On September 22, 1862, Abraham Lincoln called his cabinet together. He had written the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase recorded the meeting in his diary.
Lincoln explained why he was acting now: “The rebel army is now driven out, and I am going to fulfil that promise.” He told them: “I do not wish your advice about the main matter – for that I have determined for myself.” Then he read the proclamation.