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

Annotation

[1]   ADfS and LS copy, DLC-RTL. The original letter from Malhiot, Johnson, and Cottman is undated, but it was presented to Lincoln prior to Monday, June 15. On June 18, Thomas Cottman wrote Lincoln as follows: ``My colleagues have departed leaving me to receive the response that your Excellency was kind enough to promise us for Monday last. I hope it will not be regarded as impertinent to ask attention to the matter at earliest convenience. . . .'' (DLC-RTL). The meeting of planters at New Orleans, which appointed the committee to present Lincoln with their request, was held on May 1, at the St. Charles Hotel, and the letter was probably delivered by the committee prior to June 1. On June 6, Michael Hahn wrote Lincoln, ``The Union people of this State (except, of course, office-holders) are all in favor of a re-organization of a loyal State government. The only question on which they are divided is as to whether a new Constitution should be made, or the old Constitution of 1852 adhered to. Those in favor of a Convention and a new Constitution are

the more radical or free-soil Union men. . . . Others, whose interests are in . . . slavery . . . are strongly opposed . . . and are satisfied with the Constitution of 1852, which unjustly gives the country parishes a very large preponderance over the City in the number of members of the legislature. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).