This being a sultry morning and my child suffering severely from an attack of Cholera Morbus and subsequent fever, I arose early and took the bath to refresh myself. My spirits rather heavy from the anxiety always attendant upon sick children.

Went to town with Mr. Brooks. Received a Note from my father informing me of my mother’s sickness, and her change of intention respecting her journey this week.1 Occupied at office. Wrote arrears of Diary, and accounts, after which I tried to draught something for the Newspapers. Just as I was getting in the vein, it was time to return to Medford.

Quiet afternoon for once. Read Madame de Maintenon and Ovid. The Child’s fever appeared very much subdued though not completely. I accompanied my Wife this evening to see the Miss Osgoods, a few persons, Mrs. Angier, Elizabeth, &ca. Only an hour. Read the last Essays of Elia.2

Cool and clear. A fine day. The Child had a very uneasy night but seemed on the whole to be better this morning. Although my anxiety is by no means quieted yet it is considerably diminished by the quickness with which the fever has abated.

I went to town early and was busily occupied all the time, first at Office, then in some Commissions and finally in an investigation of Title in the Office of the Register of Deeds. This is a serious Affair and will require a longer time than I could give to it today. I spent some time in writing upon the Antimasonic question. This is the day of assembling of the Antimasonic Convention and it now only remains to be seen what they will do.

Rode to Quincy today to see my father. My Mother has been very ill, far more so than I had supposed, and even now suffers severely from a very violent cough.1 Nothing particularly new but the house seemed very dull. Thomas B. Adams passed some hours and took tea. Conversation. Nothing of importance.

A cold morning but fine weather. My Mother suffered much from a restless night and coughing and seemed not so well this morning.

I returned to town after breakfast. Learnt that the Antimasonic Convention had nominated Mr. Bailey for Governor. This is on the whole well enough. The sound principles of the party have been maintained at least and the introduction of Jacksonism as a branch of the party repudiated. It is nevertheless probable that the Jackson party will drop Judge Morton and come in to the support of their own interest under the new shape of Antimasonry. We must now see what the game will be. For my part, I rest quietly on my Oars. My course has been one strictly correct in principle and that is my foundation.

Busy at Office all the morning excepting what was spent in Commissions for my Mother. At one o’clock attended a Meeting of the La 384Fayette Committee. Very few present. Question, Money. One of the number Mr. Codman raised a doubt whether any thing could be taken for general expenses from the fund in the hands of the Treasurer collected for the Cenotaph. The Majority did not doubt and proceeded to vote the money. I was inclined to their opinion from a misconception of the character of the fund. But on reflection I believe in Mr. Codman’s objection. There was such a vagueness and bluster in the talk of Col. Baker who appears to be Chairman upon this occasion that I foresee difficulty and above all I see the necessity if I take part here of controlling my temper. The adjournment was sine die, and this is the way young men do business. No wonder they are so often caught in difficulty.

Rode to Medford. The child seemed much better but still weak from reduction. Mr. and Mrs. Everett dined here. Nothing new. Read Madame de Maintenon and Ovid. Evening Elia. Quite cool.