Martha Ballard's Diary, December 26 - 30, 1788

26 6
Cloudy, Snowd at Eving. mr Ballard been at Colo Norths. I have been at home, Mended Cyrus a pair of Breaches & Doubled his Stockin yn. at home. Snowd.  
27 7
Clear. mr Ballard went to the hook. I have been at home & made 23 Dozn of Candles. Cyrus found 10 lb of ye Tallow. at home.  
28 E
Cloudy & Dark. mr Ballard went & put up the publishments of Benn Prescot & Polly Hinkly & mc alister & Elizabeth Carver. Parthena is unwell. I gave her Some pills. Shee took one in a spoon full of Beer. the wind mett it & Shee was so Strangled Shee turnd Black in her face & almost lost her Breath. I was at home. Parthena unwell. I wrote to Hannh & Doct Barton, Send by Esqr Coney.  
29 2
Cloudy. I have been at home. mr Ballard went to mr Pollards with Letters to Send by Doct Coney. Parthena is Some Easier. I have had a pain in my head. Birth Jos Browns Dagt. at home.  
30 3
Cloudy. I have been at home. we were alarmd by fire which was discoverd at ye 3h & 40 ys morn. the Bed on which the Girls Slept having by Some means on fire. a Chair which I Slipt under the Side on which Parthena Lay was Burnt to a Coal on ye Top of ye post next ye fire & the Bed Cloaths much damagd. mr Morgin Sleeps here ys night. mr Page & Prescott Dind here. Parthena is Some Easier. at home. this is 1 year Since I fell into the river. we Barely Escapt being Consumd by fire this morn. the wisdom of God is great & his tender mercy is over all his works. mr Livermr here for grave Cloaths for Polly Wehlr.  

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