We're talking corruption in Washington DC, which has pretty much remained a significant aspect of the Federal Power since Lincoln became the head of the government, though there is quite a lot of evidence to indicate it had roots of corruption in it before Lincoln got there.
He just greatly expanded the corruption from what it was before, and it has persisted in that place ever since.
What is your evidence that Lincoln was 'cooking the books' in his 1864 message to Congress?
Evidence is not really necessary in arguing with you because I have already been through the experience of you and others rejecting any evidence that doesn't suit what you wish to believe.
I have learned to not apply too much effort to find evidence which won't matter to you anyway.
The evidence is that in the fiscal year ending July 1864 the U.S. government collected $102,315,153 in revenue from customs. The claim on your part is that without the South the U.S. would not be able to import almost anything. Even allowing for inflation and what have you, that is several times higher than in 1861. When asked for your explanation you said that Lincoln cooked the books. Not at all surprising.