Clear and cold. At the Office as usual and busy collecting more Money. The whole does not make up what I want. But we push along by all kinds of contrivances. I paid some Accounts and passed my whole Morning in such things. Am now in Treaty for a Horse and Chaise with Mr. Forbes, this involves a considerable outlay and a little risk. But my expense on this Account has been so great in past years that I think I shall in the end save money by it. My system has been heretofore of great caution, and I have done well by it. I hope that no change will take place in my character with the improvement of my fortune.

On returning home, found that I. H. Adams had gone to Quincy and I was quite surprised at the difference his absence seemed to make.1 He says little, but there is something in the presence of a human being which you don’t understand either when one is with you, or when you never have it, but which becomes perceptible when one to whom you have become accustomed leaves you. I read Spanish and Italian as usual. In the evening, to my Wife, Eugene Aram.

This was the day appointed according to custom for the keeping a general fast. A practice now somewhat nominal as the prosperity of the Country has been such that it is very unnecessary. The Clouds that seem now to be rapidly gathering over the political horizon may alter the case considerably.

I attended Divine Service in the morning and heard though I gathered little or nothing from a Sermon by Mr. Frothingham on repentance. Acts 3.19. “Repent ye therefore and be converted.” My attention is a capricious thing. It will not stick by a Speaker or a book unless constantly forced. I am training myself more and more but yet do not accomplish the whole.

I did intend to go again in the Afternoon but was caught by a Nap until over the hour. Read a considerable part of the North American Review for April which is unusually dull. Evening quietly at home.

The days are clear but exceedingly cold for the Season. The quantity of ice made at the North chills us through whenever the wind is from that Quarter. I went to the Office and was occupied all my time 275in making Leases, drawing Accounts and a Writ against the Graves’s. This to be effectual ought to have been done at first. Now I expect very little from it. Finished my bargain for my Horse and Chaise which I think on the whole a pretty fair one for the other party. Took a walk with Mr. Peabody.

Afternoon Rode to Quincy. Called at the House and arranged with Carr, the Tenant, then went to Mrs. Adams’. Transacted the little business I had up there. Conversed with her upon various matters relating to herself. And returned to town in time for rather a late Tea. Then went with my Wife and I. Hull, who came back today, to Mrs. Frothingham’s to hear the Church Choir perform some of their Music. They did a great deal better today. And some two or three pieces I was charmed with. But the voices are not good. Returned home early, but being fatigued omitted all but the Spectator.