The morning was foggy with occasional rain but the weather cleared away in the course of the day. After reading Aeschines I went to the Office and was busy there with my Accounts after which I began reading an Analysis of a Work called La Politique naturelle1 which seemed to contain much that was good. I could not give it my undivided attention from the nature of my morning work and interruptions which have the effect of preventing any continued action of the mind upon one subject. I lose though not without perpetual regret much of my most valuable time.

Afternoon. I completed a large part of the Oration de Haruspicum Responsis. It seems to have been a burst of Anger against Clodius in the usual manner of this Orator, attacking him at all points. As specimens of Invective these are wonderful but it is to be doubted whether on the whole this species of Oratory helps a man. It was the source of most of Cicero’s sufferings and it will always make abundance of enemies so watchful that your fortune must be surprising to escape their shafts at every point. I think this remark applicable to my father who has drawn much of his manner from these sources.

Evening, we continued Dr. Walsh but Edmund Quincy came and spent two hours. After which I continued Mackenzie and read the Spectator. My Wife received a letter from my Mother,2 containing nothing new.

Morning at the Office after the usual portion of time passed in reading Aeschines. Engaged in reading La Politique Naturelle, which turns out to be a high toned paper of the Revolutionary period of France, written before it and probably contributing in some degree to the catastrophe. There is much in it of valuable1 and then again there is a little that looks more like the ranting of Demagogues than sober sense. I was interrupted by superintending the repairs of Mr. Welsh’s which have nearly reached a close. The cost will probably be greater than it ought but the room is now put into complete repair, and will I hope give me no trouble for some time. I wish I could throw up this business for it is a terrible thing to have a doubt about the propriety of what one does.

Returned home, and in the Afternoon was occupied in finishing and carefully reviewing the Oration upon the Answers of the Haruspices. Every time I do this satisfies me that the Author is not felt comparatively upon the first reading.

Evening. Received letters from my father and John which announce the probability, of my father and Mother’s coming on soon.2 Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham came in and passed an hour pleasantly enough. After which I read Mackenzie and two numbers of the Spectator.

Morning clear and pleasant. After my attention to Aeschines, I went to the Office and was first saluted by my Tenant Mrs. Proctor who came with excuses and part payment of her rent. I received both though not with a feeling of much comfort. My time was considerably interrupted. Mr. Peabody paid me a visit, having returned from Exeter and about some business which I was glad to see as he may be encouraged to continue his Office. Mr. Hewit called upon me. This was a visit upon that old business of Farmer’s. I could hardly have supposed that a man could have so many ways of teazing. He now proposes to publish, and this was one of Dr. Storer’s friends who was desirous of 33suppressing the publication by a bribe. I told him precisely my Opinion upon the folly of any attempt of the kind but at the same time as he seemed so anxious I told him I would do my share.1 I read but little in consequence of all this.

Dined with my Wife at P. Chardon Brooks’. He gave me some good Hock Wine. Returned home and read the remainder of the Oration de Resp. Harusp. together with a part of that for Plancius. Evening at home. Continued reading Walsh, and after it finished Mackenzie, and read the Spectator as usual.