Day 9: Will Anything Be the Same? June 4, 1861

The cow fields are starting to look dull, the grass is dying and our cows have been staying in the shade because of how hot it gets down here. Its almost time to finish picking the tobacco, and sell them for more money. I always use to go down there and play around on the plantation with my brothers. Will anything be the same with a brother missing? Will everything be alright when this war has ended? Where will that put the economy? Momma told me that if the North wins the War we are going to loose all our slaves. I cant have Alice leave! I love her, shes a second mother to me and I couldnt imagine my life going on with out her. We need our slaves to help work our plantation, we are good slave owners they have a lot of freedom than any other slaves and I dont understand why they want to run away. I dont like change, especially this type of change that could turn my life upside down.

Found out Poppa has the flu, I hope he gets better soon. I have been learnin' how to take care of sick people. Momma says I have a sensitive touch and I should help out by being a nurse or somethin like that. I have learned the special mixtures of herbs and tea, and we dont want to call a doctor in less something gets worse. I am trying to make sure Poppa can pull through, I cant loose anyone else!