LAD #18 Emancipation Proclamation

As of January 1st, 1863, "all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State" were to be free. The slaves that were to be freed were guaranteed their independence and safety by "the Executive Government of the United States, including military and naval authority". Abe Lincoln even lists the states where they may rebel against the release of their slaves, such as Arkanas, Texas Louisana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia. The slaves in these states were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and the United States government would protect their rights. Although Lincoln warns the people to "abstain from all violence, unless in the necessary self-defense" and to "labor faithfully for reasonable wages". He also adds that now the slaves are free, they have a duty to perform as citizens of the nation. Lincoln concludes that the Proclamation will need the cooperation of everyone so it will follow through.