Baltimore, April 11.
1865:
My dear Sir,
When all mankind are congratulating you, one voice, heard or
not, is of little account; but I add mine.
I am very anxious about the future: and most about the
principles which are to govern reconstruction: for as these principles are
sound or unsound so will be the work & its results.
You have no time to read a long letter; nor have I time to
write one; so I will be brief.
And first as to Virginia.
By the action of every branch of the Government we are
committed to the recognition & maintenance of the State organization of
which Governor Pierpont is the head. You know all the facts &
recapitulations would be useless. There will be a pressure for the recognition
of the rebel organization on condition of profession of loyalty. It will be far
easier and wiser, in my judgment, to stand by the loyal organization already
recognized.
And next as to the other rebel States:
The easiest & safest way seems to me to be the
enrollment of the loyal citizens, without regard to complexion, and
encouragement & support to them in the reorganization of State Governments
under constitutions securing suffrage to all citizens of proper age & unconvicted
of crime. This you know has long been my opinion. It is confirmed by
observation more & more.
This way is recommended by its simplicity, facility &,
above all, justice. It will be, hereafter, counted equally a crime & a
folly if the colored loyalists of the rebel states shall be left to the control
of restored rebels, not likely in that case to be either wise or just, until
taught both wisdom and justice by new calamities.
The application of this principle to Louisiana is made
somewhat difficult by the organization which has already taken place: but
happily the Constitution enables the Legislature to extend the right of
suffrage; and it is not to be doubted that, on a suggestion from the National
Authorities that its extension to colored citizens on equal terms with white
citizens is believed to be necessary to the future tranquillity of the country
as well as just in itself, the Legislature will act promptly in the desired
direction.
What reaches me of the condition of things in Louisiana
impresses me strongly with the belief that this extension will be of the
greatest benefit to the whole population.
The same result can be secured in Arkansas by an amendment
of the State Constitution; or what would be better, I think, by a new
Convention the Members of which should be elected by the loyal citizens without
distinction of color. To all the other states the general principle may be
easily applied.
I most respectfully but most earnestly commend these matters
to your attention. God gives you a great place & a great opportunity. May
He guide you in the use of them.
I noticed this morning your proclamation closing the ports
& was glad to see it. I presume the law of forfeiture was well considered
& also the effect of discrimination against foreign vessels.
Most respectfully
& truly yours
S P Chase
The President
SOURCE: The Abraham Lincoln
Papers at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
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