Extraordinary mild weather. I do not recollect such a season. I went to the Office and was engaged all the morning, in making up arrears of Diary which I at last succeeded in doing and now hope to be able to sustain.

The Advocate contains my latest number of the Massachusetts Voter. It attacks the Atlas and I do not know how far it will irritate it, but I imagine the policy is laid down in clear lines to give me wide scope and it is probably wise on their part. The result of the election will tell whether my labours have had any effect. I must look for it to the county of Bristol, and Plymouth and Norfolk. On the comparative vote in these counties with that of last year can I form some judgment whether all my efforts have been labour in vain.

At noon I went to Quincy to see the family. Nothing of any conse-258quence. Found my father much as usual. Political conversation. In the course of it he went as I thought somewhat too far and we had a difference. I wish in all cases to adhere to right, and if I see it in any body I am willing to concede much to the persons who act upon it conscientiously. But on the other hand I cannot admire laxity of principle nor can I make such enormous allowances as my father does.

I returned home late by a bright moon. Quiet evening. The ladies spent the day at Medford, and E. C. Adams came to stay the night.

The season continues and this day was more like the first of the month of September than the present season. I went to the Office as usual and occupied myself in various matters too numerous to mention. Nothing material. I finished drawing up the monthly Accounts of my father’s Agency and drew the balance for his use. Also completed the dispatching of the remaining copies of my Appeal to the Senators excepting two or three whom I do not know where to direct to.

Home where I found my Mother, but unwell and in low spirits so that the day was not an agreeably passed one. Mrs. Adams my Aunt was there also and indeed what with the two children and every thing the confusion made it extremely unpleasant to me. I was glad when the house became quiet again.

Afternoon, reading Aristotle’s Politics in which the mixture of good reasoning and bad is curious.1 Of all subjects that of Government is the most puzzling. We have not yet got to the end of the lesson upon the subject. This Country is rapidly getting afloat from her moorings, and God only knows where she will drive to. Our destiny is fearful.

In the evening I occupied myself for an hour as the ladies were out in commencing a methodized catalogue of my coins, which I prosecuted so far as through the first draw. Then to join the ladies at Mrs. E. Miller’s. Mrs. T. B. Adams and Mr. and Miss Wales there. Home early.

A cloudy day but very warm. I went to the Office as usual. The election is in it’s heat. Prophecies for and against in plenty. I say 259nothing and think nothing. The extraordinarily distracted condition of parties must speak for itself, in the result. I pity all the politicians who depend upon it.

Just as I was sitting down about my usual business came in Mr. Treadway of New York, who married Susan B. Clark and sat three hours conversing upon various topics of interest to himself, more especially upon a difference between him and Mr. Greenleaf relating to an alleged invasion on his part of copyright of this gentleman.1 I gave him the best advice I could and heard the whole story. But I was entirely cut short in my work.

Walk to restore my Appetite. Spirits dull. Home, Juvenal. Finished the ninth Satire. Coarse enough, but strong. Afternoon Aristotle. Evening on my Coins. Nothing of particular consequence.