This was one of the most beautiful days I ever remember in our climate. The air was pure and the sky so clear that the outlines of all the distant hills seemed distinctly defined to the eye. I went to town accompanied by Mr. Brooks who was afterwards to dine at Mr. Everett’s, visit the Potomac1 and return in the Carriage which was to come down with my Wife. I was engaged during my morning as usual. 399Obliged to go to my House which I found Mrs. Fields had left. Two or three Commissions and my regular work consumed the remainder of the time.

Rode to Quincy. Found my Mother still improving, but a good deal depressed by information from Washington of the illness of both my brother and his Wife.2 I had a good deal of conversation with her during the afternoon. It is the first time she has ever spoken freely to me, and I have always avoided it myself. I do not know, but I always experience a strange mixture of fearful sensations when I reflect upon the relations of life in which I stand and have stood. I do not feel as if it would be prudent to commit these to paper.

In the evening I went up on my usual errand to see Mrs. Adams and Elizabeth. Thomas, and Louisa C. Smith there. We chatted quite agreeably for an hour after which I returned. Family all retired and as I was sleepy, so did I.