Morning mild and beginning to melt—Indications of the breaking up of the Winter. I passed all my leisure time in writing a letter to my father giving the details of what has passed in the political way 337during the last two weeks.1 His position is a painful one and so is mine. We have no friends. I pursue politics as a duty and not by any means as a pleasure.

Attended divine service and heard an excellent discourse by Mr. Frothingham upon the prevailing tendency in the Community to excessive lenity towards criminal offenders. Acts 3. 14. “Ye desired a murderer to be granted unto you.” This was immediately occasioned by a question now before the Governor and Council respecting the condemnation of a couple of incendiaries. Upon leaving Church however, Mr. Bradlee told me they were condemned.

A Walk notwithstanding the weather. Mr. Walsh dined with me and attended service afterwards. Mr. Gannet. 1. Timothy 5. 5. “Trusting in God and continuing in supplications and prayers night and day.” Upon prayer, the necessity of it. There is something overdone in this man that prevents the effect of what he says. Afterwards a discourse of Dr. Barrow in continuation of the subject of self, and divided into the four heads of self confidence, self complacence, self will and self interest. Very good. Evening quiet at home.

A beautiful day for the Anniversary of Washington, and for a day which I have especial cause to recollect.1 But the walking in consequence of the thaw was as bad as I have ever known it. Office where the changes still render us very uncomfortable. Mr. Hurlbert is going much farther than he originally designed. My time was taken up in Diary and Accounts. Then out, but only to the Althenaeum where I procured one or two volumes. Nothing new or worthy of especial notice.

Home where I read Livy. Afternoon devoted to copying the Letter to my father which I finished completely for the Mail, but had very little leisure to do any thing else.

Evening, went according to invitation over to the House of Mr. Everett. He was receiving the family—Mr. Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and myself the only ones who went. Evening tolerably pleasant. But there is no heart in that house. Home at ten.