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  February 27.--Heard Mr. Greenleaf's introductory lecture in
Kent and Cruise. In addition to the writers on the laws of
nations mentioned by Mr. Kent, he spoke of Wheaton as one
of the best compilers of the true doctrines who has yet treated
of the subject. The great English writer he said was a mere
case lawyer who seldom ventured into the water, but hugged the
shore, sailing from headland to headland. The style of Kent, I
have heard, was vague and general; such as to leave no clear and
distinct ideas upon the mind. I do not find it so. From one
day's acquaintance, I have ventured to form a favorable opinion
of the "Commentaries."
  Cruise has been called one of the most dry and forbidding
books in the law. I came to the study of it with an exaggerated
idea of its difficulty and a strong anxiety and determination to
master it. After a short cruise I see no reason to despair.
  It has rained today and is now snowing. Our club met and
placed me on the first question. Two cases to argue in three
weeks.