But it wasn't their land. They gave up all legal claim to it when it was deeded to the federal government.
Leaving the Union is legal.
Perhaps. But not in the manner the southern states chose.
Adhering to the Constitution after leaving is not law. However, it is common sense, that if you want to keep from having a cut off regiment attacked, you don't have a fort in the middle of hostile territory.
From the administrations standpoint the southern states were still part of the U.S.
It then becomes a question of, what does one do with an ingrown toenail? Do youlet it grow? Or do you remove it? It's painful, it's in the way, and it's potentially dangerous.
When you choose to take a gun and blow the toe off you have to live with the consequences.
"But it wasn't their land. They gave up all legal claim to it when it was deeded to the federal government. "
I'm not sure if you get this, but the government doesn't get "deeded" land. It takes it as it see fit. Who had the private rights to Nevada before the nuclear testing was OKd? Who had private rights to Fort Sumpter? Nobody.
"Perhaps. But not in the manner the southern states chose."
Show me. Tell me where it says that.
"From the administrations standpoint the southern states were still part of the U.S."
Ah, and that would explain why they blockaded off their own states...
"When you choose to take a gun and blow the toe off you have to live with the consequences."
Given the surgery practices back then, I think I'd prefer to shoot it off.