Martha Ballard's Diary, December 9 - 15, 1789

9 4
Clear. mr Porter went from here. mr Savage was here. Jon a has been very unwell all Day. I was very ill in the night past, I feel very weak. Dolly went to mr Woodwards, the other Girls Bakt Some mins Pies. I have been at home.  
10 5
Clear morn, Cloudy aftn. mr Ballard went to Winthrop. I have been at home. mr Densmore here. Cut Ephm a Jack coat & trousers. I was at home. Birth Saml Peirces Son.  
11 6
Cloudy all day, rain at night. the Revd mr Foster Calld here, Says his famely are unwell. mr Ballard returnd from Winthrop. mr Learned been here. Cyrus to the hoock. Bot 1/2 yd Cloath for Parthena. I have been at home, knitt hands to Jonas mitts & began to foot a pair of Stockins for mr Ballard. I was at home. rain.  
12 7
Snow & haill, a Cold wind. I have been at home kniting. very Clear this Evng. I was at home. a Snow fel.  
13 D
Cloudy & some Snow. mr Savage & wife & mr Pollard here at Even. mr Ballard went to Seek his mare but did not find her. Jabish Cowen Sleeps here. I was at home. a little Snow.  
14 2
Clear & Cold. I have been at home, mended 2 pair of hoes for Cyrus. Jabe workt here. Foster got wood. mr Ballard brot his mare home & went over the river to ye fort. Wilm Peirce Came here to Dry flax. mr Hamlin, Burtun & their wives here, Spent Evining. I was at home. receivd an order on Capt Davis & 1/6 in Cash of Phillip Norcrose.  
15 3
Clear foren, Cloudy aftn, Snowd at Evn. mr Ballard left home bound for Norrigwalk. I have been at home. the ice Stopt by fort westorn, people Crost from this Crick by water. I was at home.  

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