“E.  E. MALHIOT. 
“Bradish Johnson. 
“Thomas Cottman.”

Since receiving the letter, reliable information has reached me that a respectable portion of the Louisiana people desire to amend their State constitution, and contemplate holding a State convention for that object.  This fact alone, as it seems to me, is a sufficient reason why the General Government should not give the committal you seek to the existing State constitution.  I may add that, while I do not perceive how such committal could facilitate our military operations in Louisiana, I really apprehend it might be so used as to embarrass them.

As to an election to be held next November, there is abundant time without any order or proclamation from me just now.  The people of Louisiana shall not lack an opportunity for a fair election for both Federal and State officers by want of anything within my power to give them.

Your obedient servant,

A. Lincoln.

TO GENERAL J. M. SCHOFIELD.

Executive Mansion, Washington
 June 22, 1863.

General John M. Schofield.  My dear sir:—­Your despatch, asking in substance whether, in case Missouri shall adopt gradual emancipation, the General Government will protect slave owners in that species of property during the short time it shall be permitted by the State to exist within it, has been received.  Desirous as I am that emancipation shall be adopted by Missouri, and believing as I do that gradual can be made better than immediate for both black and white, except when military necessity changes the case, my impulse is to say that such protection would be given.  I cannot know exactly what shape an act of emancipation may take.  If the period from the initiation to the final end should be comparatively short, and the act should prevent persons being sold during that period into more lasting slavery, the whole would be easier.  I do not wish to pledge the General Government to the affirmative support of even temporary slavery beyond what can be fairly claimed under the Constitution.  I suppose, however, this is not desired, but that it is desired for the military force of the United States, while in Missouri, to not be used in subverting the temporarily reserved legal rights in slaves during the progress of emancipation.  This I would desire also.  I have very earnestly urged the slave States to adopt emancipation; and it ought to be, and is, an object with me not to overthrow or thwart what any of them may in good faith do to that end.  You are therefore authorized to act in the spirit of this letter in conjunction with what may appear to be the military necessities of your department.  Although this letter will become public at some time, it is not intended to be made so now.

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.