Dull, heavy day with rain. My son John having sent me his last Quarterly Account I was busy analyzing and preparing it for entry into my books. The great burden of charges make my receipts very small. I find myself taxed on an animal income of about sixty five thousand dollars, including my salary, and my nett receipt barely exceeds half that sum. And of that one half must be subject to a loss of more than half to make it available in payment of my expenses here. Had a visit from Mr Lucas, Editor of the Star. He talked of American affairs as also of the English disposition. There is a great apprehension of an attack on Canada. Thus it is that conscience works. The Times today complains as if they were the injured party. This is pure profligacy. Parliament assembled today for its last session. All the members are as much on good behavior as ours in Congress commonly are during their first session. The election in prospect checks extravagances marvellously. There was additional news from America, none of it decisive. The peace movements are on the backward force of the wave just at the moment. The rumors about Mexico and Napoleon gave credence from willing ears here. I think they came from that arch intriguer Slidell. I am only fearful of follies in Congress. Luckily the adjournment is at hand. Walk and quiet evening— Reading Mill.199