Do we really want to get into the reason for the Union invasion of the South? When Lincoln called for 75,000 men from the militias of various states (including Virginia) to invade the South, there wasn't a hint of freeing the slaves in his proclamation. In fact, I am pretty sure he wouldn't be caught dead suggesting that was the reason for his action, because he didn't support such an action at the time. By the way, in calling out the militias of the states to put down the "insurrection" in the South, Lincoln once again was using powers he did not have under the Constitution. Article 1, Section 8 clearly provides that the Congress has the sole power "To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions." Once again, rather than defending the Constitution he was subverting it for his own aims. And don't give me the argument that the exigencies of the situation required Lincoln to act without getting the approval of the Congress. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt called Congress into session the next day and asked them to declare war, as was his Constitutional duty. Lincoln repeatedly didn't bother about the niceties of the Constitution he swore to uphold and defend. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html