Congressional act abolishing slavery in U.S. territories.
"An Act to secure Freedom to all Persons within the Territories of the United States," U.S. Statutes at Large, Volume 12 (1860-1861), 36th and 37th Congress (United States), 432
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the passage of this act there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in any of the Territories of the United States now existing, or which may at any time hereafter be formed or acquired by the United States, otherwise than in punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been convicted.
APPROVED, June 19, 1862.