Morning much as yesterday. My father accompanied me to town on his road to Washington, to attend the special session.1 There is something at all times disagreeable in these separations of families, and especially at times when it has not been anticipated. I am glad however that we retain at Quincy even the other members of the family for a time.

At the Office where I was busy in Accounts and settling bills which is my principal wish at this time. Met accidentally Mr. Paine of the Advocate and had some talk with him about that concern. He says they have come to an understanding by which the dissatisfied members retire from the concern with the loss of what they have. Mr. Hallett in-305timidated them and thus prevented the destruction of the paper. But Paine is himself dependent upon the paper and is desirous of holding to it until he can get something else. But he does not speak well of Hallett, which convinces me of the unprincipled character of H. and he wishes to get out without incurring a quarrel. I feel more and more the relief of being rid of the business.

I went down to the railroad depot where I found my father and took leave of him. Saw Mr. Webster and several other members going on. Home to Quincy. Afternoon at the House. The wind so high Kirk could do little upon the bank so he was busy forming the bottoms for the gravel walks. Not much of any thing else. Evening at home.

The morning hot and damp, with showers, but after dinner the wind changed to the Eastward and we had rain. I was at the house some time superintending but there is not much left to require my constant attendance and I must recollect I have other duties.

Some time was passed in the other house in arranging the books left by my father in confusion. But the day was so oppressive I concluded to defer it. Read a little of Homer and some of Lessing and Humboldt. Tried to work in the road a little but got wet through and was obliged to come in.

Mr. DeWint who is our guest at present, went with his family to Commencement at Cambridge. I dislike these things so much that it is the heaviest request that can be made of me to go. Mr. D. made none. He returned home late and I sat up later than usual. I waste much time.

Morning cool and windy. I went to town and was occupied at my Office most of my time in accounts. Paid one or two bills and made a call upon one or two persons.

A. H. Everett came in by accident and sat down for some time. The result of the election in Rhode Island much surprised the Community and shows a change in public sentiment rather ominous to Mr. Van Buren.1 The question now is as to the election of Speaker in the House, and the parties are very closely drawn. Mr. Everett appears to 306 image hold on to the hope of keeping up his party determination. He has no other resource. He talked somewhat of Texas and Abolitionism, also of Mr. Hallett’s difficulties which are represented to him as settled. I told him that I thought his paper could not last six months. The result of this conference convinces me that we are no longer upon the same track. Mr. Everett has made his jump and if he comes on his feet will laugh at my sagacity.

Called on Mr. Brooks. Nothing remarkable. Home. It had been my intention to go to Cambridge to the ΦBK celebration but Mr. Everett’s visit prevented. At dinner, E. C. Adams and Eliz. DeWint with her father. I was occupied upon the books at the other house and for a short time at my own. Lessing. But my studies have become irregular. Evening, writing after playing a round game with the ladies.

Thus closes another volume of record of my little eventful life. Perhaps I shall never have the patience to toil over the pages, and they may have been work thrown away. Yet habit is such a master that if I was to omit my daily Diary at this time, I should imagine myself to be losing one of my strongest supports in correct conduct. And whether it is or is not read by me or others hereafter is of very little consequence in comparison.