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

To John D. Defrees1Jump to section

Our own friends have this under consideration now, and will do as much without a Message as with it A. L.

Feb. 8. 1864

Annotation

[1]   AES, owned by F. L. Pleadwell, Honolulu, Hawaii. Lincoln's endorsement is written on a letter from John D. Defrees, February 7, 1864:

``The last Session of the 36th. Congress proposed to so amend the Constitution of the U.S. as to prohibit any interference with slavery, (by the General Government) where it then existed.

``It was disregarded, and the slave states resorted to war to separate from the free states.

``Now, why not send a message to Congress recommending the passage of a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution forever prohibiting slavery in the States and territories?

``It would be your measure and would be passed by a two thirds vote, and, eventually, three fourths of the states, through their Legislatures, would consent to it.

``If not done very soon the proposition will be presented by the Democracy and claimed by them as their proposition. This may look strange to those who do not remember with what facility that party can change front.

``Is it not right in itself and the best way to end Slavery!

``It would have a beneficial influence on our election next fall.

``Those who deny the justice of a second term to you are attempting to

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weaken the faith of the people in your plan of reorganizing the state Governments of the rebel states. They say, suppose a state does so change its constitution as to prohibit slavery, why may it not, in a few years, hereafter, change back again?

``The proposed amendment would answer that cavil.

``A single amendment, thus submitted to the Legislatures of the several states, would not open the whole constitution to amendment---and no harm can come of it, even should it fail to receive the sanction of the constitutional number of states.

``If done, it would be in accordance with the mode provided by the constitution itself for its amendment---to which no one could reasonably object.

``Many reasons could be given in its favor---but I only desire to call your attention to the subject, and not to trouble you with an argument.

``Should you submit such a proposition I think it would be heartily endorsed by our State Convention on the 22d. inst.

``I think it a great move on the political chess-board.''

A joint resolution (S. 16), introduced by Senator John B. Henderson on January 11, 1864, was amended and passed by the Senate on April 11. In the House it failed to receive the necessary two-thirds majority until January 31, 1865. Approved by President Lincoln on February 1, 1865, the resolution was adopted by the requisite three-fourths of the states and became the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.