Funny how Lincoln’s first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation has never been published. It called for the slaves to be returned to Africa.
the idea of deportation was around for a long time
it should be noted that Patrick Henry was opposed to that, and didn’t think it was workable
It’s interesting how the very people who decry slavery show no qualms regarding the Industrial Revolution’s working conditions of widows and orphans during that same period of time.
That it is my purpose, upon the next meeting of Congress to again recommend the adoption of a practical measure tendering pecuniary aid to the free acceptance or rejection of all slave States, so called, the people whereof may not then be in rebellion against the United States and which States may then have voluntarily adopted, or thereafter may voluntarily adopt, immediate or gradual abolishment of slavery within their respective limits; and that the effort to colonize persons of African descent, with their consent, upon this continent, or elsewhere, with the previously obtained consent of the Governments existing there, will be continued.
https://www.essentialcivilwarcurriculum.com/lincoln-and-colonization.html