Dear Cousin Robert,                                   January 1st, 1863

It’s your Eleanor. Its January 1, 1863, New Years Day,  at 1:24 pm. I am writing to you from Georgetown, Washington DC. Yesterday, I was informed through my mailman Gregory of the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation introduced by Abraham Lincoln. He told us that the proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states of the Confederacy  shall be free. After 3 years of this bloody Civil War I am thrilled it’s over. 

My pulse plummeted as I heard the words from Gregory’s mouth, as they seemed to go in one ear and out the other. Just a mila – second before I was warmed with the rest of freedom, not knowing the exception for the border states. Although Maryland is a part of the Union, you are not free. Hopefully your turn will come soon!  Us slaves of the District of Columbia were freed back in April 1862 by the Congress. but we have still joined in the widespread celebrations. At Israel Bethel Church, Rev. Henry McNeal Turner went out and secured a copy of the Washington Evening Star that carried the text of the Proclamation. Back at the church, Turner waved the newspaper from the pulpit and began to read the document. This was the signal for unrestrained celebration characterized by men squealing, women fainting, dogs barking, and whites and blacks shaking hands. The Washington celebrations continued far into the night. In the Navy Yard, cannons began to roar and continued for some time. If only you were free, and with our family we would live an amazing life. Everyday I think of you and your absence. The only way I stay strong is thinking of you and being with my family. Distracting myself from you is the hardest part of my day sometimes. I wish justice was upon us as was promises. In the end, after all what does war accomplish besides sacrifice. The life of thousands were taken and you are still not free. I’m sorry that out of all people, this had to affect you in a horrible way. I pray for you everyday. Me and my children miss you. 

Love, Eleanor