Cold morning. Attended Divine service. Mr Haley commenced the service, but at the time for the sermon begged off on the ground of illness, so we came home early. On my way I called to see Mrs Frye, and Mrs John Adams but could not find the latter. I was engaged answering letters all day, and writing out my minority report of one. I have concluded to withdraw my resolution and to take my position in this other form. Messrs Summer and King dined with us, and after dinner we had rather an animated discussion of Mr Seward’s speech and the policy of conciliation. The more I see of Sumner’s political course, the more I become convinced of his inability to act a real part on this great stage of human affairs. As a speaker, producing effects upon the public mind he will always wield great influence, but as shaping a policy he has neither tact nor flexibility. He has really very little power in the Senate. Mr H B Lee called after which Mrs Adams and I went to Mr Seward’s to see Mr and Mrs Blatchford.51