U.S. Tuesday Aug 6, 1861 Abraham LincolnLincoln signed the Confiscation Act
U.S. Tuesday Aug 6, 1861 On August 6, 1861, Lincoln signed the Confiscation Act that authorized judicial proceedings to confiscate and free slaves who were used to support the Confederates. The law had little practical effect, but it signaled political support for abolishing slavery.
U.S. Aug, 1861 Frederick DouglassDouglass published an account of the First Battle of Bull Run
U.S. Aug, 1861 Douglass and the abolitionists argued that because the aim of the Civil War was to end slavery, African Americans should be allowed to engage in the fight for their freedom. Douglass publicized this view in his newspapers and several speeches. In August 1861, Douglass published an account of the First Battle of Bull Run that noted that there were some blacks already in the Confederate ranks.
U.S. Aug, 1861 Abraham LincolnJohn C. Frémont issued a martial edict freeing slaves of the rebels
U.S. Aug, 1861 In August 1861, General John C. Frémont, the 1856 Republican presidential nominee, without consulting Washington, issued a martial edict freeing slaves of the rebels. Lincoln cancelled the illegal proclamation as politically motivated and lacking military necessity. As a result, Union enlistments from Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri increased by over 40,000.
