An historically significant issue of Garrison's The Liberator, the most influential abolitionist and anti-slavery periodical in 19th century America. This particular issue special significance, being entirely devoted to reporting the diversity of the Nation's response to the Emancipation Proclamation, issued just three weeks earlier by President Abraham Lincoln. 

Items related to the Proclamation include:

* The response of the Boston Pilot, vehemently opposed to the Proclamation, believing it will further alienate the south and either cause the War to continue endlessly or ensure the Confederacy's total secession as it is manifestly and "violently against the Constitution" and claim that the majority of Northerners are opposed to it. 

* The response of the Union Democratic Association of New York, who has offered to broker peace with the loyal slave-holding states, i.e. Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri. 

* The New York Express recorded they have it on good authority that Lincoln and the administration will issue arrest warrants if the above Union Democratic Association presumes to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.

* An account of a special meeting called at Myddelton Hall, Islington [UK] to gather British support for the recent Emancipation Proclamation in America.

*An account of a meeting of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society who express guarded optimism about the Emancipation, noting they will continue vigilant until its promise has been fully accomplished, etc. 

*Notice of a new paper distributed in the South entitled The Free South, its first issue records [and is summarized here] an account of the reading of the Emancipation on New Year's Day at Beaufort with flag being presented to Colonel Higginson, Commander of the "Negro Regiment," etc.

*A lengthy reply by Vermont Baptist, Anti-Slavery campaigner Orson S[mith] Murray who explains why is very much incredulous about Lincoln's real commitment to the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of the slaves, regardless of the "paper" he has produced.

*Extensive letter from Rev. Daniel Foster, Chaplain of the 33d Massachusetts Volunteers at Vicksburg, expressing deep gratitude and hopefulness in response to the Proclamation.

*A printed account of R. H. Milroy [Brigadier General at Virginia] and his public notice of intention to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation throughout the State.

*A poem in response to the Emancipation Proclamation entitled The President's Proclamation by Edna Dean Proctor.

*An account of a public celebration in Ohio at the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation

*The Results of Emancipation by M. Augustin Cochin [Review]

Also, a fascinating item wherein an author refutes the inferiority of the Negro race as it involves the arts and literature, citing a work written by a slave in imitation of an Alphabetical Primer, printed in full in the paper. Beginning:

A. Good massa Abe, 
He free de slabe.

And ending with T through Z:

T. Tom's massa flee,
Den why not he?

U. Slave galls undun,
By massa and son.

V. Virginny ni**er
Feel some bigger

W. Jackson fight all 
Behind Stone Wall

X. Xantippe so glad
For joy run mad.

Y. Yankee knock off
De chains from Cuff

Z. No ni**er feel
Brim full of Zeal.

A detailed record of the meetings at the Grand Emancipation Demonstration in London, including accounts of the speeches of Newman Hall, John Ryland, etc. 

Etc. etc. etc. 

Garrison, William Lloyd [Ed.]. The Liberator. Vol. XXXIII. No. 4. Friday, January 23, 1863. 4pp, viz. pp.13-16.

A very nicely preserved example of a very important issue. A few minor tears at original folds, corners a bit soft. Bright and clean.