From what we've learned about Lincoln I'd go with number 4. I wish I had a more neutral opinion of him so some of his actions might cause me to at least give him the benefit of the doubt. I do believe he would have made the 'readmission' of the Confederate States easier on the Southern citizens. Not so much because he cared for the people but the trade goods and tariffs they added to the coffers.

Even if this slave compensation thing was what we know today as a stimulus, it didn't stand a chance in the hot place and he knew it.

Pam