Martha Ballard's Diary, August 7 - 11, 1798

7 3
Clear. I have been at home. our men at Son Jonas to work. P. Barbh here. at home.  
8 4
Clear Except Some Showers. mr Ballard and Watson at Jonas foren, they finisht giting the Hay there. Cyrus began to pull our flax. I have Bakt and done my work and done Some in the Gardin. Watson was informd that my Dagt Town was very Sick yesterday. at home, had [heavy] News from Dagt Town.  
9 5
Clear and very warm. Esqr Preskott and two other men Dind here. mrss Dingley Came to See a Barril Pork divided. Shee helpt me about giting Diner. I had a Sharp turn of Collic, got Ease Soon by takeing a Decoction of the read Peppers. mr Ballard went from home with Esqr Preskott to run a line. at home.  
10 6
Clear till the aftern when we had a very heavy Shower with heavy thunder and Sharp lightning. my Dagt Lambard was here. mrs Pitts Calld here. mr Ballard returnd before it raind much. mr Martin here to work. I have had two informations this Day; that my Dear Dagt Town is thought to be very near the Close of life. may God prepare her and all of us for his will Concerning her. at home.  
11 7
Clear and hott. mr Ballard and I went to Son Towns, we found our Dagt more Comfortable than Shee has been for days Past, but very Low. at Son Towns.  

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