Morning clear and cool. I went to the Office and was occupied in my usual way. First in my Diary and Accounts and then in the Life of Sheridan which afforded me a great degree of amusement. His at-184tempts when compared with his subsequent performances are enough to encourage writers like myself who have no great confidence in themselves. He pruned and polished with a care which is not consistent with the general character of indolence sustained by him. Took a walk.

Afternoon finished the first Tusculan upon Death, which is one of the most pleasing to me of all Cicero’s works. I like the spirit in which it is written, the philosophy which it inculcates and the acquaintance with nature it displays. Cicero is the first remarkable instance in Antiquity of Versatility of Powers. He was a Poet, a Philosopher, an Orator and a Statesman. In three of these he reached the first rank, and his claim in the other is not settled. Perhaps he may be considered as the only instance for Voltaire was no Orator, not much of a Statesman and though dealing in many things was superficial in all but his Poetry.

Evening, reading the Italian, to my Wife who is suffering from a Cold. After which I continued my sketch, the substance of which is much better than the way it is managed. Read the Spectator.

Morning clear and cool. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied while there in reading and my usual duties. I continued the Life of Sheridan with unabated interest, and was fascinated by the account of his successes as a Speaker. Indeed little could be supposed more delightful to a man than the union of such brilliant wit as to put him at the head of one department of the Drama and the highest powers of eloquence. It is an example of the versatility of human powers which I was thinking of yesterday.

Col. Russel Freeman interrupted my meditations. He came to pay me a short visit and to complain of the course of the Courier. I told him pretty freely my sentiments upon the present state of parties. He is in quest of place and like all men of that kind feels twenty cords pulling in various directions.1 He stated his case pretty plainly, but all I could do was to be sorry for him. Took a short walk.

Afternoon reading the second of the Tusculans upon the Question “Whether pain is an evil.” A point which however ingeniously discussed requires only a little common sense to be resolved.

Evening reading the Italian, until Mr. Brooks came in. He has just moved from Medford and is now under all the discomfort of a change to a man at his time of life. I pity his case.2 He gave us a direct invitation to go out there, next Summer. I did not know what to say. After 185this I went to a party at Mrs. J. Welles’ which was pleasant enough.3 But returned early being without my Wife. Read the Spectator.