So? Today the federal troops attack the citizens (as seen at Waco, Ruby Ridge, and numerous drug raids). Does that somehow make it better? And you said it yourself. Seven states passed legal legislation that codified secession, not rebellion. Rather getting into another discussion of whether that was right or wrong, wasn't Maryland still in the union? Doesn't then all laws under the Constitution apply? I don't remember reading about Washington suspending habeas corpus in the first use of the almighty Militia Act, yet I imagine there was a troop or two attacked then. You know why? Because he understood he DID NOT have the right to do so!!
Fact is, the governor made the decision, Merryman, while at fault maybe for being a freedom fighter in this case, had not as yet broken any laws, except for thinking something outside of the union box. If you start locking up people for thought at any time whether it be war, peace, legal secession, or rebellion, we become no better than the tyrants this nation of states fights against
That's not what I said, black knight.
Walt