I just started reading To Die In Chicago by George Levy yesterday. The first two paragraphs of the very first chapter stated Lincoln blamed the newspapers. The author does say he believes Mr. Lincoln exaggerated but it is strong stuff. When Chicago newspaper editor Joseph Medill asked Mr. Lincoln to lower Chicago's draft quota Mr. Lincoln replied...

"After Boston, Chicago has been the chief instrument in bringing this war on the country. The Northwest has opposed the South as New England has opposed the South. It is you who are largely responsible for making the blood flow as it has. You called for war until we had it. You called for emancipation and I have given it you. Now you come here begging to be let off from the call of men which I have made to carry out the war you have demanded"