Mr. Forest is right about the Emancipation of Proclamation: Lincoln was
not a position to positively free the slaves.  However, by issuing the
Emancipation Proclamation, thousands and thousands of African-Americans
were able to emancipate themselves, fleeing bondage and making there way
to the safety of federal lines.  This may have been part of Lincoln's
intent; by encouraging slaves to free themselves, Confederate military
strength was diverted from the front lines to the home front.

>>> Basil Forest <[log in to unmask]> 02/14/07 

David Kiracofe

David Kiracofe
History
Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake Campus
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-822-5136

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