[lentulusgracchus]

The long and the short of it is that none of the actions were illegal. West Virginia entered the Union in accordance with the Constitution.

Flatly and palpably not true.

[4CJ]

I'd have to agree that it was illegal. The "Full Faith & Credit" Clause (Article IV, section 1) states that "the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State" be given FULL (complete) credit. It does not say that if the federal government dislikes them it can refuse to recognize them ex post facto. Their Declarations of Secession were executed within the existing laws.

Also in Article I, Section 2: "When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies." If the seceding state were still a member of the Union - then THAT state - and only that state - could elect replacements.

[Non-Sequitur]

Flatly and palpably not true.

Where?