Morning delightfully warm, and announcing the approach of the Summer. After making my usual progress in the Oration on the Crown, I went to the Office and was occupied there in divers matters for some time, until my father very unexpectedly made his appearance, and therefore prevented any further occupation of myself upon my own affairs. He was in good spirits, and came for the purpose of making the final arrangement in regard to Abby S. Adams’ affairs previous to her marriage. He gave me a draught to get accepted at Mr. Cazenove’s, for the amount, which cost me two walks, but which I finally accomplished and he accommodated me by paying the Money.1 My father went himself and completed the transaction and thus gave up this charge, much to my satisfaction.2 This makes more than six thousand dollars he has got rid of in two years and that without much feeling it.3 If he can do the rest with equal ease to himself, in the course of the three or four succeeding years, it will establish him very independently for the balance of his life.

He dined with me, and in the afternoon I only finished a little of the Oration against Vatinius. The rest was distracted. We went to see Greenough’s group of Statuary which is very good.4 Evening, a walk with my Wife. After which the rest of the art of Poetry and two Spectators.

Another very delightful day. I made good progress in Demosthenes, and then went to the Office. My occupations were somewhat interrupted by the applicant for the Tenement in Tremont Street who promises to be somewhat of a bore. Having also engaged with Mr. Peabody to go and see the Marine Railway at the North end of the 47Town, we started at eleven for the purpose. A vessel was upon it, being coppered. The machinery appears simple, being a groove, upon which is drawn a Frame to support the Ship. This frame is drawn by means of Machinery worked by a single horse turning as in a Mill. I should think it a very useful thing and likely to prevent a great deal of strain to the ships in the common mode of repairing their bottoms.1 The weather was warm so that we had a pretty fatiguing walk and I did not finish Cimon though I worked at it.

Afternoon, the Oration for Caelius after finishing that against Vatinius. But study becomes now a little fatiguing. Read a Scene or two of Voltaire’s Orphelin de la Chine.2 Evening, Boswell to my Wife after which finished the Ars Poetica, reviewed. A most admirable little Poem. Two Spectators.