I really don't see the appeal. It was essentially a symbolic and economic gesture- it made slavery illegal in states where the US government was no longer the ruling authority, but all it really did was stop US troops from sending back the escapees [[ok, good thing, yes). it was a military strategy. it did not end slavery. Slaves in Maryland and Kentucky were still slaves. Even if it did, it was probably unconstitutional at the time. It took the 13th amendment to do the real work.