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.

I accompanied Mr. Brooks to town this morning. Passed my time very busily at the Office in writing until T. B. Adams came in. His object appeared to be inquiry into the matters relating to the settlement of his father’s Estate, and also to consult me about his own affairs. He goes away in a few days and wishes to make a thorough disposition of his business before he goes.

Afterwards, walk. Rather idle. Returned to Medford. Afternoon I was just sitting down very comfortably to read when Mr. Augustus Thorndike and Mr. Eckley called to see Mr. Brooks. They did not see him as he was out upon his place. I was therefore obliged to do the honors and accompany them over the grounds. This was wearisome.

In the evening I determined to make up the deficiency in Ovid which is so frequently taking place and read two long Epistles in the third book from Pontus. I am tired to death of these for their sameness, their servility and their whining tone. Read German also and one or two Essays of Elia but it was so cold and there being no fire, I did not enjoy them much.

Cool morning with probably a slight frost. I persevere in taking the shower bath although it is now pretty trying. Went to Boston alone as Mr. Brooks was going to Salem.

I had intended to have devoted my time to the investigation of title of the Boylston Estate but my father came in with bad accounts of my Mother’s condition and with commissions which kept me pretty busy the remainder of my morning. He saw me only for a minute, then disappeared with a promise to see me again, but he did not and when I went to look after the Carriage, an alarm of fire in the Stable had put every thing in such confusion as to render it impossible for me to find out any thing positively but that the Carriage was safe, and gone.1

Home to dinner. Quiet afternoon finished the fourth volume of Madame de Maintenon, and the third book of the Epistles from Pontus. He says in the beginning of his fourth book that his correspondents complain of uniformity, and I think justly enough. Evening, German.