Martha Ballard's Diary, April 11 - 19, 1802

11 1
Clear. Dolly went to my sons forn to help my Dagt, Shee is a little more Comfortable. mr Ballard went to meeting all day; Ephm aftern. Saml to the N. Parrish. Son Jona and wife and Sally here to Supper, we had a Legg of Pork Stuft. at home. Son & Dagt Ballard here after meeting.  
12 2
Clear and Cold. our Cow Calvd this morn about Sun rise. I went to the Barn to milk her, Shee has a fine heifer Calf. Dolly washt. I have been quite Confined part of ye day with A Pain in my Stomach. Son Ephm made me a Bread trough. at home, unwell.  
13 3
Clear. mr Ballard went to Lambds, brot me my Dagts new Cottne Cards. I have been makeing Candles, 20 Dozn for my Self and 3 Do for Dagt Ballard. Shee Came in to See me aftern. Saml went to meeting to Cowens. at home, made 23 dzn Candles.  
14 4
Clear. I have been helping do hous work. mr Ballard and Son Ephm gone Down to the Settlement. Jonas wife is unwell, her Sister Hitty Came there to See her. at home.  
15 5
Clear. I have made Cake, wheat Bread, rice, & Pumkin pies. Dagt Ballard & her sister took Tea with us. I am informd of ye Death of Daniel Townsins wife in Child bed. at home.  
16 6
Clear and Cold. mr Ballard did Some Surveying for Son Jona. I have had a pain in my Stomach but have done some mending. at home.  
17 7
Clear. I have washt 5 Bed blankets & one rag Coverled and helpt wash my kitchen, and done Some mending. Hitty Pierce Sleeps here. at home, washt Some.  
18 1
rainy morn, Cloudy all day. mr Ballard only of our famely went to meeting. Son Jon a Dind here, Dolly has been to Capt Stones. Saml Shott a Partridg and gave it to Dagt Ballard. at home.  
19 2
Clear. mr Ballard went to mr Gardners. I receivd a Letter from Cyrus of ye 16th inst, and wrote an answer; he was well. Dolly is at Son Jonas ys aftern. at home. recd a line fm Cyrus and wrote an answer.  

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