Lincoln on Democracy

"BETTER PREPARED FOR THE NEW"

286 LINCOLN ON DEMOCRACY My dear General Hurlbut: ... The emancipation proclamation applies to Arkansas. I think it is valid in law, and will be so held by the courts. I think I shall not retract or repudiate it. Those who shall have tasted actual freedom I believe can never be slaves, or quasi slaves again. For the rest, I believe some plan, substantially being gradual emancipation, would be better for both white and black. The Missouri plan, recently adopted, I do not object to on account of the time for ending the institution; but I am sorry the beginning should have been postponed for seven years, leaving all that time to agitate for the repeal of the whole thing. It should begin at once, giving at least the new-born, a vested interest in freedom, which could not be taken away. If Senator[-elect Silliam K.] Sebastian could come with something of this sort from Arkansas, I at least should take great interest in his case; and I believe a single individual will have scarcely done the world so great a service. See him, if you can, and read this to him; but charge him not to make it public for the present. Write me again. Yours very truly. A. LINCOLN "BETTER PREPARED FOR THE NEW" From a Letter to General Nathaniel P. Banks [AUGUST 5, 1863] General Banks had played a major role in Gram's campaign to open the Mississippi Riverfor the Union. In this letter, Lincoln offered both belated thanks and the hope that whites and blacks in conquered Louisiana could somehow begin moving toward a new relationship. It was a major change for Lincoln, who years earlier had admitted in a speech he could foresee no way the races could ever live together "on terms ofsocial and political equality. " Lincoln and Liberty, 1862-1863 287 My dear General Banks Executive Mansion, Washington, August 5, 1863. Being a poor correspondent is the only apology I offer for not having sooner tendered my thanks for your very successful, and very valuable military operations this year. The final stroke in opening the Mississippi never should, and I think never will, be forgotten. Recent events in Mexico, I think, render early action in Texas more important than ever. I expect, however, the General-in-Chief, will address you more fully upon this subject. Governor Boutwell read me to-day that part of your letter to him, which relates to Louisiana affairs. While I very well know what I would be glad for Louisiana to do, it is quite a different thing for me to assume direction ofthe matter. I would be glad for her to make a new Constitution recognizing the emancipation proclamation, and adopting emancipation in those parts of the state to which the proclamation does not apply. And while she is at it, I think it would not be objectionable for her to adopt some practical system by which the two races could gradually live themselves out of their old relation to each other, and both come out better prepared for the new. Education for young blacks should be included in the plan. After all, the power, or element, of "contract" may be sufficient for this probationary period; and, by it's simplicity, and flexibility, may be the better. As an anti-slavery man I have a motive to desire emancipation, which pro-slavery men do not have; but even they have strong enough reason to thus place themselves again under the shield of the Union; and to thus perpetually hedge against the recurrence of the scenes through which we are now passing. Gov. Shepley has informed me that Mr. Durant is now taking a registry, with a view to the election of a Constitutional convention in Louisiana. This, to me, appears proper. If such convention were to ask my views, I could present little else than what I now say to you. I think the thing should be pushed forward, so that ifpossible, it's mature work may reach here by the meeting of Congress. For my own part I think I shall not, in any event, retract the emancipation proclamation; nor, as executive, ever return to slavery any per- 288 LINCOLN ON DEMOCRACY son who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the acts of Congress.... Yours very truly "You SAY You WILL NOT FIGHT TO FREE NEGROES" Letter...