Martha Ballard's Diary, December 1 - 8, 1786

1 6
Clear & not So Cold. mrs Brown & mrs Hygin here. mr Ballard went to hear Snells trial for abuseing mr Bullin on the high way. he is Laid under Bonds. I finisht futting a pair of hoes for Dyky.   
2 7
a Clear Day. mrs Foster Dind here. I Began a Leggin & went to mr Westons. Shee & I made a Settlement of some Tradeing we have had which was not Bookt, & there is 2/1 Due to me. mr Ballard done a Little toward fixing ye house.   
3 A
a Clear Day. I attended Divine Servis. Revd mr Foster unable to perform. Deacon Emerson officiated in his room. Anne Web & Nabe Pollard here at Evinning.   
4 2
a Clear Day. ye Girls washt. Poll Savage here. I have been at home kniting. mr Ballard went to Revd mr Fosters, finds him mending, his Lady unwell. mr Hart of Winslow is here this Evng.   
5 3
A Snow Storm. I have been at home. Pamela finisht makeing a Shift for me. I have kni[t] Some. hannah Spun Cotten. Dolly did hous work.   
6 4
Clear & Cold. mr Ballard spent this day at Capt Sualls. I have been at home, finisht kniting ye first leggin of mr Ballards. Densmoore Brot mr Ballards Coat home. Dicky had his Trousers Cutt out.   
7 5
it Snowd. I have been at home kniting. we are informd that Ezra Hodges is gone & left his famely. it is not known where.   
8 6
Clear part of the day. mr Ballard went to Revd mr Fosters. I have been at home. Pamela finisht Dickys over alls. We are informd Capt Howard is got Safe into ys river. a Cow is loos in town.   

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