The year opened with auspicious intelligence. May it prove the precursor of better things than have happened in the last which has just closed! The telegrams at and after breakfast gave us hope that the difficulty with this country would be avoided. Though not decisive, the indications are peaceful. The day passed much more quietly than it commonly does in Washington. In visiting as there, no presents as in Boston. Some letters to write and papers to read and quarterly account to make up for the government. I drove with Mrs Adams to return the visit of Mr and Mrs Lanson in Chesham place, from which I walked home. Dined by invitation with Mr and Mrs Thomson Hawkey, in Portland place. A small company Mr and Mrs Rich, Mrs Bawkes, Lord Clarence Paget, Mr Thomas Baring, a gentleman and his Wife whose names I did not catch and ourselves. It was rather lively and pleasant. This is a mark of civility to us just in this moment, much more than if it had been shown just on my arrival. We got home at about eleven, and found the despatches.