Margaret Devereux
Plantation sketches
"Plantation Sketches" by Margaret Devereux is a collection of reminiscences detailing Southern life and culture, written in the early 20th century. The work offers a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of plantation families, focusing on both the relationships within these communities and their interactions with the enslaved population that constituted a significant aspect of that world. The author presents vivid illustrations of the customs, daily activities, and in particular the characters that were part of her upbringing on the plantations in North Carolina. The opening of "Plantation Sketches" frames the author's purpose, explaining that her sketches were originally conceived as stories for her grandchildren, aiming to preserve a true picture of Old South life, away from simplified narratives of cruelty and despair often associated with slavery. The text features the author's detailed memories of her family and their plantation lifestyle, describing her impressions of the environment, her experiences as a housewife, and the relationships with her household staff, including humorous anecdotes and poignant observations. Through her reflections, Devereux aims to provide her descendants an understanding of their heritage, highlighting both the idyllic and challenging aspects of life on the plantation.