March 17th, 1861.—Brother Amos has been a member of the Governor’s Guards for a long time; that is, ever since the company was organized last October and he did not tell us until tonight that the Guards volunteered two weeks ago. Sister Mag was wild with grief at first but Mother tried to comfort her [...]

March 3rd, 1861.—Father has volunteered. Mother was bitterly opposed but though Father yielded to her in many things he would not in this. I wish I was a boy; even if I am young, I could go with him if only I were not a girl. It will beak my heart if he goes. Susan [...]

January 11th, 1861. —We did not try to be early this morning, as the big event of the day did not take place until one o’clock. Capitol Square was so crowded you could see nothing but heads and the Capitol itself was full of people looking from the windows, which looked out on the east [...]

January 10th, 1861.—It is night and I am very tired but there is much to tell. The Ordinance of Secession was voted on today. Bishop Rutledge made the opening prayer and it was very impressive. He pleaded so earnestly for God’s guidance for these members, in whose hands lay the future of Florida. These men [...]

January 9th, 1861.—There has been a hot time in the convention today; the nearer they get to a final decision the hotter it gets. Colonel Ward made a most eloquent address to the convention. He told them that he was a Union man but it was in this way: in his opinion the South had [...]

January 8th, 1861.—We are at home again after a day filled to overflowing with excitement and interest. We were in such a hurry to get to town that the convention had not assembled when we reached the Capitol. There were groups of men talking earnestly and there were other men running hither and thither with [...]

January 7th, 1861.—I am so glad it is not raining today. I am really going and, little diary, I will tell you all about the day when we get home. 8:30 p. m. We have just finished supper. Mother would not let me write until we had eaten, now she says I can only have [...]

January 6th, 1861.—This morning we went to Mount Zion to hear Mr. Blake preach. It is a treat to listen to his sermons, he uses such beautiful language and he explains the passages of Scripture he reads, so clearly that it really stays in our minds and we remember. All ministers do not do this. [...]

January 5th, 1861.—This is Saturday and Mother lets Lulu make candy on Saturday and if she, my black mammy, will let us, we help with it. She says we “do not help but hinder;” maybe she is right. Cousin Rob is spending the day here and Lulu has promised to teach us how to make [...]

January 4th, 1861.—I can hardly keep my mind on my books I am thinking so much of the probable action of the convention. I know Father must have been glad when the school bell rang this morning, it seems impossible for me to refrain from asking him questions, which, of course, must be troublesome. Susan [...]

January 3rd, 1861.—I would not write this morning because I wanted to put down in my diary the first news of the convention. Tonight father has told me what they did; it was simply to organize and then they adjourned. Some of the delegates had not arrived and this will give them the opportunity to [...]

January 2nd, 1861.—Uncle Richard and Uncle Tom spent the morning with Father, the three brothers are going to Tallahassee tomorrow to the opening of the Secession Convention. They are so deeply interested. Susan Bradford is nearly 15 when this entry was made.

January 1st, 1861.—A New Year has come to us now. This is dear Grandmother’s birthday and, though she went to Heaven years ago, her children still meet on her anniversary and talk of her and of the days of their childhood. I like it and I never will forget when Father’s and Mother’s birthdays come. [...]

December 28th, 1860.—We had a fine Christmas. I cannot see that our black folks ever think of John Brown’s raid and if they do it evidently does not interest them much. We are trying to forget it and perhaps the clouds may pass away. There is trouble at Live Oak. Miss Lottie Church, from somewhere [...]

December 8th, 1860.—Miss Sadie Talbot, our new governess, arrived today. She and her sister are Southern girls from Easton, Maryland. They are tall blondes and very pretty, I think. They have the little touch in their speech which most Marylanders whom I have known have had, and it sounds real sweet from them though it [...]

July 4th, 1860.—We went to Tallahassee to attend a celebration of our country’s birthday. Brother Amos belongs to the Governor’s Guards, most of the younger men and boys about grown belong to it too. They have handsome blue uniforms and a brass band to play for them to march. It is a cavalry company and [...]

May 16, 1860.—Now that the frolicking is over and there is plenty of time to read the papers, I find much to trouble and alarm. This is a Presidential year and already there are indications of a hot fight. Brother Junius is an Old Line Whig and Father and Buddy are Democrats. They almost quarrel [...]

May 3rd, 1860.—The May Party was a complete success; everyone who came said it was. Our Queen was beautiful and the flower girls were, too. All the party looked their best and there was a large crowd from Tallahassee and from Thomasville. Grandpa was pleased and said so many pretty things about the whole affair. [...]

April 22nd, 1860.—Grandpa has consented to stay until after the May Party and we feel so complimented that he should honor us with his presence. Now I am going to practice my part in good earnest for I do not want to fail when he is coming to look on. Susan Bradford is 14 years [...]

April 12th, 1860.—We are going to have a May Party at Greenwood. Florence Holland will be our Queen. She is the prettiest of all our girls. I am Maid of Honor and we have ever so many different ones in it. It will be pleasant no doubt, but I have been so happy all the [...]

March 26th, 1860.—The baby is not to have Father’s full name after all; he is to be named for both of his grandfathers and that makes him James Edward Whitehead. Maybe I won’t love him so well, but I think I will, for he is Sister Mag’s own dear little son and I shall love [...]

March 24th, 1860.—I have a splendid piece of news to record here, my diary: Sister Mag has a baby boy and he is the first grandson in the house and my nephew. I feel as if I could not love him enough for he is to be named for Father. He is very small and [...]

These little Yankees January 8th, 1860—This is Aunt Sue’s birthday; and she is spending the day with us. She brought the boys and Teresa and little Mary Eliza, who is a darling. Cousin Henry Whitaker is here, Aunt Sue and Mother love him dearly; but he hurt Aunt Sue’s feelings today. He is a great [...]

December 26th, 1859—We had a very happy Christmas; just as good as if John Brown had never stirred up so much that was terrible. The scene on the back porch was just as merry; the presents were as joyfully received, the drinks as eagerly quaffed and the good wishes, which, with the negroes, correspond to [...]