Unbeknown to those urging him one way or the other on the question of imancipation, Abraham Lincoln had already privately written such a proclamination. His only concern (just like Sarah Palin’s statement toher church) was it part of God’s plan?
With the Army of Northern Virginia advancing towards Pennsylvania, and the Union Army hoping to stop them at Antietam, Lincoln prayed (Charlie Gibson take note). After the Union victory, the President informed his Cabinet on this day in 1862, of his decision to issue the Imancipation Proclamination.
“I made a solemn vow before god, that if General Lee were driven back, I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom to the slaves.”