Lincoln and the Peculiar Institution

[Rsmyth]

Lincoln once remarked about John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Does anyone remember his comments? Did he ever remark about the Constitution's stance on slavery? Being a lawyer, did he ever remark on the Dred Scott Decision? These events were all on the road leading to the Civil War and the beginning of the Lincoln legacy. I realize that someone's stance on an issue can change as they acquire additional information and I believe Lincoln's did. Did the Emancipation Proclamation jeopardize the Union or did Lincoln feel that since the country was already in the midst of that great struggle he would do what was right for the 6 million slaves? Answers to these questions could add to his greatness or detract from it. I am sure there are no easy answers. Being president is difficult enough without adding the war, the possibility of foreign intervention and the simple domestic issues of losing a son in the White House and dealing with Mary.