GDG- Timing of Emancipation Proclamation

[Smith, David]

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Message: 14

Date: Thu, 3 May 2007 12:03:15 -0400

From: "Jim Ferguson" <jaferg at comcast.net>

Subject: GDG- Kinda Slow, So How About This...

For our Lincoln scholars: I've seen several explanations of why Lincoln

issued the Emancipation Proclamation when he did. Is Jon Meacham's

description (American Gospel) using the Frederick gambit the most well

accepted?

Jim

Jim--

For those of us not familiar with Meacham's book, please explain the
"Frederick Gambit."  I'd love to know more.

Its well known that Lincoln drafted the Proclamation in the summer and
then shelved it on Seward's advice to wait for a victory.

For those inclined to a mystic or metaphysical interpretation of the
Civil War, William J. Wolf in "Almost Chosen People," says that Lincoln
announced to his cabinet he was issuing the proclamation because he had
promised God he would free the slaves if Lee was driven back from
Maryland.  Lee was, and Lincoln felt bound to honor his promise.  Wolf
cited not one but two separate diary entries by cabinet members who were
there - one was Gideon Welles I believe.  (I believe there may be an
abbreviated version of this story in *Battle Cry of Freedom*).  

Incidentally, there are claims of Lee's invasion of Gettysburg sparking
a similar religious crisis in Lincoln, but they are much less well
documented.

Of course, what you think about Lincoln's religion is one of those
things where what you see often depends on what you think.

Hope this helps,  As I say, I would love to know what Meacham says.

David

David G. Smith, Ph.D.
smith_david_g at bah.com