Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi; copy and AES, DLC-RTL. The endorsement as printed at the end of the letter is written on the copy preserved in the Lincoln Papers. See Lincoln to Flanders, August 6, infra. Banks' letter to George S. Boutwell has not been located.
On September 5, Banks acknowledged receipt of Lincoln's letter:
``It gives me pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter relating to the re-organization of Government in the State of Louisiana---and to say that I shall not only execute your orders, but that I cordially concur in your views. . . .
``The expedition ordered by the department of war for the re-establishment of the American Flag in Texas is now nearly ready. The advance sailed for the Sabine Pass at midnight the 4th instant. My purpose is to move upon the Sabine Lake, marching to Beaumont, thence to Liberty Houston and Galveston. Galveston will fall by a movement in its rear. In possession of Galveston and Houston the whole state is in our possession. . . . All depends on the movement upon the Sabine which sailed last night under command of Major General Franklin. . . . The Sabine is the weak and the key point of Texas for assault. From thence, if safely landed we can secure every position to the Rio Grande. Let me say that if we land safely your utmost expectations will be realized. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).
[2] Halleck telegraphed Banks at 12:30 P.M., August 6, ``There are important reasons why our flag should be restored in some point of Texas with the least possible delay. Do this by land at Galveston, at Indianola, or at any other point you may deem preferable. . . .'' (OR, I, XXVI, I, 672).