Fine morning. I went to the Office after a visit from Mr. Stephen Whitney. This is a member of our House of Representatives from Deerfield. He is one of the leading Antimasons in that body, and came to me to get a draught of a bill copied which the Committee were to offer as their measure to suppress Masonry. This bill like all the other Papers on this subject was drawn by Mr. Hallett. Although the humble business of copyist was not very flattering to my vanity, I yet thought it prudent not to decline the offer, and consequently spent two hours of my morning in executing a copy. As Mr. Whitney had at the same time requested any Comments I might make, I added some and sent them to him.

Walked down to see some furniture and a House designed for Mrs. Ritchie, but not occupied by her. Mr. Otis wishes to sell it, far above its value. I was not struck with either, though the situation is pleasant.1 Afternoon, finished the first Volume of Benjamin Constant, and also the Phormio of Terence. I have been much pleased with this author. His Comedies appear cold to us, but there is every difference in reading and acting. I was struck with that in Rule a Wife and Have a Wife. My Grandfather has written Notes to accommodate us which I have transferred into my copy though I do not think them quite just.2

My wife went out to Tea. Mr. T.K. Davis called for an hour. I then went to Mrs. Frothingham’s. Family, part, and the Sumners and Miss Julia Gorham and Miss Anne Carter. Home at ten.

Weather clear and pleasant. I went to the Office and was occupied in making up my Diary, and reading the Debates in the Intelligencer which are active enough. As usual my Father finds it difficult to keep his temper.1 We were not made for politicans politicians . We have too much fury about us.

Mr. G. A. Otis called to thank my father through me for the loan of books for his translation of Cicero’s Offices. He thinks he has now got something very superior. He cannot publish because the booksellers are embarrassed. He talked as an Author often talks and as all writers think. Some are wise enough to know that such language is usually disgusting to hearers.

Walk. Afternoon, reading Benjamin Constant and began to read over Cicero’s Tusculan Disputations. My next Classical study is to be Ovid but until I can get to Quincy for the purpose of looking over the copies in my father’s Library I can do nothing, in that line. Cicero is always charming. And his Tusculans I did not pay sufficient attention to. My wife was not at home to tea, but came in shortly afterwards. Ennui. I afterwards studied Wieland.

Uncommonly warm for the Season. I went down to the Office. My time passed quite unprofitably. My good resolutions produce little benefit of any sort. What with lounging at Insurance Offices, and conversation with Mr. Walsh, and reading Newspapers, and accounts now and then, I am making useless my most valuable time. Walk, after stopping at the Athenaeum where I saw nothing new.

Afternoon reading Benjamin Constant. His Account of the Jewish History remarkable and not unworthy of attention. Tusculan question whether death is an evil. The elegance of the style always pleases—Even when the argument is inconclusive or the reasoning fanciful. Some of the ideas have abundant force particularly in the mouth of 281the Pagan. Evening quietly at home. Finished Ennui and began Almeria. German which begins to come easier.