Martha Ballard's Diary, May 29 - June 2, 1797

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Clear the most of the Day, but Cold. I have been tending my Cloath. Sally washt, Bullin here makeing a Plan of their Survey. mr Robbins here on Business, A Gentleman by ye name of Blanchard from Andiver allso. at home.  
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Clear. I have been Doing house work and tending my Cloath. mrss Haull here, Mary Buterfield allso. Shee says my Dagt is Cleverly. Ephm workt here. I paid to Sally Lauson 8/10 which was all that was Due for her Service here. at home. mrss Haull here.  
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X. Birth Charls Coxes Second Son. XX.
Clear. mr Ballard went to Winslow on a referance. Sally Lauson went from here. I was Calld to See the wife of Charls Cox who was in Labour, and was Safe Deld of a fine Son at 8h Evng. I tarried all night and took Care of my Patients. at mr Goodins. Birth 26th. receivd 9/ as a reward. 
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X. Birth mr Martins Dagt. XX.
Clear. I was Calld between 5 & 6h morn from mrss Cox to See the wife of mr Martin who is at her father Clearks. I proSeeded as fast as I Could but found her put to bed by the help of mrss Ingerham. I receivd 6/ for my trouble and returnd to Son Pollards at 11, tarried there till 4 pm. I find my Dagt not So well as could be wisht, made use of remidies which Gave relief. I purChased a pair Shoes of John Brooks, price 7/6; paid the Cash. I at do feel fatagud. Jona & Le faett Ballard Came to See me. at Ditoes & at mr Isaac Clearks. Birth 27th. receivd 6/. Son Ephm & Jonas Sons Sleep here  
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Clear. I do feel very much fatagud, but am without help and have my work to do, and was Calld to See Sally Waid who is unwell. Shee Seemd revivd when I arivd. I was Calld to See my Dagt Pollard & went from there. I administred a Clister which gave her relief, returnd home after Sun Sett and had my work to do; hard is my lott in life. at mr Waids & at Son Pollards. my [Dagt is more] Comfortable.  

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