September 19, 1863
President Lincoln writes Tennessee Governor Andrew Johnson: “Herewith I send you a paper, substantially the same as the one, drawn up by yourself, and mentioned in your despatch, but slightly changed in two particulars. First, yours was so drawn as that I authorized you to carry into effect the fourth Section &c. whereas I so modify it as to authorize you to so act as to require the United States to carry into effect that Section. Secondly, you had a clause committing me, in some sort to the State constitution of Tennessee, which I feared might embarrass you in making a new constitution if you desire. So I dropped that clause.”
President Lincoln later writes Johnson: “In addition to the matters contained in the orders and instructions given you by the Secretary of War, you are hereby authorized to exercise such powers as may be necessary and proper to enable the loyal people of Tennessee to present such a republican form of State government, as will entitle the State to the guaranty of the United States therefor, and to be protected under such State government, by the United States against invasion and domestic violence, all according to the fourth Section of the fourth Article of the constitution of the United States.”
President Lincoln writes General Nathaniel P. Banks: “In strong hope that you have the old flag flying in Texas by this time, we are about sending Gen [Andrew J.] [2] Hamilton to act as Military Governor there. I believe you know him; but it can do no harm for me to say I really believe him to be a man of worth and ability; and one who, by his acquaintance there, can scarcely fail to be efficient in re-inaugurating the National authority. He has suffered so long and painful an exile from his home and family that I feel a deep sympathy for him; and I scarcely need say I am sure he has received, and will receive the same from you.”
President Lincoln writes General-in-chief Henry W. Halleck: “By Gen. Meade’s despatch to you of yesterday it appears that he desires your views and those of the government, as to whether he shall advance upon the enemy. I am not prepared to order, or even advise an advance in this case, wherein I know so little of particulars, and wherein he, in the field, thinks the risk is so great, and the promise of advantage so small. And yet the case presents matter for very serious consideration in another aspect.
The two-day Battle of Chickamauga begins in Tennessee.
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War 
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