But the proclamation did contain this promise: “And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.” Did Lincoln intend to have freed slaves join the Union army? The majority of Northern soldiers did not sign up to free black slaves or to fight beside them. But if emancipation could be achieved, it would be by the marching feet of a liberating army.
