Martha Ballard's Diary, November 16 - 20, 1802

16 3
Cloudy. I have done my work, feel more Comfortable. Sally Church Came and did my washing. I had no Chang, did not pay her. mr Ballard removd fence at East Side ye hous. at home.  
17 4
rainy. mr Ballard to Son Jonas foren, hooping Casks for him. mr Ballard and Cyrus Cutt pumpkins at Evng. we boiled the refues and Strained it for use. at home.  
18 5
Clear. I have done my hous work, Strained Liquor for vinagar and filld a Barril which we purchased of Old mr Crosby for that purpos. at home, put my Vinagar into a New Barril.  
19 6
Clear part of the day. I have been at home, done my work; feel very unable. mr Ballard went to mr Woodwards after a Girl but faild of giting her. Dagt Ballard Came here, tarried but little while [when] Shee was Sent for by mr Getchel. at home. Dagt Ballard been here.  
20 7
Clear. I have been at home, done my hous work, ironed and Bakt an oven full of pumkin Pies. A mr Steward, his wife and five Childn Calld here on their way (from Hallifax in mount vernon) to Canaan. they have been 16 days on their joirney. I gave them Some refreshment. mr Ballard been down below, informs yt Benn Page fell from Timy Pages phraim and was much hurt. at home. a famely Calld here bound to Canaan by the name of Steward.  

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