This was the day appointed according to immemorial usage for a day of fasting and prayer. It is not so now employed and has not been for many years but rather on the contrary for amusement and private festivity.1 The day was fine as it always is, and as usual the common was alive with boys playing ball. I like the scene. It is the only one of the whole year, we see in this country devoted to innocent amusements.

Attended divine service in the morning and heard Mr. Frothingham deliver a very good discourse upon fasting to which however he assigns very little value as an exercise. I do not remember the text, but I think his doctrine was slightly in extreme, for I fancy there is some weight in the example of Jesus who fasted forty days in the wilderness, as well as in the theory of its reducing the mind to a better sense of it’s own condition.

Walk with Mr. Walsh, and he dined with me together with T. K. Davis who came in by accident. They sat talking after dinner, so that I preferred their company to the afternoon service. After which we strolled round the Common until tea time. Mr. Brooks then came in and we had quite a merry time. After which another lazy conversation until eight when they left. I did little afterwards, except a chapter of Agathon.

The weather being clear, and on the whole quite agreeable I decided upon starting as soon as possible for Quincy. So after one or two necessary purchases, I succeeded in getting off before nine. My ride was tolerably pleasant and I found W. Spear waiting for me. We went over the ground where he is to run his fence and I explained to him my wishes as well as I could. Found Kirk at work upon removing the earth which is now practicable, and the men have made much progress in framing. They have now the lower floor fitted and he complains of delay from Mr. Ayer which I agreed to see rectified. I then went round to see the gardener and make my terms with Kirk, all which being accomplished I returned to town.

Things looked a little more in the way of vegetation today and cheerful. Called round to see Mr. Ayer as I went home but not finding him, I called again immediately after dinner at his shop and left word with his man.

Home, a little of Plutarch and Agathon. Evening, reading Moore’s Byron, finishing the first volume and the account of his unhappy marriage. I admire the Poet and sympathize with the man, but yet I feel the probability that she had very good grounds for the step she was advised to take. Wrote a little.

Clouds, heavy rain and thunder and lightning morning and afternoon, which struck the steeple in Hollis Street and set it on fire. I went to the Office where I was occupied much of the morning in accounts. This is a season of the year in which they are very voluminous. Mr. Ayer called in about my message which I explained to him. He appeared to have been himself under a misconception, and promised correction and to go out himself on Monday. I advised it myself.

Received letters from Shepherd1 and my father.2 The former advises 220me to remit to the Barings on Mr. Johnson’s acct. which I shall do forthwith, and tells me he complains of me which I do not admire. My father wants money and must have it.

Home. Reviewing the first book of Homer. Afternoon, wrote to my father in reply,3 also a letter to Mr. Johnson,4 and reading Agathon. My wife went to Cambridge to the funeral of her relation, Miss Rebecca Parks, who died somewhat suddenly the other day,5 and did not return until late. Mr. Henry Chapman of Greenfield, a member of the Legislature now here, made a long visit for the first time. A rather superficial and pompous man but apparently goodhumoured.