Morning cool and hazy but it cleared afterwards. I went to the Office but was for the most part engaged at an Auction of Furniture at which I was desirous of purchasing some things. This consumed pretty much all of the morning.

Nothing new from Washington excepting some little matters of difference between Clay and Webster which betray a feeling I have all along suspected. There will be something perhaps grow out of it.

Home to read Oedipus with which I am charmed. Afternoon I read over the preface to Miss Baillie’s plays again. A good deal of thought in 392it but not enthusiasm enough. Evening read Lockhart to my Wife and after it, finished the last draft of my little biography.1

Detained at home until rather late by a visit from Mrs. Angier who was anxious to procure some information respecting the settlement of poor Thomas’ affairs. Then to the Office. Received a letter from Sidney Brooks which is quite satisfactory.1 So that I am relieved from present anxiety respecting Mr. Johnson’s funds. I spent the remainder of the morning in Accounts and in writing a letter to Mr. J. explanatory.2 Then home. Read Sophocles.

Afternoon, after copying letter, read Miss Baillie’s Tragedy of Basil designed to represent Love on her principles of applying one passion to each specimen of Tragedy and Comedy. I must say I think she treats Love as an old Maid would treat it. She draws neither from her own heart nor any body else’s. Evening, Mr. Brooks was here. Afterwards Brumoy’s Greek Theatre.3

A clear day but cold, the wind from the north and cutting. I continued reading Brumoy’s Preface giving his view of the origin of the drama of which I think not much.

Attended divine service. Mr. Frothingham from 12 Hebrews. 17. “He found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears,” the subject of repentance, it’s nature, its effect and its uses, very good. Afternoon from John 19. 10.11. “Knowst thou not that I have power to crucify thee and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.” The conception of power contrasted in the worldly view given of it by Pilate by his question, and the more exalted and correct one of the Saviour.

Walk with John. Afternoon reading the second of Buckminster’s Sermons upon the character of Christ. John 7. 46. “Never man spake like this man.” An exceedingly ingenious discourse in support of the evidences of Christs mission, from his situation in life, the unexpec-393tedness, the originality, the sublimity and the consistency of his character. All these points are reasoned out with great simplicity and force. I was so much pleased with the sermon as to be led to read the Memoir of the Author at the head of the book and an Oration delivered by him at Cambridge. He certainly was a gifted man and had he lived would have probably made a useful one. At twenty eight he had made himself a reputation other men hardly reach at fifty.

Evening at home. A visit from H. Chapman of Greenfield who chatters a mixture of sense and nonsense. Reading Miss Baillie.