Speech of Hon. John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, on Emancipation. Delivered in the House of Representatives, March 11, 1862.

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Speech opposing the emancipation of enslaved African Americans delivered by Congressman John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky. Crittenden argues that Kentuckians did not need to prove their loyalty to the Union by surrendering their constitutional right to keep enslaved persons.

“Elected to a special session of Congress that met in July 1861, Crittenden secured the passage of resolutions stating that the purpose of the war was to preserve the Union and the Constitution, not to subjugate the South. In accordance with this belief, he opposed federal acts such as the admission of West Virginia as a state, the enlistment of black troops, the Emancipation Proclamation, and military rule in Kentucky.” (ANB)

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