[Corin Stormhands]

Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, Deleware all stayed in the Union and contributed many Union regiments.

But perhaps with the exception of Delaware, there were significant struggles within those states. Factions in Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland wanted to go with the South.

Of course, Lincoln freed all the slaves, except in those states. It was purely political. If it was due to a moral opposition to slavery, the slaves in those states would've been freed first.

[CobaltBlue]

Lincoln did not have the power to unilaterally free slaves in the Union. Under our Constitution, only Congress could do that.

As Commander in Chief of the armed forces, he had the power to free slaves in the rebellious South.