Martha Ballard's Diary, December 16 - 21, 1786

16 7
Clear & pleasant till towards Evinng. I have been very unwell, attended with a Collick pain, not able to perform any Business. mr Ballard Gone to the meddow after Hay. Ephm Been over ye pond for wood. my husband got a Load of hay, Came home much fatagud. brusd his Shins with the Crust So that they Blistered. I hear that Esqr Howard had an ill turn Last night.   
17 A
Moderate & Foggy, raind at Evinng. I took Some aloes, it oprated. I feel Better. Georg Brown here ys Eveng, Enforms they are very Sick at Colo Howards. it is a Sickly Time in ys town. Jack Howard Deceast.   
18 2
Ephm had a Severe fitt.
Clear & pleast. I am free from the Collic pain. we are informd of Jacky Howards Death. I went to attend funeral, but by reason of Esqr Howards being taken very ill, I was Calld in there & tarried with them till about 9 O Clok when Cyrus came there; informd yt Ephm was in a fitt. I returnd home in great hast Led by Cyrus & York. found my Little Son revivd. Left ye Esqr more Comfortable, Betsy also.   
19 3
Clear. Ephm is well as usual. mr Ballard & Cyrus piqut mill. I have Been at home. Begun Epm a Stockin. hear Esqr Howard is Better, mrs Betsy also. this is the anevercary of my Marriage 32 years Since.   
20 4
Clear & Pleast. I went to see mrs Porter. at home at Eving. Neighr Savage & wife & his Brother Supt here.   
21 5
Clear & pleast. I was Calld to See Moses Pollard, he being unwell. Saw Sherebh Town, Sons family well. Revd mr Foster & Lady Dind there. I Drank Tea with mrs Weston. mr Ballard been to mr Fosters ys Evinng.   

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