A Response

Thanks for your response, Andrew— I am happy to have drawn your attention. You clearly have an interest in the topic. That being said, I am not going to respond in detail to your comments just yet. I am curious how deep your own study into the time period from 1846 to 1865 has been, to say nothing of Lincoln’s personal politics. You provided some wave-top level sound bites, but your assertions are not correct, or lack accurate historical analysis. It is certainly a difficult period to cover, even in courses specifically dedicated to the Civil War.

If I may, I suggest two resources (among many) to you. The American Civil War Lecture by Gary W. Gallagher and The Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson. Obviously I am making the assumption that you are not already familiar with them and I apologize if you are. But I think if you were your historical perspective would then be a little more nuanced. And we are not even talking about Lincoln as a man and president yet! But just as we must try to understand the people, it is just as important to try and understand the environment in which they lived.

Happy hunting — I am pleased to continue our dialogue whenever you wish!