[Page 469]

  March 18, 1878. - Mr. Conkling in the Senate remarked that
the President had one-sixth of the legislative power of the
United States Government. I suppose he means that the Senate,
House, and President having the whole power, and the Presi-
dent and one-third of either house being half, the result is -
  I rise at about 7 A. M.; write until breakfast, about 8:30
A. M.  After breakfast, prayers - i. e., the reading of a chapter
in the Bible, each one present reading a verse in turn, and all
kneeling repeat the Lord's Prayer; then, usually, write and
arrange business until 10 A. M. From 10 to 12 in the Cabinet
Room, the Members of Congress having the preference of all
visitors except Cabinet ministers. Callers "to pay respects" are
usually permitted to come in to shake hands whenever the num-
ber reaches about a half dozen waiting. Twelve to 2 P. M.,
on Tuesdays and Fridays, are Cabinet hours. On other days that
time is given to miscellaneous business callers.
  At 2 P. M. lunch. I commonly invite to that - cup of tea and
biscuit and butter with cold meat - any gentleman I wish to have
more conference with than is practicable in hours given to mis-
cellaneous business. After lunch the correspondence of the day,
well briefed, and each letter in an envelope, is examined. By
this time it is 3:30 P. M., and I then drive an hour and a half.
Returning I glance over the business and correspondence again,
take a fifteen or twenty minutes' nap, and get ready to dine at
6 P. M.
  After dinner, callers on important business, or on appointment
previously made, occupy me until 10:30 to 11:30 P. M., when I
go to bed, and am tired enough to sleep pretty well unless too
much worried to throw off the vexations of the day- a thing
which fortunately I generally can do by a little effort.
  There is not enough exercise in this way of life. I try to
make up by active gymnastics before I dress when I get up, by
walking rapidly in the lower hall and the greenhouse after each
meal for perhaps five to ten minutes, and a good hand rubbing
before going to bed. I eat moderately; drink one cup of coffee
at breakfast and one cup of tea at lunch and no other stimulant.
My health is now, and usually, excellent. I have gone to church
at least once every Sunday since I became President. Sunday
after lunch I ride regularly with Secretary Sherman two to
three hours. We talk over affairs and visit the finest drives
and scenes near Washington.