Martha Ballard's Diary, December 17 - 23, 1808

[17] [7]
Clear. mr Ballard been to the Selllement, he boght A Black Tea Pott, Cost 1s 6d. he was informd that mr Gillmans Slage broke thro [ice] on the river and yt Capt Williams & mrs Hannah Crage fell in with a Sleigh, but all Escaped being Drowned. I have been mending Cloaths &C. at home.  
18 1
Clear part of ye day, Snowd before night. mr Ballard and Cyrus to meeting. Revd mr Stone discst fm John IX C 41 vers. Son Lambd, his wife, Barny, Henry here, Son Jona, wife, Sally and Martha, Ebenz Trask and wife here allso. it began to rain in ye night. at home, Friends here.  
19 2
a very rainy day. this is the anneversary of my Marriage 54 years Since. how many Sceans I have past thro in that time, am here a monument of Gods Mercy.   
20 3
Clear part of the day. Son Lambd Came and Butchered our pigg. it wd 83 lb. he informs me his wife is very unwel. I feel for her very much. at home. Son Lambd killd our pigg.  
21 4
Clear day, Cloudy Evng. I have done hous work and knit Some. at home.  
22 5
Cloudy, Snowd Some. I have Bakt Squash pies & knit on a mittin. at home.  
23 6
Cloudy. I have Bakt apple & Squash Pies & brown bread. Sent mrs Kenny a pie. Dagt Lambd 2 and a Stake of fresh Pork. at home. mrs Brooks here, her Mother is very unwel.  

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