Lincoln had no options - certainly not your insipid notion of an optional war (although the notion does fit the confederates). The decision was thrust upon him by the actions of the slavrocracy. Once they set on that course Lincoln, honor bound to his oath of office, had no other choice. There is no repudiation of Lincolns actions - nor should there be.
“Lincoln had no options. . .”
Lincoln could have imposed economic sanctions without immediate war. Lincoln could have worked with the international community to mediate a peaceful resolution to the disputes without immediate war. Lincoln could have ordered the naval blockade of the South without an immediate land war. Lincoln could have negotiated with the South without an immediate war. There were several steps Lincoln could have taken to avoid an immediate war. I mean, if he wanted to avoid an immediate war.