Fine morning. I remained at home very quiet and read a little of M. Chateaubriand, though far the largest portion of my time was devoted to putting the Garden in a state of somewhat better order than it has been of late. I pruned down the luxuriance of growth of the raspberry vines and Cherry trees. The greatest difficulty with us here is the excessive tendency to make wood.

In the afternoon, after having read a little of Seneca, I thought I would go down and visit the Orchard at Mount Wollaston. I found the Trees looking better than they did in the Spring, but still sickly and in a discouraging condition as to the future. I have interested myself in their success, believing the experiment to be a fair one. And I do not propose as yet to give it up, although things at present do not promise. I turned my eyes from the prospect to that of the scene around me, and thought I had never seen it look more beautiful. The day was one of the loveliest of the declining year. There was scarcely a breath of air and the setting sun threw a rich golden hue over every 363spot upon which it shone. I never was so much struck with the peculiar beauty of Mt. Wollaston. The Panorama is perfect and I felt for a moment as if I should be happy to possess a dwelling house on this situation.1 It was however but for a moment. The enjoyment of the scenery can always be had at a cheaper rate. Returned home. Evening quiet. Read a little of Dr. Granville.

Morning warmer. I went to town and was engaged my whole time in overseeing the putting of three tons of Coal into my Cellar at home. This is but a sorry account to give of time, but as I have no trusty person to place there and as the honesty of the Coal Carrier was not warranted, I felt obliged to be upon the spot. Found my House dry and the Cellar clean and in good condition.

I was detained until two o’clock and reached Quincy by three. Consequently, the Afternoon was very short. I read some of Seneca relating to the intent in conferring an obligation, but I have become satisfied the thing is altogether too much drawn out.

Quiet evening. Read a little more of Dr. Granville who, I think is amusing as well as instructive. The day was warm with a South Wind which terminated in a severe thunder gust at night. Finished the third volume of the Adventurer.

The Storm produced a lovely Summer morning which I enjoyed exceedingly in a little walk with my Child in her little Carriage. Attended divine service all day and heard Mr. Gannet of Cambridge preach. I have a totally improper prejudice against the man. His afternoon Sermon contained however the argument which has always been convincing to me against the doctrine of natural depravity, and which I have stated in this book somewhere, drawn from the invitation of little children by the Saviour, “for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” I read a Sermon of Warburton upon Truth which I did not find remarkable,1 and afterwards continued Chateaubriand. Mr. Degrand dined and spent the day. Quiet evening at home. Continued Dr. Granville and began Adventurer volume 4.