Hi. Did you forget to say that this question is about "Southern blacks ask for help, 1865"
Answer:
The authors emphasize that they were "declared" free to show that freedom was a condition and not a right. They note that this conditional freedom could be withdrawn when it was convenient and that it could prevent them from having the rights to citizenship, security and moridia when someone felt it was not necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The article shows how southern blacks were in a delicate situation and that they questioned their freedom as American citizens. This is because the freedom that is a right of every citizen and that must be guaranteed, was given to them as a condition. They were "declared" free, which showed that their freedom depended on other people's goodwill. This left them submissive to other people who denied essential factors for their quality of life, such as the right to housing, defense, civil rights, among others.