Abe had another idea -- dragging the South by the hair, beating her into submission by main force, and then keeping her in chains for his advantage and pleasure.
Nonsense. The south made a vague offer to discuss "subjects of interest", but only if the Lincoln Administration would recognize the legitimacy of the southern rebellion. But be that as it may, wouldn't the proper time to discuss payment have been before seizing the property? Once you've appropriated it from the legal owner then later offers to pay for it lack credibility.