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.

Morning cold but it moderated during the day. I went to the Office and finally succeeded in making my Arrears in Diary quite up. Nothing else however. Reading this Account of the Life of Bolingbroke has again set me upon the traces of Swift and I accordingly ordered a set of his works with Walter Scott’s Notes. This is expensive but will probably be useful1—In case I should have to take an active part in politics.

My last letter to Slade was published today. I think it will do. Mr. William Foster met me in the street and spoke in high terms of it. If it were not for these slight and occasional sparkles of encouragement, I believe I should desist altogether. The determination is so strong and so systematic to give no currency to any thing of mine, that it would overbear even my persevering resistance if I did not at intervals receive such notices as those of Mr. Whitney on the 11th and this today, which show there are some who comprehend the value of the services I am rendering.

Home. Livy. Afternoon, finished the volume of Rush’s letters and prepared it to go to the binder. Read Bolingbroke’s Life. Received a letter from my Mother who has been very ill.2 Thank God, she is again able to write.