Ya know, a statement such as this is generally not considered to be a very effective argument.
Nobody in 1860s America fit very well into the political world on 1900. So it's more than a little silly to try to force them in.
For instance, were the Democrats the conservative party in 1860? Well, that more or less depends on what you're trying to conserve.
The ideals of the Founders, or American society as it had developed by 1860?
“As mentioned above, I realize troops under Lincoln’s authority burned towns and districts, although they seldom, if ever, massacred civilians.”
You are wrong to say they “they seldom, if ever, massacred civilians.”
There are many documented accounts of Northern troops killing civilians. Their tactic was to accuse then of helping the confederacy and killing them on the spot.
Yes the democrats were the conservative party.
I see the roots of progressivism in Lincoln if you don’t then that’s alright no harm no foul I just think you are wrong.
As far as trying to fit anyone into a different era politically I have no idea what you mean. Your intellect must be so far above me I’m not worthy to discuss it with.
If States rights had been preserved we would most likely not be in the mess we are in right now in my opinion.