The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-11-21
tXsCUTIyE MANSION
Wa shinpton. Anp. s 18ha

Washington, Aug 5, 1863.
 My Dear General Banks: B-ing a poor correspondent is the only apology I Of1er for not having sooner rendered my thanks for your very successful and very valuable military operations this year The tiaal stroke in opening the Missis- sippi river should and l think never will be forgotten
 Recent events in Mexico, l think, rem der early action in Texas more important than ever. expect, however, the gen. eral-in- chief will address you more fully upon this subject
 Governor Boutwell, read me to-day that part ofyour letter to him which relates to Louisiana aff4irs. While very we'll know what would be glad for Louisiana to do, 1t is quite different thing for me to assume direction of the matter. would be glad for her to make a new constitution, recognizing the emancipa- ton proclamation, and adopting em anci- patton in those p lrts of the state to which the proclamation does not apply; and while she is at 1t thiuk it would not be objectionable for her to adopt some prac- tical system by which the two races could gradually lift themselves out of their old relation to each other, and both come out better prepared for tue new. Educa ton for the young blacks should be in. cluded in the plan. Alter all the power or element of "coutract may be suffi- cient for this probationary period, and by its si implicitly aad fl:xibili,y may be the better.
 As an anti-slavery man, l have a mo- tive to desire emancipation which pro- slavery men do not have but even they have strong enough reason to thus place themselves again under the shield of the U ion, and to thus perpetually hedge against the recurrence of the scenes through which we are now passing.
 Governor Shepley has informed me th at MT. Duraat Is now taking registry, with a view to the election of constitutional convention of Louisiana. This, to me, appears proper. If such a convention were to ask my views, could present lit tie else than what now say to you. I think the thing should be pushed forward, so that, if possible, its mature work may reach here by the meeting of congress.
 For my own part, think shall not in any event retract the emancipation pro- 'clamation, nor, as executive, ever return to slavery any person who is free by that proclaim ation or by any of the acts of congress.
 If Louisiana shall send members to congress, their admission ;o seats w;l! de- pend, as you know, upon tue respective houses and not upon the president.
 lfthese views can Le of any advantage in giving shape and impetus to action there, shall be glad for you to use them pru"ently for that otj .ct. or course, you will confer with intelligent and trusty citizens of the state, among whom would suggest Messrs Flanders. Hahn and Du. rant, aud to each of whom l now think 1 may send copies of this letter Sill, it is perhaps better not to make the letter en- 'erally public. Yours very truly,
 A. LINCOLN.
 On the back of the copy was indorsed the following in President Lincoln's own handwriting:
 Hon. MiLhael Hahn: The within is a copy ot letter to General Banks. Pie ase observe my directions to him. Do not mention the paragraph about Mexico.
 Aug. (. 1863. A. LINCOLN.