Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum celebrates Black History Month

Civil War recruitment poster for African Americans

While Black people have fought in every American conflict since the American Revolution, President Lincoln was initially cautious about allowing the widescale enlistment of Black soldiers. By 1862, the evolving military situation combined with the bravery of Black soldiers who served on a limited basis, forced many in the government to reconsider their previous position. With Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863, which officially allowed for the enlistment of Black soldiers, recruitment began in earnest. Published in Philadelphia, this chromolithograph print entitled “Freedom to the Slave” uses a variety of imagery to inspire young Black men to enlist in the U.S. military. Despite the danger of re-enslavement or execution if they were captured, approximately 200,000 Black people enlisted to serve adding a vital resource which helped to end the war and secure their freedom.

Image of reverse side of Broadside:

Reverse side of Broadside transcription:

All Slaves were made Freemen.

By Abraham Lincoln,

President of the United States,

January 1^st, 1863.

Come, then, able-bodied Colored Men, to the nearest United

States Camp, and fight for the

Stars and Stripes.

Original Version

of the

John Brown Song.

The author of the John Brown Song is H.H. Brownell, of Hartford, a nephew of Bishop Brownell.

Words can be sung to the “Hallelujah Chorus”