I left Medford this morning for the purpose of taking up my residence generally at Quincy until the time should come for me to go with my Mother if she wishes. It is the first time since my marriage I have been separated for any time from my family and it appears odd and uncomfortable. At Office in town. Received a letter from my father at New York giving us an Account of his favourable passage across the sound.1 No advices from Washington. I feel relieved for each day is a little gain.

I was again busy at the office in making all my clearances which are numerous enough. Small commissions. On the whole I made very good progress. To Quincy to dine.

Afterwards, Conversation with my Mother. So differently do we take things that what I considered as so discouraging seemed to inspire my Mother with hope. I was glad of it and think it probable she is right.

Read Flaming and some more of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Elizabeth C. Adams has now left us and we are reduced to a very small number. This may serve to keep the House more quiet.

A fine cold morning. I went to town and to the Office, from thence to the House where I wished to procure some things. This with my occupation at the Office in writing letters to my father1 and to Mr. Jones the Auctioneer at Weston to proceed as usual with the sales of Wood there notwithstanding my absence.2 I try to think of every thing before hand as my Mother begins to talk of next week for starting. Perhaps if things are favorable, it may be the week after.

I propose to change my Office this winter to the one directly below mine and am putting into it grates which will I hope make me comfortable for the first time. I have heretofore been able to let all the rooms in this building for my father, but as this winter, they will be empty and one of them contains the article which is becoming daily more important to me, a safe for the preservation of papers, I have concluded to fit it up. This will be the third of the Offices I have fitted up in this building, for myself.

No further news from Washington but a letter from my father who 409has got as far as Philadelphia.3 Tomorrow we hope to hear his account from Washington. Returned to Quincy. My Mother seemed better today. I went down to fish and caught one smelt for her. Conversation. Ovid and Quinctius Heymerau von Flaming which has become dry.