Andrew Johnson: “No report upon this subject has yet been received by me from the War Department.”

In compliance with and execution of the act of Congress before mentioned, do issue this my proclamation, announcing the fact of the ratification of the said amendment by the legislature of the State of Louisiana.

The foregoing views have long been entertained by me.

Feeling constrained to withhold my consent, I herewith return the resolution to the Senate, in which House it originated, with a brief statement of the reasons which have induced my action.

My object in this communication is to suggest certain defects in the Constitution which seem to me to require correction.