Morning cloudy with wind from the North and occasionally rain. I concluded to stay at home. Occupied all my morning in reading and beginning another and a more Review like Article. Whether I shall be 317able to persevere remains yet a mystery. But the subject is a good one, and I every day reflect that I ought to be doing something. There is a pleasure in definite occupation which pays one independently of profit. The action of the mind is nourished and that of the pen improved, while the passage of time is hardly felt.

In the afternoon I began to read over Mr. Vaughan in connection with the other writers. I believe I shall attempt to make a plan something like this. In the morning to put to paper the reflection of the preceding day. And thus go on until I have finished the volumes, after which I may cut down or enlarge and arrange as I may see fit. The evening was uncommonly cold. I was at home as usual.

Morning clear but very cold for the season. In going to town, I felt the want of clothing even with my great coat. So upon arriving I went immediately to the house and put on my flannels. This I do with more willingness as I find it is recommended as a preventive against the Cholera, the approach of which seems to be much dreaded. The Boston people are in so much alarm that it will prepare the way finely for the disease. The Accounts from Canada are very indefinite. But it seems tolerably evident that the Country from the inundation of emigrants is suffering severely. I executed some Commissions, looked over Accounts and wasted my time a little, then returned to Quincy. The afternoon was passed reading Vaughan carefully. Evening as usual.

Fine morning. Indeed I do not know that in the course of the year we enjoy much pleasanter weather than this day. I remained quietly at home. And was occupied all my time in reading over attentively the work of Mr. Vaughan. I find that it is much easier for me to write down as I go along, so that I have given up my former scheme as long as I am engaged upon the first draught. After that, as I find my mind is certainly clearer in the morning, I believe I shall take that exclusively for writing.

I now see how much I lose in Boston from my habits of life. The morning, by far to me the most effective portion of the day, is there totally wasted in trifles. Cut up by piecemeal in odd jobs and profitless reading even when I do read. As I live here, on the contrary, it seems to me to be productive at least of a little benefit to myself and consequently of self-satisfaction. I take exercise of an agreeable kind 318in the Garden, and am on the whole, at present free from any particular anxiety. For all this I am grateful. Quiet evening.