I changed the subect heading because all the Re: and Fw: and Re:Fw: was giving me a headache. Since we started off on the subject of what would happen if the south seceded "peacefully," let me ponder on that a moment. I understand that changes in circumstances would lead to changing mores -- but how long would that take? The immediate circumstance of refugee African-Americans coming into the US would create social and economic tensions that would have to be resolved. Would state governments undertake this? would the federal government? The constitutional point becomes all the more germane -- was there support for extending full citizenship to a burgeoning black population that would emerge? I'm sure true liberals like Thaddeus Stevens would have made the effort, but again, just how long could it take? And what of other forces that would have dictated against it? Even Lincoln was unsure about the possibilities of integrating blacks and whites into the same society right up to the war (I've always liked Lawanda Cox's idea that Lincoln underwent a abolitionist conversion experience at that point). David Kiracofe To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html