had the same? On the whole, this specimen of the Artist’s manner is creditable.

From thence I went to look at some Engravings advertised to be sold,2 which turned out much better than I anticipated. Dined at Mr. Frothingham’s. Nothing of very material interest.

Afternoon, finished the second and began the third book of the Moral Treatise de Finibus. Evening quiet at home. Read some of Sir Joshua Reynolds, and as usual, the Spectator.