Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to admit the States of
North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida
to representation in Congress," passed on the 25th day of June, 1868,
it is declared that it is made the duty of the President, within ten
days after receiving official information of the ratification by the
legislature of either of said States of a proposed amendment to the
Constitution known as article fourteen, to issue a proclamation
announcing that fact; and
Whereas a paper was received at the Department of State on the 17th day
of July, 1868, which paper, bearing date of the 9th day of July, 1868,
purports to be a resolution of the senate and house of representatives
of the State of Louisiana in general assembly convened ratifying the
aforesaid amendment, and is attested by the signature of George E.
Bovee, as secretary of state, under a seal purporting to be the seal
of the State of Louisiana:
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Andrew Johnson, President of the
United States of America, 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 in the manner hereinbefore set forth.
In testimony whereof I have signed these presents with my hand and have
caused the seal of the United States to be hereto affixed,
[SEAL.]
Done at the city of Washington, this 18th day of July, A.D. 1868, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-third.