Fine day, the usual attendant upon Artillery Election.1 I went down to the Office and was occupied very soon in Accounts. Mr. Kirk from Quincy came in with the horses and I then had to work very briskly to get every thing in order for him to return in good season. I had also to finish the orders for the remainder of the furniture and bedding, and for this purpose met my Wife at the Asylum for the blind,2 to select it. Thus the time passed so rapidly that I found the hour for dinner had arrived and I returned home weary enough.

The afternoons in these cases ought at least to be allowed me, and 58yet I feel ashamed not to improve it more than in reading the wishy washy collections of the English Society for entertaining knowledge.3 Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and children here during part of the Afternoon. And the noise of guns and of people quite intolerable.

Evening, T. K. Davis came in, the first time that I have seen him. He appeared lively enough but had little that was new. His Washington journey has enlarged his views if it has not resulted in fixing his party principles.

Heavy rain in the morning, but it cleared before night. I went to the Office and was occupied in preparing the Accounts for the case of Mr. Johnson who wishes to know his position. I prepared them all very fully and despatched them before night.1 I then went in quest of some kind of vehicle for my summer use, my gig having given out rather unexpectedly to me. The matter having been expedited, I next turned my attention to the remainder of the orders, most of which I got through with. Thus again went the day.

Home to dinner, weary and somewhat discouraged by this heavy load of small cares. I sometimes feel as if I had done wrong to assume so many of them, and incline to adopt rather a strict system of reduction until I get back. Afternoon packing up books and reading Hindoo manners.2 Perhaps this information may stand me in good stead some time or other. Evening, called upon Sidney Brooks and his Wife and from thence to Edward Brooks’ where were Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and Mr. W. Boott.3 After an hour’s talk, home.

Morning pleasant with flying clouds. I went to the Office and from thence walking to accomplish commissions. Met Kirk who had come in with one of the horses and expected me to go out so that I might 59return with the other. Accordingly I started in my new Conveyance which I liked very well, and reached the house about eleven.

Every thing looked very much improved from what it was when I started and yet I could not help feeling how rough it all was and how much attention it would require before I could make any thing comely out of it. I was led into a more extensive undertaking than I have either disposition or means to keep up. My grounds are yet but poorly clothed with green and that at a time when the country has it’s richest coat.

After giving such directions as I could, I returned home, just in time for dinner. Afternoon at home quietly reading of the Hindoos. Unable to assume more active or useful work from the proximity of my removal. Evening writing Diary, which I brought up.