Abraham Lincoln . y ofthe Potomac ; the state of public opinion; the power of the had given much thought to the question of issuing a Proclamationof Emancipation. I have about come to the conclusion, he said, that it is a militarynecessity, essential for the salvation of the nation. This is the firsttime I have ever mentioned it to any one. What do you think of it? PRELIMINARY TO EMANCIPATION. 329 ?The subject is so vast tliiit I must have time for reflection. Themeasure may be justifiable and necessary. said Mr. Seward. Mr. Welles was of the same opinion. Up to the time of the in
Abraham Lincoln . y ofthe Potomac ; the state of public opinion; the power of the had given much thought to the question of issuing a Proclamationof Emancipation. I have about come to the conclusion, he said, that it is a militarynecessity, essential for the salvation of the nation. This is the firsttime I have ever mentioned it to any one. What do you think of it? PRELIMINARY TO EMANCIPATION. 329 ?The subject is so vast tliiit I must have time for reflection. Themeasure may be justifiable and necessary. said Mr. Seward. Mr. Welles was of the same opinion. Up to the time of the inter-view with the members of Congress from the border States on Satur-day the President had been opposed to any interference by the gen-eral government with an institution which each State could itself dealwith. It seems probable every member of the Cabinet had regarded thematter in the same way. () * I would like you to give the question your careful consideration,for something must be done, said the DKNNISON, W.\U GOVERXOlt OF OUIO. 330 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Congress had finished its business and adjourned. It had passed an act confiscating tlie property of the rebels. Slaves were property, and under the act they might be seized and used for the benefit July 17. ^£ ^YiQ Government. They were being used as teamsters. They were building fortifications. Why not give them freedom ? The Cabinet is in session. The President takes a paper from hisdesk and reads it—the draft of a proclamation for emancipating theslaves—a notice that on and after the first day of January, 1863, ? all slaves within any State or States where the constitutionalauthority of the United States shall not then be recognized, submittedto, and maintained, shall thenceforward and forever be free. The members of the Cabinet listen in amazement. Wipe slaveryfrom the land! Can it be done? Give instant freedom to 4,000,000!Is it safe ? They sit as if dazed. I have not called you togethe
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