Lincoln said, "I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful..."
Which word(s) are you having a problem with?
The import of the Hodges letter is that the EP -was- constitutional because of the situtation. It is a lie to say that Lincoln -thought- the EP was unconstitutional. You also have been shown the Conkling letter in the last few days. You cannot claim to be offering a fair interpretation when you ignore the data you don't like.
From the Conkling letter:
"But to be plain, you are dissatisfied with me about the negro. Quite likely there is a difference of opinion between you and myself upon that subject. I certainly wish that all men could be free, while I suppose that you do not. Yet I have neither adopted nor proposed any measure, which is not consistant even with your view, provided you are for the Union. I suggested compensated emancipation; to which you replied you wished not to be taxed to buy negroes. But I had not asked you to be taxed to buy negroes, except in such way, as to save you from greater expense, to save the Union exclusively by other means. You dislike the emancipatio proclamation; and perhaps, would have it retracted. You say it is unconstitutional--I think differently. I think the Constitution invests the commander in chief with the law of war, in time of war. The most that can be said, if so much, is, that slaves are property. Is there--has there ever been--any question that by the law of war, property, both of enemies and friends, may be taken when needed? And is it not needed whenever taking it helps us, or hurts the enemy?"
President Lincoln stated plainly he thought the EP was constitutional. You knew that. You lied.
Walt
You have to truncate the sentence. You are pushing something not at all supported in the record.
"I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful, by becoming indispensible to to the preservation of the of the Constitution, through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it."
Lincoln is clearly saying that the EP was lawful because it became indispensible. He -thought- it to be lawful. Your earlier statement that "even Lincoln" thought the EP was unlawful is just a lie.
Walt