Clouds and snow although mild. I went to the Office. Accounts from France of the reception of the President’s Message quite favorable. I was engaged in bringing up my Diary which suffers mortally from Arrears. I wonder if I cannot devise some means to become more of an automaton. Walk to the Athenaeum to get a book and then home.

Livy. The extraordinary nature if I may so say of all his narratives clearly manifest that they are founded in fact. The Romans present a great study to the politician and I mean to avail myself of it. My political career is not commenced under auspices the most bright and it may terminate at a moment’s warning, but at any rate I will seek to put upon some resting place more solid than the mere momentary breeze. I will fit myself for my calling as well as I can.

Afternoon continued the letters of Dr. Rush. I see in him some of the features his son has inherited—And the democratic tendencies are very distinct. There is a distinguishing line in this Country—The money and property, and the love of fame, of power and glory. Evening, read to my Wife from Japhet in search of his father, one of Capt. Marryatt’s books.1

Slight snow in the morning which gave way to a Northwest wind and rapidly increasing cold. I attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham from Matthew 9. 13. “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice.” A discourse upon the spirit of religion as distinct from the observance of it’s forms. Very good. Walk afterwards with Mr. Walsh who came to dine with me. Afternoon Mr. Ripley, but in consequence of missing my little Sunday siesta I could not prevent extreme drowsiness and so forgot text and subject alike.

Afternoon, read Dr. Barrow. Continuation of the last Sunday’s topic of self-love. This portion devoted to that part of it which includes self conceit, and embraces peculiar reliance upon one’s own merits whether of mind, or morals or worldly fortune. There is a great deal of good matter in this which I took pains to read twice over through its applicability to me. I have been favored much in all respects and am naturally of an overbearing disposition. It is therefore the more incumbent upon me to keep it fully in check.

Evening reading the Life of Lord Bolingbroke a late production by one named Cooke.1 There is no part of party history more worth studying than the Administrations of Anne and George. They are full of lessons for our own. Gardner Gorham spent an hour.

The cold does not relax at all. This is the period I usually fix for the end of the severity of the winter and it is as sharp as at almost any moment of the year. I went to the Office. French news more and more 333favorable. The indemnity money appears to be almost paid. I hope there will be no slip between the cup and the lip. The French however appear to understand a little better the force of our people. General Jackson seems in his career to have had an overruling good fortune, and I ought not to doubt that he in a degree deserves it. But the differences between men are singularly kept up in life. Had my father done one half what he has, Impeachment and exile would have been his fate.

Diary and Accounts. Little or no walk. Home. Livy. Afternoon continued Dr. Rush’s papers. He was very voluminous and not always correct. But on the whole his papers are quite valuable.

Evening, I went down, leaving my Wife at Mr. Frothinghams, to a meeting of the Committee raised at the late Convention. The room was full of persons, but not many of the Committee—Principally leading Jackson members of the Legislature. Little or nothing done. A good deal of discussion about Richard M. Johnson. The Loco focos are still working their cards in such a manner as to do mischief. They have arranged Phelps into the Chair, and one of their men for Vice President. This must be checked at all hazards. I strongly urged Mr. Hallett himself to interfere. How disgusting this small part of Politics. Went home determined not to get involved in these matters again if I can help it. Bolingbroke.