Clear, bright day. I was engaged most of the morning in finishing off the deed and Mortgage, in comparing the description of the bounds with General Towne and in talking over the matter with Mr. Curtis. Ayer, the Carpenter then came in and we talked over the repairs necessary to be made upon the House lately occupied by Mr. Brackett.1 He gave me an estimate which I found too high, and I then appointed him to go down there tomorrow at ten o’clock. Not much time was left me, and I went to the Athenaeum to get a book on Architecture. Found nothing less than the Encyclopedia. From thence, I went to consult Dr. Hayward, a Surgeon of some eminence.2 For two or three years past I have found myself troubled with wens which have been increasing in number as well as in size. How or why they come I cannot divine, but as the prospect of their disfiguring me was very unpleasant, I have made up my mind to have them extracted. The Operation was short and not painful. So that I went to dinner as usual. Afternoon I felt easier because I was disembarrassed of three in my head. I am afraid I have more.

Read de Retz as usual. I also read the sixth Satire of Horace, some of the History of the United States, and some German. I accomplished 49thus much because I declined going to Mrs. B. Gorham’s where the ladies went.

Morning mild. I went to the Office as usual. From thence at ten o’clock I went according to my agreement with Ayer the Carpenter and looked at the house at the corner of Boylston Street. Made my estimates and gave my directions. I hope and trust the repairs cannot be very large. Those Houses have cost a great deal of money. I have been endeavouring to improve them ever since my Agency and I think the effects now begin to appear. Returned to the Office, thence to the Athenaeum and a walk.

Quiet dinner at home. Miss Phillips out. Afternoon, read de Retz. Felt uncomfortably from the violent drawing of the plaster upon one of my wounds. Towards evening it increased and the rapid formation of matter produced violent shiverings for two hours of the evening that disabled me from any exertion whatsoever. This was followed by a profuse drenching perspiration. I had sent to Dr. Hayward to give me relief but from some mistake he did not come. The throbbing was so great, my suffering in the night was intense.

As soon as I could get through with my breakfast I went down to see Dr. Hayward. He looked at and dressed the wound and pronounced it to be in a good condition notwithstanding the collection of matter formed in it. This relieved me a little but I was very good for nothing during most of the day. The throbbing in my head continued. I took Medicine and remained at home in my study, a very useless personage to all intents and purposes.

I received the report of my father from the Minority of the Manufacturing Committee. It is an eighteen Column Report,1 but I managed to read it through and it was the only thing I did for the day. It is one line of public policy, that of a statesman, but it is not the line by which this Country can be governed. They are too much in the hands of political Jugglers—General Jackson et id genus omne who have no basis but the popularis aura. Retired to bed early and in pain.