A clear day although with a cold wind. I went to the Office and from thence to Quincy. How desolate every thing looked about the old 128house. How different from the life and animation of it but the other day. I found only Torbey the gardener who seemed to be crawling about the premises doing little although clinging with some anxiety to the spot. I gave him his directions and terminated his residence, much to his discomfiture.

But nothing at all had been done about the lumber. But a single load more sent, notwithstanding all the promises. This is provoking. I did not however entirely lose my labour for I saw Mr. Whiting the Mason and made an arrangement with him about the bricks which completes all that I have to do in the way of large materials.

Home to dinner. Afternoon, reading Grahame’s United States, and occasionally arranging papers which I do feebly and without steadiness. My spirits were not steady at all. They would not rally even under occupation as they commonly have done.

Morning pleasant. The family have had a favorable journey, and I presume will reach home today. I went to the Office and passed my time in regulating my accounts and in trying to bring up arrears.

The accounts from Pennsylvania are such as to inspire the Whigs here with strong hopes of victory. But so far as I can see the truth they hardly justify the extravagant exultation.1 The Whigs as usual show their deficiencies in principle so strongly by exaggerating and falsifying the returns in order to operate upon elections in other states. One thing however is not doubtful, that Mr. Van Buren is not very strong in the confidence of the people and is sustained mainly by party organization. This may lead to important consequences hereafter.

Home where I read Livy. Nothing of consequence. My little girl as usual upon my return to town is sick. This is not calculated to add to my spirits. Evening at home. I have begun reading as usual to my Wife, the book, Lamartine’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land translated.2

Morning so stormy that I could not very conveniently go to Quincy as I had wished and intended. Office where I was occupied partly in Accounts and partly in trying to redeem the arrears of my Diary. But 129the election returns absorb so much interest as to consume more leisure than ought to be spared. The appearances today are decidedly in favour of Mr. Van Buren in Pennsylvania although by a much reduced majority. This would seem to put an end to the exultation on the other side, but it does not, or rather the appearances are kept up for the purpose of operating upon the vote here next Monday.1 I called at the Advocate Office to look over their papers. Nothing decisive to be gathered from them. Home. Livy. Afternoon, continuing Grahame. My spirits by no means remarkable. Evening reading Lamartine to my Wife.