Martha Ballard's Diary, August 12 - 19, 1791

12 6
Showers foren, Clear aftn, a Shower at Evn. I was Calld a little before night to See Asa Masons wife, got there at Day light down, had no Sleep ys night. at Masons. Liddia [went] home.  
13 7
Birth Asa Masons Son.
Clear. I am at Masons Still. went & gatherd Black berries. mrs Mason grew ill aftern. Calld her women at Evn & was Safe Deld at 10 h of a Son. we tarried thro the night. my patient is Cleverly. had no Sleep ys night. at Ditoes. Birth 18th
14 B
Clear. I Sett out for home Soon after Day, walkt as far as mr James Savages then Rode out as far as mr Isaac Savages, his sons brot me Down by water. I Searcht my Cloaths immediately after I arivd, found a vast number of Flees on them. I Calld at mr Pittsis, Boltons & Savages. mrs Dorcas Pollard here for Parthenia. at Ditoes.  
15 2
Clear & warm. mr Ballard & Sons went to ye Meddow, Cyrus to Pitts town. mr Foster here to work. mr Benn Porter, Densmore & yr wives, master Eaton and mrs Livermore Drank Tea here. my Dagts have washt & SCourd floors. I have been at home, knitt Some. at home, had Company.  
16 3
Clear Except a Shower. mr Ballard and Sons returnd from ye meddow. I have been at home, am informd yt mr Cragg is So Sick that he is Confind to his Bed. at home.  
17 4
Clear. Jona & Ephm went to the meddow, Jona returnd at noon very unwell. I gave him a Tea of mullin & maiden hare which gave releif. mr Ballard attended a meeting of ye Church aftern. Foster workt here part of ye Day, he informs his Dagt is Sick. I have been at home. mrs Livermore put in a webb here. at home. mr Ballard to Church meeting. Jona is unwell.  
18 5
Clear. mr Ballard went Early to the meddow. Jona is better. I have been at home mending Stockins & houghing Cabbages. at home.  
19 6
Clear. I have been at home, washt my wool, hilld Cabbages, gatherd my Corn. our men returnd from the meddow, have finisht giting the hay. mrs Norcross, Polly Cowen & Anne Norcross here. Jona Bot a quarter of Veal. at home.  

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