The Diaries of Lydia E. Richards of Plantation B, Maine 1864 – 1865
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January, 1865
Sunday, 1
Mr Bean staid here all night News years day found me to Benjamins yorks very cold started very early from there for home went over to the office and received a letter from Mr Bryant Carried Mrs. Mors home + brought Laura home Carried Mrs foye home
Monday, 2
flying round seeing to things feeling very tired wnet to bed quite early Sarah came over here in the Eve after Laura She went home with her
Tuesday, 3
have been writing to Stephen + washed +washed up the flours and warped a web Wallace + Lizzie went to mill received a letter from Stephen dated Dec 25th I could but rejoice to know that he was well
Wednesday, 4
quite Cool drawed in my web besides doing the rest of the work Cooked four chickens we are getting along finely my trust is in god for he doeth all things right
Thursday, 5
Wallace went over to fathers mad a Chicken pie 3 mince pies and made Sauce I kepp Bush all the time seeing to things have Been kniting in the Evening
Friday, 6
Mr and Mrs Lufkin and another Laday and Laura was her to dinner I went over to the Office with them and down to fathers Sent a Letter to Stephen Stormy
Saturday, 7
Winday to day I have spun four Skeins I am feeling very Anxious about Henry but hope he is better
Sunday, 8
Very Cold but pleasent I went to meeting to day and stayed in the evening meeting had a very good meeting
Monday, 9
Miller to day I have spun 3 Skeins and done some mending Mrs foye Came her to day was here to Supper and stayed all night
Tuesday, 10
Snowy I went over to the Office But was sadly disappointed by not geting a letter sent one to Stephen Spun 4 Skeins my trust is in god who doeth all things well
Wednesday, 11
Pleasent but Cold
have done a large washing to day + washed up the flours + spun 2 Skeins am feeling quite weary But my Courage is good
Thursday, 12
Cloudy and little stormy I have spun 6 Skeins and than spent the evening in writing to Stephen feelong happy in the Lord to night
Friday, 13
Cloudy but milder I went up to Mr Godwin's received ten dollars state Aid went over to the Office did not get any letter sent one Spun to Skeins of yarn
Saturday, 14
Stormy with out wind washed up the flours and spun 4 Skeins Mr Bragg worked for me to day Cutting wood he was here to dinner
Sunday, 15
cold and winday I am feeling lonsome and rather disconted hardly know how to Contain my feelings
Monday, 16
Very Cold and winday But we get along nicely I have spun 6 Skeins and doubled and twisted three and washed out 20 Skeins they Broke out the road today
Tuesday, 17
Pleasent But very Cold spun 8 knots and Doubled and twisted for Wallace a pair of Mittins and then went to Mill Carried 4 Bushels for the pigs Received a letter from Stephen Charles staid all night
Wednesday, 18
Very Cold I have been mending and fixing all day took up a pair of Stockings for Lizzie
Thursday, 19
Cloudy and little Milder have Carded and spun 2 Skeins Saray and Henry was here to dinner we are well and getting along nicely how I want Stephen to home
Friday, 20
Very cold I have been over to the Office but did not get any letter lost one of Davids Sheep
Saturday, 21
Cold but pleasent the children hand I went over to Williams to have our pictures taken did not get home untill evening and than had the Chors to do
Sunday, 22
Very pleasent and warm have been bush all day seeing to things we are geting along nicely O what would I give to see Stephen my trust is in god all is well Mr Bean come to night
Monday, 23
Very stormy today Commenced to weave in my web Mr Bean drawed wood for me to day
Tuesday, 24
Very winday to day Mr Bean drawed wood to day have not heard from the Office to night wove to yds to day
Wednesday, 25
More pleasent to day bu winday drawed wood to day wove to yds to day went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen good news O how pleased to hear from had a little Calf
Thursday, 26
Cold but pleasent have been washing Mr Bean drawed wood to day I am tired to night but my trust is in god
Friday, 27
Milder Mr Bean drawed three loads of wood I wove one yds and than went over to the Office
Saturday, 28
Very pleasent Mr Bean started very early for home wove to yds to day and done the most of the work to the Barn as Wallace has a bad cold
Sunday, 29
Very pleasent to day have been busy all day seeing to things I enjoy taking Care of the bar very much but hope my dear Companion will soon be to home
Monday, 30
Very pleasent Wove one yd Mr Bean came here to night my Courage is good
Tuesday, 31
Very pleasent to day wove one yd and than went to Mill with four bushels of wheat was very happy to receive 2 letters from Stephen
February, 1865
Wednesday, 1
Pleasent wove 2 yds Besides all other domestic affairs there is something to see to but we are getting along finely
Thursday, 2
Very pleasent but winday fed the Cattle and milked hens geese pigs + got breakfast + worked at the flours + then wove 2 yds + then done the Chors Mr Bean came here + his Brother
Friday, 3
Very pleasent Mr Bean commenced work for me to day Warren Bean went home to day I wove and went over to the Office in the evening
Saturday, 4
Stormy wove one yd and took the wed out 15 yds long + got dinner + than Carried it home and went down to the Mill and got home in the evening and than got supper and so on
Sunday, 5
Stormy have been to work all day Mr Bean went over and got Laura to day I am feeling tired and lonesome But my trust is in god
Monday, 6
quite Mild School Commenced to day Mr Bean drawed wookd to day and H have been busy all day seeing to things feel unsetled in my mind
Tuesday, 7
Minister Lufkin + Mr was here to dinner drawed of half ton of hay Mr Bean drawed wood I went over to the Office Received a letter from Stephen
Wednesday, 8
Very Stormy in the Morning but Cleared of before night I have been busy all day seeing to things and writing to Stephen and kniting in the evening I am lonely
Thursday, 9
have done a large washing and am very tired Mr Bean drawed wood to day very winday + Cold
Friday, 10
have been busy all day seeing to things went over to the Office did not get any letters Laura had one from Joseph and Barker
Saturday, 11
Cold and winday Mr Bean finish drawing wood have been busly all day seeing to things finished a pair of Stocking for Lizzie
Sunday, 12
Very pleasent but Cold all day seeing to things had a stew for Supper and some warm biscuit and butter O what would I give to see Stephen tonight
Monday, 13
Churned and made to egg pies pleasent but Cold and winday Choring all day mending and took up a pair of mittins for Wallace my mind is with Stephen I am lonely and gloomy my trust is in god
Tuesday, 14
went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen pretty Cold and windy I feel gloomy and sad my trust is in god
Wednesday, 15
Very pleasent washed and very tired to tired to write to night my horse got hurt in the night pretty bad
Thursday, 16
Stormy feeling very bad about my horse Cannot work I feel so bad
Friday, 17
Started at leven for the Office went over foot and father Brought me down to Mr flags was Caused to weep by receiving a letter stating of Henry's death
Saturday, 18
Rather Mild feeling sad and unsetled in my mind have been Cleaning up all day rather tired to night nothing of importance going on
Sunday, 19
cloudy and some winday William + Jerusha was here to dinner had some boiled meat donuts Custard pie Indian Cake + biscuit and Butter tea
Monday, 20
Pleasent had a fresh bread + butter for breakfast + than I milked fed pigs hens geese + ironed and mended to hours and than went ot washing had potato + meat bread and butter for dinner washed up the flour Lizzie churned + knit half of a miting and swon???
Tuesday, 21
Very pleasent got Mr grover horse and Laura + I went over to the Office and up to Mr godwins after state aid Mr Bean finished Cutting wood for me to day
Wednesday, 22
Very pleasent Mr Bean started very early for home Warren Bean came up after hay father and David was here to day
Thursday, 23
Milder Mr Bean got up at 8 oclock and started at 5 for home I have been Cleaning up the house nothing of importance to day
Friday, 24
pleasent but windy have been writing to S we are haveing a nice School went over to the Office Received a letter from Stephen
Saturday, 25
Very pleasent have been busly all day seeing to things Sylvanus Bean Came her to night Susan Scribner was here to dinner
Sunday, 26
Stormy with hail + rain been busly all day seeing to things Cleared of warm how lonely I feel how I wish I Could see Stephen
Monday, 27
Arose at five this morning gto breakfast and than Milked + done the Chors a lamb come last night Mr Bean went from her this Morning Winday but pleasent
Tuesday, 28
Winday with snow went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen and sent one and than went down to the Mill and got 5 bushels of Meal of David
March, 1865
Wednesday, 1
More Milder have been washing to day Mr Bean Came her to night I am feeling tired and sad
Thursday, 2
Out wind again have been busy all day seeing to things
Friday, 3
Very stormy to day with hail Mr Bean started at five this Morn feeling rather unsettled in my mind Laura and I went over to the Office
Saturday, 4
Stormy all day I have been drawing in my web to day am feeling Smart and my Courage is good and my trust in in god who doeth all things right
Sunday, 5
Winday in the Morning but pleasent to night have been busly all day seeing things father Brought Laura over here to day
Monday, 6
I have been busy all day seeing to things Commenced to weave my web it works nice made to Custard pies + fried Cakes baked some flour Bread and Churned done lot of work today
Tuesday, 7
Very pleasent wrote to Mr Smith and Stephen Received a letter from S went dow to Williams and got 3 bushels of potatoes my Herolds come to night
Wednesday, 8
have been weaving and doing other Domestic affairs Licander and baby bragg was here to dinner and Mrs grover and Mrs Cob to supper pleasent I love to see spring coming
Thursday, 9
Very stormy have wove 5 yds to day am feeling very tired and rather down hearted
Friday, 10
Rainy in the four noon abut the wind Shifted and blown from the north wove 3 yds and than went ot the office and got a letter from Stephen
Saturday, 11
wove to yds and David and Miss Morse was here to dinner Charles Abbott was here in the afternoon quite Cool I have good deal of care have to keep busy all the time
Sunday, 12
Very winday and Cool have been busy all day seeing to things Mr Lufkin preached to day but it was so cold I did not go Mr Bean come to night
Monday, 13
Cool and some stormy Cleaned out the stove and wove one yd of wail and done all the rest of the work am feeling lonely to night
Tuesday, 14
Very winday I worked round the house untill 2 Oclock and than went over to the Office + went down to Williams and got 3 bushels of potatoes Carried Sarah White down
Wednesday, 15
Mild haveing been washing to day I feel tired to night Mr Bean Came here to night Mrs foye was here this afternoon
Thursday, 16
Very rainy have been busy all day seeing to things am getting along nicely about my work and my trust is in god
Friday, 17
Very rainy have been weaving took my wed out 14 yds long made one bed blanket so rainy the stage did not get up to day
Saturday, 18
Some Colder but very Stormy and windy Mr Bean started to go home but had to Come back it was such poor doing
Sunday, 19
quite pleasent + Cool Mr Bean left this Morning have been writing to Stephen Received a letter from Stephen David was here to day
Monday, 20
Very warm and pleasent Sold Mr Brown 14 lbs of pork at 25 cts a lb and than I went down to fathers and staid all night
Tuesday, 21
Rainy started early for home Brought home 2 bushels of oats of David made me one under skirt and finished a pair of stockings and done the rest of my work the Snow is going fast
Wednesday, 22
Some rainy went over to Williams after some potatoes had a hard time geting home it slumped so
Thursday, 23
colder worked in the Barn in the fournoon and washed in the afternoon am so tired I dont know what to do with myself
Friday, 24
wrote to Stephen and received one the road is very bad have been washing up the flours the Children are most sick with a cold received a Memorial of the 30th Regt Co G Stephen sent me
Saturday, 25
Cool and winday feeling some tired and sleepy have to keep busy seeing to things Wallace has been sick with a cold so I have had every thing to do
Sunday, 26
Colder David was here to day and carried Laura to night with my horse I have been writing to Stephen
Monday, 27
Laura came back this morning and I went over to Williams and got 9 bushels of potatoes amd feeling gloomy to night Cold
Tuesday, 28
have been making David a pair of pants Wallace and I went to the Office to night Received a letter from Stephen and a little ?pod?
Wednesday, 29
washed up the flours in the four noon and Mrs foy and Luan was here in the afternoon.
Thursday, 30
worked untill ten and than went to Mr Grovers and spent the day quite warm
Friday, 31
Cool started early and went to Mrs Abbotts Borrowed 40 dollars of Otis Abbott and 25 of David and than started for Bethel but came back
April, 1865
Saturday, 1
Snowed a little last night arose very early and went over to Charles Abbotts and got ten bushels of potatoes of David sent a letter to Mr. Bennett
Sunday, 2
Very pleasent but winday Laura + David + I went down to Williams and than in the afternoon we all went up to Mr Riches to a sing got home just before dark
Monday, 3
Arose early and went up to Mr Ballards to see if he would not take my farm and than went to Mr Abbott and got six bushels of potatoes and a letter from Stephen
Tuesday, 4
Very pleasent the snow is going fast I have washed up the flours and all the rest of the work have been writing to Stephen I work hard and am weary to night
Wednesday, 5
Rainy Started at six + went over to fathers + borrowed a bushel of Corn and carried it to Mill and got 4 bushels of potatoes of Charles Abbott sold Mrs Strickland one ton of hay
Thursday, 6
Warm the snow is going fast David drawed half a ton of hay from here to day Laura went over to Mr Scribner to night Charles worked for me to day
Friday, 7
Started early Wallace + I went over to Charles Abbotts + when I come home Mr + Mrs flagg came up with me and bottomed to chairs Enoch came over after Laura
Saturday, 8
Very pleasent went over to Mr Smalls very early on the Crust + sold him a ton of hay he came out and got a load Received a letter from Bennett + a Memorial of Stephens Regt
Sunday, 9
Very pleasent went to meeting had a nice meeting I have been reading war news My trust is in god I often feel as though I could not endure Stephen being in the Army
Monday, 10
Cloudy and a little snowy Wallace and I went down to Mr Newtons early this Morning and got his scalers to way hay Mr Small had half of a ton of hay to day
Tuesday, 11
Arose early and done up the work and washed up the flour and helped weigh half of a ton of hay and got dinner Susan Scribner was here to dinner Charles + Andrew weighed half a ton done my washing in the afternoon Susan staid all night I am very tired
Wednesday, 12
We have had a rainy day Wallace went over to the Office in the four noon got a letter from Stephen O how pleased I was to hear from him I have been Carding and spinning Horatio Godwin + Edwin Douglas has been here Mary Small is here to night
Thursday, 13
cold and winday Carded and spun one Skein of yarn and tahn warped a web and drawed it partly in we have a sick cow to night it is now 11 Oclock and I dont dare go to bed
Friday, 14
Very winday drawed in a web and wove half of a yd the Children went over to the Office Lizzie came back but Wallace staid all night
Saturday, 15
Wallace came home this Morn
Received a letter from S. O I was so pleased to hear that he was well and to have such good news from the Army wove a yd and a ½
Sunday, 16
Very pleasent Beautifull Morn I have lots of Chors to do have been very busy reading and doing my work My trust is in god who doeth all things well
Monday, 17
Very pleasent I got breakfast and done the Chors + than wove in to skeins and spun one had some puding and milk for dinner + that went down to Mr flaggs and than Carded one skein heard that the president was dead
Tuesday, 18
Very pleasent in the Morning but rained before night Mr flagg worked for me to day halling rocks I let him have 9 lbs of meat I have been going from one thing to another Carded + spun one skein
Wednesday, 19
Winday but pleasent don up my work started ten Oclock for the Office Received a letter from Stephen I got home at dark tired all out Luann Cooledge Came home with me and staid all night
Thursday, 20
Pleasent Sold Mr Garman 6 lb of pork at 20 cts a lb due 1,20 Carded and spun 3 skeins and than Colored 6 skeins black and 3 blue our cow gains fast I am feeling very lonely to night and very tired
Friday, 21
Winday and Snowey made ten pales of Soup and Scoured and mended tin Mr Grover Came down and got 11 lbs of pork: 22 cts a lb: 2,42: Mr Small borrowed 8 lbs of Salt I am ver tired to night for I have worked hard
Saturday, 22
Mr Small paid me 5,00 dollars twards the hay is is owing me 15 dollars now Rainy in the Morn but cleared of warm wove one yd to day and washed up the flours churned I work very hard am very tired
Sunday, 23
cool and cloudy I am feeling weary and unsettled in my mind but I dont give away to my feeling my trust is in god who doeth all things right and my health and courage is good
Monday, 24
Squarly made one kittle of soap wove one yd and a half besids all our other labour which we have plenty of I am feeling nicely to night have been writing to Stephen this evening
Tuesday, 25
Very pleasent got Breakfast early and went down to Mr Matons and bought a cart got home at to tired all out pied 30 dollars for it have been reading the war news am feeling bad
Wednesday, 26
finished making soap had nice luck wove one yd Horatio Godwin paid me for wintering his Sheep 18 dollars bought 3 lotery tickets paid 3 dollars of Horatio perhaps I was foolish
Thursday, 27
pleasent and warm have been washing and fixed over my delaign dress Andrew had my oxen this afternoon I have worked very hard and am very tired
Friday, 28
Mr Grover had my Oxen I am not feeling very well but feeling it duty I went over to the Office to see David Received a letter from stephen reached home time enough to do the Chors am very tired
Saturday, 29
Rainy am feeling weary but have been busy all day wove half of a yd and took the looms down Mr Small was here to day we churned and washed the flours
Sunday, 20
Cool pleased to have Sunday come so I can rest Saray and Lucy was here to dinner and Mr Sirous Coolidge and Mrs Grover I have had a good time reading
May, 1865
Monday, 1
pleasant Mr. Coolidge commenced to work for me he went down to the Cirplus to get my cart in the fournoon let Mr Grover have 18 lbs of pork 17cts lb 3,00 four lbs 6 lbs of clear port 1,50
Tuesday, 2
pleasant Mr Coolidge and my oxen worked for Mr Grover Mr Small was here and got 400 of hay I cleaned up the best room Wallace went over to the Office and got a letter from Stephen
Wednesday, 3
Mr Coolidge drawed rocks I Cleaned up the bedroom it is very pleasent Mr Small and Oxen worked for Mr Grover for me
Thursday, 4
Very pleasent Cooked up Cooked up Victuals adn washed up the flours and started after dinner for Bethel went to Mr Godwin and got 20 dollars and stayed all night to Mr Abbotts
Friday, 5
Started very early for Bethel very pleasent got to bethel early got my horse shawed and then went down to Mr Keans and stayed all night
Saturday, 6
started early and went to Williams and at four started for Mr Bennett and took up my note got some wet and cold staid there all night
Sunday, 7
the ground is white with snow went down to Uncle Charles + Aunt Lydia went up to Mr Jarry's with me and then we all went to a five o'clock lecture and then went down to Washington's and staid all night
Monday, 8
Very pleasent started for home stoped to Daniel Bennets to dinner and came up to Mr twitchels and done some trading and got up to Mr Smiths and staid all night
Tuesday, 9
Rain I am anxious to get home started in the rain and went up to Uncles and stoped to dinner and then came home
Wednesday, 10
Very pleasent Mr Coolidge ploughed in the fournoon and drawed rocks in the afternoon Charles and Andrew worked for me in the afternoon
Thursday, 11
Rainy Andrew and Charles worked for me half the day I have been cleaning up this room I long to hear from Stephen again Bell Cows Cavled
Friday, 12
Rainy Cleared of at noon and Wallace + I went over to the Office to Mr Gupte and got 4 bushels of oats 1 ½ of wheat and brought home my things I got to bethel paid Mr Coolidge
Saturday, 13
Very pleasent Mr Grover and Oxen worked for me Charles bilding fence David came over after his sheep I have been busy all day seeing to things Mrs Grover + family was here
Sunday, 14
Beautiful Morn I have been busy all day seeing to things am very lonely my trust is in God have been writing to Stephen I try to make myself happy
Monday, 15
Very pleasent and warm Mr Grover and Oxen worked for me to day and Wallace Harrowed have been washing I get so weary and am feeling sad
Tuesday, 16
Wallace and I ploughed in the fournoon and I went over to the Office in the afternoon and Wallace Harrowed I was very much disappointed by not getting a letter
Wednesday, 17
Mr Grover ploughed for me in the fournoon and sowed my wheat in the afternoon Wallace Harrowed and I have been cleaning house Settled with Mr Flagg
Thursday, 18
pleasent Wallace Harrowed all day and picked the garnder and fixed me a dress and then cut Mrs Grover a dress and sowed on it until night
Friday, 19
Our horse got away Wallace went after her I have Harrowed all the fournoon Mrs Grover came down and we sowed on a dress for her Received a letter from Stephen
Saturday, 20
Sowery I went up to Mrs Grovers and worked all day on her dress and finished it Wallace took away the bankin I have lots of work to do I want Stephen to come home
Sunday, 21
Very pleasent I am feeling lonely have been reading lots fried some cakes the day seems long my trust is in god
Monday, 22
Some rainy but Wallace and I Harrowed all day and cut 5 bushels of potatoes Mr Grover sowed 4 bushels of oats ½ of Indian wheat Wallace Harrowed with the hourse I with the oxen
Tuesday, 23
quite rainy in the fournoon I made Lizzie a pair of draws and then went over to the office foot to see David did not get any letter I was almost done to when I got home
Wednesday, 24
Very pleasent Charles and Mr flagg bilt fence for me to day and boardman + Mr Grover planted potatoes planted leven bushels George Newton was here to see if I would not pasture sheep for him
Thursday, 25
Thursday very pleasent Mr flagg worked for me today drawed out 4 loads of dressing and the garden and the fence back the barn and planted potatoes in the afternoon
Friday, 26
Very pleasent indeed I washed and made Lizzie a sun bonnet Wallace and I went to the Office but I was sadly disappointed by not getting a letter am feeling very bad
Saturday, 27
pleasent washed up the flours and sowed in the afternoon and worked in the garden I am feeling lonely and homesick but my trust is in god
Sunday, 28
Rainy am feeling so lonely I dont now what to do with myself have read and wrote and went up to Mr Winslows to a meeting had one little lamb to day
Monday, 29
My little lamb died had another Cleaned up the porch Jane Morse and Mrs dun was here to day we had a smart rain in the afternoon and I got quite wet our 3 year old calfed to night
Tuesday, 30
Cleared of pleasent Mr and Mrs Rich made me a visit Wallace went to the Office O dear I have so much to do Well I guess it wont always be so no letter for me to night
Wednesday, 31
Very pleasent have been the rounds this Morn + so on Wm & David come at noon and drawed rocks in the afternoon have made me a sun bonnet and run after lambs + so on
June, 1865
Thursday, 1
very pleasent David drawed rocks and built fence and I have been busy working in the garden and doing my work done a large churning
Friday, 2
quite pleasent hope to hear from Stephen to day found that little lamb dead David drawed rocks to day Wallace did not get any letter but got a paper I feel bad to not get a letter
Saturday, 3
Very pleasent David drawed dressing to day I washed up the flours and done the work sowed some on my dress I dont feel contented by my trust is in god.
Sunday, 4
quite warm I wanted to go to meeting to day but thought it was not best so I have wore time away sleeping and writing and seeing to things
Monday, 5
worked in the garden and sowed very pleasent I work very hard from one thing to another am very tired
Tuesday, 6
very pleasent cut my dress in the fournoon My horse got out of the pasture and went to Andover Wallace went after her so I went to the Office did not get any letter
Wednesday, 7
Very Warm Wallace got back but did not get the horse so I went down to Mr Newbury and got him to go after her David come back today we had a fine shower.
Thursday, 8
Wallace got my hourse to day David drawed rocks in the fournoon and gressing in the afternoon Susan Scribner is here Charles worked in the afternoon
Friday, 9
very pleasent Henry Douglas sheared my sheep to day David + Charles drawed dressing drawed 21 loads from under the barn received a letter from Stephen and a bundle by express
Saturday, 10
some rainy Charles made me a horse stable in the after noon and David ploughed Susan went home I am feeling lonely
Sunday, 11
very pleasent am feeling very tired went up to Mr Winslows to a meeting and Mrs Small + Sister + John + Mary was here to supper
Monday,12
very pleasent David worked ploughing washed and done lots of work I get very weary and long for rest but my trust is in god
Tuesday, 13
fine weather David ploughed and Charles spread dressing washed up the best room flour and churned had 9 lbs of butter was pleased to hear from Stephen
Wednesday, 14
pleasent Charles ploughed and I packed butter and washed up the flours and so on Mrs Lincoln came her to night and Mry Small I am very tired to night
Thursday, 15
Wallace Harrowed all day Uncle Amos was her to dinner + Supper cut Lizzie dress and finished my skirt Mr Scribner was her to dinner
Friday, 16
Charles Harrowed all day with his horse and mine and Wallace with the Oxen Mr Grover sowed it worked from one untill five finished Lizzies dress I am feeling very bad about Stephen
Saturday, 17
very warm Churned and washed the flours and finished Wallace a pair of pants and cut him another pair Wallace went up to Mr Godwins and got five dollars
Sunday, 18
fine day but a long one to night have been very busy all day plenty of work to do have been writing to Stephen my trust still in god who doeth right
Monday, 19
Very warm father and Mr. Godwin was here to dinner finished Wallace a pair of pants sent the children over to Mr Small and Wallace went over to Davids
Tuesday, 20
very warm have been sowing to day finished me a shirt + draws + Lizzie a gown Newton was here to see Wallace Wallace went to the Office
Wednesday, 21
Cloudy done a large washing + went over to Mr Smalls and got his wagon am very tired to night
Thursday, 22
Very warm David + Henry Douglas came here this morning to board I and Susan + Wallace went to Andover staid all night Mrs Lincoln was here had a good ride
Friday, 23
started early and come home got home before noon Mr Small worked from me to day on the road and David + Henry + Mr Ballard Boarded here I got a letter from Stephen
Saturday, 24
quite warm Mr Small worked for me today on the road I had a severe head ache to day and am feeling lonely and tired
Sunday, 25
quite warm and fine growing weather I worked untill noon and laid down 2 hours and then we went strawberrying and had a nice time eating them and wrote a letter to Stephen
Monday, 26
paid Mrs Lincoln 2,15 for Mr flagg for what I was owing him Shurned + washed up the flour Mr Small worked for me hoed in the four noon and worked on the road in the afternoon David + Henry boarded here
Tuesday, 27
cool and pleasent David + Henry Douglas was here to day washing plenty of work to do My Cattle worked on the road sent a letter to Stephen and one to Uncle Charles Wallace went Mill with a bushel
of corn
Wednesday, 28
Mr Small worked for me hoeing and boardman in the afternnon David was here Mr Douglas staid all night I hoed to rows and done my work am very tired but my trust is in god
Thursday, 29
bourdman worked for me I hoed 3 rows father was here to day David was here to day I have lots of work to do but my health is good and my trust is in god who doeth all things well
Friday, 30
bardman worked in the afternoon we had a smart shower at noon Mr Guptall and wife was her in the afternoon Mr Brown was her to night I hoed one row Wallace got a letter from Stephen
July, 1865
Saturday, 1
Mr. Garamn worked for me to day hoeing I hoed one long row and six short ones finished up the road had 16 lbs of viel of Mr Small am very tired to night
Sunday, 2
Very rainy am all alone and am
very tired to day have been writing to Stephen O I do hope
Stephen
will soon be to home it is so hard but I mean to do the best I can
Monday, 3
bell cow went to day father was here in the four noon and David got my hourse I hoed potatoes in the four noon and shurned the to Mr Garmans worked for me in the afternoon picked strawberrys for supper am not feeling very well
Tuesday, 4
had to Showers to day quite Cool the to Mr Garmans worked fro me in the fournoon finished my hoeing had some strawberys for dinner
Wednesday, 5
very cold and windy I sowed all day am almost sick and discoured am sick with a cold my trust is in god who doeth all things well
Thursday, 6
worked in the garden in the four noon and went up to Mr Grovers in the afternoon and stoped to supper Mr Acun came Just as dark and staid all night
Friday, 7
Rainy this Morn went over to the Office foot and took my horse home sadly disappointed by not getting a letter from Stephen Mr Douglas paid me a dollar for board
Saturday, 8
am not feeling well but thought I must work have done lots of work to day I cant tell my feelings so I wont attempt to but am lonely my trust is in god
Sunday, 9
very cool and windy had a meeting to Mr Winslows to day Advent man preached I did not like him at all O I am so lonely I dont know what to do
Monday, 10
churned and worked in the garden so on and hardyly know what to do about haying Wallace and I went over to get fanny shawed help is scarce and high
Tuesday, 11
big horn cow went to day Worked hard in the fournoon and started at 2 Oclock and went over to the Office and got a letter from Stephen stating he was at Savannah so I went down to Charles Whites that night
Wednesday, 12
started early and went down to Warren Beans and took dinner and then went down to Pariss to a Jacksons and staid all night and hired Mr Bean
Thursday, 13
left there and went up to his Mothers and took dinner had quite a shower we was out in quite a shower at Lock Mills got up to Charles Whites and staid all night it is cold and I am tired
Friday, 14
quite cool riding got at home at noon found things all rite at home go some dinner commenced haying after dinner I went over to the Office after supper and got a bushel of potatoes
Saturday, 15
got up and milked and got Breakfast and went down to Mr flaggs and got a grind stone and washed up the flours and done lots of work but feel bad all the time my trust is in god
Sunday, 16
cloudy have been writing to Stephen am feeling lonely took the heifer of to day rainy to day have been writing to Stephen have lots of care God is good I know I feel
Monday, 17
quite rainy in the morn Wallace went over to Mr abbott with my cart wheels Mr Aim sot the tires Sylvanus worked in the barn untill 2 Oclock and then went to mowing I have been strawing
Tuesday, 18
I went strawberrying in the fournoon and went over to Williams in the afternoon got four bushels of potatoes received a letter from Stephen did not get home until dark god is my refuge got in one load of hay
Wednesday, 19
Wallace went over and got the cart it cost me to dollars + a half to get it fixed am cooking up victuals so I can go to Bethel after supper went out and raiked hay and milked my cows
Thursday, 20
started for Bethel some rainy went to Mr Beans and staid all night got down the sun about an hour high am very tired but the Lord is with me why need I fear
Friday, 21
very pleasent Morning finds me at Mr Beans started as soon as I could and went onto the hill and Bought me a grind stone paid 4 dollars to Bushels of corn 2.20 one rake 40 cts the are not paid for got about after dark
Saturday, 22
Mr Bean mowed inthe fournoon Wallace spread Mark worked for me in the afternoon and we all raiked got in 3 loads in good shpate I have done lots of work and am very tired when will Stephen come home
Sunday, 23
very pleasent Sylvanus + I + Lizzie went to meeting after meeting we all went down to Williams had a ride on the lade and then cam e home I enjoyed the Sabbaath School ever so much it remined me of gone by days
Monday, 24
very pleasent got Breakfast and than went down to Mr flagg with his grind stone and raiked hay in the afternoon got in 2 loads and then Sylvanus commenced on the Glover place Warren Bean was here all night
Tuesday, 25
very warm worked in the house in the fournoon hung the grindstone went up to see Mrs garmon and wrote to Stephen went over to Mill carried to of corn 1 of rye Sylvanus mowed untill five and took the cart and Oxen + went down to Mr flagg drawed in one load
Wednesday, 26
cloudy mowing to day I have done a large washing and washed up the flours baked five custard pies Warren Bean was here in the morning night finds me weary and lonely
Thursday, 27
paid boardman $1,50 mowed all day some rainy Warren Bean was here to supper washed to day and done lots of work I wish Stephen was to home I do Lord bring him to home and take care of us all
Friday, 28
they mowed in the fournoon and Emery and Wallace raiked in the afternoon and Sylvanus and the Oxen went down to Mr flaggs and got in Warrens + than come home and got in to loads I went to the Office
Saturday, 29
Rained in the fournoon so our men folks did not work but they mowed int eh afternoon finished my dress had to work on it in the afternoon and eve am very tired O Stephen where art thou my Dear
Sunday, 30
Very pleasent Emery + Lizzie + I went to meeting heard Mr Dalton preach liked him ever so much had a splendid meeting and Sabbath School O how hard it is to have Stephen away
Monday, 31
Beautifull day drawed in 2 loads of hay in the fournoon I raiked after one and 2 in the afternoon Wallace ahd I raiked 2 hours and the men folks mowed got in one load after Supper fine day
August, 1865
Tuesday, 1
done up my work in the fournoon and Wallace and I raiked in the afternoon a lot commenced on the 30 Acre peace after Breakfast got in one load I went over to the Office after Supper
Wednesday, 2
very warm mowed in the fournoon and raiked in the afternoon and got in three loads Mr Smith was here to dinner he was here to hours he says I shall have to give me a deed of that land soon
Thursday, 3
very warm indeed they mowed in the fournoon and raiked in the afternoon and got in one load washed and done lots of work and raiked hay am getting along finely my trust is in the Lord
Friday, 4
Mowed all day got in one load of hay Mr foy was her to Supper and we went over to theOffice received a letter from Stephen O how pleased to learn that he was well
Saturday, 5
mowed in the afternoon forenoon and raiked and got in 3 loads finished up the 30ty Acre field got in 28 loads of hay I have done lots of work to day am very tired my trust is in God
Sunday, 6
quite pleasent we all went to meeting Mr Garland preached rained after we got home had a fine meeting enjoyed the Sabbath School very much I truly love the house of God O how I wish Stephen was at home
Monday, 7
Sylvanus + Emery mowed in the four noon and then we had a Shower and so we all went a blueberring + fishing father and Jane was her to Supper washed to day and done lots of work
Tuesday, 8
Cloudy and quite cool mowed untill noon and raiked + got in one load I went a pluming in the fournoon + went over to the Office in the afternoon did not get any letter from Stephen
Wednesday, 9
felt bad and cryed at what Sylvanus said at Breakfast table wish I was not so sensitive am not feeling very well they mowed in the fournoon + drawed in 3 loads I raiked after 2 loads and raik some
Thursday, 10
Very pleasent they mowed in the fournoon and we all raiked in the afternoon got in one load have been busy all day and am very weary how I want to see Stephen
Friday, 11
cloudy oiled the harness in the fournoon then they mowed in the afternoon I went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen Brought Laura home with me Mr Grover went over with me I want to do rite
Saturday, 12
a fine day pleased to see it because we have a lot of hay down they mowed in the fournoon and raiked in the afternoon + drawed in one load Emery went home with Laura I have done lots of work to day paid Mrs Lincoln one dollar
Sunday, 13
Very pleasent Lizzie + Emery + I went to meeting Mr Win preached had a fine meeting enjoyed it much I love the house of God and long to have Stephen enjoy them again the place of prayer is ???? ?to me?
Monday, 14
Beautifull day long to be remembered by me I have done so much work washed my wool 57 lbs + washed Churned washed windows + the flour besides all the petty chors drawed in 4 loads of hay and mowed I am weary but love to think of Gods mercy
Tuesday, 15
I am feeling very bad very pleasent picked wool and went over to the Office and went up to Mr Godwins and got 10 dollars state aid finished haying to night
Wednesday, 16
very warm started early for bethel with Sylvanus and Emery paid Emery 15 dollars Sylvanus 5 dollars staid to warrens all night
Thursday, 17
started early for home sold 11 ½ libs of wool got 55 cts a pound got 32 lbs of wool carded paid 7 cts a pound bought one bushel of corn paid 1,25 got home at night
Friday, 18
am tired went over to the Office got a letter from Stephen think he will soon be at home carried over 3 dozen of eggs and 39 lbs of butter at 25 cts a lb
Saturday, 19
washed and churned and done lots of work quite pleasent am tired all out and feel lazy but good Courage for I thing Stephen is on his way home good good
Sunday, 20
Very pleasent we went to meeting had a very good meeting Mr Win prleached had a good Sabbath School my trust is in God who doeth all things rite I love the Sabbath
Monday, 21
am not feeling very well so have not done much went up to see Mrs Garmon found her crazy O we are nothing but mortal and we should love and obey god and all will be well
Tuesday, 22
went over to the Office carried my corn to Mill one bushel very nice corn did not get any letter am impatient for Stephen to come am tired of the cares of Life
Wednesday, 23
very cool went over to Mr Frosts after Mrs Jonssons for Mr ?Lainy? she is very sick paid her $12,00 and Mrs Lincoln 85 cts had some puding and milk for dinner
Thursday, 24
quite cool and rainy made David a pair of pants Mr Ballard + Hyman West Gilbert Tyler was her today have done lots of work the time seems long for I want to hear from Stephen
Friday, 25
cool and pleasent washed and done chors in an abundance let Mr Garman have 6 lbs of port 2 lbs of butter $2,00
Saturday, 26
worked very hard cleaning house for I am expecting Stephen home and want to see him so much the time seems long am very tired David was here to night
Sunday, 27
quite pleasent went up to see Mrs Garmon in the four noon and went over to meeting in the afternoon Mr Duton preached went down to fathers to supper father says Stephen is comeing home wensday
Monday, 28
to work very busy all day Churned and went up to see Mrs Garmman am not feeling very smart
Tuesday, 29
quite busy all day mending and fixing up things the time seems long for I want to see Stephen O the Lord is good who doeth all things rite
Wednesday, 30
very pleasent started early for bethel received 2 letters from Stephen meet with Stephen + Joseph at 6 Oclock and stoped to James Whithers all night happy happy
Thursday, 31
very warm started for home stoped at fathers to supper and got home about 6 Oclock found the Children all well O what a happy happy day long to be remembered
September, 1865
Friday, 1
very pleasent Stephen commenced to mow the Indian wheat peace it seems good to have him to home again to see to things I will praise the Lord who has heard our prayers
Saturday, 2
mowed Indian wheat I raiked a little it does seem good to have Stephen to home again after being gone to war one year and eight monghts
Sunday, 3
fine weather Charles was here we went ot Sabbath School it seems good to have Stephen go with us again the Lord is good
Monday, 4
Stephen went down to Mrs flaggs to get in some hay Mr Garmman was here to work was here to dinner and supper
Tuesday, 5
Mr flagg worked here in the four noon mowing Indian wheat and wheat rained a little in the afternoon I went down and raiked a little Joseph was here to supper
Wednesday, 6
Joseph went home Stephen raiked
Thursday, 7
got in one load of wheat am not feeling very well but filled with joy am tired all out with care and hard Labour but the future looks bright
Friday, 8
Stephen got in a load of wheat and cut the oats and raiked them I have done lots of washing this week
Saturday, 9
got in 2 loads of oats and one load of Indian wheat washed up the flour am very tired my trust is in god
Sunday, 10
out windy Lizzie Stephen and I went to meeting Mr Garland preached to day it rained when we came home we stoped to Davids a while
Monday, 11
town meeting day Stephen ploughed in the four noon and went to meeting down to Jerushas and found our cattle to Mr flaggs
Tuesday, 12
Stephen went over to Mr Smalls and I washed am not feeling very well but my mind is all rite got in one load of Indian wheat
Wednesday, 13
Churned very pleasent and dry got in four loads of Indian wheat
Thursday, 14
Lizzie is not well pleasent and dry cut Lizzie a dress to day Stephen got in one load finished getting in grain
Friday, 15
pleasent Stephen went over to Mr wests and got fanny Showed and I sowed and so on Charles worked here in the afternoon digging potatoes
Saturday, 16
Charles dug potatoes to day Andrew and family was here to dinner and Jonny Newton David and Joseph to Supper Stephen ploughed
Sunday, 17
Rainy so we spent the day at home resting how good to have Stephen to home again out of the Army I am tired all out the Sabbath is enjoyed by me very much
Monday, 18
dull but not much rain Stephen and Charles started for Henrys and night finds us alone again have worked hard to day sowing spun one skein
Tuesday, 19
pleasent again spun 6 skeins Wallace dug 10 bushels of potatoes am very tired to night had a good time reading the papers am looking for Stephen
Wednesday, 20
pleasent Stephen did not come home last night cant think where he is to day have spun 6 skeins and am tired but my trust is in god who doeth all things rite and just
Thursday, 21
Stephen come home to night Stephen dug potatoes do day and the children all went down to Mr Newtons I washed to day very pleasent to day
Friday, 22
very pleasent Stephen + Wallace dug potatoes to day had a boiled dish
Saturday, 23
very pleasent dug potatoes to day I went to the Office
Sunday, 24
pleasent went to meeting to day had a fine meeting
Monday, 25
dull so Stephen halled rocks to day
Tuesday, 26
finished diging potatoes to day finished Stephen a pair of stockings
Wednesday, 27
washed to day and washed up the floors Stephen drawed dressing to day
Thursday, 28
Lizzie and I wnet to the store to day went down to Sarah and Jerusha's stoped to Jerusha fo Supper carried over four dozen of eggs and got 2 yds of sheeting with it
Friday, 29
Stephen built wall to day Mr Gammon was her to super he worked in the afternoon Mr Godwin was here to supper Stephen sold him 2 year old stears and one calf for 43 dollars
Saturday, 30
went up to Mr Gammans and got my burne Mr Gammon was here to supper and Mrs Gammon was here to dinner and her Children Stephen built wall
October, 1865
Sunday, 1
pleasent and Cool Jerusha Walter Joseph + David was here to supper was pleased to see them the Sundays are enjoyed by me very much
Monday, 2
Rainy to day and much needed Churned to day Stephen made a plough handle
Tuesday, 3
Charles Abbott was here to day paid him five dollars
Wednesday, 4
Stephen went out in the afternoon and killed 6 patrages
Thursday, 5
William Godwin was here to day paid him five dollars on the taxes Wallace went over to Mr Riches and sold 6 patrages for $1,20
Friday, 6
Reafus Godwin was here to dinner he took his years olds and calf and paid us 43 dollars for them I have a sore finger have spun six skeins Stephen is ploughing
Saturday, 7
spun 4 skeins Stephen is drawing rocks Churned 9 lbs of butter Lizzie ironed
Sunday, 8
quite cool we staid at home all day we are having it very dry it seems good to have Stephen home
Monday, 9
School commenced to day done my work and mended Stephen drawed out one load of dressing and halled rocks the rest of the day
Tuesday, 10
cold and winday sowed in the four noon and spun to skeins in the afternoon Stephen drawed one load of dressing and halled rocks
Wednesday, 11
pleasent and cool washed to day Stephen drawed one load of dressing and drew rocks
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Transcribed by Mark S. Richards Maynard, MA, 1999
