Weather warm but pleasant. There was a thunder shower in the afternoon. I went to town accompanied by Mr. Brooks. Occupied at 334my Office in writing up Diary, then on the Athenaeum and from thence to my house. Thus the time passed, then to Medford.

Afternoon, read Mrs. Inchbald’s Life. A poor thing as ever was. Towards the latter part of the second volume the letters of Miss Edgeworth are introduced which are worth all the rest put together. The more I see of that lady, the more I admire her. She represents more fully the English character in its best condition than any body I know.

Ovid, Art of Love, second volume, which is prettier. One may trace in this book many of the notions which prevail with respect to women, as that deception is lawful, the modes of flattery, the excessive subjection to their will &ca. &ca. His particular fort lays in the illegible word the Grecian Mythology.1 Nothing else material. Received a letter from my father conveying some disagreeable news respecting Joseph H. Adams.2

A cool but very pleasant day with the wind from the Northwest. I accompanied Mr. Brooks to town. Office, thence to see Mr. Foster about this draught of Joseph upon my father, inquiring if he would pay it. He said he would consult Judge Leland and afterwards expressed his assent. To my House where I copied two letters to my father which took up most of my remaining time.1

Received a short letter from my Mother.2 She seems to be in a rather unpleasant state of mind, about our absence. I regret it but scarcely know how to avoid giving pain somewhere. She gives more weight to Abby’s inclination to stay at Medford that it deserves.

Returned to Medford. Afternoon, Mrs. Inchbald’s Life which I Finished without regret. Read several of Cowley’s Poems, being resolved to revive my knowledge of the British Poets. Ovid also. Quiet evening.