I arose quite early for me, in order to make a seasonable start to Quincy, which I effected and arrived there by nine o’clock. Found things much less advanced than I had expected. The men appear to be dilatory, but this I suppose, is the usual way, they go on. I was engaged in transplanting several trees which remained to be moved from the nursery and plot near the old house. Deacon Spear appears to have done pretty well with his work. Although the expense of these things frightens me when I look at it.

We waited some time for Mr. Ayer who did not get out until late and then a discussion arose respecting the underpinning which was about to be set. It appears that a misconception of the plan took place and the stone has not been cut to fit. In order to rectify it, I returned to town for the purpose of seeing Mr. Sparrel. Called and left a message. After dinner, called and found he had redrawn his plan, which I took myself to the Stage house to be returned. This consumed much of the afternoon, the rest devoted to Agathon.

Evening to Mrs. Ignatius Sargent’s, a party of children upon the birth day of young Master who is one year old. Louisa was one of the guests, and they had a dance. After this was over, some elder people played Whist, and a small supper closed the evening. Home rather late.

I went to the Office. I continue circulating my pamphlets as much as I can and the extraordinary distress which pervades the Community has had a tendency to bring it more into notice. Mr. C. P. Curtis sent me yesterday a polite request for a copy to preserve and another to send to an eminent legal friend in Virginia. This is a compliment from a quarter where I little expected it. I sent him an equally polite answer with six copies which he may perhaps think more than he bargained for. Occupied in Accounts all the morning.

Went home early for the purpose of dining, and accompanied by Mr. Walsh I again drove to Quincy. Being anxious about the underpinning and the sending of my plan. Found them actively at work making preparations. I was myself engaged very busily in the Setting of the trees received from Mr. Brooks. I placed them as favorably as I could but it is difficult merely from conjecture to know how they will be adapted to the views from the House. The work was so long that I did not get through until sundown, and we did not get away until later 227so that it was nearly nine when I reached home. Mr. Walsh took tea with me and my wife did not herself come in from Medford until after it. Finished the first volume of Notre Dame.