The Reputation of Presidents Takes a Hit in Their Second Term

[David Lockmiller]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, March 13, 1864. [Please note the date. This was long before he wrote the "blind memorandum" on August 23, 1864.]

Hon. Michael Hahn:

MY DEAR SIR: I congratulate you on having fixed your name in history as the first free-State Governor of Louisiana. Now you are about to have a convention, which, among other things, will probably define the elective franchise. I barely suggest, for your private consideration, whether some of the colored people may not be let in, as, for instance, the very intelligent, and especially those who have fought gallantly in our ranks. They would probably help, in some trying time to come, to keep the jewel of liberty in the family of freedom. But this is only a suggestion, not to the public, but to you alone.

Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.