in august 1863, president lincoln ordered banks to oversee the creation of a new state constitution, and in december granted him wide-ranging authority to create a new civilian government. however, because voter enrollment was low, banks cancelled planned congressional elections, and worked with civilian authorities to increase enrollment rates. after a february 1864 election organized by banks, a unionist government was elected in louisiana, and banks optimistically reported to lincoln that louisiana would "become in two years, under a wise and strong government, one of the most loyal and prosperous states the world has ever seen." a constitutional convention held from april to july 1864 drafted a new constitution that provided for the emancipation of slaves. banks was a significant influence on the convention, insisting that provisions be included for african-american education and at least partial suffrage.