Martha Ballard's Diary, January 31 - February 6, 1804

31 3
Clear and pleast for ye Season. I have been at home. Cyrus went and Conducted Lydia Nud here to help me. mrs Getchel and her youngest Child here; Sleep with us, Son Ephm allso. Jona Conducted his wife from Son Pollards. at home. mrs Getchl here. Lydia Nud Came here at 8h Evng
1 4
Clear and Pleast. I was prepareing to go and See my Husband but Could not have hors nor Sleigh. so I larried at home. at home. Cyrus returnd mr Hovys Sleigh, gave 2/6 for ye use.  
2 5
Snowd & raind. I went down to mr Thwings. my husband Came and Spent aftern with me, he Dind and took Tea there, but must go up the hill at night. may the Great Parint giv him patiense and Composeur of mind. at mr Thwings. my husband met me there.  
3 6
Clear and Cold. I tarried at mr Thwings till Evng. my husband Dind and took Tea there. son Jona Conducted me home. I feel fatagued. nay God reward my friends. at Detoes, my husband there allso. I [paid] mrs Cypher 2/11 for yr favour.  
4 7
Clear and Cold. I have been at home over hauling papers. Cyrus went down with his Fathers Cloaths. at home.  
5 1
Clear. Sons Pollard and Lambard, their wives and part of yr Childn Came here. Rhoda, Hannah, Saml & Dolly tarried here, their parents went to meeting. mr Black and Oldest Dagt Came with them after meeting and partook with me of a Turkey my husband Sent to me Since he went from home. Son Ephm and Mary Farewel were Joind in wedlock this Evng. at home. my Childn here, mr Black allso. Son Ephm was Married to Mary Farewel, Oldest Daugt to ye widdow.  
6 2
Clear. I have been at home. mrs Getchels Daugts & Hannah Ballard Spent Evng and took Tea with me. at home.  

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