Rain but afterwards cleared. Railway to Boston. Afternoon to Quincy. Evening at Mr. Otis’.

The fog was such that the boat could not attempt to enter Stonington until after daylight and indeed she only made her way along all night by soundings. There was thunder and lightning too. At about six we were transferred to the Cars and did not reach Boston until nearly noon. I went home directly and from thence to the Office.

Mr. Brooks and my father dined with me, after which the latter accompanied me to Quincy where I found things much in the same state in which I left them.

Returned home alone and went with my Wife by invitation to Mr. Otis’s. Mrs. Ritchie had asked us again and I determined that this long delayed affair should be settled. It was a little company consisting of F. Dexter and his Wife, Mr. J. L. Motley and his Wife, Mr. and Miss Appleton, Mrs. Child, Mr. Inglis and T. G. Bradford. These were very few of my acquaintance and I felt awkwardly enough. But I was called to cards and this with a little supper finished the evening. Glad to get away however as I had slept little.

Clear day. Distribution as usual. Evening at home.

I devoted this day very much to the prosecution of my various occupations. Worked for some time upon Burr, which must now be done if it ever is. Read a little of Ajax not very thoroughly. And in the Afternoon I pursued the business of Mr. Hunt’s Article which I finished by evening. This is not so extended nor so thorough as I had designed to make it. But the fact is that time has not enabled me to do it. Evening Gardiner Gorham with us until ten o’clock.

Clear day. Morning Office. Afternoon Quincy. Evening at home.

I kept on working as well as I could this morning although interrupted by one or two persons on business. The labour of this composition of Burr is greater than any thing I have undertaken and it makes me at times a little impatient. I am drawing however towards the end. Home to read Ajax.

After dinner, Mr. Brooks accompanied me to Quincy to see the 229progress I had made in improvements, and we passed a couple of hours and returned. He has purchased Mr. Webster’s house,1 and today he intimated his wish that my Wife could occupy it with him. Against this I should have no serious objection for the winter months but he desires a person to reside also in Summer at Medford which is not practicable for me. On the whole I prefer my present way of life but I am not so selfish as to make it a sine qua non as it regards my comfort. Mr. Webster is going to Europe and his friends again come forward to pay his debts and set him up. His career is entirely unexampled in our history. And it is much to be desired that it should never be imitated. Evening quietly at home.