Morning clear and warmer than it has been although still cold. I went up to Mrs. T. B. Adams’ taking with me my little girl Louisa, who was to go from there with Mrs. Foster’s daughter to Miss Torrey’s school. I sat with Mrs. Adams some time conversing and then returned, calling at one or two places on my way, for various purposes connected with my House. I then went up there and passed some time quite actively engaged in laying the level &ca. for my grounds. The Masons are doing the last of their work for which I am very glad. Their work appears to me far the most tedious. After an hour of work, I then went home and sat down to Homer.

The rumor from town today is that there was a riot yesterday occasioned by the conflict between the Irish and the firemen which happened from an accident.1 Injury not yet known, but supposed to be considerable to persons and property. Our population is a singular one, full of agitation and the least cause appears to set it in motion.

Read fifty lines of the fourth book of the Iliad. Afternoon again at 260the House where Deacon Spear was setting my posts. So anxious about fire that I directed most of the shavings to be removed. Ride with my Wife round Milton village and the paper mills a very pretty road where are several very handsome residences. I grow more and more fond of the rural character of this place, especially as one approaches the magnificent range of the Blue hills. Home. Evening quiet.

My intention was to have gone to town today, but the clouds looked so very threatening that as my Wife was to go with me I held it wisest to postpone. There was no rain however.

At the House as usual superintending. My anxiety is principally about the expense. My carpenter requires the most rigid regulation for he has little or no judgment of his own. The experience I have now acquired would enable me to go over all this again much cheaper. But heaven protect me from doing so until I am far better prepared. To a man with superabundant means, building may be agreeable, but it can hardly be so to any one else. The idea of excess in expense is always very alarming, particularly where the danger of it is always great.

Home to read Homer fifty lines a day twice over. I then amused myself in throwing off a few of my notions upon Banking and paper which I purpose to send to the Quincy Patriot. This is not much of a place to put in more than a few notions for limited circulation. I do it only to keep myself in practice.1 Afternoon as usual. Finished the first volume of Wieland’s Abderites. I am getting tired of his constant wit. Evening, to Mrs. Adams’, where my wife was. Conversation for an hour and then home.

The morning was foggy but it cleared away and my wife accompanied me to town. My first occupation was to go round to the various places where I had commissions and also to attend to my Accounts. At twelve I went to call upon Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Brooks who have just 261arrived from Europe after a three years absence.1 I found the room full of company, principally of members of the family. He was not at home. His wife looks improved but not much altered by her travels. She has preserved her complexion throughout and now looks like a woman at her meridian with a few indications of decline. Returned to the office where I had a call or two. Then back to Quincy.

The day appeared full of bustle owing to a military parade, but the riot of the other day was hardly remembered. Such is life particularly in America. Afternoon at my House superintending as usual. Then home where I read Wieland. Evening, made a call with my father to see Mr. Whitney, a visit I have owed for some time. He was alone and talked more than usual, but his talk was not profitable.