Martha Ballard's Diary, November 15 - 21, 1796

15 3
X. Birth Elijah Hinkleys Dagt. XX.
Cloudy. mrss Hinkley was Safe Deld of a Dagt, her first Born, at 6h morn. I left her and inft as well as Could be Expected after Breakfast. receivd 9/ for my own Service & 1/6 for the hors. I went to bed and had Some Sleep, was Calld about noon to See mrss Byerns. it raind and I had great falague in geting there, find her very unwell. her women were there but She got more Comfortable and they all retird to their own homes. at mr Hinkleys & mrss Burnss. Birth 50th. receivd 9/ as fee & 1/6 for hors.  
16 4
Clear and windy. I was with mrss Byrns. Shee is very unwell. at mrss Byrnss.  
17 5
Clear. I went from mrss Byrnss to Old mr Whites, my patient is not well yet. at Ditoes & at mr Whites.  
18 6
Cloudy and Snow on the ground ys morn. I was with mrs Byrns all day. Shee is very unwell all Day but Seems Easier at Evn, and rested better this night. at mrss Byrnss.  
19 7
Cloudy. I left mrss Byrns not So well as Could be wisht, Came home attended by mr Graves; find my famely well. I was Calld at 6h evn to mr Partridges to See his Dear little Child who Mc Causland had Struk Down with a Billit of wood, and its life was Dispared of. I find it a little revivd. I Spent the night there. at Ditoes and at mr Partridges to See his Child who mc Causland had almost Deprivd of life.  
20 B
A hazy morn. I left mr Partridges, his Child a little revivd. Came home at noon. mrss Dingley Came here to inquire after the Childs welfare. I went into the prison and Saw the irons put on to Mc Causlands hands, an aufull Spectacle he is to behold. may God grant his pardoning mercy for all his offencies and giv us all Sutable reflections; may the Dear Babe be restord to health and its Parents make a wise improvment of this Chastisment. at mr Partridges. mrs Dingley here.  
21 2
Cloudy. I have been kniting, finisht my Self a pair of Socks. mr Ballard been to the fort, bot Tea, Coffee & Sugar at mr Conys Store. Cyrus went to mr Childs, brot me a pair Shoes, paid 7/ Cash for ym. mr Joy moovd from the hook into mr Livermors house this day. at home.  

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