The returns from the election begin to come in and show a far more advantageous result than we have had reason to expect. In the Counties to which our exertions have been most particularly directed, the effects have been sensibly felt. Bristol has answered the call powerfully. Norfolk has also done well and Middlesex and Plymouth have both done better than was expected. The general result seems to be that Mr. Everett is elected Governor. It is uncertain who is chosen Lieut. Governor, and there is a great accession of strength to the Antimasonic and democratic party in both branches of the Legislature. The great point is therefore gained of the ratification of the course of the Advocate which at once puts it at the head of a very formidable party in this State, the acquisitions of which will now be constant. The prestige gained by the Whigs in the struggle of last year is gone by. And the Antimasons will now be daily coming in.

I went to the Office and after doing all the work in my various affairs, settling with Mr. Silas Conant and so forth, I called down and saw Mr. Hallett for a moment prior to going to Quincy. Rode out with my Wife and child Louisa and dined at my father’s. They were in all the hurry and bustle of packing to go. Very glad to see us nevertheless. We spent three hours interrupted by the visits of some and the calls of others until we were ready to return.

Mr. A. H. Everett and B. F. Hallett came out and spent the afternoon with my father. We got home in good season and after a short call at Mr. E. Miller’s to see Elizabeth C. Adams who had heard of the death of her cousin Ann Harrod at New Orleans and whom my Mother wished to take with her but who declines, we spent a quiet evening at home.

I was up a little earlier than usual this morning for the purpose of being ready to meet my father’s family on their start at the Providence Railway Depot. The day was cloudy with occasionally very heavy rain. I regretted exceedingly this result as to so many females travelling together must be unpleasant if not dangerous. They came in about fifteen minutes before the starting of the cars and went off in good style. I was relieved when they were off although the day was so bad, because the season is drawing on so late.

On the whole the last summer is about as pleasant a recollection as 263I have in life. I was employed both usefully and creditably, and I had every reason in the health and prosperity of my family and myself to congratulate my condition and to be thankful as I always am for the divine beneficence. Returned home, thence to the Office.

The returns of the election look somewhat uncertain. Mr. E. Everett is certainly elected, but whether the Whig Lieutenant Governor is, remains doubtful. There is some doubt moreover, respecting a majority in the Senate. I did my usual work and then called to see Mr. Hallett. We discussed the future movements of the party. He urges me to go on, and says I have helped him much through the mud. I hope so. My object is gained. The Antimasonic party has thrown it’s votes with great effect. And the evidence of it is so clear that it reconciles most of those who held off quite completely. Thus the morale of the Antimasonic party is again built up. And the next step is to operate upon the other states by means of it. I had wished to dismiss further action from my thoughts, but against this two reasons exist, first that my father’s departure will be thought to have dried up my powers of fertility, second, that the work though done is not yet firmly secured.

Home where I read the tenth satire of Juvenal, which is I believe a masterpiece. Afternoon, reading Aristotle’s Politics which I finished. Evening. My Wife and I went out with Mrs. A. H. Everett and Mr. Peabody to a ball given by Miss Taylor at her father’s house at Dorchester. The place is pretty and the company was just sufficient to make it pleasant. The entertainment which was given to Mrs. Robbins was very beautiful. I enjoyed myself well, but it was not until near one o’clock that I got home and to bed.