Morning cloudy with a chilly East Wind and occasional Showers. I pursued the study of Aeschines for an hour, and found that I had read it pretty thoroughly before. This is some satisfaction in studies of this kind as it shows that the time has not been wasted.

Went to the Office where I was occupied during the day in my Accounts and with two or three persons who came to me as usual about Houses. I went also to vote for State Officers and gave the regular ticket.1 No excitement about this election. Read an Account of France during the period of Louis the 14th. of no interest. The time that I pass at the Office is on the whole that attended with the least satisfaction to me. My Agency Affairs annoy me, and the waste of time discourages me. Took a short walk and returned home.

Afternoon, continued the Oration for Flaccus but found I had read it so badly that I began it over again. It is a desultory examination of Witnesses conducted ably enough. But it has less interest to me than any I have yet read. Evening, continued reading Parry to my Wife, whose Account of the Esquimaux while it is interesting is melancholy. But it is well to see human nature in all its stages. After this, continued Hearne and the Spectator. The numbers on Wit are worth deeper attention.

Morning dark and cloudy with very heavy rain which continued until noon when it cleared up. I continued my review of Aeschines for one hour after which I went down to the Office. Little or nothing material took place, and I pursued my studies with considerable alacrity. Read this morning a portion of An Analysis of Montesquieu’s great Work upon the Spirit of the Laws.1 I have read this pretty thoroughly in extenso, but have no objection to refresh my memory with a short review of the same. Mr. Champney my former Client called and I discussed with him the propriety of his paying me my Fees, he left me as People usually do making fair promises.

Returned home and in the Afternoon sat down to the Oration for Flaccus which I finished and began that for Sylla. The first of these is in some parts dry, in others very imperfect and therefore difficult to trace the meaning, but on the whole it is worth attention as a defence against a mass of witnesses testifying very strongly to a given point. 23Evening, Parry, after which I read Hearne and my usual Numbers in the Spectator.