Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864].

About this Item

Title: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864].
Author: Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
Publication: New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press; 1953.
Rights/Permissions: The University of Michigan Library provides access to these materials for educational and research purposes, with permission from their copyright holder. If you decide to use any of these materials, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission.
Link to this Item: http://name.umdl.umich.edu/lincoln7
Cite this Item: "Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864]." In the digital collection Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/lincoln7. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 21, 2025.

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To Nathaniel P. Banks1Jump to section

Executive Mansion
Major Gen. Banks Washington, Dec. 29. 1863.

Yours of the 16th. is received; and I send you, as covering the ground of it, a copy of my answer to yours of the 6th. it being possible the original may not reach you. I intend you to be master in every controversy made with you. Yours truly

A. LINCOLN

Annotation

[1] ALS, IHi. This letter is written on the back of a copy of Lincoln's letter of December 24, supra, in John Hay's handwriting signed by Lincoln. On December 16 Banks wrote as follows:

``Earnest and continued reflection upon the subject of your letter of the 5th.

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Page 96

November induces me to make a further reply than my answer of the 6th instant contained. It is apparent that you do not view public affairs in this Department precisely as they are presented to me and other officers representing your administration.

``I am only in partial command here: There are not less than four distinct governments here, claiming and exercising original and independent powers based upon instructions received directly from Washington, and recognizing no other authority than their own. . . . I have never asked increase of authority: but as your letter implies a responsibility in some matters which I did not understand were committed to me, I think it my duty to you personally, and to your government officially, to represent my position and the difficulties I encounter in other relations than those referred to in my letter of the 6th. instant which relates to the re-construction of the state government in Louisiana only. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).