Martha Ballard's Diary, October 8 - 17, 1785

8 7
I went to mr Chamberlins to see ye Babe, prepard Some fig phisick for it after I returnd. Danl Robins has Brusd his Toe, it is painful. I put a Poultis to it. Rufus Ballard here ys Day.   
9 B
I was Calld to mr Westons to See his wife, Shee being ill with a Disentery. I administerd a Clister which gave her Eas & Came home at Eving. Drest Robinss foot that is some better.   
10 2
I went to mr Chamberlins fore noon, to mr Westons aftern, found him & his wife better. ye Girls went there at Eving. mr Ballard Gone to mr [Wheles].   
11 3
At home all day and evng till about nine when Calld in great haste to Colo Howards, his wife & five Childn very sick. Saml bleeding gave ym great surprise. I tarrd all night. Bille is mending. Bitsy Wheeler Sick at Esqr Howards.   
12 4
Came from Colo Howards. Left ym very Sick.   
13 5
I was at home all Day, finishd mr Ballards hoes. watcht at ye fort ys night.   
14 6
I Came from ye fort aftern, went Back again before night. took a sleep fore part of ye night. sit up yl after two in mrs Howards Chamber.   
15 7
Came home about towo aftern. Luke Barton here & Dind. I Sent Some Soap to Lucy by him. mr [Sheren] here, he was unwell.   
16 B
I went to Colo Howards, tard all night & watcht. mrs Howard had a Severe feaver fitt.   
17 2
I tard & helpt moove ye Sick, dres yr Blisters &C; returnd home at noone. Dolly gone home with hannah Barton. Shee returnd at Evng, brought Parthena. mrs Foster & mrs Brown here. Broth Moore & Thos Smily here. mr Ballard went up with ym to view a mill spott.   

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