Heavy rain in the morning which prevented my going to town as I had intended. Occupied in pasting labels for my father so that I have not much to say in favour of my own progress. A bath at noon. The water was chilly and I had a cold so that I was not perfectly confident of the prudence of the measure.

I finished the first volume of the life of Cromwell, and was surprised to find how much could be said in his favour. Indeed there have been few men who have had so much injustice done them. All the fables about his early life seem to be conclusively disproved. And a great deal 344of stuff has been published about his private character, originating in the malignity of a subsequent, unprincipled age. I think I shall attempt to write something upon this subject.

Afternoon continued reading the third book of Seneca, upon benefits—Whether a Slave can confer a benefit upon his master. He settles it clearly. Evening quiet at home. The weather cleared but the musquitoes were troublesome. Finished the second volume of the Political life of Canning.

Beautiful morning. I went to town. Time engrossed by the usual variety of little minutiae which benefit nobody and vex me. It is making a considerable sacrifice to the few people who come to see me, to go and waste much of what might prove serviceable. Whether I am taking the right course or missing my way it is impossible to say. I do sometimes mistrust myself. But then I know that all that has been gained by me within three years has been the result not of acquirement at the Office but of reading and reflection in my Study at home.

Called at the Athenaeum and from thence upon Mr. Audubon the Ornithologist with some letters which my father requested me to present to him.1 He was not at home. Returned to the Office and read some of Major Hordynski. Mr. Jackson the Painter called about the House in Tremont Street. Returned to Quincy.

Afternoon, read Seneca, and finished the third book upon benefits. Can a child confer a benefit upon his father? Doubtless. Evening, Mr. Beale called in. Finished Adventurer, vol. 1.

Fine morning although we had a sea fog for half an hour. I attended the divine service all day and heard Mr. Capen of South Boston preach. I have gone back again in my habit of attention in Church since giving up the practice of examining the Text. I regret it but then what can be done? The generality of the Clergy who preach at Quincy certainly have exceeding little to attract any one—Manner very poor, and matter somewhat common place. This was not the case however with Mr. Capen.

I read a little of the second volume of Oliver Cromwell, and in the Afternoon continued my attempt to consider the Sermon on the Mount. This may prove a beneficial exercise to me. Miss Smith and Miss E. C. Adams dined here. Dr. Stevenson called to see the Baby and Mrs. Adams, on his road to Plymouth. Evening Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Miss Smith and Miss Adams paid a visit.