Show New Years Year's of 1863 Important Historically One of the most important New Years Year's day day- receptions ever held in inthe inthe inthe the White House was that of January January January Janu Janu- ary 1 1863 and it was significant because of a momentous event which took place immediately after after- wards Abraham Lincoln had drawn up his Emancipation Proclamation had read it to his cabinet and had won their approval of this document which would commit the government government government govern govern- ment irrevocably to the destruction of slavery At noon William Villiam H. H Seward secretary of state brought the proclamation to Lincoln for his signature I HI have been shaking hands since nine o'clock this morning and my right hand is almost paralyzed Lincoln told him If my name ever gobs into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it If my hand trembles when I sign all who examine the document document document docu docu- ment hereafter will say He hesi hesi- Saying that he signed signed- but those who look upon the signature signature signature signa signa- ture on that historic document now say that it was written as boldly as firmly and as unfalteringly as any ever signed A Lincoln |