Little-discussed history

150 years ago today, during the War of Northern Aggression, a little incident happened that, despite all efforts, doesn't fit today's narrow narrative of a noble, selfless Northern crusade to end slavery:

On this day in 1861, controversial Union General John C. Fremont is relieved of command in the Western Department and replaced by David Hunter.

When the Civil War started in 1861, Fremont became a major general in command of the Western Department based in St. Louis. In August 1861, the Union suffered a stunning defeat when an army under General Nathaniel Lyon was routed at the Battle of Wilson's Creek in southwestern Missouri. Many criticized Fremont for failing to provide proper support for Lyon, who was killed in the battle. In response, Fremont took action to demonstrate his control over the region. He declared martial law and proclaimed freedom for all slaves in Missouri. In doing so, he placed President Abraham Lincoln's administration in a difficult position. Lincoln was trying to keep the border states (Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri) from seceding from the Union. With the exception of Delaware, these states contained substantial numbers of slaveholders, and opinion over the issue of slavery was evenly divided. Fremont's freeing of slaves threatened to destroy the balance and send these states into the hands of the Confederacy. Of particular concern was Kentucky, Lincoln's native state. It was of vital strategic importance and the movement for secession there was strong. Fremont's actions in Missouri fueled secessionist spirit and alienated many Northerners who were unwilling to wage a war to end slavery.

Lincoln requested privately that Fremont rescind the order, but he refused. The president had no choice but to negate the order of emancipation and remove Fremont from command in the West.

And thus do we see the true priority of war aims for the Lincoln administration... which anyone who actually pays attention to history should already know...