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.

I felt exceedingly fatigued from want of rest, as towards morning the children always begin to disturb. The day was clear and cold. I went to the Office and was occupied as usual. Received a letter from Mr. Treadway1 about his affair with Professor Greenleaf and a retaining fee in the shape of an edition of his Digest of American Law. This is tedious and disgusting. I detest litigation in all its shapes and forms.

Reflected upon the election which still remains in an exceedingly doubtful state. The Senators are very much divided among the parties. Both sides claim the victory, although it is substantially on the side of the Antimasons. We must however go on. The shoulder must be set to the Wheel.

I took a walk and performed commissions. Home. Tenth satire of Juvenal. Very good. Afternoon. Began Rousseau’s Social compact,2 but wrote for the most part, a new Article to lend the tone after the election. Nothing material today.