I remained at home all day. Weather cloudy and yet mild with a Southerly wind. Read the remainder of the twenty seventh book of Livy containing the account of the masterly stroke of Claudius Nero the consul, which by the defeat of Asdrubal put an end to the contest in Italy and of the reception of the news in Rome, which is a perfect picture. The narrative power of Livy appears to me not to be surpassed. I occupied myself during the rest of the morning in assorting the MS, but still not actively enough. This must be next week systematically pursued.

In the afternoon, I walked over to the ledge of Mr. Colburn, found that he had caused to be cut the Stone which I had directed and it turns out very good, and will furnish a considerable quantity of stone. I do not feel able to make many experiments but have no doubt if I could, that I might draw all I want from the immediate vicinity. I then went to Mr. Colburn’s ledge and from thence followed up the line of my father’s land along back to where I started from. I saw enough to satisfy me that there was a great abundance of stone on this part of the farm which in case of need might be brought into use. But the great profusion of the article renders it hardly worth while to go beyond the most prominent points as yet and perhaps the fashion of the material may go by before any further search would become necessary. In the process of going round this land I have now attained to a tolerably correct idea of the extent of this farm. This must necessarily be one of my objects here if I keep hold in this quarter, the understanding what the land is. At home in the evening. Mr. Price Greenleaf called and I concluded to walk over tomorrow to see his father’s Quarries.

I went to town today, Joseph H. Adams accompanying me. My time was as much taken up as it commonly is. I went round upon several commissions for my father and called to see Mrs. Frothingham about some arrangements respecting my man. I then went to my Office where I had a few moments talk with Mr. Walsh. Mr. Hartwell came in about my well and engaged to do it, but the main point, the when, he would not pronounce. He would see me again. Mr. Brooks also came in for a moment to inquire about Abby and leave a Note inviting her over on Friday to Medford.1 Mr. Ayer also came in to give me his account of timber to be furnished for my House. I looked it over with 93him so as to try and understand it pretty well. Thus the time passed so that I had hardly a moment for Mr. Curtis who called about some Charlestown Deeds and Mr. A. H. Everett who talked very disagreeable politics. He is an unfortunate man in being an electioneerer for himself.

Home, Joseph with me, who goes tomorrow. He told me an unpleasant thing, that a son of Mr. De Wint’s had run away and Mr. Angier under whose care he was, knew nothing of him. After dinner, with Price Greenleaf and my father over the ledges of the former’s father. We went to one owned by Mr. Richards and some others. The quantity of the material ready to be furnished of the very best quality is what surprises and exceedingly astonishes me. I wish to obtain some statistics but find it difficult. We stopped to see Price Greenleaf’s nursery and planting works, after which we reached home exceedingly tired by the day. Evening quiet.