On New Years Eve, December 31, 1862 many slaves held 'night watch' meetings. In these meetings many just danced, prayed, and gave thanks, when it turned to midnight millions of slaves were free. Many abolitionists were happy. William Lloyd Garrison was quick to remind everyone that 'slavery, as a system' continued in the loyal slave states. Where slavery remained, the proclamation encouraged slaves to attempt to escape when Union troops were near. The loss of slaves affected the Souths ability to wage war