Final answer:
The Second Confiscation Act aimed to emancipate slaves in Confederate-held territories and was the first step toward officially authorizing African Americans to serve in the federal military. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the Second Confiscation Act, passed by Congress on July 17, 1862, was to extend freedom to escaped enslaved people and those captured by Union armies. This act was part of several measures intended to define punishment for treason and insurrection, directly affecting Confederate military assets by enabling Union forces to confiscate the property of traitors.
Specifically, this meant the liberation of slaves owned by those supporting the rebellion. Furthermore, the Second Confiscation Act marked the first time African Americans were officially authorized to serve in federal military service, allowing President Lincoln to receive into the military persons of African descent as he saw fit for the public welfare. However, the full implementation of this authority awaited the official issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863.