Joint Resolution of the United States Congress, Proposing the 13th Amendment to Abolish Slavery, 1865

Summary

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, not the Emancipation Proclamation, formally abolished slavery in the United States, settling the issue which had long plagued the nation. Congress adopted the Amendment in January 1865 and sent it to states, which ratified it in December. The word "Duplicate" at the top of this document indicates the bill had been passed by Congress but had not yet been ratified.

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, not the Emancipation Proclamation, formally abolished slavery in the United States, settling the issue which had long plagued the nation. Congress adopted the Amendment in January 1865 and sent it to states, which ratified it in December. The word "Duplicate" at the top of this document indicates the bill had been passed by Congress but had not yet been ratified.

Material

Vellum (Paper)
Ink

Technique

Handwriting

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 20.75 in

Width: 15.5 in

Inscriptions

Written at top: Thirty Eighth Congress of the United States... Top, center: Duplicate

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