General Order No. 3: 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
Identical to the United States, Texas originated with conflicting duplicity. While beginning with the spirit of liberty and free enterprise, Texas also proceeded along a pattern of tyranny and despotism with chattel slavery. Not only would time, but the natural human urge to be free would not allow liberty and bondage to coexist. It took a war that claimed almost three quarters of a million Americans and a social revolution that lasted almost a century.
Today, Juneteenth, we celebrate this legacy of achievement. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 that enforced the Emancipation Proclamation which President Abraham Lincoln issued freeing the slaves in the Confederate states. The Emancipation Proclamation and Granger’s announcement only affirmed God’s design for Man: that he be a free-willed and rationale being.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we all should remember that if even one of us is in bondage, the cruel natural order is for bondage to overwhelm every man and women. This day reminds us that our forefathers sacrificed blood, intellect, and treasure here at home and abroad for our blessing of liberty, and thus, our birthright commands us to also pay our sacrifice. May God continue to be with you and your family as you celebrate this great day of Liberty.
God Bless Texas
James
