Mild morning. Office where I was not enabled to execute even my usual routine from the number of interruptions. Mr. Burril from Quincy took up an inordinate length of time in a statement of his grievances about his tenancy. He told me a long story for which I told him another, and then he paid me part of his rent and offered me security for the future. I told him that if W. Spear at Quincy had not actually let the House to any one else, in that case, I had no objection to his remaining. But that it must depend upon that. He said Spear promised him last night he would do no more about letting until he, Burril, could see me. He seemed in much agitation of mind upon the subject.

Home late, having some purchases to make, particularly of some 174wine at Mr. Williams’. Afternoon, Burnet, and Buffon. Evening, reading to my Wife from Schloss Hainfeld and afterwards made successful progress in the Currency.

It was cloudy yesterday but cleared away before morning without raining. I read in the morning a part of Lady Blessington’s conversations with Lord Byron, a very amusing work.1 Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham upon portions of the Lords Prayer. In the morning Matthew 6. II. “Give us this day our daily bread” and in the afternoon the next verse “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Both good sermons but more particularly the first which was not without some spice. A prayer for support has been construed very frequently as meaning a strict Pythagorean diet.2 And the world is full of men who are obliged to live by their wits.

Mr. Walsh dined and the day was so very pleasant we took a long walk. Read Dr. Barrow. Acts. 1. 3. “To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Upon the resurrection, of the credibility of which he treated from the act itself as worthy of the Deity and then he went into the usual argument to sustain the evidence. Paley has done so much more fully this whole subject that it did not very much interest me.

Evening at home. My Wife read to me part of Lady Blessington most of which I had however been over in the morning. Afterwards, wrote to Mr. Johnson3 and the Currency.

Morning cloudy with a tendency to a general thaw. I went to the Office and from thence to the Advocate Office where I left another article. I like them when written, but am disappointed when I read them in print. Found Mr. Gibson there who entertained me with further accounts of the affairs of the party. He now says that neither of the branches of the Boston party is to have the Collectorship. W. Fos-175ter must be compelled to take it. I think W. Foster not very competent but in other respects very well calculated for the place. I leave them to decide these matters as they please.

Accounts at the Office and about to go to work upon Diary when interrupted by A. H. Everett who talked as usual politics. I expressed my high disgust at the proceedings in Congress to shelter Reuben M. Whitney who has got hold of the weak side of Genl. Jackson, and is thus entailed upon the party.1 Also a talk about the currency, and a letter from Pearce intimating that the Whigs were courting my father with the view of making him Governor of this State.2 Preposterous. Something better than this must be made to be believed.

Home to read Livy. Afternoon, Buffon and Burnet. The account of man is very interesting and is written with great beauty. Forster whose stale politics do not very well suit me. Evening at home reading Basil Hall’s, Schloss Hainfeld. A singular story in a man’s life, but probably much embellished and improved. Afterwards, writing.