Cold but a clear day. I went to the Office as usual. The commercial distress is very great in this Country now and seems to be increasing. What is to be done? The political affairs seem to be in a very embroiled state. A. H. Everett came in and we had some talk, but he seems puzzled. Things threaten a merging of parties into one. The Legislature seems to be rushing headlong into Abolition. And Texas. What is to come of it? I felt so uncomfortably that I took a long walk, Mr. Walsh in company. My cold is severe and stomach out of order.

Home where I read Homer. Afternoon, Burnet, Plutarch and Forster. I think I will turn my attention more and more to Greek. It is amusement and occupation. I am aware that I throw away my powers upon too great a multiplicity of things, but what can I do to get rid of ennui? This is the monster of monsters. Evening, Moore until nine when we went to a ball at Mrs. B. D. Greene’s. The first given in their new house. Every thing very pretty. But the Society of this place is to me ineffably stupid.

A clear day with a sharp easterly wind. I found my cold rather more upon my lungs but my head better. I went to the Office and passed my time in accounts &ca. The money affairs do not appear to improve at all and in New York confidence is generally shaken. Mr. Geitner called and Mr. Walsh, the first about his rent, the second to talk. I walked with him. Home where I read Homer.

Wrote a letter to Mr. Shepherd.1 The object of this is to keep him well informed of my relations with Mr. Johnson. Gorham Brooks’ wife in a late letter to my wife intimates that Mr. J. had written to her father his intention to come home, and his wish to procure a house near Baltimore. He may have written that he had received no remittances from me, and as Shepherd received the news, he might think I was negligent, and be sorry he recommended me. I therefore write him the true story and request his opinion what to do with the present remittance.

T. K. Davis and Mr. Walsh dined with me. A pleasant dinner and long conversation afterwards. But I felt as if I had been wrong to indulge in wine for my breast seemed to be the worse for it, and I almost lost my voice. Mr. Walsh came in again for a few minutes in the evening. Finished Montbarey.