Fine day though cool. I remained at home all day, and it was tolerably fortunate that I did, for I found myself unexpectedly quite indisposed. This lasted throughout the day and materially diminished the amount of my labor.

I did effect something nevertheless upon Hutchinson. I find my ideas flow fast enough but they want methodizing. I propose to write all I think of first, then to read Hutchinson’s book carefully over again and digest the material before I begin, in the finish. I wish I had the facility which distinguishes some. Yet I do not know whether I ought to do so.

Several visitors were here, but I did not go in to see them. Afternoon Virgil and Copying, which with a little comparing Journal with my father must account for the time. Evening, Sir Jonah Barrington1 and the Mirror.

Day fine although there was a Sea fog hanging over us all the morning. I rode to town. Time a good deal taken. First came a man to procure a transfer of the Boylston Market share, which I had not more than effected when Mr. Conant from Weston came in to pay money long since due. This business settled I had an application of a man for a place, and one or two other incidental visits. I went to my House but found it so shut up that I was unable to get in. The rest of my time was employed in finishing a Deed for Mr. Boylston’s Trustees. Returned to Quincy having had an uncommonly busy period.

My afternoon was taken up in my usual occupations. Read the ninth Eclogue of Virgil, wrote my Diary and copied a little into my book of choice things—A letter of my Grandmother’s giving a curious account of an alarm during the Siege of Boston from a foraging party on one of the Islands.1 My father went into town to dine with Mr. Alex. H. Everett, and did not return until late. Evening quietly at home. I read to the Ladies a little of Sir Jonah Barrington which is more dull than I thought. Afterwards the Mirror. I was better today.

The morning was foggy with a North Easter and a little rain. It cleared away however before night. I remained at home all day.

Finished during the morning my first draught of the Hutchinson Article, and read it over, the substance of it I am pleased with and by remodelling, transferring in some parts and amplifying in others, I 154think I shall be able to make it do. This is a pleasant occupation and a creditable one. And I do not know that for the present I want any more. My moments of mortification have somewhat passed away. I do not now feel that sense of wounded feeling from disappointed exertions which depressed me once so much. To be sure, I have gained but little from my exertions, but that little whatever it may be is something, and at least evinces my disposition, not to rely upon my position alone for my character.

I compared a little old Journal and in the Afternoon read the tenth Eclogue of Virgil and copied more of the Correspondence. The Account of an alarm I finished and began a Letter from my Grandfather announcing the election of Washington.1 Evening quietly at home.