My Wife was relieved this morning but in her bed and there likely to remain for a week or two.1 I went to the Office, bad weather. My intention has been to go to Quincy, but I have been disappointed by the constant ill weather. Today it was rain and snow. Mr. Walsh dined with me. Election news remains much in the same state. My spirits have been better for a day or two, but they have much to bear up under, in the sickly state of my family. I trust in a higher power which always has protected me. I this evening wrote a letter to my Mother and read Mr. Grahame. Nothing stirring.

I determined to improve the opportunity of the day to go to Quincy and make my last arrangements there. Accordingly I took Mr. Ayer, my Carpenter with me and we rode out over the neck. The day was very pleasant for the season and we soon got to Quincy in due time.

Nothing had however been done. My lumber had been delivered but there it was standing about every where very much as it had been doing. This provoked me and I went up to the Canal where they were busy taking out green lumber. Their excuse as usual hurry for time. After looking at some shingles which were not satisfactory and examining the timber which had been drawn out, we returned to the House and from thence back to town which we reached before one, quite chilled.

Found myself at home reading Livy. Afternoon Grahame. My Wife still feeble but a little better. Evening, I was occupied in writing a political article, which I propose shall be my last for the present.

Morning pleasant. Office where I had a great many people. Mr. Spear from Quincy came in and talked upon various topics. He has pretty nearly done his work for me and now wants pay which I agreed to give him, next Saturday when he brings in his bill. Mr. Sparrell also came in for his money for the plan of the House and I thought his charge not excessive. Mr. A. H. Everett came in and we discussed the present state of affairs. He does not seem as much depressed as I 133should have expected but he appears to look at the future with much perplexity.

It now seems probable that New Jersey has gone against Mr. Van Buren which would have been a serious loss had it not been overbalanced by the gain of North Carolina. Such is the singular state of the public mind at present upon this question that there is no judging from previous impressions.

Mr. Walsh also came in and Mr. Robbins a lumber dealer who wished me to advance him the price of some plank my carpenter bought for me. I did not much care about doing it as I had not the money, but I offered to do it if he would discount two per cent from the face of the bill, which he refused.

Home. Livy. Afternoon, Grahame, and evening writing. My Wife still up in her room, and mostly in bed. We hear today of the critical state in which Mrs. Robins lays since her confinement.