Martha Ballard's Diary, January 1 - 6, 1805

1 3
Clear and Cold. I have been at home. my Eyes are very soar. Jona, his wife, Heman & Lemuel and mrs Farewel Supt with me. at home.  
2 4
Clear and Cold. this is one year Since my husband was taken from me and Carried to Jail. A Gloomy year it has been to me. mrs Smith here at Evng about a Bag which I Challing as my own. Shee said in hearing of mrs Farewel and Jona Ballard [Junr ] that Shee had taken out a mark of Blue yarn. mrs Farewel, Dagt Ballard and Lemuel took Super with me. at home. Tymothy Woodward Paid mrs Farewel21D 15 Cents and took her receipt. I witnesedit. Shee is to Sent his note to him when Shee goes to Son Ephms. 
3 5
Clear part of ye day. mrs Farewel Dind with me and left here and went to Son Ephms. I finisht my hoes and washt some things. Polly Goodin Came here, informd that her Father, mrs Crosby, Barsheba Moore, Gorum Dummer were Dead, and a number of others. at home. mrs Farewel left here. Deaths.  
4 6
A Severe Snow Storm. I have Sufered for fire but must bear it. at home.  
5 7
Cloudy and Cold. I have done a little washing, melted snow and brot 2 pails water fm ye wel. at home. Lemuel Sleeps here.  
6 1
Clear and very Cold. I have been at home. I Slept in my Cloaths ys nt. I was oblidged to Sleep in my Cloaths or froas, unhappy Mother I am. at home.  

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