Commander's Column - Disproving the Perpetual Myth of Union Abolition for Lincoln’s War

When reviewing tweets recently one caught my attention as it directly and resolutely substantiated the cause of Lincoln’s War as documented legislation.  It is known by most Confederate compatriots that in Lincoln’s first inaugural address he stated he had “no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.”  “Lincoln explicitly stated that he had no objection to the proposed Corwin Amendment to the Constitution (which protected slavery in perpetuity in the Union), which had already been approved by both houses of the United States Congress.  Lincoln promised that there would be no use of force against the South, unless it proved necessary for him to fulfill his obligation to "hold, occupy, and possess the property and places" belonging to the federal government, and to collect legal duties and imposts.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln%27s_first_inaugural_address) 

This recent tweet cited the Crittenden-Johnson Resolution of July 1861:

“Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, That the present deplorable civil war has    been forced upon the country by the disunionists of the southern States now in revolt against the constitutional government, and in arms around the capital.” Members approved this branch by a vote of 121-2. The dissenters, Henry C. Burnett of Kentucky and John W. Reid of Missouri, later joined the Confederacy.  The second branch declared that the Federal war effort should not disrupt the southern way of life: “That in this national emergency, Congress, banishing all feelings of mere passion or resentment, will recollect only its duty to the whole country; that this war is not waged on their part in any spirit of oppression, or for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, or purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those (Confederate) States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects are accomplished the war ought to cease.”  This was consistent with President Abraham Lincoln’s pledge in his inaugural address to preserve the Union but not to interfere with slavery where it already existed. Members approved this branch by a vote of 119-2.”

(https://civilwarmonths.com/2021/07/25/the-crittenden-johnson-resolution-2/)

These factual records including the inaugural address and the Resolution which passed in the US legislative bodies is absolute proof of the cause of the War.  It was Lincoln’s War to “preserve the Union” and to maintain control of the ports and associated tariff income for the US treasury.  The abolitionists only subsequently gained a foothold to push political language to substantiate emancipation as a goal of the war to subjugate the South and this was met with resistance by Union leaders including Grant who “was never an abolitionist (and only came to realize as the War dragged on and in lockstep with the Emancipation Proclamation) that the end of slavery was necessary for Union victory.” (Journal of the Civil War Era Vol. 9, No. 3 (SEPTEMBER 2019), Nicholas Sacco)  A war measure.   So it was subsequent to that when Union military leaders saw the benefit to draft thousands of blacks to use as cannon fodder and to incite a slave insurrection/revolt. 

It is so important to know the historical record which substantiates the true Cause for which our ancestors fought and died.  This is a season which we should reflect on the severe deprivations the Confederate soldiers endured in their fight for independence and to protect their homes and families from the invading Union armies.  The Confederate soldiers were away from their families suffering through severe winter conditions and food and material shortages far away from their homes.  We owe them the honor of a remembrance of their heroic struggle, a rich heritage and our Southern culture.  It was these times and circumstances too which resulted in a Christian revival where thousands came to know Christ as the “reason for the season”.  I want to personally thank all the members of the Prattville Dragoons Camp 1524 for an outstanding year as we returned to a relative sense of normalcy from the covid pandemic shutdown and carried forward the Charge hosting the annual Division Reunion and with community projects and events which raise awareness of the Cause and the good work of the SCV.   Looking forward to the holiday events including our worthwhile Salvation Army red kettle bell ringing for charity as well as festive community parades and our always enjoyable Christmas Social.   Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, continued health and safety and, a prosperous and Happy New Year.