March 1, 1861

My big sister Sarette came over yesterday from 
Whitehall, where she lives with her husband 
Mark White.  She was crying because Mark said
he's going to enlist just as soon as he gets a 
chance.  My brother Camden wants to join the 
cavalry too, but Mama cries and says he's too
young.  Papa said he'd give him a whipping if 
he did, because it's Camden's duty to stay 
behind and protect us women if there's a war.  
I don't have to eavesdrop anymore.  The war is 
all anyone ever talks about.  We're not even 
at war yet!