My broad view is that in OTL for the most Part Lincoln was the right distance ahead of public opinion.
If in 1860 he had said he wanted to totally and immediately abolish slavery he would almost certainly have not got the Republican nomination and 100% certainly would not have won the Presidency.
By 1865 he was saying that some former slaves ought to be given the vote. I believe that had he not been murdered he would have come to realize with most Republcians that giving all former slaves (at least all the males) the vote was essential.
Now in 1863 could he have insisted that when 'coloured' soldiers were recruited that they get equal pay and that there be at least a chance of there being black officers?
In 1864 or 65 could he have said that giving all men who had once been slaves would have the vote will be a clear condidtion of reconstruction.
Politicians always have to consider both political reality and their own consciences. I think that Lincoln, like most Northern white opinion, moved in sharply in the direction of racial justice in the course of the Civil War.
If in 1860 he had said he wanted to totally and immediately abolish slavery he would almost certainly have not got the Republican nomination and 100% certainly would not have won the Presidency.
By 1865 he was saying that some former slaves ought to be given the vote. I believe that had he not been murdered he would have come to realize with most Republcians that giving all former slaves (at least all the males) the vote was essential.
Now in 1863 could he have insisted that when 'coloured' soldiers were recruited that they get equal pay and that there be at least a chance of there being black officers?
In 1864 or 65 could he have said that giving all men who had once been slaves would have the vote will be a clear condidtion of reconstruction.
Politicians always have to consider both political reality and their own consciences. I think that Lincoln, like most Northern white opinion, moved in sharply in the direction of racial justice in the course of the Civil War.