I've recently finished a reread of this TL, and I'm sorry I have no more insightful or eloquent comment than to say well done! I wasn't expecting to be so enthralled by an alternate take on the American Civil War when I first began reading, and now I am quite happy to have been proven wrong...
I wonder if anyone, upon hearing of the Southern Coup, would look back on events in the Union these past years and wondering how closely they may have evaded a similar situation?
I don't think auspicious is the right word to describe a near collision. Inauspicious might be a better descriptor. Other than that, another great update!