I did not occupy myself much today as my time was taken up in walking into the City on some little affair for my Father relative to an Auction of Mr. Ironside’s books, which took place in the evening, and where I attended to make some purchases for him and for myself. I 135received a very pleasant letter from Abby today. Poor Ironside, among things which I say saw brought up vivid recollections of ancient days and made me feel the reality that he had ceased to exist.1 But one short year since and in this journal, in this very book, he plays a very different part. I bought some few things merely to remember him and was glad to find things generally sold well, on account of the distressed condition of his family.

After the morning exercises I went down to give King the last sitting, which has been hanging over as a bore for some time past. He has not made a good picture in my humble opinion but as it is not for me, I should not say even quite as much as I do. I wrote in the afternoon a long letter to Abby and spent the evening, after a ride with John, alone in my room, as the ladies were gone to my Uncle’s.

After the morning duties, I joined my brother John in a fishing excursion to the bridge where we had a pleasanter time than usual, and I did not suffer from headach, having a lighter hat. Returned in time to dine, and after a ride with the ladies, evening at home.

After the morning’s occupation I agreed to go fishing with my brother John, and we spent the day having some tolerable sport down at the bridge, which is the best place in the river. On my return I found a letter from Abby, and also found two gentlemen, Mr. Reed1 and his son, who dined with us. They are from Philadelphia. Miss Selina Roberdeau is now on a visit here. Rode with John.

Morning as usual. But the day was passed in arranging Mr. Ironside’s books and pamphlets for binding and in a variety of light occupations. So that the day passed with great rapidity. In the afternoon I wrote to Abby and rode with the ladies. A thunder shower in the evening.