Mild but easterly cold. Division as usual.

I was pretty assiduous this morning in the continuation of my work upon currency and made a good deal of progress. But affairs have taken so novel a turn that it is very questionable on the whole whether any attention would be paid to similar speculations until the war fever is over.

Walk and Antigone. After dinner, a chapter of Crevier and two of Gibbon. I think his power over his subject is one of the most remarkable things I have ever noticed. The exactness with which he mentions all important facts in very small compass, and the service to which he puts all his adjectives. Is this worth studying for imitation? Quiet evening at home. Began upon the last draught of Burr. Heavy work is writing.

Fine day. Time as usual. Evening out without success.

I was much engaged at the Office all the morning with various interruptions common on this day of the week but managed on the whole to be satisfied as I recruited my almost exhausted funds considerably thereby. Walk.

Finished Antigone with which I have been much pleased. The drama is a deeply pathetic one from the self devotion of the heroine, and is remarkable as introducing love as one of the moving forces though not the principal in the piece. I now go on to Philoctetes.

Afternoon, Crevier, and in the evening we went out to pay an evening visit to Mrs. Webster but found her not at home. Went on a little heavily with Aaron Burr.

Colder. Exercises as usual. Evening at home.

I devoted an hour to my collection of medals this morning. Attended divine service as usual. Heard Mr. Robbins preach from 1 Kings 4. 13. “And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.” Upon domestic harmony and the practice of exercising the family affections. This history of Elisha and the Shunnamite woman had been the topic of a discourse of Dr. Frothingham’s last Sunday far superior in pathos and force to this of Mr. Robbins’.

Afternoon, Mr. Barrett. John 8. 12. “Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world.” This speech coming from 200such a person, whose station in life and mode of education by no means justified its being made, wonderfully verified as it has been by the spread of the Gospel satisfies the preacher that he could have been no mere mortal. The point is a strong one and was not badly put, but Mr. Barrett is so unfortunate in his delivery as to make listening to him positively painful.

Dr. Hayley furnished the day’s sermon from the English Preacher. Colossians 3. 14. “Above all these things, put on charity which is the bond of perfectness.” Upon charity and sensible. Evening at home. Went on with Burr.