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On June 19, 1862, endorsed by Lincoln, Congress passed an act banning slavery on all federal territory.
In July 1862, the Second Confiscation Act was passed, which set up court procedures that could free the slaves of anyone convicted of aiding the rebellion.
Although Lincoln believed it was not within Congress's power to free the slaves within the states, he approved the bill in deference to the legislature.
He felt such action could only be taken by the commander-in-chief using war powers granted to the president by the Constitution, and Lincoln was planning to take that action.
In that month, Lincoln discussed a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation with his cabinet.
In it, he stated that " as a fit and necessary military measure, on January 1, 1863, all persons held as slaves in the Confederate states will thenceforward, and forever, be free.

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