The House passes the Thirteenth Amendment

Background. Lincoln's 1864 election platform resolved to abolish slavery by constitutional amendment. After winning reelection, Lincoln made the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment his top legislative priority. Popular support mounted, and Lincoln urged Congress in his December 6, 1864 State of the Union Address, stating there was only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment would go to the States for their action.

Legislative Process. The amendment was passed by the Senate on April 8, 1864. In mid-January 1865, Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax estimated the amendment to be five votes short of passage. After one unsuccessful vote and extensive legislative maneuvering by the Lincoln administration, the House followed suit on January 31, 1865, with neither side being certain of the outcome.

Ratification and Proclamation. On February 1, 1865, President Lincoln wrote the word "Approved" and added his signature to the joint resolution. The amendment was ratified by the required 27 of the then 36 states on December 6, 1865. Secretary of State Seward certified that the Thirteenth Amendment had become valid as a part of the Constitution on December 18, 1865.