First written by "siriuslybritish;" the ideas and characters belong to her.


Hidden Abolitionists

The Diary of Elle Shoreson

Boston, Massachusetts

– ❀ –

1859


March 19, 1859

Papa says we are going to the Belmont Plantation in Virginia, for he must attend to some business matters there. I am very excited! I have never been to a place so far away. In fact, I have never set foot out of my hometown Boston, Massachusetts. Papa says we will take a train to Virginia, where we will stay with the Henley family when we arrive, who were friends of my mother's. I am looking forward to riding a train! It will be my first time ever, and I admit I am a little nervous. This will also be my first time leaving home!

This morning, Kay and I packed my trunk for the trip. We put in my best silk stockings, two pairs of shoes, my black, button-up boots, my dark-blue riding outfit, four hats (one of which is made of dark-blue felt, which I wear with my riding outfit), seven dresses (four of which are fancy, for tea and evening supper, the other three, plain house dresses), and my underclothes. I also tucked two books in the trunk, for when we get to the plantation, and I will carry one more with me on the train, to help pass the time traveling. When I am finished writing here, I will also place my diary in the trunk (I plan to stuff it between two cotton camisoles, so I know it will stay safe on the train ride, while my trunk is in the rough baggage car).

The only thing Kay and I left out was my traveling outfit, laid on my bed, which she quickly helped me change into. I stood very still as she slid the green velvet fabric over my head, then clasped the big brass buttons in the front. I have a matching green traveling hat, which Kay set gently on my head, then tied the green strings under my chin.

When we were all finished, Kay presented me with a brand-new cotton dress, with a calico print on its cream-colored skirt. Pretty, wine-colored lace framed the collar and sleeves; there was also a matching apron. Kay is by far the best dress-maker I know, but it is not often she makes me a new gown, due to expenses.

"It's so beautiful!" I exclaimed breathlessly. "Thank you!"

Kay carefully folded the dress and placed it in my trunk. "It be fo' when you gets to that plantation," she told me. "You been needin' a new dress, anyways."

I am now sitting quietly on the window seat in my room, wearing my traveling suit and hat, my legs tucked under me, waiting for four o'clock to come so Papa and I can leave for the train station — and from there, on the train, to Virginia!

My trunk sits at the foot of my bed, neatly packed. Papa will be coming up to my room soon to get it and put it in the carriage.

I love the new diary I now hold in my lap. Papa purchased it for me from Miss Lydia's shop a few days ago. It is quite fancy, with its smooth, cream-colored, burgundy cover, and gold-gilded pages. I would never have imagined receiving something so unique! But Papa knows that I want to become a teacher someday, so he told me, as he gave this to me, with a twinkle in his eye, "Writing is the first step to achieving your goal."

Oh, I hear Papa's steps coming up the long wood stairway to my room. And Kay is calling for me to pack my "book" away. I must go. I don't want to be late for my first train ride!