The weather continues mild and delightful. I took my little girl out with me to walk on the Common. She pines a little for country air. Called at Mrs. Fuller’s about her rent and at Sharpe’s about my cabinet. He is the most tremendous of all procrastinators. He promises to finish today without any intention of performing. I am less satisfied with his inside work than I expected to be. It was late before I got to the Office. Occupied as usual but my Arrears do not yet get up.

My fourth number of the Massachusetts Voter came out this morning. I hope it will take well with all the Antimasons. It is designed to encourage them in their principles and in their efforts. Home in time to read Juvenal whose eighth satire is inimitable and goes home to my heart. This is a luxury worth all the rest. Afternoon, busy in copying out of my Grandfather’s papers. I carry on a great variety of occupations.

My father came in, having been to Cambridge to attend an Exhibition. We spent the evening in conversation until nine when we went 247over to the little party at Mrs. S. B. Barrell’s. Quite mixed and very stupid. Glad to get home.

Weather foggy but very mild. My father remained at my house last night for the purpose of dining with Dr. Parkman today. I showed him an answer I have received from Mr. Madison respecting my Pamphlet. He seems to affirm his opinions very decidedly but at the same time alludes to the Post Office as a very possible source of corruption in future times, and likely to require a little legislation in any lucid interval from party madness.1 I regard this letter as quite a valuable document, and agree in the excepting opinion. My father does not. Office, occupied as usual. Arrears go on slowly but I made an impression today. Home to finish Juvenal’s eighth Satire. I must read it again and again.

Afternoon, I wrote my next number of the Massachusetts voter which I design to have effect upon the Plymouth County voters. The returns from Pennsylvania are exactly as I would have them, and give a fine prospect which is yet however in great danger of obscuration from the passions of individuals. Working hard must do what is possible.

Evening, Mr. J. P. DeWint and his daughter who are here from Fishkill took tea and passed the evening. Mr. C. F. Barnard also came in as a friend of his. My father was here too but overfatigued. Very heavy evening.

The morning was foggy but it afterward cleared away quite fine, and warm as summer. I went to the Office to work upon my Arrears of Diary which come up slowly and to do all I was able in the way of Accounts. But I had agreed to start with my father at noon for Quincy 248so that my leisure was not great. The Carriage came in for him bringing on a visit home my boy John, but we concluded to go as arranged leaving my Wife to follow with the two children an hour after and leave only the baby at home. Ride as usual.

My father on his return from his absence found papers in abundance. Most of them fraught with spite for his Burgess letter.1 This letter appears to have created an intense excitement in the minds of the Whigs from the fact that it deals a fatal blow to all their hopes.

Conversation. The hours passed rapidly until it became time to return. We left the children at Quincy, Louisa appearing to droop somewhat at home. Reached home in good season. T. K. Davis came in afterwards and spent the evening. Conversation pleasant.