Martha Ballard's Diary, January 30 - February 4, 1803

[30] [1]
Snowd. mr Ballard & Ephm to meeting. I have been at home. it began to rain at 7h Evng. Hoitt been to mr Heartfords. at home.  
31 2
X. [Birth of 5th Child, a daugt. Lambd. XX. XX. Birth mrs Bodwels Dagt. XX.
Clear. I was Calld at 20m after midnight to go and See my Dagt Lambard who was in Labour. She was Safe deld of her 5th Child & 2nd Daught at 1h 20m. I tarried with her till near the middle of the day when I was Calld by mr Edson to go and See mrs Bodwell who was in Labour. Shee was Safe deld at 6h Evng of a Daugt, and I returnd home at 11h 20m. I had a Severe turn of Cramp in the night. at Son Lambards & mrs Bodwels. Birth Son Lambards Dagt. Birth 5th, fee receivd. Birth 6th, recd 6/ as a reward.  
1 3
Clear and Cold. I have been at home. I feel Some fatagud. Dagt Ballard at son Lambds, her Childn here. Shee returned home ye aftern. Son Town Sleeps here. at home. Son Town Sleeps here.  
2 4
Cloudy, raind aftern and night. I went to Son Lambds, tarried all night. Sister Barton is there. at Son Lambds.  
3 5
rainy, the Snow is all most gone. I tarried with my Daughter till Evng when mr Lambard Conducted me home. my Dagt & infant are Comfortable. at Ditoes.  
4 6
Clear and Cold. I made 26 dozn Candles. Nabby did my hous work. at home.  

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