Morning fine and warm. I went to town. Met Sidney Brooks and Mr. Davis of New York1 and went in with them into Mr. Brooks’ Office, where there was talk of the news from Europe by which it appears that the bankers so long the object of speculation have all failed and many other houses with them. Indeed a great panic seems to have taken place. This will not be so serious in it’s effect now as it would 279have been some months ago, but will nevertheless cause a continuance of distress. I found Sidney had not received my answer to his Note and therefore invited him over again.2

My time was much taken up in Accounts and commissions and I had one or two visitors. One upon the house now vacant in Hancock Street, and one, Mr. Whitcomb, who is now a clerk in one of the Offices at Washington. He seemed to seek conversation upon the subject of currency, earnestly urged some action on the part of my father and such persons as thought with him, and the support of Mr. Van Buren disconnected from the Benton interest. I told him exactly how I felt in respect to Mr. Van Buren, that I was disgusted with Mr. Kendall and felt no confidence in the Administration, that I could now do nothing if I would, the only remaining Newspaper in Boston in which I could publish my opinions, being now closed. He said that Mr. Kendall was bold and thus acquired a position more imposing than solid, but that Mr. Van Buren was timid and disposed to do right if he could be supported. I gave him one of my pamphlets, and he went away without my being able to decide how far he was speaking the opinions of the Office people at Washington and how far his own.

I was delayed until late and did not get to Quincy until after the gentlemen. Mr. Davis talked much at dinner but seemed somewhat affected by the news. They left us early, after which I went up to Mrs. T. B. Adams—for the ladies who were just returning with Miss Greenleaf from fear of a shower. I remained for an hour and then home. Appearances of rain but none in fact.

Morning quite warm. I went to my house to superintend the making of the banks and Soon set to work myself and laboured for a couple of hours steadily. This may be of service physically but it is wonderful how little of it I can bear without a sense of great fatigue. As in this matter there was great need of direction and I thus consumed all the time excepting a very small portion devoted to studies. I now anxiously look forward to the termination of building, and I think it will be some time before I am caught in a similar trap. It interests me, it is true, but it worries me too much. I have much exceeded my original estimates in starting and what is worse I am even yet in doubt how far they will be carried. The finishing now goes on which is a great thing. Afternoon, 280read a little of Wieland and some of Humboldt but much of it at the house. There came on a violent shower of rain, the ladies and children being out, but they got home safe.