Contemporary Reactions

Harrisburg Patriot and Union: "We pass over the silly remarks of the President; for the credit of the Nation we are willing that the veil of oblivion shall be dropped over them and that they shall no more be repeated or thought of."

Providence Journal: "We know not where to look for a more admirable speech than the brief one which the President made at the close of Mr. Everett’s oration… Could the most elaborate and splendid oration be more beautiful, more touching, more inspiring than those thrilling words of the President? They have in our humble judgment the charm and power of the very highest eloquence."

Cornell University Library's manuscript memorial of the Thirteenth Amendment is signed by President Lincoln and the members of Congress who voted for the joint resolution.

The amendment to the United States Constitution abolishing slavery was passed by the Senate in April, 1864, but in June, 1864, failed to get the two-thirds vote required to pass in the House. The Thirteenth Amendment was later passed by the House on the afternoon of January 31, 1865. The vote was Yeas 119, Nays 56, not voting 8.

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States . . ."

The Nicholas H. Noyes Collection of Historical Americana, Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.

view image

continue reading