The Stage was full from Portsmouth and consequently I could not obtain a seat. I could not think of waiting till Saturday with a chance of being again disappointed. So I sent forward my little trunk by the Stage, and engaged a horse; at about ten in the forenoon, I left Town, and arrived at Ipswich just before noon. The Supreme Court are sitting there, and I went to the Court house where I saw a number of my friends: among others my classmate Kendall who is going to the Ohio in a short Time. I found likewise at Ipswich a number of the young Ladies from Newbury-Port, who to be sure were gallanted by their fathers. It was 419near four o'clock when I left Ipswich; and Pickman at the same time returned to Salem. It was so late when we got there that I could not think of reaching Boston this night, and I therefore accepted of Pickman's invitation to lodge in town. He went with me to Mr. Derby's; but the young Ladies were not at home, so that I had not the pleasure of being introduced to his Dulcinea. Learned, who is upon the study of physic in this town, pass'd the evening with us.

I was up early in the morning, and mounted my horse at about seven. It was ten when I got into Boston. I went to Mr. Smith's, and found my father was gone to Braintree but my Mamma was at the Governor's: I immediately went there and enjoy'd all the satisfaction that can arise from the meeting so near and dear a friend after a long absence. We dined at Deacon Storer's. Old Mrs. Edwards was there (v. Vol 2. p. 27.)1 and Dr. Waterhouse, &c. Between five and six we set out for Braintree. As I was already somewhat fatigued, my Cousin Cranch gave me up his seat in the Chaise with my Mamma, and took my horse. At about eight we got to Mr. Cranch's, and there my Satisfaction and pleasures were again renew'd at finding my father in good health. And here I must stop for the present.

The weather was very warm. I went down to my uncle Quincy's, and from thence on the shore. One lighter arrived in the afternoon, with part of the goods and furniture, and the other is expected to-morrow.

Parson Wibird preached in his usual dull unanimated strain. Of late indeed he has lost it is said his only claim to merit by declining wholly to change with the neighbouring ministers. After meeting this evening, I went with W. Cranch down to Mrs. Quincy's and drank tea. Mrs. Quincy of Boston1 was there, and very agreeable: I had never been in company with her before.