[PeaRidge]

Yes, you are exactly right. Lincoln knew that the City of New York and surrounding Burroughs would declare themselves free trade zones and start business with the Confederacy. He knew every cotton mill in the North would be closing the doors in a few days. Thousands in New York in the garmet business were about to be laid off.

When the Confederacy stated that it would allow overseas shipping to use the Mississippi, the new President knew he was losing the Midwest trade in food, furs, and lumber to the South.

Then, when the Confederacy announced tariff rates 1/2 that of the North, everyone had panic. He used the excuse of saving the Union to send troops to Charleston and Virginia, but it was to save the financial and political balance of the North.

[stand watie]

EXACTLY!

as i've said @ zillion times, "DIShonest Abe" was motivated ONLY by $$$$$$$$$$$$ and POWER. nothing more, nothing less.

free dixie,sw