Burrus M. Carnahan
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813125695
- eISBN:
- 9780813135380
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813125695.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, American History: Civil War
This chapter explores President Abraham Lincoln's policies for their impact on Southern civilians, with Lincoln's evolving policies on enemy private property, including the practice of “devastating” ...
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This chapter explores President Abraham Lincoln's policies for their impact on Southern civilians, with Lincoln's evolving policies on enemy private property, including the practice of “devastating” enemy territory. One of Lincoln's earliest acts as commander in chief was to promise respect for the property of enemy civilians. Legitimate operations necessarily impinged on civilian property. Lincoln proposed to deal with the broader issue of enemy civilian property. He had drafted three military orders for the cabinet to consider, and remained reluctant to issue general instructions on the treatment of enemy private property, even when suggested by the commanding general he had personally selected.Less
This chapter explores President Abraham Lincoln's policies for their impact on Southern civilians, with Lincoln's evolving policies on enemy private property, including the practice of “devastating” enemy territory. One of Lincoln's earliest acts as commander in chief was to promise respect for the property of enemy civilians. Legitimate operations necessarily impinged on civilian property. Lincoln proposed to deal with the broader issue of enemy civilian property. He had drafted three military orders for the cabinet to consider, and remained reluctant to issue general instructions on the treatment of enemy private property, even when suggested by the commanding general he had personally selected.
