U.S. Brigadier General R. H. Milroy's Order to Citizens of Winchester and Frederick County, Virginia in Reference to the Emancipation Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln

Freedom To Slaves!
Whereas the President of the United States did on the final day of the present month, issue his Proclamation dictating “that all persons held as slaves in certain designated States, and parts
of States, are henceforward and shall be free and that the Executive Command of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, would recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.

And whereas the county of Frederick is in cluded in the territory designated by the Proclamation of the President, in which the slaves should become free,I therefore hereby notify the citizens of the city of Winchester, and of said county of said Proclamation, and of my intention to maintain and confirm the same. I expect all citizens to yield a ready compliance with the Proclamation of the Chief Executive, and I admonish all persons disposed to resist its peaceful enforcement, that upon manifesting such disposition by acts, they will be regarded as rebels in arms against the lawful authority of the Federal Government and dealt with accordingly.

All persons liberated by said Proclamation are admonished to abstain from all violence, and immediately betake themselves to useful occupation.

The officers of this command are admonished and ordered to act in accordance with said proclamation and to yield their ready  cooperation in its enforcement.

Jany 5th 1863