The cold was more moderate this morning but still what we should call very severe. I went to the Office, and was engaged in Accounts. Had Mr. Walsh to talk to me a little and what was of more interest, Mr. B. F. Hallett. He came as he generally comes, when he wants assistance. He is assailed from several quarters and fully expects the nomination of Mr. Webster by the Antimasonic Convention at Harrisburgh which brings the war into his own country. The question is, what can be done. He also receives from Mr. Edward Everett letters of remonstrance against the spirit with which his Press is conducted.285 Just as he was reading to me his reply, Alexander H. Everett came in and made a third in the company. He gave me my father’s letter to him which I read and retained for further consideration.1 The conversation became general and it becoming late, they took their leave. Home immediately but I lost my Persius. Afternoon read Smith part of the time but devoted the rest to reflecting upon and committing to paper the proper course to be adopted by the party here to Mr. Webster notwithstanding his letter to the Antimasons and the nomination which may follow it. Read to my Wife from Madame Junot which becomes more amusing.

This would have been called very cold if it had not been preceded by weather so much more so. To the Office. I get there however so late that my stay is now seldom very long. Mr. Walsh came in and conversed. He is poor and full of projects. He now talks of supplying the City with Water, by a contrivance of his. I listen and answer as I am best able.

Called upon Mr. Hallett and delivered to him my paper written yesterday. He does not yet know the result of the Convention at Harrisburgh and is very unwilling to come to the mark of attacking Mr. Webster which must nevertheless be done or the course adopted by us cannot be sustained.

Walk and home where I pursued Persius. I have suffered so much at home by the cold as to make me wish to adopt more precautions and I was therefore busy today in making arrangements to warm my entry. Afternoon read over a Pamphlet written by Mr. W. Slade of Vermont and attacking Mr. Hallett and through him all those who now influence the policy of Massachusetts. He is very easy to be answered and I may answer him, rather from respect for his position than the necessity of the case.1 Politics make strange Jumbles, but the great injunction to remember is to keep cool.

Evening with my Wife to the Theatre. The Barber of Seville. Although I have seen that piece times innumerable, it yet comes over me like a charm at each new representation. They have now got it up in great perfection, adding in much of the music which the want of a Basil had heretofore caused to be left out. Mr. Brough makes a very tolerable one while Mrs. Wood is still good as Rosina and Mr. Johnson 286does respectably as Bartolo. Of Wood himself I can hardly say enough for his acting is as good as his singing. A farce before the Opera called the Marriage Rake. Not much in itself but well done by Mr. and Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Smith. Home pleased.