Let me know when you build a time machine and we can try it your way.

My confusion. I’m glad we are in agreement.

OP is saying they should have been executed summarily. I am saying the reconciliation strategy Lincoln used was the right one even if they deserved death.

That’s a good question and the answer really depends on your world view and assumptions. I can see valid arguments either answer and reasonable people could disagree about it.

But at least the union leadership tried to offer mercy.

You know who would disagree with you on this?

Sherman.

After burning half of Georgia to the ground, Sherman himself offered peace to Johnson that was generous,(even if it was beyond his authority to offer).

Grant.

Grant offered to feed the Army of Northern Virginia after Lee surrendered. He also let them go home with dignity and their weapons. He even supported Longstreet getting a pardon post war and latter appointed Longstreet to surveyor of Customs in New Orleans.

Lincoln.

Do I really need to elaborate on Lincoln’s post war vision?

I detest the evil the CSA stood for then and the “glorious lost cause” it symbolically stands for in modern society. The war was over and Union leadership wanted to win the Peace and not just the War. Plus there was the generation of Reconstruction and occupation.

The only Rebel military leader to be hanged IIRC was the commandant of Camp Sumter in Andersonville. And that was because of the horrific treatment of Union POWs.

Did they deserve execution? Probably.

Would it have helped the country heal? Decidedly not.

Statistically, it was bound to happen…

This is the best news I’ve had all day.

Has there been more top officials dying recently or have I not been paying attention?