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 toasts, were as heartily spoken. I do not believe it will be easy to turn our dear black folks against us though no doubt the abolitionists will keep on trying.
Inside the house we had a lovely time; the day was bright and beautiful. Father is well again; Uncle Richard and Aunt Nancy and all the boys took dinner with us; Cousin Bettie is at school in New York City; she is studying music under Francis H. Brown, the composer. Cousin Rob and I had such a good time. Christmas night we spent the evening at Dr. Holland’s. I forgot to say that Sister Mag and Brother Amos, Cousin Sarah and Cousin William and sweet little Nannie, their pretty baby and Brother Junius, of course, were with us Christmas day. We all went together to Greenwood, we always have a delightful time when we go there and this Christmas Cousin Mag and Dr. Betton were there, too. Dr. Holland does not allow dancing but we played games and had music, both vocal and instrumental, and everything good you could think of to eat. It was a set supper, for this is the way we do things in our neighborhood; all the house-keepers vie with each other in entertaining and not one surpasses Mother, if I do say it myself.
Susan Bradford is 13 years old when this diary entry was made.
Diary entries from before 1860 are included when the content is relevant to the issues that led to or framed the American Civil War. — MpG 5/23/2020