The Uncompromising Diary of Sallie McNeill, 1858-1867

The diary of Sallie McNeill, a member of the household at the Levi Jordan Plantation in Brazoria County, Texas, during the 1800s, has been transcribed and annotated in this book. McNeill kept the diary from the end of her last year at university until the month before her death, and she writes her thoughts about the war, slavery, and life on the plantation.

McNeill writes frankly, “I never had a confidant; never told my inmost thoughts & feelings to anyone. They have never found utterance—perhaps, are not worth it, and even if I could find words, would shrink from writing them here. It matters little however...Am not remarkable for anything, least of all for personal beauty. Have what is called a good education; possessed of no accomplishments. And am generally considered a plain, matter-of-fact young lady, already looked for an old maid; that despised title, to so many. It is well this lot in Life does not disturb my equanimity.”

And later: “I like good company...but solitude better I believe. But I wish I could live in a city awhile or see more of the world, than here. I am not learned. I feel keenly my deficiencies away from home, though here literary subjects are entirely put aside. I must keep all thoughts to myself. This is one great reason, why I stay so much a la maison.”

Such sadness in this diary.