Fine morning although the Northwest wind made the air still quite cold. I staid at home all day today. My time passed in my usual avocations. Horace’s Odes, Neale and Tudor’s Life of James Otis. Upon reading the history of the Puritans, there is a great deal of matter which I regret I did not know when I wrote my Article for the North American, which I see by the Newspaper, is to be published on Monday, after so long a delay.1 There are points which might have been stated more strongly, and others perhaps a little softened. But these regrets would probably always recur upon reading a book on the subject, as every writer has to present some new or singular view of some point or other. I was interested in Mr. Tudor which is a valuable series of reminiscences.

In the afternoon, I walked up to Payne’s hill to see Mr. Field for the last time. As usual, he was not at home. On my return I felt so indisposed that I did not do much. Evening quiet at home. My father went into town to dine with Lieut. Gov. Armstrong and did not return until late. Read Cumberland’s criticism of Congreve’s Double dealer.

Fine day and more like Summer than any thing we have had. My Wife received a Note1 in answer to a proposition of her’s, by which this was the day fixed to begin a contemplated visit to her father’s at Medford.

I went into town earlier for the purpose of going to my house. I examined my Parlours and was pretty well satisfied that it would be necessary to do more to them than I had contemplated. I was therefore busy in taking down the Pictures to put them in greater security. Having done all that I deemed necessary, I went to the Office and was very busy there in finishing off Accounts and balancing my books. The results are quite favourable. Attended a Stock sale at Noon but purchased nothing—The only Stock which I wanted going for more than I had designed to pay for it. This took up nearly all my remaining time.

I returned to Quincy but not to see my Wife and child. And I wandered about the House feeling as if I did not know what to set about doing. God forgive me, if I love them too well. Walked up to Mrs. Adams’ to see and settle with Elizabeth, in anticipation of Monday when she and I both propose to leave town. She was unwell and lying 118down. She is threatened with pulmonary disease, and I am fearful she is not prudent enough to get over it. Returned home and read St. John. I have myself felt a little indisposed for the last day or two. Quiet evening. Conversation with my father. Cumberland’s Observer.