re: #37 Yeah Sure WhatEVs

I agree with you.

However, from what I understand, the rationalization then was two fold.

First, a lot of these traitors were from the same classes as, and had served with, the Union politicians and Regular military.

The second, more practical reason was the expectation that by keeping the Southern leadership intact, they would not allow the bitter-enders to try and start a guerilla war. (Which actually was a concern.) As soon as bitter-enders did try and start one, the Union leadership cut a deal and abandoned their allies in the South.