Abraham Lincoln to E. Malhiot on delaying vote in Louisiana until slavery is abolished - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC01571
From Archive Folder	Unassociated Civil War Documents 1863
Title	Abraham Lincoln to E. Malhiot on delaying vote in Louisiana until slavery is abolished
Date	19 June 1863
Author	Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865)
Recipient	Malhiot, E.
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Signed as President, insisting that Louisiana will not be allowed to have an election until the new state constitution abolishes slavery. Demonstrates the hardening of Lincoln's attitude towards slavery. Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. VI 1862 - 1863, p. 287 - 289.
Subjects	State Constitution Election President Civil War Military History Slavery African American History Military Law Abolition
People	Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865)
Place written	Washington
Theme	The American Civil War; The Presidency; African Americans; Slavery & Abolition; Government & Politics
Sub-collection	Papers and Images of the American Civil War
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
Transcript	Show/hide Executive Mansion Washington, June 19, 1863. Messrs. E. E. Malhiot, Bradish Johnson; & Thomas Cottman, Gentlemen: Your letter which follows has been received and considered: "To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Planters of the State of Louisiana, respectfully represent, that they have been delegated to seek of the General Government a full recognition of all the rights of the State as they existed previous to the passage of an act of secession, upon the principle of the existence of the State Constitution unimpaired, and no legal act having transpired that could in any way [2] deprive them of the advantages conferred by that Constitution. Under this Constitution the State wishes to return to its full allegiance, in the enjoyment of all rights and privileges exercised by the other States under the Federal Constitution. With the view of accomplishing the desired object, we farther request that your Excellency will as Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United States direct the Military Governor of Louisiana to order an election in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the State, on the first Monday of November next, for all State and Federal officers. With high consideration and respect we have the honor to subscribe ourselves, Your Obt Servts. (signed) E. E. Malhiot Bradish Johnson Thos. Cottman." Since receiving the letter, reliable [3] information has reached me that a respectable portion of the Louisiana people desire to amend their State Constitution, and contemplate holding a Convention for that object. This fact alone, as it seems to me, is a sufficient reason why the general government should not give the committal you seek, to the existing State Constitution. I may add that while I do not perceive how such committal could facilitate our military operations in Louisiana, I really apprehend it might be so used as to embarrass them. As to an election to be held next November, there is abundant time, without any order, or proclamation from me just now. The people of Louisiana shall not lack an opportunity of a fair election for both Federal and State officers, by want of anything within my power to give them. Your obt. Servt. A. Lincoln. [4] Communication of A. Lincoln

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