The Antebellum Journals: A Big Buy

With more than a little trepidation, Elizabeth opened the journal. There were several. Delilah's journals were pretty sparse ... but Cassandra's .... were chock full.

***

Dearest Diary,

This is my first attempt at keeping a diary. Mamie Jemima suggested I keep one to record my thoughts. She'd always wanted one for herself, but she never learned to read.

Let's see, where do I start? I reside at the Castle Plantation with my Daddy, Winthrop Castle III, my brothers, Winthrop Castle IV, Roger Castle and Charles Castle, my sister Delilah Castle, and our cousin Debbie Castle. Momma died of the yellow fever two years past. I'm 20. My brother Winthrop is 25. My brother Roger is 18. My brother Charles is 16. Delilah is 18 and is Roger's twin. Debbie is 23, and was sent here to stay with us by my uncle Willie because she is wild, they say.

Daddy has been busy up at the capitol more often than not. They say wars a'comin. Some says it is because of slavery. Daddy says that is hogwash, and it's about states rights. I think Jemima feels differently but she's scared to tell me. Daddy says its nothing to worry about though -- them Yankees would never do a thing because they don't want to lose 'King Cotton' whatever that means.

We have about a dozen 'hired hands' as Daddy calls them. He and his friends always chortle when they say that. We have another half dozen women to take care of the plantation. Mamie Jemima has helped out ever so much since Momma died.

Daddy said he bought a real prize recently. He called him a 'buck' and said he'd really help out the plantation. He said it's going to give us all an extra source of income. Delilah and me are afraid of what he's going to be like, but Debbie is excited about it.

Daddy also made noises about finding an arranged marriage for me soon. A lot of the boys here are just too wild for a rose like me. I hope he doesn't pick Wade Lancaster. That man truly scares me.

I think I better wrap it up, Diary. I'll write soon.

Love,

Cassandra.

***

Elizabeth swallowed hard. Why weren't any of them beyond the boys in the family tree?