Martha Ballard's Diary, May 12 - 16, 1790

12 4
Cloudy. Hannah & Parthena have been Confind to yr Bed, very sick this day. Patty sick allso. Dolly Sett her web to work but feels feeble. I have made out to nurs the Sick. mr Ballard been to Colo Howards & to ye hook. the freshet is up. at home. Hannah & Parthena Sick.  
13 5
Clear. Parthena is better but Hannah is not able to Sett up many muinits without fainting. Dolly so well that Shee workt in ye Gardin a little. we Sowd Beets, parsnips, Carrots & Onions. Ephm Planted Some Beans yesterday. at home. Hannah very Sick. mr Pitts here.  
14 6
Clear morn; Cloudy aftn. mr Ballard been to the hook. mr James Page Dind here; his Son Came to work here. mrs Hamlin & Burtun here. Hannah has Sett up Some this aftern. I have been at home. Sowd peas & planted Beens & potatoes. at home.  
15 7
Cloudy. I Sowd Some redish seed. mrs Child Sent for me to see her. I find her very unwell. I Calld at mr Pollards. they are Better at mr Craggs, find Polly Bisbe very unwell there. returnd at Evn; find mrs Brown here. Shee is much more Comfortable than Shee has been. at mr Childss Pollards & Craggs. Hannah is Cleverly this Day.  
16 C
Cloudy & Some rain, a Chilly air. Jona returnd from Winslow; informs yt Sherebiah is Extreamly Low, that Son Towns famely are well. I was at home James Hinkleys, his wife was Sick.  

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