Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. The Vindication of the Southern States for their Ordi nances of Secession in 1861 involves two considerations namely: their rightful power to withdraw from the Union into which they had entered by voluntary compact and the causes that justified the exercise of that: power. In treating this question in its twofold aspect, the legal and the moral, it is not intended to vex the weary ear by adducing time-worn arguments; but, believing the case to be one which must be adjusted finally by historical facts, the candid reader is asked, Without favor or prejudice, to make a decision on the unquestionable record.