jeffersondem: "Are you sure Lincoln said nothing about Fugitive Slave laws?
Lincoln is on record as supporting the Fugitive Slave Clause and supporting it through legislation."
Sure, because that's how your mind works, you must take my words regarding young Whig Congressman Lincoln's 1848 speech lambasting Democrat Pres. Polk's invasion of Mexico, in which Lincoln said nothing about slavocrats disgruntled over tariffs or Fugitive Slave laws, and you apply my words to Pres. Lincoln's 1861 Inaugural in which he did indeed, discuss such matters.
What was your objection before? Irrelevant and immaterial?
jeffersondem: "I’m not being critical of you. There is no way you could have known what Lincoln said in his first inaugural address."
{sigh}
I cited Lincoln's first inaugural address to give insight into his thinking on the Fugitive Slave Clause and fugitive slave law.
You claim, without offering proof, Lincoln's inaugural address does not reflect his thinking in 1848 on fugitive slave laws.
Comes now Matson v Ashmore, the still controversial case of slavocrat Robert Matson seeking to return to bondage a family of five human beings.
Slavocrat Robert Matson, and his hired lawyer Abraham Lincoln, argued in court that runaway slaves should be returned under the Fugitive Slave Clause and fugitive slave laws.
This was an early insight into Lincoln's thinking on fugitive slave laws.
Of course, Matson v Ashmore occurred in mid-October 1847 a good 10 weeks before the January-December magic window of 1848 which you have repeatedly expressed concern.
I know full-well you will say Lincoln's views in October 1847 gives no insight into his views ten weeks later.