It is April 1861.

The US Army has 1,080 commissioned officers.

Each has sworn an oath to “bear true allegiance to the United States of America,” and “observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States.”

But as the wave of secession engulfs the Southern states, 286 resigned or were dismissed to enter Confederate service in 1861, elevating loyalty to their home state above their sworn duty to the nation.

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