Martha Ballard's Diary, December 3 - 7, 1798

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Cloudy, Snowd at Evn. mr Ballard went to winthrop, Carried 25 yds of white woolen Cloath to be Coulered and prest. I was Calld to See mrss Dingley again, find her very ill. I tarrid all night, Sett with her. Shee Seemd Easier before morn, but her throat is very much Sweld inwardly. at mr Dingleys, Shee is very Sick. mr Heartford & wife allso  
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Cloudy. I Came home at 10h morn, find that mr Ballard has had a fit of the Collic, but he is got Easier and went up to Town this aftern. mr Waid Butcherd a Beef Cow for us. at Ditoes, the patient a little Easier. mr Ballard had the Collic.  
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Cloudy. mr Waid Choping wood for us. mr Dingley Calld me to See his wife who is very ill with the rash. I went and Spent the day and night with her. Doct Cony was Calld, he approvd of what I had done. he left her Some Cm tart, Niter & Senna. at Ditoes. Doct Cony was Calld. Polly Town is 17 years old ys Day.  
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Cloudy. mrss Livermore Came to mr Dingleys for me to go and See her Sick Dagt. I find Patty very Sick. I put Black wool, wet with Brandy & pepper, in her Ears which gave her present relief. I returnd and helpt mrss Dingly up. Shee Seems as well as Can be Expected. Doct Cony Came to See her. Nancy Complains. Son Town Came here. I was Calld to mr Dingleys in hast by reason of her Bleeding at her mouth. mrss Densmore there. mrs Mc Causland Calld from there to Rheubin Moores, I to mr Lakemans. at Ditoes and at mr Livermores. mr Dingley has our hors to go for mrss Mc Causland.  
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X. Birth Lakemans Son.
Clear. I put mrss Lakeman to Bed with her 4th Son and 5th Child at 2h morn, returnd to mr Dingleys at 6, find his wife more Comfortable. I receivd 6/ as a reward of Lakeman. at Ditoes & mr Lakemans. Birth 32. receivd 6/. July '99 rec 3/.  

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