13 May 1861

"Saw for the first time the demoralization produced by the hopes of freedom. My mother's butler (whom I taught to read, sitting on his knife board) continued to keep from speaking to us. He was as efficient as ever in his proper place, but he did not come behind scenes as usual and have a friendly chat. He held himself aloof, so grand and stately we had to send him a 'tip' through his wife, Hetty, mother's maid. She showed no signs of disaffection—came to my beside next morning with everything that was nice for breakfast. She had let me sleep till midday. She embraced me over and over again."