On the reconstruction of the State government on a loyal basis (22d of February, 1864) he was elected the first free-State governor, and was inducted into office on the 4th of March following, and on the 15th of the same month he was invested with the additional powers of a military governor by President Lincoln.
A constitutional convention was elected and submitted a constitution, which was ratified. A legislature was elected, and in January, 1865, Governor Hahn was chosen a Senator to the Senate of the United States for six years. He resigned his position as governor, to take effect on the 4th of March, 1865. He never pressed his claim to a seat in the Senate, because he approved of the reconstruction measures which were then being matured.
As a journalist, his experience was extensive. On the 1st of January, 1864, he took charge of the New Orleans Daily True Delta. In 1867 he formed a corporation for publishing the New Orleans Daily Republican, of which paper he continued to be the manager and editor till 1871 with eminent success.
On retiring from editorial life he went to reside on his plantation in Saint Charles Parish. He laid out thereon the thriving village of Hahnville. Here he was made a school director, and in 1872 was elected to the legislature.
In May, 1872, he served as president of the Louisiana State educational convention during its session of three days He was elected to the legislature three successive terms, in 1872, 1874, 1876, generally without opposition.
He served as chairman on the committee on the judiciary and a short time as speaker.
On the 15th of August, 1876, he was appointed registrar of voters, and although much discussion took place concerning the irregularity of the election that year, both political parties approved of the conduct of Michael Hahn. In June, 1878, he was appointed by the President as superintendent of the United States mint at New Orleans, which office he held until the 1st of January, 1879, remaining at his
