Cloudy and chilly. Division as usual. Evening at Mrs. Armstrong’s.

After coins I went to the Office. Nothing there very material, so I determined to go over to East Cambridge and get some deeds which I left six months ago to be recorded. The walk was pleasant enough, and I took the opportunity to look at the Depot of the Lowell Railroad which I never saw before. Found there a Mortgage deed which I had sent over many years ago to be cancelled which has never been executed by my father to this day.

Home in time to read Antigone. Afternoon MS and Sharon Turner.

Evening, a large party at Mr. Armstrong’s. Many old people and a greater number than I have before seen out this winter. Nothing particularly new. Home late.

Cool and cloudy. Distribution as usual. Evening at Mrs. Crowninshield’s.

After coins I went to the Office where I did not find any thing very material to do. My actual occupation in business lasts about half the quarter. Read today in Hunt’s Merchant’s Magazine a Lecture by Professor Vethake upon the distinctive provinces of the philosopher and the statesman, containing very good sense.1

Intended to have taken a walk but delayed it too long and so returned home and read Antigone. After dinner, MS and Sharon Turner. One Chapter a day which is taking it very easy. My copying does not go on at a much faster rate. On the whole I lead a very lazy life.

Evening I accompanied my Wife to a ball given by Mrs. Crowninshield to her newly married son Edward. There were present much of fashionable society here, and the entertainment was lavish as usual. I enjoyed myself tolerably well. Home late.

Cloudy and cool. Distribution as usual. Evening to Mrs. Henshaw’s.

There is not much deserving of particular notice in the record of my day. The Office hours are a little wasted and the remainder of my time taken up in the ordinary routine. Received a letter from my mother which is tolerably cheerful.1

Home where I read Antigone. This play surpasses all the rest of the set in pathos. And the moral seems a high one that the laws of God are to be adhered to in opposition to the threats of man or his prohibition. There is nothing superior to this in modern philosophy or religion. The character of Antigone is a model throughout all the plays.

Afternoon, Sharon Turner and copying manuscripts. Evening, we went to Mrs. Henshaw’s to a small party given by her daughter to her young friends. Home late. I am getting tired.