Martha Ballard's Diary, September 20 - 28, 1804

20 5
rainy. Son Ephm here, informs his Father has Broke his Bonds and that he Expects his property will all be atached [this] day. would the Parent of all mercy Enable me to Support under all the tryals he is pleased to lay upon me and take me to him Self in his own time. at home. my troubles are of the [mind].  
21 6
Clear. I have done my washing. old mrs Mosier Came here at Evng and Sleeps here. I feel fatagued. mrs Bolton dind here. at home. mrs Farewel to Varsalborough.  
22 7
Clear. I have done my hous work and ironed. mrs Coal Came here foren and dind here. mrs Cypher Calld aftern. Cyrus been to take his Fathers Cloaths to him. at home. mrs Coal Dind here.  
23 1
Clear and Cool. I attended public worship. revd mr Cushman performd, he Discoursed from Math 5 C 5 vers forenn, aftern fm Mathu 10th & 35th. I was at Son Ephms at intermition, they are wel. at mr Pittss after Service, their John is unwel. Old Lady Cocks was there. I went to Son Jonas at Evng, Pally Seems more Composed than I have Seen her Since Shee has been Sick. at Meeting, Son Ephms & [Leut] Pittss. mrs Cocks there. the frost kild my Vines this night.  
24 2
Clear. I have gatherd my hops and part of my Beens, pulld my Cucumbers and pickt them of ye vines. went to my Sons to See Patty, Shee Seems to be mending; has her reason better. Cyrus Sett out aftern with my wool. at my Sons, and workt in my gardn.Cyrus gone with roals to mrs Coal to be Spun.  
25 3
Clear. I have workt in my gardin, got in the last of my Beens. at home.  
26 4
Clear. I have been at Son Jonas to See Martha. Shee is unwell, has a disentary. Patty Dore is Some better. Sally farewel Set out for Varsalboro. at Son Jonas.  
27 5
Clear. the wife of S. Babcock ye 3d here. Shee gave me a piece of Chees, I [gave] her [Sage]. at home. mrs babcock here  
[28] [6]
Clear part of ye day. I have washt & done hous wk. mrs [Farewel] went to Benets and took her [    ] Sent it to her Dagt Polly [by Lemuel]. at home.  

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