Existing comment:
1864:
Guaranteeing Freedom To All:
In his second inaugural address, Lincoln described the approach he would take to "bind up the nation's wounds." A major component of reconstruction would be a constitutional amendment guaranteeing freedom to all. The Thirteenth Amendment passed both houses of Congress, and Lincoln signed it on February 13 -- but it was not ratified by the states until December, months after his death.
(Document) Signed Resolution for the Thirteenth Amendment, February 1, 1865: This is one of thirteen souvenir copies signed by Abraham Lincoln. |