I am getting into a bad habit of working so long at home as not to leave me time enough to get to the House in time for the opening. Thus far it has not been material, but as we approach the end we may be caught. It was private bill day—and a considerable number were passed through with little prospect of going through the Senate. I read the speech of Mr Hunter on the Tariff which gave me much material for reflection. At four o’clock, a motion was carried for a recess until seven, when members might speak, and no business should be done. In the evening Mr and Mrs Eames came with Mr Guthrie, who proved quite somnolent. Much talk about he speeches of Mr Lincoln on his way here which are rapidly reducing the estimate put upon him. I am much afraid that in this lottery we may have drawn a blank.73