Morning clear with a cold Easterly wind. I spent more time than I had intended running over the books in the library down at the house and selecting such as I wished. Out of my fathers whole collection there are comparatively few that come within the range of my present wishes. I propose to devote the summer to increasing my acquaintance 67with American history and my general knowledge of the geography of the world. This is a branch of science I always had a fancy for, and my father’s library is pretty well provided with ancient works. The modern ones are more numerous but not so valuable. Afternoon Pliny in whose letters I take much pleasure. Evening, called with Mrs. Adams at Mr. Beale’s and sat an hour.

It was warm today until a thunder shower came and cooled the air. I went to town and was employed every minute of my time in something or other. Among the rest, I was obliged to go to Cambridge for the purpose of returning some books to the library, it being near the moment for the annual examination. This I effected by taking the omnibus in and out, although not without heat and fatigue. Of course I was abridged of my time here.

Glad as I always am to get out of the dust and bustle of the city and enjoy the fresh breeze from the sea. Afternoon, Pliny. Took up Grahame’s history and bethought myself of the possibility of making it conducive to my studies and to the satisfaction of a request of Dr. Palfrey’s for a review for the much fallen North American.1 Evening passed in looking over the work.

Day pleasant but cool. I remained at home and enjoyed my occupation much. Having gone down to the house, I there procured the papers relating to my grandfather and commenced an examination of them with a view to a more direct comprehension of the record of the early part of his life, as well as a methodical arrangement. This kept me fully engaged the whole morning, and I felt great satisfaction in it too.

After dinner, I indulged in reading Pliny, and resumed Grahame comparing him with Hutchinson and finding a slight notice of the incidents at the commencement of the 18th century was tempted to examine more minutely. I am only deterred from writing by the probable labour of investigation. Evening Mrs. Adams took tea at my Aunt’s, and I joined her where we spent the evening, and returned at or before ten.