Martha Ballard's Diary, December 15 - 19, 1788

15 2
rainy foren, Clear aft. mr Ballard is unwell. Polly is not So well as Shee has been. Doct Coney Calld to See her. mrs Hamlin here to warp a web. the Girls been to wido Willimss. Charlotte here at Evng. I have been at home. I was at home.  
16 3
Cloudy & moderate. Dolly rode as far as mr Westons & Carried Polly. her pain returnd in her hip this aftn. Mr Ballard went to the hook. I have been at home, finisht mending mr Ballards Breaches. mr Fillbrook is here this night; Says Towns famely are well. I have been at home.  
17 4
Cloudy & Some Snow. mr Ballard went to Church meeting. I have been at home. Polly very poorly. mr James Page Dind here; informd that mr Benn Branard departed This life last night. I have been at home. news of the Death of mr Branard. 
18 5
Clear & Cold. mr Ballard attended Town meeting. there was a vote passt that the revd mr Foster Should not preach in the meeting hous anymore. mr Brooks here to Settle with me about Bakeing & at the rate he was pleasd to alow me for the trouble there was 15/6 Due to me. I have been at home. the girls washt. Polly has been very poorly. at home. 2 years Since Ephm had ye first fitt. mr Benn Branard interd this Day.  
19 6
Clear till aftn. Polly Whealor was removd from here to mr Livermores. I went with her. Shee was not much fatagud. mrs Livermr Seemed Sorry Shee was brot there but used her very Kind. this the annevversary of my mariage, 34 years. I went to mr Livermores with Polly. John Savage threw Ephm Down on ye ice & abused him. Snowd.  

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