Morning fine with a clear cold air from the Eastward. This weather for such a succession of days has put the Country and the season back to its common place. I read a portion of the Oration for Ctesiphon with more ease than I had anticipated. Then to the Office where much time was wasted as usual in talking, and I accomplished only a little of my review of La Politique Naturelle. Nothing else material took place. Took a short walk and returned home to dine.

After dinner, as my Study was in a state of confusion from cleaning which it very much needed, I went to the Athenaeum, and sat down 36to a very deliberate examination of Mr. Gallatin’s Article upon the subject of the Bank.1 It is a very elaborate performance and so long that nearly three hours of reading did not complete it. I was therefore obliged to reserve the balance for another opportunity.

Returned home calling by the way at the Post Office, where I received a letter from my Father dated Baltimore, and informing me of his progress.2 He says he shall reach Quincy tomorrow but I doubt it. Evening. Read to my Wife a part of Moore’s Byron, and afterwards continued Captn. Franklin—and the Spectator.

Morning fine with the usually cold Wind from the North and East. As my room was in a State of such confusion, I was obliged instead of continuing my pursuit of my study of Demosthenes, to read Franklins Journal downstairs. This is a very interesting work, and contains much information upon the point of the Sea existing North of the Continent of America.

At the Office, conversation with Mr. Peabody as usual in which we discussed the letter of Mr. Ingham and its bearing upon the present State of Affairs.1 This is a most unaccountable business. We shall see what comes. I finished La Politique Naturelle. A piece that contains a good deal of truth put up in a frothy, declamatory way. The matter of Government is not Child’s play, although the experience of the last fifty years would lead us to suppose that some people thought so.

Returned home and in the afternoon, went to the Athenaeum where I finished Mr. Gallatin’s Article and one in the next Number of the same Review.2 Both good, but a man could hardly write otherwise than well, knowing the facts on that subject.

Took tea at Mrs. Frothingham’s, and went to receive the payment of my brother’s share at the Republican Institution which was however postponed. Returned home and read Franklin, with the Spectator.