“Abolitionism.”

The aegis of the Federal Government will soon be withdrawn from slavery.  On the land and on the sea, wherever the flag of the Union is unfurled under the jurisdiction on its broad folds.  Another step in the right direction was taken in Congress on Monday last, by the House of Representatives passing Mr. Arnold’s “National Freedom” bill, abolishing and prohibiting slavery in all the Territories of the United States, also in all Federal dock-yards, forts, magazines, arsenals or other Government buildings or premises, in all vessels on the high seas and on national highways that are beyond the territory or jurisdiction of the several States from which or to which the said vessels may be going, and indeed “in all places whatsoever where the National Government is supreme, or has exclusive jurisdiction and power.”  The world moves!

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 15, 1862, p. 2