NEW EVIDENCE SHOWS…

Lincoln offered the command of all Union forces to Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Garibaldi was ready to accept Lincoln's 1862 offer but on one condition, said Mr Petacco: that the war's objective be declared as the abolition of slavery. But at that stage Lincoln was unwilling to make such a statement lest he worsen an agricultural crisis. (Agricultural crisis my foot, he was concerned about more states seceding from the Union).

This just shows me how desperate Lincoln was for a field commander to counter Lee and his lack of respect for his own high command…It also proves again that slavery was NOT the principal issue of the war. 

Read more here: http://m.guardiannews.com/world/2000/feb/08/rorycarroll