Martha Ballard's Diary, January 1 - 6, 1799

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Clear, Snowd at Evn. Dagt Lambd and Childn and Becky Sewall Came here this morn, they made me a winter Goun. Sons Lambard and Ephm Came at Evn and Conducted them home. I was Calld at 11h 30m to See the wife of Shubael Pitts who was in Labour. at home till after 11 O Clock at night. Dagt Lambd made me a goun, Becky here with her.  
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X. Birth Shubael Pittss 2nd Dagt. XX.
Clear and Cold. mrss Pitts was Deld at 45m afler noon of her 2nd Dagt. I left her and infant Cleverly at Sun Sett and went home with Son Jona, his wife has had an ill turn and is Some more Comfortable. I tarried there all night. it is Cold. at mr Shubael Pittses. Birth 1st. receivd 9/ as a reward.  
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Cloudy, Snowd Some. I Came from my Sons with mr Ballard, L faett with us; left my Dagt better. we Calld at mr Hamlins Store, bot a pair Specktacles, price 4/6; _ yd Cambric 3/9; 3 yds quallity /6; thread /4_; Biskit /6; plates 3/6. we calld to see mrs Pitts, find her Cleverly. we Dind at Son Lambards on roast Turkey, his Brother Truman and wife there. Son Ephm Sleeps here. at Son Jonas & others.  
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Clear. I have been at home. L faell and Hannat here. mr Ballard to mr Burtuns. at home.  
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Clear and very Cold. I was Calld in hast to Son Jonas, his oldest Son had drank Spirrit and was apparently dead. we immersed him in warm water and put down oil. Doct Cony was Calld and used Some means, and he recovered thro the Goodness of God. I tarried all night. at Son Jon as. Jack was very Drunk.  
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Clear and very Cold. mr Ballard Came to our Sons, Jack is better but Complained of his throat. I was Calld from there to Son Lambds, his Babe unwell but got better and they Conducted me home. Cyrus and Sally to Singing School. at Son Jona & Lambds.  

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