[fightu4it]

From Adams' book page 77: The "prentense" that the North was really fighting to end slavery had made a few converts in Europe, but when General Fremont emancipated the slaves in his military district in Missouri, Lincoln promptly dismissed Fremont,recinded his emancipation order, and sent the slaves back to their masters.

Does this sound like a man who is displaying the courage of his convictions , or is this a real first rate, second rate man?

[Non-Sequitur]

Does this sound like a man who is displaying the courage of his convictions , or is this a real first rate, second rate man?

Depends, at the time there was no legal basis for Fremont to liberate the slaves in Missouri. Missouri was not in rebellion and slavery was legal according to the laws of the state. It took passage of the 13th Amendment for slavery to be ended in states not in rebellion. So your quote sounds more like a man respecting the law.