I would agree the Federal gov. hyped the threat.In my opinion to justify the revoking of Habeaus Corpus and to reinforce the implemetation of military law in the border states.The movement(s),most notably the Peace Democrats who had the largest in members, seems to loose momentum just before the election of 1864.Rev. Col. Jaquess 73rd IL.Inf. July 1864 peace mission brought back Davis's statement the south would fight to the end and peace could only be had at the recognition of the Confederacy.
I skimmed over the article.I can't comment at this point.Thanks for posting it.