You cannot judge 19th century Americans by 21st century standards unless you want a distorted view of history.
Who said this?
I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races,
You say...and then immediately judge Lincoln by 21st century standards of racism.
In some respects (a black woman) certainly is not my equal; but in her natural right to eat the bread she earns with her own hands without asking leave of any one else, she is my equal, and the equal of all others.
And that sentiment, my FRiend, is not 21st century sensibility. It was commonly held throughout mid-19th century Christendom, with the notable exception only of Russia and of certain areas of the USA.
That's priceless! The lil general scolding others on judging historic figures by contemporary standards.....and then indulging in it in the very next sentence!
Well played general!