Martha Ballard's Diary, January 26 - 31, 1797

26 5
Clear and pleast. my Childn who reside in this Town were here Except Ephm, Ruth Rockwood allso and Polly and Patty Town, they Dind and took Tea. mr Webber workt for us. mr Ballard Drove the teem. I have been at home. it is 11h Evn. at home. my Childn here.  
27 6
Clear and moderate. Polly & Patty Town went to Son Pollards. I went to See Nancy Dingly who is unwell with the Cough. Came home and went to See mrs Burtun, find her Cleverly. I bot at mr Carters Two Shawls @ 4/6 Each which I gave to Son Towns Dagts. I Calld at my Dagts. allso, /9 worth of gingr Bread. at mr Dinglys and at the fort Settlement. we had a Lamb come this Day.  
28 7
Clear, Except a little rain in thee morn, it Thawd all day. Cyrus been to mill to pittstn, had wheat, rie & indian Corn ground. I have been at home, did house work. mr Ballard was at the fort, informs that Theops Hamlins youngest Child is burnt Badly. at home.  
29 A
rainy. mr Ballard & Cyrus went to meeting. Ephm Came here at Evn and Supt with us. I have been at home. mr Hamlin had 1 oz Salv. at home.  
30 2
Clear and Cool. I have not been so well as I Could wish. mr Ballard was at mr Sheppards and at Capt Seth Williamss. Cyrus helpt mr Finny with our oxen to get a load wood. mrss Leach was here had a peck potatoes. mr Dingley here makeing an ax helve. at home.  
31 3
Clear Day, Snowd at Evn. mr Dingly brot Nancy here. mr Ballard has been to the fort, brot 10 lb Cottne which he had at Conys Store @ 2/10 pr lb. I have been doing house work and nursing a Lamb. Cyrus been choping wood at the door. Sons Pollard & Lambart with their wives are gone to winslow. at home. mr Dingly brot Nancy here. mr Ballard bot 10 lb Cottne at Conys store.  

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