My daily life has so much of monotony in it again in town that I hardly feel it worthwhile to continue my record. My time was only varied today by attempting to attend an Auction after I had been to Market. I used to be very patient in my attendance but now the crowd and multitude of objects not wanted which come before those I do want disables me very much from continuing. I have got above the business.

As I was returning to my Office however I stopped in at another Auction just as they were selling some coins of the Roman Emperors. I purchased them at haphazard and then drew back from half,1 which were taken by another gentleman. We spent an hour in dividing them, and I returned home, late.

Afternoon continued writing, and prepared five sheets of MS to be delivered to the printer tomorrow. Evening, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham came and passed an hour. Pleasant conversation, but I did little afterwards.

Mild and wet day. I went to the Office where I was engaged very much in Accounts. Paid off a variety of bills which have somewhat hung upon my mind. The present state of the currency makes me feel quite uneasy at the continuance for any great length of time of obligations. Some day, we may find the deposites all in furno.1

Called at the Athenaeum and procured a variety of books with which I began to decipher the coins purchased by me. They turn out a very agreeable accession to my present collection which is entirely deficient in this branch. My father having mislaid or lost the set which he had procured for this purpose.2 I shall find much interest in this pursuit this winter I hope.

I did not write much until evening. Read Lockhart to my Wife who appears to be amused by it though I think it unskilfully got up.

This was the day appointed according to established custom among us for the annual thanksgiving. I spent a couple of hours upon my 352coins and then attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham preach from Deuteronomy 26. parts of 5.10 and 11 verses. “And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, behold, I have brought the first fruits of the land, which thou O, Lord, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God: and thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee.” The discourse was principally directed to an historical view of the day, borrowed from the customs of the Hebrews, and amplifying a former discourse upon the same subject. The most remarkable feature to me was a complimentary notice of Cromwell which surprised me as coming from Mr. Frothingham.

Home after a long walk. Met P. C. Brooks Jr. who told me of the catastrophe of G. W. Pratt.1 One of the class of gambling speculators who have involved the Nation in it’s present disgrace. He is said to have run his liabilities up to a sum exceeding one million.

We dined alone which I regretted. Afternoon, I was engaged in writing upon my Essay. Evening, to Mr. Brooks’ with my Wife. A family meeting consisting of the usual persons. Nothing of material consequence occurred. Home early.