Pleasant morning. I went to the Office and occupied myself in Diary which I have at last brought up and hope now to keep up.

Politics still a little in the wind. Mr. Van Buren carries North Carolina, but he appears to lose Georgia. His escape has been a narrow one. I could not help thinking that perhaps my course had saved him his election. When Mr. Hallett’s mind was balancing I acted upon it. He in his turn acted upon the Antimasonic party here, the party refused to go into a National Convention and thus chilled the action in Pennsylvania. Had a National Convention nominated Harrison, he would have carried Pennsylvania and that would have settled the question. Thus it is that great events spring from little causes. I do not at all repent of what I have done, but what I may do is a matter for serious consideration. Talked with Mr. A. H. Everett a little. Nothing further.

Home, Livy. Afternoon Grahame whose book pleases me more and more. Mr. T. K. Davis came to tea after which according to agreement I went to Charlestown with him to pay a visit to Governor and Mrs. Everett. We found them much as usual. It is not a house I take pleasure in at all, and when we rose to go, I was glad. But it is due to them to say that we were treated with great politeness. An hour of Grahame.

Pleasant day. I went to the Office and very nearly completed the arrears of my Diary. Mr. Walsh came in and afterwards Mr. Ayer who showed me the drawings for the various parts of the work, in the inside of the House. I discussed the points with him and arranged respecting the cost and payment for the lumber required. I think him a trustworthy workman but not a very economical one. He however is perfectly honest and only requires checking in season. He kept me until nearly dinner time.

I went home, read Livy. Received a letter from my Mother in answer to mine.1 She appears well and in pretty good spirits. Afternoon, reading Grahame into whose third volume I have now got. This is the new part of his work in which he melts his separate account of the States into one continued history, and it is a portion of our history with which I am least familiar.

Evening at Edward Brooks’. One of the family meetings at which all in town were present except my Wife. It was dull as I think they are for the most part. No diversion, no occupation, talk among people who do not agree upon any common topic excepting the most uninteresting ones. Home early. My Wife decidedly better today.

Morning clear and pleasant. I went to the Office. Thence to read the papers which still continue to give doubtful accounts of the Election. Accounts which are not very encouraging. I must do as well as I can. Mr. Walsh came in and talked. The money pressure is very great and promises for aught I see to continue a good while. Received a letter from my Mother1 which appeared to be in very good spirits.

Home Livy. Afternoon reading Grahame and a book half Novel half Journey called the Desultory Man.2 On the whole I spend my time very unprofitably with the exception perhaps of the half hour I devote 137to the instruction of my child Louisa, which gives me pleasure. Evening passed partly with my Wife and partly in reading Grahame. Mr. Walsh dined with me and consumed a large slice of the afternoon.