The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
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Transcript of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
See also:
- A House Divided: New Yorkers' Perspectives on the Proclamation
- Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation: Preservation and Presentation
- Final Emancipation Proclamation (Historic photographs of the manuscript)
Lincoln's Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
One of the nation's greatest documentary treasures, the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, has been part of the New York State Library's collection since 1865.
The unassuming appearance of this four page declaration in Lincoln's hand tends to mask the significance of what one source declared to be the "most important and far-reaching document ever issued since the formulation of this government".
Though Lincoln had always found slavery morally repugnant, he consistently stated that the Civil War was being fought solely for the purpose of restoring the Union. However, the continuing failure of the Union armies demonstrated the significance of emancipation as a military necessity. Besides, as Lincoln knew, simple justice and moral imperative demanded it. The partial Union victory at the terrible Battle of Antietam in September 1862 provided an opportunity for Lincoln to issue his epoch-making decree. It had taken nearly a century, many years of abolitionist agitation and two years of America's bloodiest war to begin to apply the meaning of the Declaration of Independence to the nation's black population.
The proclamation declared that all slaves in states which were still in rebellion on January 1, 1863 "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
Lincoln read this document to his Cabinet on September 22 and told them that he firmly believed in its principles, though he would accept minor changes of wording. Secretary of State William H. Seward, a former Governor of New York and lifelong abolitionist, suggested certain additions which strengthened it and then actually wrote in his revisions. Except for these revisions and the formal beginning and ending written by the Chief Clerk, the document is otherwise entirely in Lincoln's hand. The next day the nation's newspapers gave prominent attention to the Proclamation, beginning a discussion of its importance which culminated three months later.
Some have questioned the true significance of the Emancipation Proclamation in U.S. history. However, a black freedwoman from Buffalo with a son in the 54th Regiment, New York Infantry, wrote to Lincoln of the Proclamation:
"They tell me, some do, you will take back the Proclamation, don't do it. When you are dead and in Heaven, in a thousand years that action of yours will make the Angels sing your praises."
Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1, 1863, the Confederacy was still in full rebellion and Lincoln issued his final Emancipation Proclamation which declared that " all persons held as slaves...shall be free."
The Chicago Historical Society acquired the manuscript copy of this document. Unfortunately, it was lost when the Society's building was burned during the great Chicago fire of 1871. However, the New York State Library's collection also includes 19th century photographs of the manuscript of the final Emancipation Proclamation.
How the Library Acqired the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was acquired by the New York State Library through an interesting series of events.
In February and March of 1864, the Army Relief Bazaar was held to raise money for the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a precursor of the Red Cross that helped provide medical care for Union soldiers.
To assist the Bazaar in its fund drive, Lincoln donated the Preliminary Proclamation, sending it to Emily Weed Barnes through Frederick W. Seward, son of the Secretary of State. A document signed by William Cullen Bryant describes the lottery to be held for the "original draft of [the President's] First Emancipation Proclamation":
[T]he said Proclamation will be sold by issuing a series of Tickets duly numbered from One to Five Thousand, at One Dollar for each Ticket. The number of Tickets issued not to exceed Five Thousand, but the issue may be limited to any less number in the discretion of the Committee. The drawing to be made by putting the various numbers or names of the purchasers of Tickets sold in the same wheel used by the Provost Marshal of the 14th congressional district of the State of New York in making the draft of soldiers for said district. The holder of the first Ticket drawn will be entitled to the Proclamation.
On the last day of the Bazaar, the manuscript was won in a lottery by well-known abolitionist Gerrit Smith. Smith generously gave the proclamation to the U.S. Sanitary Commission to be sold to raise more money.
Three days after Lincoln's funeral train passed through Albany on April 25, 1865, the Legislature purchased the proclamation for the New York State Library.