I felt so much fatigued that I almost determined upon remaining at home all day, but although warm the day was cloudy with drops of 45rain so as to make the walking less difficult. After writing up the arrears of my Diary, I went in the Carriage with the ladies calling at Mrs. Thornton’s,1 as far as Claggett’s shop where I got out and walked from thence to the Capitol.

The question was upon the passage of the Treasury Note bill which had been squeezed through last night, but was arrested on a reconsideration this morning. It was clear that this was a close party test in a full house and as such excited great interest. The vote turned out 110 in the affirmative and 109 in the negative to which the Speaker added his vote thus producing a tie and defeating the reconsideration. Thus it appears pretty plain that allowing the Administration nearly all the Carolinians, they are still in a minority in the House.

After this was well over, the House went upon some matter connected with the question of Northwest boundary, and Mr. Cushing went upon it2 in so dry a way that I transferred myself to the Senate where they were discussing as drily the District Bank charters.

So I returned and found my father up making an explanatory Speech respecting our boundary titles to the Westward in the course of which he went over much interesting matter as well relating to the history of the discovery, as to certain cabinet proceedings of which he gave a pleasing sketch, and of his own agency therein. It was amusing to observe how he collected his audience from a handful, for the excitement of the preceding days had exhausted the House, to a little collection around him. Shortly afterwards the House adjourned but I left beforehand. Quiet evening at home. A curious notice in the Boston Courier of my letters which is too flattering.3

We had showers in the morning which moderated the heat a little. Mr. Frye called after breakfast and I gave him the papers of Lt. Casey sent to settle T. B. A.’s affairs. I then accompanied my father in the carriage to the capitol, returning the visits of the Russian Minister1 on the way.

But the House did not appear disposed to take any thing up so I walked home, calling upon Mr. Meredith who had left town2 and upon Johnson Hellen.3 The latter I found in his room complaining of his condition much. He does not look sick, but has the appearance of a heautontimorumenos.4 I could not help pitying the condition to which a man can by his own art reduce himself. He reminds me much of the passage of years. After a slight conversation, the entrance of a client interrupted us and I promised to call again.

Home where I amused the rest of the day in reading the report upon the West India Emancipated Colonies, and the Bank Report made by Mr. Woodbury.5 Quiet evening at home.

A very fine day. I spent it very quietly at home with the exception of a long walk. Read more of the Emancipation Report and of the Bank pamphlet of Mr. Woodbury. The first although manifestly ex parte yet carries with it a vast amount of evidence of the practicability of immediate abolition. I think it tends to confirm me in my preconceived notions upon that subject. My walk extended to the Potomac River and bridge, over ground frequently crossed by me as a boy, the recollections of which are pleasant enough, and yet slightly melancholy from the passage of time.

I am beginning to feel the want of my occupations, and to look with a slight impatience to the hour of return. This will, I hope not be delayed beyond the week after next. Nothing of interest in Congress. News from Philadelphia of the destruction by a mob of the hall lately erected for free discussion.1 Such is the nature and extent of American liberty. A call from General Macomb.2 Evening at home. Visits from Captain and Mrs. Williams and Mr. Campbell. After which I read part of Senator Wright’s report.