Tuesday, May 31st, 1864

To day the boys are at work in the lower field. Father [Joshua James Hall] came up to partake of a fine dish of turtle soup made from a large soft shell turtle which was caught in the mill wheel it was truly refreshing. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and children are still absent on their visit down at Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. I worked in the garden. In the evening Bill set out potato slips. Hicks ground 11 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cool with a hard shower of rain. I let Father have 2 bushels of meal on account. Thus closes my notes of events that occurred around me for the Month of May.

Monday, May 30th, 1864

To day the boys are at work cradling my Rye. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & children drove down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and remained there all night. I worked in the garden. Hicks ground 10 bushels of corn. Weather clear & hot.

Sunday, May 29th, 1864

To day I drove down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in my buggy and carried Florence [Florence Mahala Hall] with me. we remained there for dinner. Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] is now well. Weather changeable & hot.

Saturday, May 28th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling in and putting away the Barley & Wheat. I finished my lounge. Josephine is still improving and out of danger. Hicks ground 5½ bushels of corn and 3 bushels of wheat. Father got 2 bushels of meal on account. Weather cloudy and rainy.

Friday, May 27th, 1864

To day the boys are at work cradling my Rye. I am still at work making the lounge. Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] is still improving. Hicks ground 10½ bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cool with occasional showers of rain.

Thursday, May 26th, 1864

To day the boys finished cradling the wheat, and then set out potato slips. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] left for home. Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] is improving. I commenced making myself a lounge to sleep on throughout the summer if permitted to live. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode down to Mother's. Hicks ground 3 bushels of wheat. Weather variable & hot.

Wednesday, May 25th, 1864

To day the boys are at work cradling wheat. Dr. Murchison again came to see Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] who is still very sick but I think she has a change for the better. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] is still here. I made a spool frame for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Hicks ground 3 bushels of wheat. Weather changeable & very hot with a light shower of rain at night.