Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

Annotation

[1]   ADfS, DLC-RTL. On April 23, Bouligny wrote Lincoln in part as follows:

``Domestic affliction has prevented me from complying with the request indicated by your memorandum on my note of the 16th inst. in which I requested a personal interview in answer to the contents of your favor of the 14th.

``Whilst I avail myself of your kind suggestion to reply by letter, still I would have much preferred to meet you and give a full explanation. . . . All the sacrifices I have made . . . were not made for the hope . . . of reward, but for the sake of the union. . . . Yet I complain . . . that some insidious enemy should be permitted to poison the mind of those who have all power; that simple

justice should be denied me. I most solemnly assert . . . that I received a majority of the loyal votes cast at that election. I did not contest the same, because I did not desire to embarass my government. . . . When I went to New Orleans in the autumn (alluded to by you) it was at the earnest request of my friend Gen Jno A. McClernand---but I had no hopes of being elected upon my personal popularity, and so expressed myself to you. It was for that reason, I requested your letter, expecting to get assistance from the parties to whom you wrote. I was at the time of the canvass very sick. . . . My tickets were [gath] ered up at the polls and destroyed, yet I repeat that I received a majority of the loyal votes, of my district. . . . You had promised to appoint me to the position of Surveyor of the Port of N. Orleans, & I did not suppose my being a Candidate for a short term of Congress . . . would prejudice my claims. . . . Through the frankness of Hon W. H. Seward . . . I believe I know the cause of Mr. Chase's opposition . . . Mr Seward has informed me that it has been represented to you & Mr Chase, that I was a dissipated man. I do not deny that sometimes in times past, I have acted imprudently, but that I was ever . . . addicted to drink . . . is a most base . . . falsehood. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).