Thanks for the kinds words. No intent to offend -- just asking a question designed to steer conversation towards factual content. We all have thoughts about the past which are influenced by our view of the world today, and sometimes that leads us in wrong directions.

If the rise of the Federal government in terms of its power and control of individual citizens interests you, find a copy of Michael Lind's book on Lincoln. Suggest that you would like a copy for Christmas. Lind admires Lincoln ("America's greatest President"), but his thorough review of policies Lincoln and his supporters enacted during and after the war will get your attenton. Lind is particulaly interested in how these policies shaped the future of the United States as we know it.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/What-Lincoln-Believed/Michael-Lind/e/9780307430168/?itm=1&USRI=What+Lincoln+Believed%2c+Lind