Martha Ballard's Diary, September 1 - 5, 1796

1 5
Clear. I have been at home. mr Ballard Still prepareing for his Tour. he brot Two Birch Cannoes to our Shore. Patty Easty went after Dineing to Son Pollards, Shee informs me that both his Childn are very unwell. Ephm brot his dady a Box for Chocolat. Ebenz has been Spreading flax. at home. Son Lambart is 24 years old this day.  
2 6
X
Cloudy. I have been at home mr Philip Norcross, his wife unwell. I was Calld at 1h morn. we had a very rainy night. at Philip Norcross. Dagt Lambt 24 years old ys day.  
3 7
a rainy Day. I returnd from mr Norcross, left his wife more Comfortable. have mending things & makeing Baggs for mr Ballards Tour into the woods. Son Jon a made me a prest of a Beefs heart and Some Apples. Ephm & Ebenz Butcherd a lamb. Eph Sleeps here, Phillip Bullin allso. at mr Norcross 
4 B
Clear. mr Ballard & Ebenz attended worship. Cyrus Came up and went aftern. all my Children who reside in this place took Tea with us. Dagt Ballard Sleeps here. Ebenz went to winthrop for a Compas, wrode Son Jon as hors. at home. my Childn here at Evn.  
5 2
Cloudy foren. mr Ballard Sett out on his Tour of Surveying at 10h m. Capt Abram Page and Bullin went by water with the Stores, my husband wrode Jonas hors to fort hallifax. Cyrus went to his Service. Jona and his wife went home. at 12 O Clok ys Day, I had 13 Dollars and one Crown restord with an acknoledment that it was taken unjustly out of my husbands Desk. the persons name I forbear to mention here. [(god forgive the transgressor).] at Sons Pollards & Lambarts. left Senna & Rhubarb for their Babes. Pally left here pm, went to mr Bullins.  

Source: www.doHistory.org. Transcription courtesy of Robert and Cynthia McCausland.