Sick, ain't it? I find the argument that Lincoln's willingness to ignore Merryman was vindicated by his continued prosecution of the war particularly disgusting.
According to Wlat and many of his brigadiers, ANY wrong of Lincoln is vindicated by his prosecution and eventual victory in the war. When all else fails and the facts demonstrate irrefutably that Lincoln did something wrong or immoral, that becomes their way out - their means of maintaining his infallability.
Lincoln worship is not simply a jestful description of them. As with any good mockery, there is a strong element of truth to it.