Adrain Oliver,
daughter of a South Carolina plantation owner

December 10, 1860

Dear Diary,
I think the election of President Lincoln is a disgrace to the country. I don't know much about these elections but, I know that he ain't for slavery.  Ha! Could you imagine a country without slaves? Well, I sure can't.  I over heard my folks talkin' about being our own country.  Imagine that, South Carolina, a country.  Well, my folks are always telling me how great slavery is but I'm not sure.

 

December 20, 1860

Dear Diary,
It happened, it really happened!  South Carolina had seceded from the United States.  The representatives believed that there was an abolitionist in the White House.  So they felt that secession was the only way.  I think it's kind of werd, we are the only state that has donei t. Who knows, maybe others will join later?   This is wonderful!

February 1, 1861

Dear Diary,
It's only been eleven days and already Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have joined in the secession from the United States.  They all agree with our feelings on the White House.  They named the seven states the Confederate States of America.  Our new president is Jefferson Davis of uMississippi.   Oir motto as the confederacy is: "It is the right of the people to alter or abolish."  This is great, I knew it would happen!

 

April 14, 1861

Dear Diary,
I can't believe it.  Throughout the month of March, President Davis has been negotiating the peaceful evacuation of Fort Sumter.  As soon as President Davis was convinced that Lincoln wouldn't give up the Fort, President Davis decided to take action.   Davis decided to capture Fort Sumter and ordered General Pierre Gustave Beauregard to do so.  Around 4:30 am on April 12, 1861 General Beauregard opened fire.   Anderson surrendered the Fort the next day.

Now I think the war will begin.  At least that's what my folks said.  I'm so scared.   I hope Papa doesn't have to fight.

Adrian Oliver

 

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