Morning cloudy with snow. I went to the Office as usual. Engaged in Accounts and making up that of T. B. Adams for the half year, to close which I transferred to him a share of State Bank Stock. But I could not get time to finish a copy for him. Walk, and to the Athenaeum, but found nothing there that I wanted. Home to read Livy in which I make progress and find myself improving in my general knowledge of Roman Institutions thereby. Afternoon passed in reading and in arranging the Treasury papers which are not extensive. I do not find much in them of consequence. Wolcott was a worthy man but not a very shining one.

Evening went with my Wife to a party, a certain Dr. Jackson and his Wife with her Mother, friends and acquaintances of my Wife’s family. They live in Hanover Street and are in a circle of persons with whom we have no acquaintance. I found myself almost wholly unknown and my reception was not such as to be very agreeable. The union of pretension and vulgarity was somewhat striking throughout the evening. I try very hard to be republican in all my habits and feelings but other people will not let me be. They make the arrogant distinctions. I went only to please them and finding how little satisfaction it gave regretted my not pleasing myself by staying at home. Returned not before I wanted to.

Morning clear and a fine day. I went to the Office and as usual was busy with accounts. Political affairs appear to be about as usual. A stop seems to be put at present to my papers for which I am not sorry. For I am so tired of writing that I wish to put it off. Yet Mr. Hallett tells me they are producing an effect and that Vermont at this time is balancing in the scale. The Boston Press seems to have been silenced for the present.

Short walk. One thing I must turn a new leaf upon, and that is exercise. I neglect it too much. Home. Livy. Afternoon somewhat luxurious. Read Cicero’s letters to Lentulus. Among the most interesting of the whole collection—Worthy of perpetual attention.

Evening went out for the purpose of returning the visit of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Everett, but finding them not at home we went in to see Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham, a certain Mrs. Foster and two sons were there, parishioners and very well. Home at ten.