Morning quite mild and cloudy. The alternations of weather are worse than continued cold. I went to the Office as usual. After the regular duties, I saved an hour for the purpose of reading Gibbon, but a part of it was encroached upon by a call from Mr. Degrand whom I had consulted about investing some money, so that I in fact accomplished only a portion of a Chapter. Then took a walk. The day was not favourable but I thought it better to take exercise notwithstanding. My health is now excellent and I ought to keep it so. Indeed when I consider my present situation, it seems to be as near happiness as man can well get. So much so that the only danger is the chances of an unfavourable change are so much greater than either remaining as I am or doing better. In all things, however, good or evil I trust in a power far above this world.

Finished the fourth Book to Herennius this Afternoon which compels me to look round for some new subject to employ my mind upon. It is a chance whether I shall be so well satisfied. I leave the works of Cicero as one parts with an old acquaintance, quite unwillingly. Evening I had intended going to Mr. Everett’s but Gorham Brooks and his Wife came in and kept me. Read the 23d book of the Iliad and the Guardian.

Morning mild and foggy. I went to the Office and occupied myself much as usual. Tried to put a little more method into my private Accounts, a thing I have been in vain attempting ever since my Marriage. Read also a little of Gibbon embracing the account of the death of Julian and the accession of Jovian. He seems to slight the indiscretion of the former and to press upon the consequent misfortunes of the latter. Probably because he had taken his side upon the subject of Christianity and thus failed in the first duty of the historian. The weather was so bad I did not walk.

Afternoon. Concerned in bottling the rest of my new wine and in making some alterations in my Library with a view to a little more room and also to setting apart my Classical Department by itself. This consumed the whole of my time until it was the hour fixed to go to Mrs. Frothingham’s. The weekly parties of the family are to be resumed. Found there in the course of the time Edward Brooks, Gorham and P. C. and Wives, Mr. Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Parkman, Miss Hall and ourselves. Mrs. F. was quite unwell. The time was pretty agreeable. 228Returned home in time to read the last book of the Iliad and the Guardians.