[Gianni]

but he also did not believe the Federal Government had any 'right'to defend itself from secession.

The word 'right' in quotes for good reason. Government is a creation of men. Men do not bestow rights. Governments do not have rights. Governments have powers delegated them.

[fortheDeclaration]

Yes, and the Federal gov't was created by the people of the nation through the states.

If the Federal gov't was abusing its power the people have a right to change that gov't as is the right of revolution (which Lincoln never denied)

Secession is not an option since the nation was formed by the people and it must be the people as a people who change it.