Martha Ballard's Diary, July 9 - 13, 1797

9 A
X. Birth Capt Wm Springers Dagt. XX
A Shoury Day. mr Ballard and Cyrus went to meeting. Ephm here, informs me his Sister is very ill yet. God grant there may be means directed to for her recovery. I felt fatagud and laid my Self Down to Sleep, but was Calld at 3h pm to See the wife of Capt Wilm Springer who is in Labour. Shee was Safe Deld of a very fine Daugt at 10h Evn and Seems Comfortable. I tarried all night. at Capt Wm Springers. Birth 32nt. receivd 9/ as a reward.  
10 2
Clear. I left Capt Springers at 6h. I Calld at Shubal Hinkleys for what he owd me for assisting his wife with her last Child. the hors I was on ran under his Shead and throwd me of, Broak my Specktakles and allmost my limbs. I receivd 3/ which was what was my Due. I feel the Efects of my fall very much, have not been able to Sett up very much. Betsy Page here after Polly Buterfield to go to work for them. at Capt Springers. had a fall from my hors at Shubal Hinkleys. I receivd 3/ of him which has been Due to me Some time. Old Lady Coney here.  
11 3
Cloudy. mr Ballard Sett out for wiscasett to attend Coart as a witness. I have felt more Comfortable than I Did yesterday, have Sewd Some and houghd Some. Augustus Ballard Dind here. Alaxr Wheton workt here foren. John Sleeps here. Polly washt and washt the kitchen, and went to Capt Williamss. at home. Agustus here. mr Ballard wentto wiscassett.  
12 4
Clear and warm. I have been makeing Shirts and Boiling my Cloath. our men been mowing and geting in hay. mr Ballard returnd from ye point. at home. Polly Came home. mr Carters inft Expird.  
13 5
Clear and hott. I have tended my Cloath and houghd in my gardin. Thankful went to Son Lambarts, Cyrus to mill. he informs me that mr Carters infant Departed this life yester morn and was interd this aftern. at home.  

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