While researching my ancestors' slaveowners in Attala, MS, I was reminded of a diary online, written by a Judge Niles. Two of the entries were of him delighting in a breakfast prepared by his slaves: corn bread AND biscuits, fried OR roasted chicken, sweet mashed yams and butter. Breakfast? Sounds more like dinner! This may pre-date the meal concept at those restaurants that serve chicken and waffles. Or perhaps it originated in Attala, MS?

Another entry was of his heart palpitations while walking to someone's house. Well, with breakfasts like the ones described in his diary, no wonder! I gaining weight just wondering what his EVENING meals were like.

Even though his diary covered a time period of about 60 years, the extracts I read online frequently referenceed slaves, but contained very few of their names. He was careful, though, to document that the "negroes" were picking berries or had apples, possibly for a pie that his mouth watered for. We know whatever they cooked, they put their foot in it!

Georgia Walker-Adams