The Celebration of this day by the firing of Cannon strikes me as a new practice.1 It is probably one of General Jackson’s Reforms. But one would think it was rather the celebration of a legal day for introduction to Office than for homage to any particular event.

I went to the Office. The weather still mild. Occupied in my usual way, and made considerable progress in reading the Institutes of Justinian in the parts that relate to Testaments and Trusts, which we appear to have borrowed very much. I cannot help admiring the wisdom of the general provisions of these laws. They seem to have reached the point intended, Equity, and are not founded like some portions of our Common Law upon partial views.

Took my usual walk, but found myself quite oppressed by a cold. Went to dine with Mr. Chardon Brooks. Nobody there but my Wife and myself. Returned home at four and pursued the Oration for Caecina in which I made considerable progress. I think it a very remarkable production, exhibiting an infinite deal of Lawyer’s power. I am glad to have an opportunity to read such an effort.

Evening, Conversation with my Wife. Miss Adams spent the day out, returned in the evening with Mr. Angier. This latter gentleman is rather a dull man. Greek Grammar, and commenced the Spectator. I had intended giving an opinion here of the Tatler but find I write too much. The book has on the whole given me pleasure. I recollect few of the numbers as remarkable, and none as very striking. The character of the publication is a medium between high and low.

Morning mild. Went to the Office as usual. Engaged during much of the time in reading the Institutes of Justinian which I admire exceedingly. They strike me very favourably especially as the compilation of an arbitrary prince. Nothing of particular importance took place during the period. I went down to a sale of Stocks and visited Mr. Brooks. Took a long walk returning with Quincy.

Afternoon short as Mr. Angier dined here and Miss Adams remains some days longer. I finished the Oration for Caecina and began a review of it. The substance is difficult and it turns upon the meaning of words. But the ability it displays is not less than usual. Mr. Angier came in the evening again and sat here. He is on the whole a pretty 4stupid man. I do not find any thing to seize upon in order to draw him out. After he went, I read Greek Grammar and finished the Tatler.