Summary

Sterrett's romantic view of plantation life in the South on the eve of the Civil War was written many years later based on her diary.

EXCERPT:

"Through the kindness of my friends I witnessed two novel scenes that winter. A cake walk and dance of the Willow Glen servants and a 'darkey wedding' at the home of a friend of the Sterretts to which they and I were invited. Both were comical, mirthful and hilarious affairs to black and white alike. The refreshments proved 'tip top' and tony and lavishly prepared by these slaves and by them also dispensed to those 'down at the house' as well as all at the 'quarters.'"

But alas! fun and social recreations were fast being relegated to the background and fiery political speeches took their places. For 'coming events cast their shadow before.' The two antagonistic factions of North and South were daily growing more and more embittered and determined. The one declaring slavery must and shall go; the other vowing never to give up their slave property by force." (January, 1861)

Full-text web version of diary

Location of original diary

Augusta County Historical Society