Martha Ballard's Diary, December 16 - 20, 1789

16 4
Cloudy. People Crost the river on a Cake of ice which Swang round from the Eddy East Side & Stopt at the point below mr Westons. I have been at home mending Stockins. mr Cast & a Stranger Slept here. I was at home.  
17 5
Cloudy & Some rain. the river is open against our field. E. Davis Crost with a hors by Confineing two Cannoes together. Jona killd an Ox ys Day which he purchased of mr Cast. I have been at home mending hoes & pickt 1/2 lb of Cotten for Cyrus. I was at home. mrs Cumings here. rain.  
18 6
Cloudy & Some rain. Colo North was here, Examined me what Conversation mrs Foster had with me Concerning his Conduct towards her last August. mr Carr here. Capt Nichols & Levy & Rhubin Moore Dind here. mr Woodward & his wife here at Evn. I let her have 1 lb of Cotten for Comeing worsted. mr Ballard returnd from Canaan. I have been at home, Carded 1/2 lb Cotten. I was at home. mrs [Woodward] here. rain.  
19 7
Clear part of the Day. mr Hamlin here seting Class. Levy & Reuben Moore here to purchace timber. I have been at home, was up before Day to take Care of Dolly who was unwell. Shee allmost fainted. Shee is so much better as to Draw her web in. Sarah Bolton was here. I was at [home]. Sally [B ] here. it is 35 years [to]day Since my marriage.  
20 D
Cloudy. I was Calld to See James Savages Son who is unwell, but a little more Comfortable than he has been. mrs Woodward there. I hear that two of mr Braleys sons are Sick. mr Ballard is gone to mr Pollards. I was at [mr] James Sava[ges].  

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