Emancipation Proclamation Dbq

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On this first day of January, 1863, President
Lincoln issued his official intention to free all slaves in all states and territories of the United States of America. This long awaited declaration of emancipation will now be sent to Congress for its expected ratification. Previously, other drafts had been written by the President, but none published. The President’s views on the subject have been well known for a long time, but now they have been made official. On this same day, the President relieved Gen. McClelland of his command from the Army of the Potomac. In September, Gen. McClelland had replaced Gen. Pope in the battle to defend Washington. The President had little more to say on the subject at this time. It is well known, however,