Martha Ballard's Diary, May 19 - 23, 1794

19 2
Clear till aftern. mr Ballard at Doct Coneys. I was Calld to See Rold Smiths wife who is unwell. I Calld at mr Beamans & P. Norcross & T. Kennys. I bot an Earthen Vessel, price 1/. at [Han] Clearks.  
20 3
Clear & Pleasant. Dolly went to work at mr Hamlins. I was Calld to See Mr Hodgess Child, Shee has been much Exercisd with Pain but is Easier. I am informd that the boddy of a young Girl by ye name of Tilton was found in the woods in Varsalboro. it is Suspected that a Negro by ye name of Edmond Fortis was ye perpetratr. the Coroner was Calld from this Town. at mr Hodges & Son Pollards. A Girl found Dead, it is thougt was Murderd.  
21 4
Cloudy & Some rain. I was Calld to See mr Moses Whites wife in Labour, there all day & night. Edmond Fortis, a Black man, was Conducted to Pounalboro Jail for Commiting a Rape on mrs Tilton & afterwds murdering her on ye Evng of ye 18th inst. A most Shocking Sein which he has Confest. he has a wife & 2 Childn. at mr Whites. Edmond Fortis Conductd to Jaile for murdering mrs Tilton.  
22 5
X. Birth Moses Whites Dagt. XX.
Cloudy & Some rain. mrss White was Deld at 2h morn of her fifth Daughter & 9th Child. I left mother & Child Cleverly at 7. mr White bestowd 7/6 as a reward. at Ditoes. Birth 20th. fee receivd.  
23 6
X. Birth John Beamans Son. XX.
Clear. I was Calld at 7h morn to See the wife of John Beaman in Labour. Shee was Delivd at 10 of a Son; her first Son & 5th Child. I left her a 7h pm Cleverly & Came home. receivd 6/ as a reward. James Sturges Came here to work. at mr Beamans. Birth 21st. fee Receivd. Funeral of Selvestr, [int]. ys [aft]  

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