The following material contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the work is provided unedited for its historical content and context.
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1861.
This has been rather a wet drizzling day. Nothing new seems to be afloat. If all “Niggerdom” “Secedes” the great North and West will be United and still a great Nation. If a compromise is effected at last, it will be many long years before the North can have faith or confidence in States which have furnished so many Robbers and Traitors. Many in the office are fearing the “ax” but I am quite indifferent about being removed. Am tempted to resign if my salary is not increased to $2500 & think I shall.
The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of Congress.