I agree with you up to a point. However, I don't think the majority of Texans in 1861 saw the issues at stake in the same way this thread pre-supposes. Like much of the "upper eastern South", Texas seceded with great citizen support upon the perceived-coercion of her sister-states by the north, evidently throwing "westward leaning economic interests" out like the baby with the proverbial bathwater. In any case, I think I'm guilty of hijacking a thread here. Lest we drift further afield, I shall concede the discussion to your always much valued input. We are, after all, in Arkansas country - not really the proper place to discuss Texas history. :)

Penny