A pleasant morning. I read Wallenstein which is a charming production. The two Piccolomini I think are admirable. Of Wallenstein I cannot say quite so much. He seems to be a weak man, dabbling in plots yet without courage to execute them, and studying the Stars 85while the men about him are all to be watched. Yet the play is historical and the actual fact of want of success must be woven into the plan. Thecla is a fine picture.

Office. Writing upon my work. I find my ideas easily develope although perhaps I do not draw them out as fully as they require. Walk. Read a part of the Commentaries on the Fasti which appear to me to be learned and dull. Afternoon, Grimm, whose record for 1784 I finished. Very entertaining. His account of the reception of Beaumarchais Noces de Figaro excellent and the biting satire upon it. This man was a wonder. Evening, read aloud to Mr. Brooks the Sermon of Dr. Wainwright before the Legislature. He goes to the bottom of nothing. But some of his detached ideas are sound and well put.1

The Antimasonic party have nominated Mr. E. Everett as Governor. The Step was not a moment too soon for the Whig meeting was to have been directly. This is an admirable move on the board. We will now see what the meeting called by the Whigs tonight will do.

I read Wallenstein and then to the Office. Time taken up in writing a business letter to T. B. Adams explaining to him all my recent transactions, and another to my father upon a proposition from the Quincy Canal, which Mr. Beale communicated to me yesterday.1 I did not walk today but the Excursus which I have got hold of upon the Fasti were so dry I almost went to sleep upon them. Afternoon, read Grimm and a part of Lord Bacon’s History of Henry the 7th.2 This is considered as a masterly sketch of historical biography and as such I wish to study it. Bacon’s style is hard and quaint but it is full of meaning.

Evening at home until nine when Mr. Brooks and I went over to Mr. Inches—A little party of young people by invitation of his third daughter. I am always startled when I go into society to find how few persons there are whom I know. The younger generation grows up and I feel myself pushed back like a useless log. I amused myself with those I did know. Politics with T. K. Davis and home at eleven o’clock.