"As for your comments about modern-day government issues, I have no interest in making this a political discussion. I am here to talk about history (as I would hope everyone is), not promote a political campaign or cause."

Nearly all discussions on this board are based in a comparison on what was and what is. Your continued copy and pasting of historical documents has been very informative. I have enjoyed reading them. And I am not being "backhanded" in my compliment. However you can only quote politicians on federal, state, and local levels. You can always find these sources to support the war against slavery issue. You obviously have your mind made up as do I. Slavery was an unfortunate evil in America. Luckily for America it didn't continue for as long as it did and does in other countries around the world.

"You think historians, government officials, and the NPS are all skewing historical information in fear of legitimizing a modern secessionist movement?"

I don't know why they skew the facts. I and many like me are wondering and questioning that very issue. But if you can't see it you are not looking. Take Gettysburg NMP for example. That place is becoming a symbolic destination for those trying to reconcile a racial matter. Gettysburg was a battlefield where troop positions and movements and strategies are studied. Not a place to make peace in your heart over the issue of slavery. My last visit to Sharpsburg had my head spinning like a top. The park guide was expounding on Lee's inability as a field commander and his ignorance in splitting his army in two to meet the enemy. Then he went on to describe the Seven Days as (and I use his very words) "a resounding Federal victory". Come on. Lee's army was NEVER completely defeated on ANY battlefield. If they had been then the war in the east would have been over. Even in the Spring of 1864 when both armies broke camp and went on the march, with Grant's army having a heard of beef cattle larger than Lee's effective combat force, the Southerners were still able to deal crushing defeats like The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, etc. And this army was fighting for the preservation of slavery? They were fighting for their very own freedom. To think anything else would be dishonor to the brave Americans on both sides that gave their lives in a conflict born on purely political motives.