Martha Ballard's Diary, May 6 - 10, 1796

6 6
Clear. I workt in the Door yard Clearing of Chips. Old mrs Whealer Came here, Shee tarries all night. Cyrus went to mr Benn Fairbankss, bot 1_ Bsl wheat to Sow, paid 15/ for it. at home. mrs Whelor here this Day & night.  
7 7
Cloudy the most of ye Day. Cyrus went to Pitts tn. mrs Whealor went from here. I have workt in my Gardin and door yd, removd my gardin roots. Ebenz made fence on the Entervail. I was Calld by magr Stickney to go to Capt Littlefields, his Lady unwell. her women were Calld, we were there ys night. at Capt Lilllefields. mrs Whealor went from here. raind at night.  
8 B
X. Birth Capt Littlefields Son. XX.
rainy. I was with mrs Littlefield who is very unwell, her illness increast and her women Calld at 10h Evn. Shee was Safe Deld at 11 and 3/4 of a fine son and is Cleverly. we all tarried thro the night. at Ditoes. Birth 22nt.  
9 2
rainy morn. I left my Patients Cleverly and returnd home at 9h m. Ebenz went to training at Capt Smiths. Cyrus went to mill &C, &C. we Sett Seed Beets & Carrots in the Door yard. I laid down and took Some Sleep aftern. Nabby went to See Mary Densmore, finds her very Poorly. Ebenz returnd this Evn with the Mallancoly news of Peter Jones being Drowned. may God grant his Supporting mercie to the Afflicted widdow, and Other Connections, and enable us all to make a wise improvmint. at Ditoes. I was informd this Evng that Peter Jones was Drownd this aftern in the mill Stream.  
10 3
rainy. Cyrus went to his Brothers, informs on his return that mr Peter Jones was taken out of the water. I was Determind to go and See the Distrest widdow, but was Calld to See the wife of Ephm Cowen, who is very unwill. at Ephm Cowens, his wife is very unwell.  

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