I would suggest that the State would have erupted into a mini civil war. Both sides would have armed and requested assistance. The outcome would have probably depended upon who received assistance first. Today I found this firsthand account of what was happening. It was sent to a Michigan newspaper by a Michigan man who worked at the United States Express Co. at St Joseph. He wrote the letter May 13 1861.
The fight that took place in St. Louis yesterday, between the U.S. troops and those of the State, has cast a fearful gloom over out city. The secessionist are blistering about and searing revenge on the “d----d abolitionists.” The Unionists eye the “Sesceh” boys suspiciously, and vice versa. …. Every man is arming himself for the contest, but such is the scarcity of arms that it is impossible for them all to do it. We have sent to New York, Chicago and Cincinnati for some revolvers, but the reply comes back that “none can be had.” I have to-day sent an order to Pike’s Peak for some.
Your Son Chas. A. Ten Eyck.
In a later letter he wrote “Tell mother I received the shirts she sent me, but they don’t happen to be the color wanted. “Red, White and Blue” combined is now my style.”
Major Bill