And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.
--The Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln
According to this document, who promises to recognize to support slaves' new-found freedom?
A) the freedmen
B) the designated states
C) people of suitable condition
D) the US government and military
