The Militia Act of 1792 gave Lincoln the power to raise troops to put down insurrections. Secession was unconstitutional and there was no legitimate sovereign nation upon which to declare war.

And for those of you who think the war was about states rights, I would encourage you to read the secession statements by the States of Mississippi, Texas and others.

I recognize I will never convince you, just as you will not convince me. So I'm done arguing this one.

Nothing the government gives you is free.