Rain and clouds. Office where I turned my attention very much to the work of Arrears and with tolerable success. I gain no intelligence from Washington which surprises me a little. The accounts from New York of money matters do not vary much. But this morning there is a story here that a couple of brokers have committed a fraud, in retaining bills or notes or rather not accounting for the proceeds to the givers.1

Athenaeum where I entered one of my rights for Mr. Walsh. Call at Mr. Brooks’. He told me, Mr. Henry Lee2 had spoken well of my Pamphlet and thought it ought to have more circulation. I said, I had a good many spare copies and if he would circulate a few among his friends, I should be pleased. He said he would and I sent him a dozen.

Home late. After, read the opinions of the Supreme Court in the case of the Charles River bridge. I am not much edified by either of the three opinions. McLean’s appears to me however to be the nearest 211to the right. He has too much of the Lawyer about his, but Story’s is all Law and Taney’s all sophistry.3 Evening, by engagement, to see old Mrs. S. Dexter.4 Mr. Brooks, my wife and myself. This is an annual visit, and she is one of the humourists of the last age. We returned at ten.

Morning fine. I went to the Office and by a vigorous prosecution of the work again made up the Arrears of my Diary. I hope I shall hereafter by attending to it as the first thing be able to keep it along, although if it should fail altogether I do not know that it would harm any body. Mr. Walsh came in for a few minutes and we had a little talk but nothing to prevent my work. I also took a walk.

It seems a little strange that I should hear nothing from Washington. Home to read Homer. Afternoon, Burnet with a little of Plutarch and the third volume of Forster. This appears to be somewhat fragmentary.

Evening to the Play. My Wife went with her father but as there was no other ticket in the box of Mr. Inches, I sent down and procured one at the door. Tobin’s play of the Honey Moon.1 Duke Aranza, Mr. Barry. Juliana, Miss Tree. The piece was very well cast and performed to the best advantage. Johnson as Lampedo was the feeblest of the characters. What a difference it makes to see a Comedy generally well done and one sustained only in parts. What a contrast between the performance tonight and on Wednesday. Home before the Ransom. Read Wraxall.

A very beautiful day. I went to the Office early and attended to my Diary at once in order to prevent the omission which most frequently 212begins on Saturday. I then went out and attended an Auction Sale of Horses and Carriages for the purpose of supplying myself with a Chaise and Harness at a low price. My outlay for a house this year is so very considerable, that I cannot afford much of an equipage. I succeeded in purchasing both at very reasonable rates. This relieves my mind very much. I had feared being at a great cost about it. My morning was however consumed.

Home where instead of Homer I had an interruption in the shape of John Toohey, the gardener at Quincy of last year. After a long talk, I succeeded in making an arrangement with him upon rather more reasonable terms than last year. Afternoon, Burnet. Plutarch and Forster each for a limited time. I am more pleased with Plutarch as I go on. His anecdotical style is very interesting although none of those yet given in this Essay are new to me, the author having introduced them in his Lives.

Evening quiet at home for the first time for a great while. Read Moore’s Life of Byron which is amusing. Mr. Walsh came in for an hour after which I continued Wraxall.