Andrew Johnson: “States, with proper limitations of power, are essential to the existence of the Constitution of the United States.”

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.

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.

The foregoing views have long been entertained by me.

I transmit the accompanying communications from the Secretary of the Interior, together with the papers to which they have reference.