Martha Ballard's Diary, December 9 - 14, 1788

9 3
Snowd & raind. we were boiling Soap. mr Ballard went to meet Select Gent men. David Learned Sleeps here. Polly Whealer is very unwell. Doct Coney Came to see her, Left her Some remidies. wodwd Allin here to work, he Came yester Day. I receivd 4 lb Chocolat of Ephm Cowen for assisting his wife ys 4th inst. I have [been] at home. Snowd.  
10 4
Cloudy Day, Clear Eving. I have been at home. Broth Moore, Capt Savage & Jonas Cleark were here; mr Dyer & Capt Mathews also. the Latter was intoxecated, Carried on very Drolely this Evng, fell in the fire & Spillt my Soap, which was boiling, on him. Polly is a little Easier. I have been at home. Snowd.  
11 5
Clear. mr Ballard went to Colo Duttuns mill. Broth Moore & David Learned Dind here. the Latr Sleeps here. wido Wilms & Polly Bisbee here. I have been at home. I was at home.  
12 6
Cloudy, raind Eving. mr Ballard went to mr Jacksons for Turnips. I Combd 12 lb of flax for mrs Weston. Betsy Chever & old mrs Bolton been here. I have been at home all Day. Polly has not Kept anything Down that Shee has Eat this day. been at home. [7 lb] Combd flax.  
13 7
Clear & pleast. Capt Savages Lady here. Polly is very Low, pukt up all Shee takes. I have been at home. been at home.  
14 E
Clear, not very Cold. I tarried at home. Colo Howard Came to see Polly Whealor, brot her Some Sugar. Shee Gave him an order on Moses Hastin for her wages Due. Doct Colman here also. brot [  ] & Bisquits. wido Wilms & Charlotte Cool here at Eving. Capt Savage & Lady & Isaac Savage, mr PresCott Supt here. I have been at home. mr Foster Preacht from 1 Corinth 11 & 1 vers.  

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