I went to town this morning, accompanied by my father. Engaged in accounts and devising means for payment of my various bills. Called upon Carey and paid him thus getting rid of that. Mr. Walsh came in and we talked. I have not seen him for some time and am struck with his talk as sensible. Called upon Mr. Brooks and had a little conversation with him.

Mr. Russel Freeman came and embarrassed me much with his talk about his Office of Collector of New Bedford.1 This is a species of monomania in him particularly troublesome when one reflects as is my case that he has not the remotest prospect of success. His particular object with me seemed to be, to know whether Mr. Hallett was in pursuit of the Office for himself, and if so whether it would be expedient for him to send in a letter of Mr. Hallett’s written to him last winter, 302appearing to favor his cause, as one of his recommendations. I replied by stating my present relations with Mr. H. and consequent disposition not to meddle in his concerns.

Dined at Mr. Frothingham’s. A small company consisting of Governor Everett and his Wife, Sidney Brooks, &do. Mr. Brooks, Mr. Stetson and Mr. Hedge, my father and myself. Talk of animal magnetism in which Mr. Hedge is a believer having been to Providence where wonders are performing through the agency of a blind old woman. A nine day’s wonder.

Home at five. At the house for a moment to see the surveyor, who is not yet finished. Evening, Loto with the children, the ladies having gone to town for the Afternoon.

I remained out of town today in consequence of going yesterday. The surveyor came out again for the third time and went over the remainder of the work with the plastering which he measures and values also. I had intended labouring hard upon my writing all day but as has happened so often, found the necessity of my superintendence in the formation of the north corner of the bank.1 I also walked down to the Canal for the purpose of making an explanation to the lumber dealers. Thus passed the whole morning.

After dinner, Mr. Field held an auction upon my premises of all the remnants and the superfluities which I did not know how to dispose of otherwise. The expense of moving them was an object to be avoided. The things sold on the whole pretty well.

I spent part of a broken afternoon in reading the second volume of Simon le Borgne which I think by no means equal to the first, although shewing the same general characteristics. There were visitors—Joseph H. Adams and Mr. Newell. Nothing however that was remarkable. Evening at home. Loto with the children as usual.

I was at home all day and occupied in working a great part of the time in assistance to Kirk in making the Bank and shaping out the walks as I want them. The men are removing very rapidly all the in-303cumbrances and I am preparing to make the last finishing round the house. This is a work of time and of expense. I am almost discouraged by the extent to which I have had to go and even now see little harbour.

At noon, T. K. Davis came out as he had promised and as he wished to go to the house, I accompanied him and we sat there for some time looking at the prospect with which he was much struck. Few people expect much and that is perhaps one of the reasons of their gratification. He dined with us, and left at about five. Thus my time was pretty much engrossed, and again I did nothing upon my work. These long interruptions discourage me.

Evening at home. Read Dr. Channing’s pamphlet upon Texas.1 A production which does him much credit in my estimation.