Abraham Lincoln to Congress, Wednesday, April 16, 1862
Title
Abraham Lincoln to Congress, Wednesday, April 16, 1862
Subject
Compensated Emancipation in District of Columbia
Description
President Lincoln's letter to Congress informing them that he singed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act.
Creator
Abraham Lincoln
Source
Library of Congress Manuscript Division - The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress - American Memory
Date
April 16, 1862
Rights
Fair Use
Original Format
Hand written
Text
Copy.
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and
House of Representatives,
The Act entitled "An Act for the release of certain persons held to service, or labor in the District of Columbia" has this day been approved, and signed--
I have never doubted the constitutional authority of Congress to abolish slavery in this District; and I have ever desired to see the national capital freed from the institution in some satisfactory way, Hence there has never been, in my mind, any question upon the subject, except, the one of expediency, arising in view of all the circumstances. If there be matters within and about this act, which might have taken a course or shape, more satisfactory to my judgement, I do not attempt to specify them-- I am gratified that the two principles of compensation, and colonization, are both recognized, and practically applied in the Act.
In the matter of compensation, it is provided that claims may be presented within ninety days from the passage of the act "but not thereafter," and there is no saving for minors, femes-covert, insane, or absent persons-- I presume this is an omission by mere over-sight, and I recommend that it be supplied by an amendatory or supplimental act.
Signed Abraham Lincoln.
April 16. 1862.
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and
House of Representatives,
The Act entitled "An Act for the release of certain persons held to service, or labor in the District of Columbia" has this day been approved, and signed--
I have never doubted the constitutional authority of Congress to abolish slavery in this District; and I have ever desired to see the national capital freed from the institution in some satisfactory way, Hence there has never been, in my mind, any question upon the subject, except, the one of expediency, arising in view of all the circumstances. If there be matters within and about this act, which might have taken a course or shape, more satisfactory to my judgement, I do not attempt to specify them-- I am gratified that the two principles of compensation, and colonization, are both recognized, and practically applied in the Act.
In the matter of compensation, it is provided that claims may be presented within ninety days from the passage of the act "but not thereafter," and there is no saving for minors, femes-covert, insane, or absent persons-- I presume this is an omission by mere over-sight, and I recommend that it be supplied by an amendatory or supplimental act.
Signed Abraham Lincoln.
April 16. 1862.
Files
Citation
Abraham Lincoln, “Abraham Lincoln to Congress, Wednesday, April 16, 1862,” The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act Celebrations, accessed May 10, 2024, https://janehistory390.omeka.net/items/show/2.