Morning clear and indeed on the whole the finest day we have had this year. I went to the Office as usual, where I was engaged in Accounts. Nothing of any consequence. Bankruptcies are now occurring 224here daily. The crisis appears to have truly arrived, and this has a tendency rather to strengthen my statements, and my tendency to prophecy which I would not indulge. Although I hinted. My Pamphlet has on the whole met with a flattering reception in private circles, although denied any public notice. I am indifferent about every thing but my reputation, which I desire to fix upon a firm basis. And in this light I need not be ashamed of either of my matured productions. The reputation of the race rests in my generation with me. Let me keep this ever in mind, as well for doing as not doing.

Mr. Everett and Mr. Walsh both came in and we had miscellaneous conversation. Home, to read Homer. Purchased by chance today a Greek and French Dictionary by M. Planche which I put to use directly and immediately derived the advantage of it in greater distinctness of idea. The wonder is that Greek was ever learnt or taught through the intermediate Latin, which itself is a labour.

Afternoon, went to South Boston for the purpose of finding a Nursery, which I understood to be there, but it was only a green house and I had a long walk for nothing. The weather and the prospect however paid me. Home. A visit from J. Q. Adams Jr. who has just got home from a long cruise.1 He looks fatter but in other respects not much changed. Evening at home, Moore, and Victor Hugo’s Notre Dame.2

Day cloudy with rain. I passed some time in reading part of Hugo’s Notre Dame, a very singular production of the modern or romantic French School. Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham preach from Isaiah 22. 24. “They shall hang upon him all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.” A singular text and no less singular application. He commenced with the dependence which exists upon a large body of many smaller ones, or rather in proportion not so much to their size as to their position. The nail for instance of the text supported many vessels of various sizes and so the Christian faith carried with it many abuses. He alluded to some arising from old habits and prejudices, recurring with some severity to the observance of the Fast.

Mr. Walsh was not with me today. After a walk, home. Afternoon, 2 Corinthians 4. 8. “perplexed but not in despair,” a discourse somewhat 225adapted to the present state of the commercial world. He drew reasons against despair under great embarrassments, from three sources, the changeable character of human affairs always inspiring hope, the character of the mind, and above all the special injunction of God. A very good discourse.

I afterwards read one of Sterne’s Sermons from Luke 18. 14. “I tell you this man went down to his house, justified rather than the other.” Very short and directed to the inutility of forms, as exemplified in the parable. I read more of Notre Dame and at home all the evening.