Fine day again. Office. I was about to go to work, when Mr. S. Conant from Weston came in about his Lease. He was followed by 235Brown the Steam Doctor on a Lease also, Mr. Nathl. Curtis came in upon a similar subject, and then Mr. John Bailey with whom I had conversation upon politics. I read to him my father’s letter, and conversed with him upon the state of the case.1 No conclusions however. My walk was in this manner shortened.

Afternoon, Bacon Silva Silvarum. He discusses the force of imagination not only upon persons themselves but upon those upon whom it may be directed. This is one of the most curious and least investigated of mental phenomena. Evening at home.

We were wakened in the night by the child, which seemed to be labouring under heavy oppression of the lungs. It took an emetic and kept us up.

Fine clear day. I went to the Office. Engaged in copying out my Accounts for the close of the year. Mr. Peabody called in and asked me to walk, we accordingly went round the new street which is opening from Broad to Purchase Street—A very great improvement indeed.1 The city is in the full tide of prosperity, but it’s progress seems now likely to be impeded by the embarrassments into which our currency is likely to be plunged. Thus it is, that man spoils his fairest blessings by his own wilfulness.

Afternoon, Mr. Price Greenleaf called and spent an hour. Read Bacon and Virgil. Evening, received a letter from my father No. 10 which informed me of his having sent his letter to the Speaker with No. 9 on the 21st. This has not come to hand.2 And it is now too late to send and return before the Legislature meets. My position is excessively embarrassing. I sent a letter notwithstanding.3 Corrected the Address.4