My father accompanied me to town this morning being engaged with the business of the College. I went to the Office and engaged as usual in my various avocations. These consist mainly of Accounts and the Diary which by intermissions becomes something of a tax. I had also some little Commissions to perform. At the regular period returned to Quincy.

Afternoon somewhat wasted. Managed to read an Epistle of Ovid from Pontus which varies only from the rest by being addressed to persons by name. The same general tone, querulous and servile. Read more of the Memoires de Mad. Maintenon.

The family were quite interested in the ascent of the balloon although no one went into town to see it. Mr. Durants was a brief ascension, coming down safely in half an hour at Mount Auburn.

Mr. P. Whitney called and paid a short visit after which my father and I joined him in a walk to Mrs. T. B. Adams’s. There were several of the Quincy people. Mr. and Miss Beal, Dr. Woodward, Miss Whitney and Mrs. Hill together with Mrs. Angier, Miss Harrod and Mrs. Boyd who are staying at the house at present. Mrs. Adams took me aside to ask a question or two about Mr. Gourgas and my father in connexion with the Administration Account. I could give but little satisfaction in answer. Home.

Fine day. My time was consumed in reading German, until my Mother was ready to go to Boston where I accompanied her, in the Carriage. I had not much leisure from the necessity of attending to her, but had enough to accomplish two or three small objects for which I most particularly came in. Office and Accounts. Returned home early.

Afternoon, finished the assortment of the Letters remaining of my father, but I have not succeeded in laying my hands upon them all. Read a little German and my usual portion of Ovid. Mr. Webster, with Messrs. Mangum, Tyler, and Ewing being the Senate’s Committee of Finance came out this afternoon but I did not go down to see them. Read Ovid as usual and came across two or three of his beautiful passages which interspersed with his tediousness relieves it materially.

Evening a family tea party. Mrs. Angier and Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Adams 374with her two sons Thomas and John, and Miss Harrod. Cards which have become a great subject of amusement to my Wife and the family.