Martha Ballard's Diary, May 8 - 14, 1787

8 3
I returnd at 11 O Clok morn. Left mrs Edson So well that Shee was quilling yarn for her Sister to weave. mr Learned & Sally White Dind here. mr Welman Sent me a piece of Salmon. Hannah & Dolly, Ephm & Patty attend School. Pamela went to mr Crags. our men turnd off Boards to Davis. Town meeting yesterday. Doct Coney Chosen to Represent this Town in Gen Coart. mr Carr Delegate for Convention at Falmoth or Portland.   
9 4
Birth. Nathanl Herseys 4th Son. XX.
Clear morn. I was calld at 9 O Clok ys morn to See mrs Hersey, Shee Being in Travil, and was Safe Deliverd of a fine Son at 1 PM. I returnd home at 5, find the two mr Learneds here. I receivd my fee on six & 8 pence of mr Hersey. mr Thomas Sewall made me a Presant of a Calve Skin. haild & raind about one ys afternn.   
10 5
a rain. mr Learned & his Brother David went from here this morn with their Shingles. Mrs Porter here. mr Ballard and Deacn Emerson gone to Jabiz Cowens. I wrote a Letter to Brother Collins & one to Sister Waters.   
11 6
A rainy Day. I have been at home knitting. the girls Been to School. Foster Came to work. Nathan Howard came here aft wer in Bed.   
12 7
XX Birth. Edsons Dafter. XX.
Cloudy. I was Calld to See mrs Edson who was in Travil, arivd there at 7 O Clok morn. Saw her husband Lying in the road in Kenadys Lain. Shee was Safe Deliverd at 8h 26m PM of a fine Dafter. May God almighty bless her and help her to Shun her Fathers wicked Examples. heard from Son Town.   
13 G
Cloudy morn, returnd from Edsons. Left her Comfortable, arivd at home at 5 ys morn. Breakfasted & went to Esqr Howards to See his Lady who is unwell. Came to meeting, afternn. had a pain in my head.   
14 2
Clear. the Girls washt & went to mrs Westons. mrs Savage Dind here, Capt Savages Lady here & Dind also. I went to mrs Howards when I heard of the Esqrs Death. Esqr Howard Departed this Life ; a Suden Change, he was well and Dead in about three hours.   

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