Cold chilly morning with occasional snow falling lightly to remind 271us that Winter was not yet distant from us. I read a quantity of Virgil pleasantly and at the Office was busy in making out my Quarterly Account for the close of the week. It is long and requires a little explanation. Took a walk, and in the course of it, went to examine the condition of the vacated House. Found it better than I had anticipated. On my return home I found Mrs. Angier from Medford. She talked a little with me and received a draught of a receipt for her to sign previous to her taking the legacy due to her. She also talked of other affairs from all which I gained important information.

My Afternoon passed in my usual studies. In the evening we went to a Ball given by Mrs. Charles Thorndike. It was to the Bride.1 The company was small but I enjoyed myself at it, full as much as one can at any of these things. The course of life however warns me that I am not in the front rank. The day is past when I was welcome to the unmarried ladies. Home early.

Morning cool but pleasant. I went to the Office as usual. Employed in my Accounts which I finished drawing up. They are on the whole favourable not containing any loss excepting this last one of Graves’ which is a bad business. I suppose it is not the fate of any one to steer totally clear of loss of some kind or other. The only thing is 1 to make them as few as possible. I have done my best and suppose that I have only my share. I did not get a chance to read much. Took a walk with Mr. Peabody. Afternoon, read a little of Spanish and Italian. The latter is on the whole, I think the easiest, or else I have an easier work to begin with. The Peruvian letters are french love letters. No Indians ever had any idea of such things. Evening, reading Eugene Aram and the life of Napoleon.

I was very busy after I reached the Office today. I went over the Account which was already drawn up and after proving it’s correct-272ness, drew up an explanatory letter to my father.1 I recommended to him his future measures also, by which he might relieve himself of all further responsibility as it related to the legacy of the children. I do not know whether he will pursue my suggestions, but it seems to me that if he does, he may see light through his engagements, before long. If on the other hand, he should not he will only plunge himself deeper and deeper every moment. For he seems to have lost most of his interest in the management of Property. I waited at the Office until two o’clock for Mr. Angier to come and get his Money but he did not appear. The day was warm but blustering.

Afternoon. Copied my letter to my Father and settled with Mr. Angier by Checks which I drew for Monday. He remained half an hour in a matter that required only a few minutes. I felt the want of exercise so much that I consumed the rest of the Afternoon in a walk. Evening at home. Read Eugene Aram.