Remained at Quincy all day. More of a Summer feeling in this than I have experienced for some time. Read a considerable portion of Thucydides, containing the history of the affair of Pylus and the Island of Sphacteria which brought the People of Sparta instantly to terms. The mistake was the grasping for more on the part of the Athenians. This is perhaps one of the unfavourable features of Republics. Read some also of Sidney who argues from the badness of one to the goodness of another, which is hardly right. The extremes of Government are equally pernicious.

Afternoon, finished Seneca’s first book of Benefits containing all the common places relating to the manner of dispensing them. We had a brief shower after which I went and took a bath. I think I never felt the water more delightful nor saw it more clear. Engaged afterwards in copying. Quiet evening.

My Wife accompanied me to Boston and thence to Charlestown to see Mr. and Mrs. Everett. We found them in tolerably good health and spirits. She was looking much better than I expected. I stayed only a minute and returned to town. I did very little however, after my arrival. A walk to the House after a book or two, with some two or three Commissions is all I could mention to account for my time. My Wife remained at Charlestown to come over with Mr. Everett. I called for her at one at Mrs. Carter’s and we reached home to dinner.

Afternoon, I read a good deal of Seneca’s Second book of benefits. As a moralist he certainly stands exceedingly high. I do not know any more pure and clear idea of Charity than that exhibited in this book, always excepting the divine commandment. Took an agreeable bath with my father at the Wharf and passed the evening quietly at home.

Morning very warm with clouds, and in the afternoon some rain. I attended divine Service all day and heard Mr. Whitney. His morning Sermon upon the nature of the Saviour as a Communion Sermon. Some observations upon the inaccuracy of the Text. For my part, I think the substitute proposed is as expressive. I was not attentive however, my mind being somewhat in vacancy.

Read today, a part of the life of Canning. His biographer claims an undue share of credit to him for his influence in South American 341Affairs. Mr. Canning recognized the independence of these States, not from any sympathy with them, nor from any regard to the question which had been existing for so long between the Colonies and the Mother Country. He did it because it suited the interest of Great Britain, because the commercial interest was to be consulted, and more markets were to be secured for the consumption of British Manufactures. Mr. Cannings principles were somewhat of a singular character. A stiff supporter of the aristocratic features of the Government of his own Country, he yet knew how to use the popular doctrines in his intercourse with foreign nations, when they availed his single purpose of benefitting England.