The Emancipation Proclamation: "A Poor Document, But a Mighty Act"

[ReignetteC]

Bill,

NBC ran an interesting piece about the E.P. on its Tuesday evening newscast. It featured an interview with Doris Kearns Goodwin, who shared a story about Lincoln spending the earlier part of the day - January 1, 1863 - greeting guests at a White House reception. Thereafter, when he sat to sign the E.P., Lincoln put his pen down and paused. Because the president had been shaking hands all morning, he feared his signature would reflect that of a trembling hand. So he massaged his hands until he felt he could firmly sign the document.

I could listen to Ms. Goodwin all day! She has the wonderful gift of storytelling.

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(01-01-2013 07:52 PM)LincolnMan Wrote:  I didn't see very much coverage from the media about the anniversary of the E.P.-but attention has been largely given to the fiscal cliff issue. And yes, it is still a very misunderstood document today. "It didn't free anyone" -I hear people say. Well, there's so much that could be said about what the document meant to slavery and freedom-but I'm tired (I didn't say hungover!). Suffice it to say that the E.P. was a strong nail in the coffin of slavery paving the way for the 13th Amendment (that would kill it forever).

"The Emancipation Proclamation was a strong nail in the coffin of slavery paving the way for the 13th Amendment (that would kill it forever)."

Thank you, Bill, for the succinct interpretation of this "mighty act."