But the decisive step was not taken until the opening of the ensuing hear.

On the 8th of January, 1864, a large Free-State Convention was held in New Orleans, which proved to be in harmony with the National Administration at all points, accepting the emancipation policy of the President as the basis of all their action.

General Banks, then in command of the military district, at once issued a proclamation as requested by the convention, appointing an election for State officers on the 22d of February--the officers chosen, to be installed on the 4th of March.

Michael Hahn was elected governor as the especial representative of the President's firm yet cautious and moderate policy.

B.F.Flanders and C.Roselius were the opposing candidates, the former representing a more radical the latter a more conservative policy than the President was willing to accept.
Mr.Hahn was duly installed in office on the 4th of March, and on the 15th the President issued an order declaring the new governor to be "invested until further orders with the powers exercised hitherto by the military governor of Louisiana." In a personal note to Governor Hahn at the same time the President said, "I congratulate you on having fixed your name in history as the first Free-State Governor of Louisiana.