Good points John. The Mo State Guard was legal but (Maj at the time?) Lyon preceived that the Mo State Guard was going to join the CSA and it was up to Lyon to become Captain Hero and save the day. I think the better ( in my huble opinion ) analogy to 2010 would be if a number of states did declare seccession and a the US Army general in charge of Ft Leonard Wood told the President "Mr. President I had to take out the Mo National Guard because I have irrefutable evidence that they were about to overthrow federal authority in Mo". President Linclon must of bought that argument because far from being court martialed be rose to a Brigider General before dying with honor on the field of battle. Wheather Lyon was captian Hero depends on one political view point but certainly the pro Union press regarded him has Captain Hero vs the Scesh press that must of viewed him has Capt Zero.

Leonard