Abraham Lincoln hosts a conference of black men at the White House, where he reiterates his desire that they voluntarily leave America.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Abraham Lincoln hosts a conference of black men at the White House, where he reiterates his desire that they voluntarily leave America.
With the northern war effort in decline, Abraham Lincoln begins to reconsider whether or not he should free slaves by presidential decree.
Abraham Lincoln revokes David Hunter’s order freeing all slaves in his military department. But Lincoln also declared for the first time that he had the power to free slaves as a wartime necessity.
Abraham Lincoln signs a bill into law freeing the slaves in the District of Columbia, despite bitter opposition.
After six days, John C. Fremont finally responds to Abraham Lincoln’s request to modify clauses in his controversial Missouri proclamation.
John C. Fremont issues controversial orders imposing martial law throughout Missouri and authorizing the forced emancipation of slaves.