Martha Ballard's Diary, August 9 - 13, 1794

9 7
Clear foren, Cloudy aftern. I have Done Matters in my Gardin & went to the hook. Left a Letter for Doct Barton at Isaac Livermores. Calld at Capt F Browns. Sally is gone to Son Pollards, the Boys finisht reaping our wheat & bound it. at the hook. mr Perham of Sandy [river] interd ys Day.  
10 E
A rainy Day. mr Ballard returnd from Sandy river, he attended the public worship aftern. the famely tarried at home. Ephm went to See how mrs Pitts does, finds her very low. Shee has had two fitts of feavour this day. I had a Severe pain in my Ear all night. at home. mr Ballard returnd from Sandy river.  
11 2
Clear Except a light Shower. mr Ballard at mr Pollards on business. I have been Doing matters in ye Gardin, galhering Safron. Dolly & Sally washt & washt the floors. Dolly went to mr Shephards foren with Son Jona. he brot his Oldest Son & left him here. at home. Son Jona brot Jack here.  
12 3
Clear & hott. Jon a here, killd a Lamb & Carrid his Son home. I was Calld to See mrs Pitts who appears to be Drawing near the Close of life. Shee Seeme resind in a great Degree to leav this world. Daugt Ballard & I watcht with mrs Pitts. at Shubl Pittss, his wifevery low.  
13 4
Clear & very warm. I have been with mrs Pitts till Sun Sitt. was then Calld to the wife of Richd Foster who is in Labour. I had no Sleep this night. I Did not Expect to find mrs Pitts alive when I returnd. at Ditos & Richd Fosters. mrs [Pitts] has Seen 22 years this [night].  

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