I was much occupied this morning in making final preparations for quitting our house for the Summer months. This is quite a business, as it takes place also at the season of cleaning. Went to the Office. Engaged there for some time in Accounts and writing my Diary which had fallen in arrear for a day or two.

At 1/2 past twelve, I started to go to Quincy in my Gig with Dr. 80Parkman who almost invited himself to accompany me.1 I was glad to have him. We arrived there before two and I found my Wife and child quietly housed. The day was a fine one, and I felt on the whole grateful that we had so many assistances to get over the unpleasant part of the change. The worst thing is to my Wife in losing her Nursery Woman for the Summer. Such little evils we must learn to submit to.

Afternoon passed in the garden sowing seeds. Evening quietly passed at home. Conversation with my father. Pursued none of my usual occupations, excepting the numbers of the Connoisseur.

Morning clear but the wind remarkably sharp from the North. I rode into town very much to my own discomfort, having been indiscreet enough to forget my coat. Occupied in the various little ways which I have so often mentioned when living out of town. Went to my House and found it very well taken care of. Then several Commissions besides persons at my room about the House, to be let, and Mr. T. K. Davis who sat and talked a couple of hours.

Returned to Quincy and after dinner busily occupied in the Garden. Tried to sit down and read Horace, but I am not sufficiently settled to be able to do it. I have always found that when at Quincy I do not make one half the progress in study that I do at home. Yet the Library is larger, and the conveniences for reference are consequently so much better. One difficulty however is that nothing is in its right place. If ever so good, it is of no value when you cannot easily lay your hands upon it. Evening quietly at home. Mr. Beale came in for a little while.

Morning cool. I rode to town and was busy most of my morning in the various commissions which residence here seems to impose. A great deal of time was taken up in the various applications of Tenants for the house that is vacant, as well as directions for the alterations and repairs which I wish to be made. I was obliged to go to the House for sundry purposes, and I there obtained several books &c.

Dined at Mr. Frothingham’s. Conversation about Col. Perkins’ dona-81tion. I have subscribed very far beyond what it seems to me I ought to have done. But when others hold back, it seems to me not right to countenance their higgling.

After dinner I attended the meeting of the Stockholders of Boylston Market. A considerable number present. Much discussion upon the expediency of an appropriation. Some dissatisfaction expressed and opposition to any large sum. $3000 failed almost unanimously. $2500 failed by two to one. 2000 succeeded by a few votes. I believe the change of my votes produced it. Am I justified in my course. I think so or I would not do it. Yet I hope nothing will be done. The minority is too large. Returned home to tea. Quiet evening.