John Bigelow to Guizot, January 4, 1866

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Guizot

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a proclamation issued by order of the President of the United States, on the 18th of December last, which raises to the rank and privileges of free-men all persons at that date held in bondage within the territory of the United States. So great and sudden a change in the social condition of so large a number of human beings was never experienced before, I believe, as the immediate result of human legislation.

I hasten to bring this important event to the notice of your society, and to congratulate its members that the first year of its existence should have been signalized by an event so full of encouragement to the champions of universal emancipation.

I pray you to accept, sir, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.