"I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons."
As issued by President Abraham Lincoln on this date in 1862; click here for the full text
As issued by President Abraham Lincoln on this date in 1862; click here for the full text