And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh.
[Sidenote: L.S.]
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.