[skeeter]

Although the case for abolishing slavery had been made since the founding it was still not clear that Washington had the authority to do so under the Constitution. Until the war.

[Sherman Logan]

Although the case for abolishing slavery had been made since the founding it was still not clear that Washington had the authority to do so under the Constitution.

Not really. It was perfectly clear Congress had no such power under the Constitution. An amendment would have been required, and of course that could not possibly happen as long as the slave states were in the Union. 3/4 state vote and all that.