The Proclamation of Emancipation, by the President of the United States, to take effect January 1st, 1863

The Emancipation Proclamation established the participation of African American men in the Union Army:
“[S]uch persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places.”

The original Emancipation Proclamation is held at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The item in this post is in the collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s digitized in its entirety and details about the digitized brochure are available on the catalog record.

The caption reads:
“This booklet was produced in December 1862 specifically for Union soldiers to read and distribute among African Americans.”

The description reads:
“A miniature pamphlet containing the text of the Emancipation Proclamation. Seven pages with the original printed salmon wrappers. Lightly soiled, text lightly tanned. In a half morocco and cloth box, spine gilt.”