Speaker or author: Garnet, Henry Highland, 1815-1882
Newspaper or publication: Liberator
The speaker read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud to a cheering audience and urged African Americans to join the Union army in the Civil War's continued fighting.
Description of file(s): PDF 3 page, 830 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Sanderson, J. B., d. 1875
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal
Enthusiastic speech offered in celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. The speaker praised Abraham Lincoln and compared him to St. Peter.
Description of file(s): PDF 7 page, 1,425 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Smith, J. B. (John B.), Rev., fl. 1852-1863
Newspaper or publication: Liberator
The speaker emphasized the desire for equal rights for the newly freed slaves. While he admitted to being surprised by the Emancipation Proclamation, he believed it was God's Will and that justice had finally prevailed. He denounced those who agreed with the Crittenden Compromise, and emphasized that the war was not caused by the abolitionists.
Description of file(s): PDF 1 page, 319 word document (text and image)
Speaker or author: Wilson, John G.
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal
Patriotic speech regarding the bravery and heroism of black Union soldiers. The speaker noted that while he realized the Emancipation Proclamation was of military necessity, he praised Abraham Lincoln for seeing the right action in it. He felt as if it was well earned by the blood and courage of those who had fought and died for freedom.
Description of file(s): PDF 11 page, 2,339 word document (text and images)
Title: Pacific Appeal - April 25, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
Contrary to the fears of those opposed to emancipation, those freed from slavery have not turned to violence. The writer now hopes that all African Americans will enjoy the rights of citizenship in every state.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - December 12, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer provides a brief commentary on Abraham Lincoln's recent address to the nation. Included here is an excerpt from that speech.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - December 20, 1862
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer tells his readers that attempts to "table" the Emancipation Proclamation have failed and that the law will go into effect on January 1, 1863 as promised.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - December 26, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The editor emphasizes promptness for all those who plan to participate in the upcoming January 1st celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - December 5, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer gives a brief overview of a meeting held to organize the January 1st celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - February 14, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer tells his readers that now that the slaves are free they will have to fend for themselves. Those former slaves who are not employed by the military must make their own way and find employment through the many hardships that await them.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - February 14, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
Although the Emancipation Proclamation is in effect, and speeches are being made regarding the meaning of freedom in this country, true freedom will not be realized until the Civil War is ended and peace is restored.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - February 20, 1864
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer discusses the possibility of a Constitutional amendment forever abolishing slavery in this country that is currently being considered by Congress.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - Februrary 7, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer comments on a Democratic meeting held in Illinois to denounce the war and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - January 16, 1864
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer declares that all states have agreed upon the abolition of slavery with the possible exception of Kansas. Senator Lane of Kansas advocates a bill that would set aside a portion of Texas for persons of African descent.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - January 23, 1864
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer comments on the way African American soldiers have distinguished themselves on the battlefield and proven wrong those who believed they would not fight for their country. He suggests that other misconceptions and fears about African Americans are being proven incorrect one by one.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - January 3, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The editor officially announces that the Emancipation Proclamation is now in effect. Slavery is abolished in the U.S.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - January 9, 1864
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer tells his readers why Abraham Lincoln is the presidential candidate of choice for African Americans.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - July 25, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer comments on an article published in the Evening Journal newspaper regarding Attorney General Edward Bates' opinion on citizenship.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - July 30, 1864
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer announces the end of the annual August 1st celebration of the emancipation of the British West Indies. From now on, he urges his readers to celebration their own emancipation on the January 1st anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation instead.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - March 28, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer tells his readers that England has responded to the Emancipation Proclamation with rousing applause. Now that this step has been taken, the writer sees no hope for the south to return to its former glory.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Pacific Appeal - March 5, 1864
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer tells his readers that the Emancipation Proclamation was just a starting point for the work that lies ahead for all African Americans. Now is the time for the elevation of the race and the fight against prejudice. The key to success is an improvement of moral character and social standing.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - May 2, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer addresses the question of whether African Americans should celebrate the July 4th holiday since it doesn't really mark their freedom like it does for white Americans. He suggests that from now on the celebration of the emancipation of the British West Indies (usually celebrated on August 1st) be celebrated on July 4th. This way, the Fourth of July could truly be a national holiday giving all Americans a way to celebrate freedom.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - November 15, 1862
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer offers an article published in another newspaper as an example of the way fear, hatred and prejudice are spreading through New York as the effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation draws near. The article relates stories of lustful crimes and violence already taking place that the city expects will increase with the official end of slavery.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - November 22, 1862
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer prepares his readers for the freedom that awaits the country as the Emancipation Proclamation goes into effect on January 1, 1863. He tells them how this conflict, based in the political battle over slavery, had evolved, and that it is now nearing its end.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - November 29, 1862
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer tells his readers that opposition to the Emancipation Proclamation has failed to sway the president, and that it will go into effect as planned on January 1, 1863.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column