The Proclamation

            This long expected document we this day [lay?] before our readers. By virtue of its provisions millions of bondmen are freed from [the] evils of slavery and enter upon a career [of] freedom. Rebellion too, will receive a blow that must soon destroy its vitality and force, and prepare the way to a peace procured by the subjugation of the last traitor, and the reduction of the last insurgent State to the authority of the Union. Whatever the enemies of the measure may at present think [of] the propriety of the wrong they will soon be compelled to admit that it is not only necessary, but eminently wise and desirable.

            The President has proved by this step that earnestness and determined energy will hereafter characterize his dealings with rebellion. He will soon cause those in arms against the authority of the nation to feel that there is power in freedom and union, and no interests will be permitted to stand in the way of the national preservation.

            But it is not only its effect upon the rebellion that commands it to the good and loyal citizen,—but its influence upon the cause of freedom. It will in all future ages be regarded by the American citizen with as much reverence as an Englishman looks upon the great act of the Magna Charta. 1863 will be the commencement of a new era in American history. During that year will be accomplished the destruction of slavery in all but four of the United States, and before it expires these slave States not included in the provisions of the proclamation will consider it unfortunate for them. War produces quick revolutions and rebel slaveholders have the consolation of providing a speedy destruction of their favorite institution. They left a Union that protected them in the enjoyment of their property to witness its destruction in eighteen short months. Surely the way of the transgressor is hard.