N. B. (Nancy Bostick) De Saussure
Old Plantation Days: Being Recollections of Southern Life Before the Civil War
"Old Plantation Days: Being Recollections of Southern Life Before the Civil War" by Mrs. N. B. De Saussure is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book presents the author’s personal recollections from her childhood and family life on a Southern plantation in the antebellum era. It offers insights into the customs, culture, and daily experiences of Southern families and their enslaved workers prior to the Civil War, reflecting a nostalgic view of a bygone way of life. In this memoir, De Saussure paints a vivid picture of Southern plantation life, focusing on her family's experiences and the interactions between the plantation owners and their enslaved people. The narrative comprises heartfelt anecdotes about her parents, her childhood, and the harsh realities brought about by the Civil War. While it romanticizes the past, the text also touches on themes of loss, hardship, and the evolving relationships between the races during a time of great societal upheaval. The work ultimately serves as a personal legacy, aiming to pass on memory and understanding of the old South to future generations.