Stormy. To town, return to dine. Afternoon and evening at home.

I arose very early this morning in order to be prepared if my father inclined to accept Mr. Loring’s invitation to a fishing excursion at Cohasset. But the wind was East and had been blowing so hard all night that he concluded to remain at home.

I went to Boston. Time taken up in little commissions as usual. Finished my copy of the paper for the heirs which is to be forthwith presented. Just as I was starting to come home Mr. Freeman Hunt came in and kept me some time. He had nothing new to say but seemed 287desirous of procuring for me a review of Mr. Felt’s book on Currency.1 I told him, I had hardly the time, particularly as I was busy about collecting materials for this proposed lecture upon credit which I ought to make good if I make anything.

Reached home late and just as a heavy rain and gale of wind from the Northeastward was setting in, which continued all day and all night blowing with furious violence. Read Tacitus book 1 s 50 to 70, and being at home in the evening went on with Lear. Being situated upon the north corner the noise of the wind prevented my sleeping soundly for several hours.

Clearing up. At home all day. Evening at the Mansion.

The night proved an exceedingly tempestuous one but the wind declined towards morning though it was Sunset before it was entirely calm. I occupied myself very steadily in copying and afterward began a sketch of a Lecture which seemed to me to run very easy. I have reflected upon the subject so much already as to have matured my thoughts. This is fortunate as today I received a letter from Mr. Ward leaving me the alternative of writing a new one or taking the old Revolutionary one of which I am rather tired.1

After dinner Tacitus, finishing the first book of the History, the struggles of Galba, Otho and Vitellius, fearful days. A little outdoor work and then in the evening at my father’s. The night was brilliantly clear, a singular contrast to last night.