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In strong hope that you have the old flag flying in Texas by this time, we are about sending Gen [Andrew J.]2Jump to section Hamilton to act as Military Governor there. I believe you know him; but it can do no harm for me to say I really believe him to be a man of worth
and ability; and one who, by his acquaintance there, can scarcely fail to be efficient in re-inaugurating the National authority. He has suffered so long and painful an exile from his home and family that I feel a deep sympathy for him; and I scarcely need say I am sure he has received, and will receive the same from you. Yours very truly A. LINCOLN
[1] ALS, CSmH. On December 4, General Banks acknowledged receipt of this letter:
``Your letter . . . was presented to me by General Hamilton the 13th October. It gave me pleasure to assure him of my desire to comply with your instructions, and to assist him in the performance of his official duties. . . . I gave him an outline of my purposes . . . but advised him to remain in New Orleans until the practicability of re-establishing the flag . . . in Texas could be determined. . . .
``Advised of our success . . . he . . . left New Orleans . . . and met me . . . on the 25th November. . . . I advised him to make his headquarters at Brownsville. . . . He adopted this course, and sailed for Brownsville on the 26th of November. . . .'' (OR, I, XXVI, I, 832).
[2] Lincoln left a blank for insertion of Hamilton's first name.