On the recordJuly 16, 1862
I am ready to say now, I think it is proper for our military commanders to employ as laborers as many persons of African descent as can be used to advantage.
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presidency.ucsb.eduI am ready to say now, I think it is proper for our military commanders to employ as laborers as many persons of African descent as can be used to advantage.
Message to Congress
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Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do issue this my proclamation, as required by said act, ordering and requiting all deserters to return to their proper posts;
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
Provost-marshals and marshals of the United States will arrest and commit to military custody all such offenders as shall disregard this order, whether they have passports or not, and they will be detained in such custody until the end of…