Martha Ballard's Diary, October 21 - 24, 1804

21 1
Clear part of ye day. I have been at home, feel very unwel. mrs Farewel is much as Shee was. Sally been to mr Benets. Lemuel Came here, brot Some Beef & fish to mrs Farewel from Son Ephm. Dagt Ballard Sent me Some roast Veal. Bror Barton Departed this life ys day, and James Snow in ye Coars of the night. at home, feel unwel. Doct Barton Expird, James Snow also.  
22 2
Clear. I have been at home, feel very feeble. mr Saml Pierce Calld to inform me of ye Death of Bror Barton. may God be with his Berieved wife, Childn and other Connections, and may we all be ready allso. at home. Saml Pierce here.  
23 3
Cloudy, raind at night. Dagt Ballard and mrss Pierce made us a visit ys aftern. I have finisht Sorting our Corn and done [my] hous work. Son Lambd here, he made me a prest of _ gln Spirit. I have lost a portion of ye Seat of life this Evng. may God prepare me for his Divine will and giv me Composure of mind in all my tryals and may I be able to Say in Sincerity thy will be done. at home. Son Lambd, Dagt Ballard & mrs Pierce here.  
24 4
rainy. I have had to go thro the wet to feed my hoggs, milk my Cow and pique my wood from the old loggs in ye Gardin, and have Sorted part of my apples and Sheld some Corn, part washt my room &C, &C. at home. mrs Farewel is much as Shee has been.  

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