I went to see Leonard White this forenoon. His father has been unwell for some days past. His complaints are of a lethargic nature, and his habit is such, that such disorders must probably prove in the end fatal to him. He now sleeps as much as half his time, and is consequently half dead. I went to see Mrs. Bartlett, and saw Mr. S. Blodget there: his brother Caleb, and young Mr. 434Breck I met with yesterday on the road from Boston; at the tavern, and they came forward before us. I pass'd the afternoon at Mr. Thaxter's, and the evening at Mr. Shaw's.

I had almost promised Mr. Thaxter to wait till the afternoon; but as there was an appearance of a probability that the weather would be disagreeable, I thought it would be safest to come home before dinner. My Brother Tom, rode with me about four miles to the ferry. I got to my lodgings between twelve and one. I called at Dr. Kilham's shop: and there received an invitation from Mr. Marquand to dine with him. There was some company there; but persons with whom I had no acquaintance. I called at the office in the afternoon: and returned to Mr. Marquand's to tea. In the evening, I went and delivered to Miss Coats the letter which Miss Newhall left for her, and came home quite early.

I returned, and once more took my seat in the office: but did little this forenoon. Thompson was unwell, and did not attend. I went with Putnam to club at Little's; there were only three of us. Thompson being indisposed, and Stacey out of town. I was this day inform'd that Pickman has lain aside all thoughts of practising Law, and has already opened a Store in Boston. The determination was rather sudden; for it is but a fortnight, since he was sworn in to Court at Salem; where he then intended to open an office immediately. But he never was fond of the profession, and while he was studying with us I suspected, that he would never do much business as a lawyer.

Mr. Andrews came to town last night, and called to see us at the office this forenoon. They have engaged him to preach here at Mr. Carey's for six Sundays and will probably employ him longer still. I returned this day to Bacon's pleas and pleading, which I left when I went to Braintree. But could not proceed with great advantage, as I left my extract book,1 in a small trunk which was to come this day in the stage; but has somehow failed. I shall make some alterations for the future in my plan of study: 435I shall not confine myself so closely and exclusively to the law; but shall devote some part of the day to studies of a lighter and more entertaining kind.