The weather continues cold and clear with clouds flying during the day, that portend snow. I went to the Office. Occupied in accounts. Conversation with Mr. Everett and Mr. Walsh. I also dispatched another great batch of my Pamphlet. The number of my copies has been largely reduced within a few days, so that I think I have remaining not more than fifty. I am on the whole compensated for my publication in a pamphlet form. Yet not a single Newspaper of Whig politics has noticed it and as great an effort has been made to crush it, as was successfully made in the case of my former Appeal.1

Sat with Mr. Brooks sometime. Governor Everett has been trying a stroke of popularity in a veto upon the extra compensation voted by 228the Legislature to themselves, which has been carried by a vote of two thirds against him. I nevertheless at this moment think he has secured his election by it in the Autumn.

Received a letter from Mr. Johnson.2 He has at last received his money, and apologizes for his forgetfulness. He complains as usual and threatens a journey to England as soon as the weather opens more favourably. My mind is prodigiously relieved by this intelligence. He has not probably yet realized the money but he at least acquits me of all neglect. The next question is how he will bear my last letters which are rather dissatisfied. This it is to be hipped.3

Home where I read Homer. Afternoon to Quincy with a new horse sent to me to try. Found the masons playing all in the wrong. They have under the carpenter’s orders, been changing the places of all the stones in a manner not a little vexatious. I found myself somewhat fretted at this. My time was so short that I could do little more than scold and come home. Found Mr. Brooks sitting with my wife, and he remained until nine. After which, writing.

The day was tolerable although I think it cold for the season. I started from home early to keep an appointment with Deacon Spear who was to take some flower pots to Quincy for me. This done, to the Office. Engaged in drafting an Account current for my father during the last Quarter which should have been done some time ago. Mr. Ayer afterwards came in for some money on his work and I had much conversation with him upon the business of yesterday. I tried to explain to him my objections to his going on as he did without consulting me. He is sensitive and felt desirous of altering. I told him I was anxious to finish and therefore wished to inculcate nothing but the precedent. I wished always to be first consulted prior to any variation from the plan.

Home. A letter from my Mother to my Wife1 but no news of starting. Afternoon, I took my Wife to ride with the Horse I am trying, to Brookline and Jamaica Pond. The animal is certainly a fine one. After my return, I had time for Plutarch and a little of Agathon which be-229comes instructive. Evening, G. Gorham spent two hours with us. Wraxall.