David --

We have crossed the line into "News and Views", but I agree with you. That's what I meant, even if Mr. Gilmore disagrees. The abolitionists of that time, including Mrs. Howe and John Brown, never had a moment's doubt about their mission being sanctioned by God, and apparently that meant any means might be freely employed against the South and Southerners to end slavery.

Yes, in this respect, the abolitionists of that time have much in common with the Islamic terrorists of our era, and extremist groups of other places and times crusading for different causes. I've not read similar views elsewhere, but can't see a serious flaw in the analogy.

As mentioned, by 1870 Mrs. Howe had decided that all wars were evil, but -- as far as I can determine -- never expressed any remorse about the role of abolitionists in bringing about the blood-letting of 1861-65. I've not studied other abolitionists, but at the moment she seems to be typical.