In James A. Michener's "Chesapeake," the portrayal of Abraham Lincoln reveals his complex views on race. Despite being a pivotal figure in the movement towards emancipation, Lincoln harbored a personal dislike for black individuals and doubted their ability to integrate into American society. This led him to consider resettling freed blacks outside the United States rather than fully embracing the idea of equality.

Moreover, Lincoln's political strategy reflected his caution in handling the issue of slavery. He deliberately chose not to free slaves in crucial border states like Kentucky and Maryland, where the local governments aligned with the Union. This selective approach meant that only slaves in certain Southern states, such as Alabama and Louisiana, were emancipated, highlighting the complexities of his leadership during a tumultuous period in American history.