Martha Ballard's Diary, May 1 - 8, 1801

1 6
Clear. I was very ill with pain, Jonas wife Came to take Care of me before day. Dagt Pollard & Son Lambard and Sist Barton Came to See me. I got Eas from pain but feel very feeble, my Sist tarries all night. at home, unwell.  
2 7
Clear. I have been more Comfortable, have done part of my hous work. my Sister is with me yett. Jona and wife dind with us on pork & greens. at home, am better than I was yesterday.  
3 1
rainy. I was So unwell I did not attend public worship. my Sister Spent ye day with me and went to Leut S. Pittss at Evng. mr Ballard to meeting, the ordinance of ye Supper was administred. Deacon Cony was there. mr Robd Fletcher has wounded him Self, he Desired prayers. at home, unwell.  
4 2
Clear the most of the day. I have been very unwell but had my hous work to do. I Churnd at Evng, 4_ Butter. at home.  
5 3
Clear part of the day. I have been at home, made a Chees and done my other work. Betsy Cowen here. I paid her 10/. Sons Pollard & Lambard and Jonas & his wife have been here. Cyrus been to mr Pollards after OXen. at home, made a Cheese. Betsey Cowen been here.  
6 4
A very rainy day. I have been at home. mrs Herington took Breakfast. Jon a Dind, his wife & 3 Sons took Coffee here. at home. my Childn, Some of ym, here.  
7 5
Cloudy and some rain. I have been at home, done my hous work and washt my Linen in one water. mrs Welch here to Come flax. at home, mrs Welch here.  
8 6
Clear till Evning when it raind. I have done Some wk in my gardin. mrs Herington washt for me and washt two floors. I let her have 2 lb _ pork at 10d pr pound. mr Ballard has been Surveying for mr Colwell. at home. mrs Herington washt for me.  

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