Martha Ballard's Diary, September 4 - 8, 1789

4 6
Clear Except a Shower. mrs Porter & Clarrissa Barton Came here, the latter went with my Girls to help mrs Pollard quilt a Coat. I was Calld to See Polly Savages Child in a fitt. we gave it mullin Syrrup, it revivd & I came home. went aftern to See mrs Hamlin, mrs Porter with me. I have knitt a foot to a Stockin for mr Ballard Since 1 h Evn. at mr Savages & mr Hamlins. mrs Porter & Clarrissa here. Polly Cool Drowned.  
5 7
Showery. Clarrissa went to mr Foots, he had a fitt ys morn. mrs Porter & Clars left here at ye 4th hour Evn. mr Burtun & wife here. mr Ballard is gone to Pitts town. I finisht footing his Stockins. we are informd yt Polly Cool was Drownd yester morn. I have been at home. mrs Porter & Clarrisa left here. Juet Foster here.  
6 D
Clear. I went to See Polly Savages Child, it is Better. my Girls are gone to mr Hamlins. the ink this is wrote with was made ys day of Cake ink which mr Ballard Sent to Boston for. I was at mr Savages.  
7 2
Clear & very Pleasant. mr Ballard took his departure from home at 2 h PM on the business he has under taken for this State & the Plymoth Company. Silva nus Moore Sleeps here. my Girls Gone to mr Burtuns this Evin. Jacob Savage & Ebnz Foster Sleep here. there are 3 horses up to hay in our Barn. I have been at home.  
8 3
Clear. mrs Densmore here aftern. Cyrus Bot 7 lb pork at Colo Howds. I have been at home. Jona Bt me a pair of wool Cards. Hannah & Parthena began to Break Cyrss wool. I have been at home. Ezra Town is 11 years old ys day.  

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