Clear and cool. I went to the Office and was occupied in reading Bradford’s History in which I made considerable progress. The difficulty with me is that I desire to be at the same time writing. I cannot 172reflect to much purpose without reducing my ideas to some definite shape—A circumstance that makes writing to me far more of a labor than it need.

A short walk. Afternoon reading Hutchinson and the Massachusetts State Papers, the blunders of Governor Bernard, who was a very indifferent Agent for the execution of the schemes of the British Ministry. He was an Englishman coming here for the sake of money, with no strength in the affections of the people, and with a disposition to arbitrary doctrines which he had not the judgment to conceal. Joined with this was an open and rather irritable temper, which he had not very much under his control. He was thus almost at the mercy of the popular party—The leaders of which knew their business.

Resumed my reading of Virgil today with the first Georgic, and in the evening wrote a considerable portion of my Article. Thus I have at last fallen pretty thoroughly into the regular course of life which is customary to me in town.

The day was fine but somewhat cool. I passed an hour at home in writing upon my Article and then went to the Office. Mr. Peabody called in and asked me to take a walk with him to see the Lowell Railroad at its termination upon Craigie’s bridge which I did. We had some incidental conversation upon the Governor’s election during which I communicated to him my father’s remark made to me last Saturday and authorized him to mention it to Mr. Everett or any other confidential person who might be supposed likely to have influence at Worcester.1

Read a good deal of Mr. Bradford’s whose history does not strike me as better as I proceed. There is no philosophy, no general view of human nature, nothing but facts and those not very fairly developed. I cannot read much at a time. Afternoon at home. Read Hutchinson who is almost as dry but in politics the Antipode to the other. Continued my study of Virgil’s first Georgic and in the evening after sitting with my Wife, continued my writing. One day is so like another now that my diary is dull even more than it’s wont.

The day was cloudy with rain. I went to the Office and passed the greater part of my morning in reading Bradford. He fails more as he 173goes into the more important period. His views are narrow and his arguments little or nothing. The poor man was eaten up to a great degree by party feeling. He had worked himself into a frenzy so that he thought old political disputes should be made to bear upon new ones. Neither should be treated by the historian with any violence of feeling.

I went, notwithstanding the rain, to see the collection of fruit for the Anniversary dinner of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. It was generally handsome. But a good deal of the finest especially in Peaches was from New York. This vicinity shone particularly in grapes and pears. The Apples also were very enormous and fine. The crowd was not great. I felt no temptation to dine, having generally an aversion to that sort of public celebration.1

On returning home, found my brother John’s wife and children had come in to spend the day. She is still unwell with her cough. My mother was so much indisposed as not to be able to come in. They went out early in the afternoon. I read Hutchinson and the State Papers of Massachusetts getting through the documents of minor importance. I must bend my attention to the main question until I feel secure that I can grasp it. Evening at home very quietly. Read a Chapter of Scott’s fair Maid of Perth to my Wife. Virgil and the Mirror as usual.