I Believe the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1867 that the Southern Secession was illegal. This was in a Texan debt case. I understand that a ruling by the high court of the U.S. that the side that lost the war was wrong, doesn't exactly answer the question for all concerned. However, the U.S. S.C. did eventually decide the question. Virginia militia attacked U.S. facilities in Harper's Ferry, and Gosport prior to U.S, action against the Virginia Government. I believe these were even done before Virginia Succession was finalized with its referendum of the people on the subject. It may even have been ordered prior the the convention's vote to secede. Interestingly, not by the then governor, although he did later ratify the act. Furthermore, Virginia decided to secede, after previously deciding not to, only after Fort Sumpter and Lincoln's calling for troops from the states. I think joining forces with a league at war with the United States can be considered an act of war. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html