Comments by RSemmes
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Posted on September 29 at 3:32 p.m.
rebel4ever--Actually, the federal government had already emancipated the slaves of the District of Columbia prior to the Enacipation Proclamation. By the summer of 1862 slavery was outlawed in DC and most slaveowners, who still owned property in DC, had sent their slaves to Virginia or Maryland. So you are correct in that the EP did not affect slaves in the District, but thats because there were none by then.
When the newly freed men and the people of the District heard of the EP, they gathered on the White House lawn and serenaded President Lincoln. So whether or not he did it for political points (and I would agree that he did), its clear that it was what the people wanted (including many wonderful Confederate commanders I might add).
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Posted on October 3 at 3:38 p.m.
What a good thing for Natchez...wish I was coming to town this weekend but will have to wait until the Balloon Races.
On First Friday returns to downtown