Yep, and the Northern soldiers thinking "You can't just up and leave the Union."
That is true too....however I am one person who still believes that the right of secession still exists (in theory). I think in the near future, we might see a state or group of states attempt it.
Well, the propagandists had convinced many that the Constitution didn't allow it, but it certainly is not forbidden in that document. They were convinced that the Johnny Rebs were just that "rebels", rather than citizens of soveriegn states that had decided by legitimate legislative methods to dissolve their ties with the Union. It's very telling though, that even with Lincoln assasinated by a Southerner, no Southerner was tried for treason, not even Jefferson Davis and the other political leaders. Lee went home, taking his horse Traveler with him. He became the president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). (Traveler outlived Lee, who died in 1870, of complications from a stroke)
secession is NOT a power ceded to the central government. it is a power reserved to the STATES.
sorry, nice try, but NO cigar.
free dixie,sw