It was still cold today but not so cold as it has been. I went to Boston with the view of operating pretty extensively in preparations for my return but I did not succeed in doing much, for visitors.

Mr. Walsh came in and talked about the nominations of the democratic party. He said he had attended the meeting the other evening and found there were difficulties in the way. This led him to ask me if I wished my name to be put on the list and to offer any assistance he could furnish. I do not suppose this is much but still I thanked him for his good will and explained to him exactly how I wished to stand. He said he saw the obstacles in my way but thought nothing necessary excepting to attain a position. I am aware of this myself but hitherto 121my honest efforts have proved fruitless. I talked very frankly with him and stated my motives of action. I asked him to remain quiet and let things take their course. I preferred this to again declining before nomination through Mr. Hallett. If they should leave me out there would be no occasion for any movement. If on the other hand they should put me at all upon their ticket, I should have the opportunity of explaining my own reasons for declining. After he left, T. K. Davis came in and talked of things in general. He has been lately to Philadelphia and has been pleased. A. H. Everett came in and read to us a letter from a Committee of Abolitionists in his district, upon which he wished me to give my opinion. I could not very well do so, because I see that his position is not independent and that he must get his head at the expense of a little independence. After a call to see Mr. Brooks I returned to Quincy.

After dinner I walked up the hill. They are at work today upon the cellar and will soon finish. But I must leave many other things undone which I regret. Home where I was occupied in writing. Evening, Price Greenleaf came in, miscellaneous conversation. Stone Quarries and Trees are the topics for him. Read a letter or two of Lady Wortley Montague.1

A pleasanter morning. I devoted a considerable portion of it to transferring a few English Oaks to the top of the hill. I took two fine ones but doubt very much whether my experiment will prove successful. There remain seven holes to fill in which I shall place in the Spring—firs. The remainder of my time was taken up in drawing the remainder of the Leases. One to Mr. Hardwick of a Stone Quarry and that to Mr. Carr remain to be executed. I found more difficulty in the first than in doing any yet. I also arranged the rest of the papers to take into town.

In the afternoon, I went over the hill and met Mr. Spear. With him I went over to the Quarries and after having shown to Mr. Hardwick the Lease, with which he seemed satisfied, I marked a great number of cedars to be cut for my use, and the remainder was pointed out to be sold for clearing. This will save the expense of it to which I should otherwise have been put on my father’s account, and restore the farm somewhat to it’s original character. It took us all the afternoon. Eve-122ning at home. I spent a part of it in finishing off the Leases and adding some supplementary clauses to Mr. Carr’s. After which cards with the ladies of the family.