A continuation of our weather. I walked up to the Capitol after seeing Mr. Pope at home who called to visit my Wife. The debate upon the duel still continues. Mr. Bynum, Mr. Menifee and Mr. Duncan all let loose their feelings upon the subject,1 they are each implicated in the transaction and the course of the debate has brought the burden heavily upon two of them. Bynum seemed most to feel the weight of my father’s speech, and therefore directed his fury most against him. But the feeling of the majority seemed to run most decidedly against the course of the Administration party so far as it was possible to judge from the secondary questions decided today. Finally a motion to lay upon the table and print was made and decided as a test vote against the Administration by twenty majority. We left the House for a short time to go to the Senate where a brief discussion of the bill to sell the bonds of the U.S. Bank took place between Wright and Webster. Then 38home. After dinner, Davis came in, and two gentlemen, Messrs. Campbell and Smith came in with Hull, also Mr. Frye. We had some very good glee singing which finished the evening and we did not retire until late.

Weather cold as usual. I was at home all the morning, particularly as my father returned from the House with the intelligence of the death of a member, Mr. Lawler of Alabama. Occupied the time in bringing up the Arrears of my Diary and in writing a letter to Mr. Brooks. My Wife received three from her friends in Boston last evening, one of which was from him and this I answered.1

Our dinner rather earlier than usual for the sake of riding out to Woodley where my Uncle Mr. Johnson lives. This is a little secluded country place beyond Georgetown where he has retired consulting his taste for solitude. My mother and Mary, my Wife and myself. Found him there but quickly following us came Mr. Pope and Mrs. Hellen.2 So the party being large we returned and took tea at Mrs. Smith’s. Home by ten.

Continued cold and raw weather. T. K. Davis came in and sat for an hour talking of his various conferences with individuals. I am satisfied that the whole party which goes under the name of conservative is waiting to see whether Mr. Van Buren will not be forced from his present position and obliged to take theirs. I advised Davis of the opinions held by my father, and stated very freely my own. As at present advised, I saw nothing to authorize me to vary from my preceding course.

We then walked to the Capitol, calling on the way to see Govr. Dickerson and Mr. Legaré. We found the latter at home and had a pleasant visit. He is a dashing talker, with many new ideas, but rather brilliant than solid.1 Out of an allusion to slavery made by Davis there 39grew a discussion between us which lasted until we reached the Capitol.

They were engaged in the ceremonial of the funeral of the member.2 After it was over, we returned and I dropped in to see Indian Gallery of Mr. Catlin. This is a collection of Portraits of various American Indians of different tribes, and pictures illustrative of their principal ceremonies as well as landscapes. There are also various articles of dress &c. which Catlin has collected in his personal travels. The whole is curious as a specimen of one great branch of man, but Indians after all are but Indians. They represent the first stages of civilization which are by no means, properly considered, the most interesting.3

Home to dinner. Evening, a small party by invitation of Mrs. Gilpin. Principally members of the Administration party and the Corps diplomatique. Very dull. Home, and to bed quite fatigued.