Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863 (National Archives Identifier: 299998); Presidential Proclamations, 1791-1991; Record Group 11; General Records of the United States Government; National Archives.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, announcing, "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious areas "are, and henceforward shall be free."
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