Read the passage below . Then answer the question that follows using information and evidence from the text . That on the first day of January , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty - three , all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State , the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States , shall be then , thenceforward , and forever free ; and the Executive Government of the United States , including the military and naval authority thereof , will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons , and will do no act or acts to repress such persons , or any of them , in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom ... Briefly restate the most important information in the document using your own words .