Happy Juneteenth Peeps!

[SARose]

12. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger

General Order No. 3 states:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”

Galveston, Tx June 19, 1865

At this time Texas had approximately 250,000 enslaved people. This general order was the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The order will be read in Galveston today at 10:00 am. It is very moving to hear even now.