Unless he was going to start a war, there was no need that Lincoln recognize the secession. As you have offered up yourself on this thread, there were numerous offers of peace and compensation originating in South Carolina, Burmingham, Richmond and Washington.
".... Not until Lincoln had given in to his ultimatum, and probably not even then."
How much more obvious could it be that you do not know that.
It was he who was making all the demands. For example?
“The power confided in me will be used to hold, occupy and possess the property and places belonging to the government, and to collect the duties and impost but beyond what may be necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion—no using force against or among the people anywhere”.
Then what were the rebels there for?
As you have offered up yourself on this thread, there were numerous offers of peace and compensation originating in South Carolina, Burmingham, Richmond and Washington.
I have done nothing of the sort because here were no such offers made.
It was he who was making all the demands.
Lincoln said that property belonging to the U.S. was to be retained by the U.S. Where is the demand in that?