[painter]

Lincoln's first intent was to preserve the Union. However, Lincoln certainly did intend to free southern slaves when he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln did think slavery was evil,But that is NOT why he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. He wrote it during the height of the Civil war hoping to start an insurrection with the slaves in the south.

You see not all slave states seceded in 1861 Maryland and Missouri stayed in the Union.

[mac_truck]

I think we're in agreement.

See my comments at 200 and 203