Louisa Minor managed her plantation, Pantops, while her husband served in the Confederate army. Her diary reflects the issues and concerns such women faced.

January, 1864:

[undated]: Spend the day with cousin Isabella--we are in great trouble with the servants. Mr. Brown and I have a meeting at uncle Sams when he makes me an offer, which I'm inclined to take. It will be decided soon I hope, and then I will not be troubled any more with the darkies.

January 10th: I'm in trouble again about the darkies--have cousin Howel and uncle Bob to advise me--it was decided on Monday that my darkies should be hired this year--something may be done next--perhaps it is alright for the money is worth so little now. Dr. Douglas Meriwether and Miss Nannie Page married on the 9th.

February, 1864

February 14th: Down at Music Hall had to say all night at Cobham against my wishes as there was a large party going on in the house all night. Great excitement about the new money arrangements--it will fall heavy on Mary R. as her pig money had all been paid in large notes. The Yanks are making a raid on us on Monday--there was a little fight at Rio where they burnt the bridge and mill and carried off many servants--we heard the [unclear: commandering] very plainly and at night saw the light of their destroying fires--not much sleep all Monday night. Met and the Taylor boys are sent off with the horses to a safe place--the cattle and sheep are in a state of readiness to be driven off if the Yanks get any nearer. The next morning our soldiers arrive--the cannon are brought to the front gate and placed upon the two hightest points overlooking the R.R. bridge and the whole place swarmed with soldiers--the house was Head Quarters and we had some nice officers. Among them, Kate Whitehead's brother, Cal--Wednesday evening we got news the Yanks have gone back to sour soldiers move too, but it was not allowed to remain quiet for long for two Brigades camped on Pantops and Lego for the night--as a matter of fact we had many visitors and some of them not agreeable--officers for supper--stragglers for several days. It is generally supposed that we are on the eve of a great battle--the Yanks has done great mischief in the county--the raiders seem to have confined themselves to thieving, from negroes and horses, to the rings off the ladies hands--nothing seems too trifling to escape the notice of this heroic, noble band of [unclear:braves].