Fine day. Time as usual. Evening small party at Miss Scollay’s.

At the Office I busied myself very assiduously in my work upon my articles but made slow progress. The public news is stationary. The rumor of Mr. Calhoun’s appointment turns out to be thin air. The 201Whig newspapers as usual are busy in carving out for the President what he shall do, while those of his side are holding back uncommitted in order that they may approve whatever he does. I see not a symptom of probability that my father will be selected although I am more and more convinced he is the man who should go. The probability now is that nobody will be sent for the present, and while it will do any good. In the mean time, however, things upon the frontier look rather better.

Read Philoctetes which is easy Greek. After dinner, Crevier and further work upon the MS.

Evening to Miss Scollay’s. She piques herself upon uniting at her house the most cultivated people and commonly makes dull parties. Met Dr. Channing there and had some conversation with him about general matters of speculation. He is undoubtedly an able man and I believe a sincere one but I apprehend he does not live enough among his fellows to understand fully the extent of their moving impulses. He treated me however with very great civility and asked me to call and see him which I do not know but I may do.

Fine day. Usual division. Evening small party at Mrs. E. Blake’s.

I continued my work at the Office which gives me satisfaction as it keeps me employed. My set of articles however are very slow in their progress. I began to write one over the fourth time this day.

Philoctetes as usual. It is very easy to read and I begin to think I am really mastering Greek. After dinner, Crevier and MS. upon which I propose to be again engaged.

Went to a small family party at Mrs. Blake’s in the evening. The Parkmans and Dehons, rather dull. Home. Burr is dull.

Rain. Time divided. Evening at Mrs. H. G. Rice’s.

My first number on the currency appeared today.1 I read it with some interest and liked it much. But it comes at a wrong season. Nobody knows or cares for it. Perhaps it is worth nothing.

Read Philoctetes, the only pursuit that gives me rich satisfaction. The rest are all in the performance of a heavy duty. Crevier, History of Constantine. His catholic feelings influence the latter portion of his history much. The struggles of the christian religion over the passions of men would make perhaps a most interesting subject of investigation. 202They were terrific during the middle ages. And yet they remain working upon generation after generation with improving force but very gradual success. Ms.

Evening at Mrs. H. G. Rice’s. A new acquaintance. Company as usual. Returned at ten.