A lovely morning, the first which has announced to us the approach of Spring, and the day was fine throughout, a rare thing at this season of the year. I started very early from home to go to Quincy which I reached in a short time. My horse performing very well indeed. Found the masons had done no work since I was there. A very singular way of 233going on indeed. I no sooner get one set of men agoing than the other are off. The framers appeared to be working in earnest however. I hope they will be soon through with their work.

Returned to town by one o’clock and Home where I read Homer. Afternoon, reviewed the first part of the Essay of Plutarch and as an experiment to ascertain how much I recollected of my former Greek studies, took up Demosthenes on the crown. Surprised to find how I mastered it. Agathon, and in the evening, Moore’s Byron, and Wraxall.

Another delightful day, such as we have perhaps half a dozen of every Spring merely to feel what spring should be in a proper climate. I went out with my children before breakfast for an hour, then to market &ca. At the Office where I employed myself in finishing Accounts. Deacon Spear came in from Quincy and called for a few minutes, about some money affairs. On the whole however, I do not employ my morning profitably.

Home after receiving a letter from my father in which he has made mention at last of my little pamphlet.1 I have made bold to circulate nearly all the copies of this, and on the whole little as its success is, it has been much greater than any thing I have yet done. The Newspapers have persisted in their impenetrable silence at which I am not disappointed. My way is to be made over obstacles, merely to keep my energies upon the stretch. I may do more in this way than I should ever in any other case have thought of attempting.

Afternoon, I had expected to go out to ride, but my gig not coming I remained at home lounging over some pretty stories in a new book called the Gossip’s week,2 somewhat of a modest imitation of Boccaccio. Agathon, but Mr. Ayer came in and gave me as usual vexation. I thought building was a pleasant business but my late experience of it has been rather curative of that idea. Evening to Mr. Frothingham’s with my Wife. Mr. Brooks came in. Conversation and home early. Wraxall.