Lincoln's non pardon

[L Verge]

Hadn't Senator Browning and Lincoln had a kind of falling out by the second half of Lincoln's first term, and, therefore, perhaps his opinion might not have held as much sway over the president by the time of the Beall case?

I am not well-schooled in general Lincoln history, Roger, so you may be correct. He obviously still held sway with some other influential people, however.

Gene - I would beg to differ with you regarding the actions of any forces (Union, Confederate, past, or present) that conduct black flag warfare. It is all about destroying the enemy's supplies, way of life, and livelihood in order to get them to beg for mercy so that they will surrender. There is no compassion in it at all. It is a way of war and a necessary evil - no matter which side uses it.