Martha Ballard's Diary, April 18 - 22, 1795

18 7
X. Birth Benn Branches Son. XX.
Clear the most of the Day. mrs Branch was Deld of a Son at 9h 30m morn. I left Cleverly at 11, Calld at Nath Runels and mr Dyers and Esqr Runels. returnd as far as Son Pollards and went to See mrs Capin, find her not So well as Could be wisht. was at mr Gills, they are well. mrs Abbot is unwell. I Calld to See mrs Parker who is very unwell. Dolly was at mr Pollards, Capins, Gills and mr Burtuns. my Girls have Made me 2 Barrils of Soap this weak. at [mr Branches]. Birth 18th. receivd 9/ at DeckmansStore April 27th by Branches order.  
19 D
rainy. mr Ballard went to meeting to thee hook. I was not So well as I Could wish. Augustus Ballard Dind with us. we had a Loin of Veal roasted. mr Barnabas Lambart auskt our Consent that he might Marrie our Daugt Dolly. at hom. we Consentd that mr Barnas Lambert Should marrie our Dagt Dolly.  
20 2
rainy. mr Ballard went to mr Jonses. I have been mending Shirts, apron & Trousers. mr Lambart & my Dagt Dollys intencions of marriage were made public by posting at ye meeting house. at home. mr Lambart and Dolly Publisht.  
21 3
Clear. mr Ballard and Silva Sett out to Survey East andover. I have been at home, mended Cloaths. at home. mr Ballard gone to Survey.  
22 4
Clear and pleast. I Combd flax and wint to the hook for Corn but got none. I bot 28 lb rice and an ounce turnip Seed of Capt Fillabrown, cost 8/3. I Calld at the most of ye Stores, walkt there and home again. Calld to See Capt Welts who is Confind by a wound in his thigh. at the hook. I was unwell in the night.  

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