Martha Ballard's Diary, May 16 - 20, 1809

16 3
Clear part of ye day. I have washt Some and wkt in gardin. planted watermellons & Cucumbers greene kind. mr Ballard mod Bushes. mrs Bennet here for Seeds. Son Town Sleeps here, his famely wel as usual. at home. Son Town Sleeps here.  
17 4
Clear, warm and Spring like. I have workt in my gardin, planted long Squash by ye hogg pen, Sowd pepper grass, Sett Sage and other roots. mr Ballard mode Bush & dugg gardin. I washt his & Cyruss old over Coats, my gound & other things. Son Jona had 6 OXen taken by Execution and drove a way. I do feel for but am not able to help hin. Ephm & Wm Sleep here. at home. Son Town left here ys morn. mr Ballard is 84 years ys day. death mr Hains.  
18 5
Clear. I workt in my gardin, Sett Parsley & 3 quins trees by the pigg pen, knit Some &C. mr Ballard diging gardin & Setting hop poles. Ephm Sleeps here. at home, hear yr mrs Mosier is no Better.  
19 6
Clear & warm. I have workt in ye gardin, knit Some, boiling Soap. Jona Junr Sleeps here. Mr [Wi ] made us a presen of 12 fish. at home. [Compy ] here. Jonas wife gave us Butter.  
20 7
Clear. I have ironed & wkt in gardin. dagt Lambd Sent me 3 lb pork. mrs Farewel, Dagt Ballard & 3 Childn, Pally Town took Tea here. at home, Compy here. Jonas wife gave me Butter.  

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