I wonder what the history of usage of Presidental powers and Executive orders was BEFORE Lincoln? The Emancipation Proclaimation was just such an Executive order which circumvented United States laws of the times in order to enforce a Treaty provision with England to stop the slave trade on the high Seas in 1863. This treaty was vital in keeping England neutral and out of the War on the south's side.

England was the Great Emancipator, NOT Lincoln.

We kind of got away from the Mine Warfare of Fort Moultrie and Sumter.