Martha Ballard's Diary, September 16 - 20, 1797

16 7
Clear. I have been mending NapSacks and makeing preparation for mr Ballards going on the Business of Surveying. mrs Finney Sent my Dyaper home. at home.  
17 A
Clear. I mended mr Ballards Coat foren, went to meeting aftern. I Saw a Girl take a fan out of mr James Pages Seat and put it in her pocket. I informd mr Page who went to the Seat Shee was in and Shee Deliverd it up after denying Shee had Seen it. I Did not know her name but am informd it is Ellis. at meeting. Revd mr Stone informd us he proposes a visit to his friends.  
18 2
Clear and pleast. mr Ballard, EbenZ Coal, Enoch Hoit and a mr Warrin Sett out at noon to do a Job of Surveying at Boudenham. I have been at home. Hepsy washt and Scourd Puter. Cyrus went to Son Jonas, he Saw old mr Hamlen who left Oxford a weak Since; my friends all well. then Luis Hamlin arivd this Day with his wife. at home.  
19 3
Clear Except a Shour in the morn. I have been at home, Bakt Cakes & helpt do hous work. at home.  
20 4
Clear. mr Capin & Dagt Lambt and Jabis Cowen dind here. my Dagt & I walkt Down to the Common aftern to See Companies who met there for revew. Son Lambt took Tea with us. Thankfull & Hepsy went to the perade, returnd to Tea. I went to See the melitia piraded. Cyrus and Dagt Lambt went with me.  

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