Martha Ballard's Diary, January 1 - 6, 1797

1 A
Clear. we all attended public worship Except Polly Wall. Polly Town Came home with me. Shee left her Fathers famely well on friday last. Revd mr Stone pirformd Exceeding well this Day. at meeting & at mr Dingleys.  
2 2
Clear and Cold. mrss Stackpole, her granddauter Nancy, Dagt Pollard and her Childn Dind, they, Capt Cocks Lady & mrss Pitts took Tea here. mr Ballard been Surveying for Esqs Cony & Bridg.I have been at home. Polly Wall left here after Diner attended by Abisha Cowen Junr, I paid her 3/ which was all that was Due to her. at home. had Compy Polly Wall left here. Dagt Pollard & Childn Sleep here.  
3 3
Clear and Cold. mr Ballard went to mr Conys Store. he purchased a Small Shovel and tongs, Cost 9/6. Esqr Cony here. Dagt Pollard and Childn went home from here. Patty Town has helpt me do my work, I feel fatagud & unwell. at home. Dagt Pollard & Childnn left here. Ephm here at Evn.  
4 4
Clear and Cold. mr Ballard had a fitt of ye Collic. I was Desired by mr Sprague to go and See his wife, he Came without a hors and I did not go. I have done house work and waited on my husband, feel very much fatagud. at home.  
5 5
Clear. I have been at home, washt and am much fatagud, went to bed at 11h Evn. at home.  
6 6
Clear. I was Calld to See mrss Burtun at 1h 20m morn, Shee Seemd to get better. we went to bed at 3. I spent the forenoon with her and went to visit mrs Thwing. was Calld from there at 2h PM by reason of Polly Burtuns being Burnt in a most Shocking maner by her Cloaths takeing fire. Shee being in the Chamber with her Brother Billy, we used Every measure for her rilief but all in vain, Shee became a victim to Death. at mr Burtuns & mr Thwings. Polly Burtun was Burnt

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