Natty,

I'm sure you're aware that most historians do NOT believe the Dahlgren papers originate with the United States government, but were the sole villainous plan of Judson Kilpatrick, who after the Dahlgren papers affair, never held another Union command.

Please see Stephen W. Sears excellent article in "America's Civil War":

http://www.historynet.com/magazines/american_civil_war/3030581.html?page=1&c=y

I am no apologist for Lincoln and his government, but just like today blaming the government for every evil is wrong and inaccurate.

Jim Martin