MARYLAND EMANCIPATION

Whereas, a new Maryland Constitution was drawn up by a Convention of elected representatives held at Annapolis and was approved by that body on September 6, 1864, and
 

Whereas, this new Maryland Constitution was ratified by the electorate of Maryland, and affixed with the Great Seal of Maryland by Governor Bradford on the 29th day of October, 1864, to become law on November 1, 1864, and
 

Whereas Article 24 of the Declaration of Rights of said Constitution reads, “That hereafter, in this State, there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except in punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted; and all persons held in service or labor as slaves are hereby declared free."

I hereby declare that slavery is now illegal in the state of Maryland, and all former slaves are now free.