Fine morning. I arose feeling very unwell and my sickness did not abate for some hours. Indeed I do not know when my stomach has been so completely bouleversée as it was this morning. I am taught by this, first that I was very imprudent in my Diet, secondly, that I have been somewhat out of order, thirdly, that I drank more Wine than I ought and of an improper kind. It is rare that I find myself brought up to account on this score. And it is not a little astonishing to me that it should be at a time when prudence is essentially necessary to life. I was good for nothing all the morning and lost a pleasant dinner at which Dr. Waterhouse was present from Cambridge. Read a consider-358able portion of Stone’s book upon Masonry — A treatise which goes very far to sustain the whole principle of Anti-masonry.1 Evening. Conversation with my father upon it, until late. I retired to bed, taking Medicine and omitted the Adventurers.

As I felt somewhat under the influence of medicine, I concluded to remain quietly at home during the day, though contrary to my original intention. Time occupied first in finishing W. L. Stone’s book and then in reading irregularly with relation to Cromwell. My ideas are so totally out of method that I believe I must give the point up. Stone’s book has given me for the first time a clear idea of the nature and extent of the Morgan excitement. I do not wonder at it. I wonder much more that the Institution should have baffled it1 to so great a degree. I do not well make out how any fair minded man can read that book and not be astonished as well as shocked with the influence of Masonry.

Afternoon, I read a little of Seneca. Wrote a letter to I. Hull Adams in answer to one of last June2 and worked a little in the Garden.

Evening, read a little of Vidocq to the ladies, but he is un peu fort. Made up the numbers of the Adventurer.

Fine morning. I felt better though not quite recovered from my sickness. Went to town in the Carriage with my Mother and Wife. Occupied in business at my Office—Looking over Accounts and making balances between my father and self. I also made a purchase of Mr. Degrand on my own Account, the whole of which transaction was completed today. Called at the Fire and Marine Ins. Office for the Dividends due which were on the whole rather better than for some time back,1 and generally I did much more business today than usual.

At one, I was reminded to go and meet the ladies at Mr. J. H. Foster’s where I found them, and we returned to Quincy. Afternoon, engaged in reading Seneca in whose fifth book De beneficiis I made much progress. Questions, how far a man can benefit himself and 359whether he can be grateful, whether there is such a thing as ingratitude by the definition of the Stoics, &ca. All which are mere turns of words and of exceeding small consequence in the moral system of the world. Had Seneca stopped this Treatise with the fourth book, I do not think much had been lost.

Miss E. C. Adams spent the afternoon and evening here. Mr. Beale, Mr. Gourgas and Mr. Beale coming in at eight o’clock.2