Sarah Morgan Dawson
A Confederate Girl's Diary
"A Confederate Girl's Diary" by Sarah Morgan Dawson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book is a firsthand look at the Civil War from the perspective of a young Southern girl in Louisiana as she navigates the trials and tribulations of war and personal loss. Sarah Morgan's reflections depict not only her life and experiences but also the emotional landscape of Southern women during a tumultuous time in American history. At the start of the diary, Sarah reflects on her life before the war, expressing nostalgia for her carefree childhood. As she contemplates the changes brought on by the conflict, she introduces readers to her close-knit family, including her sister Miriam, and provides insights into their lives and relationships. The narrative captures Sarah's initial feelings of duty and bravery and her gradual awareness of the war's destructive consequences. Through her vivid observations and personal anecdotes, the opening sets the stage for a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by those living through the Civil War, highlighting the challenges Southern women encountered as they dealt with loss, displacement, and the harsh realities of wartime life.