We rode out, Ellen and myself, with the three boys, in a hack. Went to Danners—Parson Wadsworth’s, to see Mrs. Rickman’s children; took them in to ride; came down by the mills and went across to Hasket Derby’s farm,—all the cherries gone,—rambled about the gardens an hour and returned home,—charming ride; the country round Salem is delightful, altho’ ’tis situated rather in a plain, ’tis surrounded with beautiful hills, handsome trees, ponds, brooks, etc. We got home at dusk and found Mr. Coffin just returned from Boston. Mrs. Hasket Derby sent a great basket of cherries and her compliments, she would come over in the morning. I wished very much to see her, she had been gone 5 weeks to the Springs. I had heard Martha say much of her and wished much that to-morrow could come. Next morning—Sunday—went to Meeting. Mr. Dana of Marblehead preached; very devout, unaffected young man; saw not a soul I had ever seen before, excepting Mr. Grey; thought I should not have known him as I scarcely saw his face before. Found Mrs. Hasket Derby on my return, was disappointed in her personal appearance; instead of finding the elegant, majestic, beautiful creature my imagination had pictured, I beheld a little, short, plump woman dressed in black, a coarse complexion and anxious eyes, yet I had not been in her company an hour without confessing to myself she was the most agreeable, fascinating woman I ever saw. She continually pleases and delights you; she appears to live for others, nor ever bestows a thought upon herself, yet so perfectly unconscious of it, that it seems inherent in her disposition, and to flow without any effort. She planned parties of amusement as I was a stranger, and we fixed upon Friday for a fishing party to Nahant; sent to Boston for some to meet us. Monday a small party at Mrs. Derby’s came to tea. I rode in the chaise with Mr. Grey. Mrs. Grey and a Mr. White, an Englishman, in her carriage. Mr. Coffin and Miss Grey in another chaise,—Mr. and Mrs. Hasket Derby. We walked on a hill near the house, where we had the most extensive prospect I ever saw—the whole world seemed spread before us covered with the richly variegated carpet of nature. We returned home in the evening with a fine moon, and all went to Mr. Grey’s to spend the evening. Most charming time; treated with great attention by Mrs. Grey, who is, in my opinion, a fine woman, domestic, fond of her children, and never so happy as in contributing to their amusement, and possesses fine sense, animated, unceremonious, and agreeable.—Tuesday, Doct. and Mrs. Coffin and Mrs. Sumner came down from Boston; dined together, and all went to Hasket Derby’s farm in the afternoon. Mrs. Grey and Miss Bishop of the party; glad to see Miss Bishop—one of my old school-mates. Had a most charming ride; went in the carriage with Mrs. Grey. All returned to Mr. John Derby’s and spent the evening. William Grey and his father came in the evening; walked in the