Martha Ballard's Diary, December 5 - 8, 1789

5 7
Clear & Cold. the ice run in the river. I have been at home, made 20 Dozn of Candles. the officer went by here with Capt Biges, who was apprehended with a warrant for abusing mrs Foster the last Summer. I have [been] at home. Judg Langdon here.  
6 D
Snow this morn, Cloudy all day. mr Ballard went to See mr Savage, finds him mending. I have been at home. Foster is a little better. Parthena very hoarse yet. I was at home. a Snow.  
7 2
X. Birth mrs Parmers Dagt. XX.
Cloudy & Some rain. I was Calld to See mrs Weston & Betsey who were Sick with the Desorder which is prevalent. Came home in ye Evn. Calld to See mr Savage, find him mending. was Calld at ye 10 h Evn to mrs Parmer in travil, was Conducted to the river by mr Petingl & mr Ballard, by the former Wm Howard & Saml Shaw acrost ye river, then rode to Esqr Petingails. mrs Parmer Safe Delivd about 12 of a fine Dagt & is Cleverly, Except the Cold which prevails uneversally. at mrs Westons, Savages & Esqr Petengails. 37th Birth.  
8 3
Clear & pleasant. I returnd home, feel Some fatagud. find my famely much as they have been. mrs Palmer let me have 2 lb Chocolate & 2 lb of Butter. I receivd Butter of Esqr Petengaills Lady for pills Shee had of me. mr Savage watk out this day. Esqr Lovjoy Calld here. Capt Porter, mr Burtun & their wives & mr Benn Porter Drank Tea here; the Latter Sleeps here. Jona very unwell Since he returnd from Winthrop. at Esqr [Petingails] & mr Savages. David Petties wife Departed this life ye 4th inst in Child Bed. Shee left 12 Childn to moarn the Loss.  

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