As I suspected, the article points to this being a proposal prior to issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. I believe I’ve read of this before, but would have to do a lot of research to find the volume it was in.
Lincoln put forth a number of proposals both before the war, and after it began, trying to limit the carnage and the effects of succession. For various reasons none took hold.
Oops! I meant secession, not succession. Sorry.
“Lincoln put forth a number of proposals both before the war, and after it began, trying to limit the carnage and the effects of succession.”
Is that why he allowed Grant and Sherman free reign?
He could have simply let the South secede and let the endeavor succeed or fail. Unfortunately all the money the South provided the North couldn’t be allowed to just evaporate.