Thanks BB. I have to say that the last few days has been one of the most interesting but alarming experiences I have particpated in ever. When I have consistantly criticized Northern soldiers for their own racist feelings, and pointed out in no uncertoan terms even Lincoln's own ambivalent attitude toward using partial emanicpation as a war strategy rather than as an absolute moral issue, and that Lincoln regrettably even allowed brave and loyal Union men to die in captivity for military expediency, that Lincoln acted as a military strategist, not a religous moralist, and was motivated by his commanders military goals, not his own personal moral code, by realism not moralism, how any one can then seriously claim that I am somehow presenting the Union army has being 'the avenging sword of righgteousness", is simply beyond my understanding.
My best to your wife.