DAVENPORT DAILY GAZETTE, Iowa, Sept. 2, 1861 * John C. Fremont's controversial "Emancipation Proclamation" Among the front page column heads on the Civil War is General Fermont's very controversial Proclamation issued from St. Louis, Aug. 31, 1861. Fremont placed all of Missouri under martial law believing that slavery aided the guerrillas and that a direct strike at that institution would crush them. He issued his own "emancipation proclamation", declaring Missouri's slaves free, without informing President Lincoln. See the photos for the full text. This act, of course, far exceeded the authority of his position. When he found out what Fremont had done, Lincoln asked him to modify his proclamation to conform to official policy. Fremont refused. This placed the president, who later called Fremont's act "dictatorial", in a very difficult political position. He could not risk alienating the conservatives in this crucial border state; yet he did not wish to upset the Radical Republicans who were pressing for abolition. The president felt he needed to be cautious as Union victories were not numerous enough to justify bold political actions. Within weeks, Fremont was relieved of his command and his proclamation was revoked. Complete in 4 pages, nice condition.

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Rare Newspaper