1862 September 23-24 Suffield, Conn.

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler, future chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]




Tues 23.  Fine.  Examined teachers in A.M. –
     Pres. Lincoln has issued his proclamation
declaring that the slaves of all states & party of states
found in rebellion   1st Jan. 1863. shall be henceforth
forever free -      The Lord be praised – This is the [-]
fruit of all our suffering & trials - & o is it not
worth them – That God should be so gracious as to
deliver the great nation of such a curse should
fill us with devoutest gratitude.  Is it not one grand
step towards that Prayer Thy Kingdom come!

Wed 24. Began ser – wrote some – conducted p[raye]r
met.  Spoke of proclamation.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS  12935