A very bright, clear day. I went to the Office and was occupied there much time in making up Accounts and in writing. I had however but little time as I was obliged to return home early for the sake of dining to go to Quincy in the Afternoon. All this being accomplished, I started with Mr. Ayer my carpenter and we reached the town shortly after three. My first application was to the Bank where I had made an arrangement for a loan on my father’s account which they had allowed. I effected all that business in a few minutes and from thence went down to the Lumber Wharf to settle some disputed items upon their last bill to me. This was as easily and definitively done as the other, and from thence we went to the site for my House. The space is very much crowded with the materials which they have been taking up most of the winter. The stone, bricks and timber besides the boards. And now they are ready to go on. The cellar has much ice and snow and appears to have been somewhat exercised by the frost, but on the whole it appears to have maintained its position with some firmness.

On coming to the spot I could not help feeling an impatience to see it go on which my town life this winter had pretty much chilled. Even now the frost is yet to come out before any thing can be done. Mr. Ayer talks of beginning next week but I think he will not go much before April. When he does come, I shall hope to see him follow up the business very actively.

I went down with Kirk, who was working at the bricks, to see his wife who was at the House. Had some talk with her and remained 206there until nearly seven when I went up to the tavern to attend a meeting of the Proprietors of the Quincy Canal. They came straggling in one after another and were unable to organize until near eight o’clock. When this was done, the Committee appointed, proceeded to report upon the Shareholders opinions as to the Assessments, and the result was the consent of all but three. These three however interposing obstacles almost as great as if half were opposed, presuming the assessment to be voluntary. I suggested the expediency of at once applying to the Legislature for an amendment to the charter which would authorize the assessment. This appeared to take very well, and a resolution was passed to the effect. I then took leave before the meeting adjourned and got back to town at about ten. My wife was still out at a small party at her father’s.

A fine clear day, but from some unknown cause to me, I awoke with that feeling in my head which betokens a day of pain. This is so rare with me of late that I feel more impatient under it than I did when I had them often. Office. Nothing remarkable. Made an attempt to get some Tickets at the Theatre but without success. There must be some system of favoritism there. From thence to see Mr. Sayer, a Cabinet Maker to give him some directions, but not finding him, a short walk and return home.

Read Homer. I make some progress since giving up the Grammar. I never could get through with a grammar in my life. This is a defect in patience. My head would not allow me to do much today. Afternoon reading Burnet whom I continue rather because I have no more profitable book than from any other cause. Remitted to my father a draft of the amount received yesterday.1 Mr. Brooks took tea here and spent the evening, but I felt so unwell I went to bed early.

A cloudy day with a Southerly rain before night. I went to the Office but was very much distracted most of my time. Mr. Walsh came in for a little while, then a request from the Quincy Canal Proprietors to draw a couple of petitions for them in time to send out by the Stage in the afternoon, then A. H. Everett who has just returned from Wash-207ington. I wished to have some talk with him in order to know how matters really stood at Washington. He seemed on the whole not much pleased with the result of his visit and apparently in an exceedingly doubtful state what to do. I told him very frankly what my feelings were, and that the little confidence I had in the course of the Administration was made less by the course of his appointments. He said that it would be advisable to wait and whatever was done, to act with consultation.

I was detained at the Office late but finished the petitions and sent them. Afternoon at home, Burnet and Forster whose second volume I finished. Notwithstanding the rain, my Wife and I went to Mr. Russell’s Concert. His voice did not appear to me in so good tone as on Tuesday, but still he sings very charmingly. I was particularly pleased with “Come, brothers, arouse” and the Song of “Figaro.” He was assisted by Isenbeck on the flute and Kendall on the Clarionet who played variations, which however skilful, I do not call music. Home before ten. About as large a company as on Tuesday.