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  1. Overview: United States Thirteenth Amendment 1863-65
  2. Full Record: United States Thirteenth Amendment 1863-65
  3. Committee:The House of Representatives
  4. Session: 1864-05-16 12:00:00
  5. Event type: CREATE

United States Thirteenth Amendment 1863-65

An amendment to the United States Constitution to abolish slavery introduced during the American Civil War.

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives of the Thirty-Eighth Session of Congress

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Document introduced in:

Session 8395: 1864-05-16 12:00:00

Mr. Dawson submits a Resolution on the Purpose of the War and the Protection of Domestic Institutions; it is debated and laid on the table.

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Resolution on the Purpose of the War and the Protection of Domestic Institutions

There is 1 proposed amendment related to this document on which a decision has not been taken.

Whereas it was solemnly declared by this House on the 22d day of July, 1861, speaking in the name of the people of the United States and in the face of the world, that the present civil war was waged for no purpose of conquest or oppression, but solely to restore the Union, with all the rights of the people and of the States unimpaired; and whereas a civil war like the present is the most grievous of all national calamities, producing, as it does, bloodshed, spoliation, and anarchy, public debt, official corruption, and general demoralization; and whereas the American Government cannot rightfully wage war upon any portion of its people except for the sole purpose of vindicating the Constitution and laws, and restoring both to their just supremacy; and whereas a restoration of peace is essential to the perpetuation of a system of republican Government, it is now eminently befitting a Christian and homogeneous people in the triumph of our arms and in the exaltation victory, to tender the olive branch as a substitute for the sword: Therefore,

Resolved, That the President be required to make known by public proclamation, or otherwise, to all the country, that whenever any State now in insurrection shall submit herself to the authority of the Federal Government, as defined by the Constitution, all hostilities against her shall cease, and such State shall be protected from all external interference with her local laws and institutions, and her people shall be guarantied in the full enjoyment of all those rights which the Federal Constitution gave them; and, in the exercise of a sound and patriotic discretion, he shall proclaim a general amnesty to all those who by false counsels, have been induced to engage in the work of rebellion.

Decisions yet to be taken

  • Motion for the Previous Question (introduced on 1864-05-16 12:00:00 - PROCEDURE - e740457)

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