Martha Ballard's Diary, August 8 - 11, 1788

8 6
Clear. mr Weston Calld here. I went to See mrs Foster. Shee has been not So well. Came to mrs Williamss; her Child very Sick; it had fitts. mrs Porter there the aftern. mrs Pollard & Polly Hinkly & mr Saml Peirce Stay there. he attended me home. I was at Revd mr Fosters & the wido Williams. Patty had fitts.  
9 7
Clear. I went to wido Williams; her Child was Seisd with   
10 E
fitts at [8]h Evn. it had 9 by 1/2 after 1 morn, then was Easy till 9, then the fitts Came on, it had 4 in the 11hr, then another which Continued 1h & 30m. I Came home & Changd my Linning. Ephm Cowen here in intermition. mr Goold, a Gentleman from N. Brantery, Preacht here. I went to mrs Wilmss, tarried all night. Patty Exceeding ill. Polly Bisbe & my Dat Hanh watcht. at wido Wmss. mrs Voce & mrs Harris watcht. at Detoes. mrs Foot & Clarrisa Barton here.  
11 2
Clear morn; Showers aftern. I was at wido Wilmss all Day. we thought the Child was Expireing. the Neighbours Calld but it revivd. we administred Clysters prepard with English mallows & Camamile, which operated & relaxed the Bowels. I lift it Easy and returnd home at Eving. Hannah been to mrs Westons, Parthena & Dolly there Last Satterday to help her quillt a Bed quilt. [Guild] Partrage Came here. at Ditos. I hear that old mrs Hutchens of winthrop Departed this Life Sudenly this Day.  

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