[Belial]

Even Lincoln didn't want to free the slaves.

Really? My understanding was that preserving the union was the deciding factor for Lincoln.

Like so much, it's muddled. I've read quotes from Lincoln which sound blatantly racist to our sensibilities, and other quotes such as:
"Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally." --Speech to One Hundred Fortieth Indiana Regiment. March 17, 1865

[Howlin]

Really? My understanding was that preserving the union was the deciding factor for Lincoln.

My understanding was that Lincoln did NOT want to free the slaves, but he had to.