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.

Morning clear and pleasant. Went to the Office as usual and occupied myself in continuing the Debates in the Virginia Convention. Read the Speeches of Messrs. Madison, Lee and Nicholas,1 which all of them confirmed me in my former opinions. Some of my time was also taken up in money matters and in writing my regular Diary. Also a short time at the Athenaeum, and a walk.

Afternoon. Read the rest of the third book de Finibus containing an explanation of the Stoic or Doctrine of Zeno. Much of it is obscure and unintelligible, justifying the supposition of Cicero that the School was made to be a distinct School rather than from variance in doctrine. The vanity of the former Philosophers did more mischief to the intellectual character than their ingenuity reflected credit.

Continued Sir Joshua Reynolds’ Lectures and in the evening read the Life of George 4th to my Wife previous to our going to the Ball at Mrs. N. Appleton’s.2 It was an excessively crowded party, very much mixed from the necessity of the case, he being the Representative from this district in Congress. I did not enjoy myself much. Many of the People I did not know, others I did not have any opportunity of seeing as I wished. So that I was glad to get away. But they were both very brilliant affairs, these two balls, and I am glad I attended them though 180I cannot say I wish to be going again. Glad to get home and close by reading the Spectator.