UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis – as portrayed by reenactor John Smoley – will be the featured speaker at the next Redwood Empire Civil War Roundtable on Monday, Oct. 7, at 6:15 p.m. at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake.

The timing of President Davis' visit is appropriate in light of recent talk of secession by several American counties, and even some states.

“Secession is a long-lived American tradition, beginning with our secession from England as laid out in our Declaration of Independence,” according to Phil Smoley, roundtable co-founder. “The Civil War made it less practical for a free people to replace their government with one that they feel is better suited to their needs, but the idea lives on throughout the world. Our Declaration of Independence set the standard in this regard.”

In addition to Mr. Davis, local historian Zane Jensen will review the story of General George Thomas, a Virginia-born officer who, like Robert E. Lee, had to decide between the federal government, and his home state and family.

Thomas chose the federal government, and went on to great success as a general for the Union, though his family never spoke to him again.

The group will discuss dilemma these men faced and how they would choose if faced with a similar choice.

Phil Smoley will conduct a brief review of what was going on throughout the country during October 1863, 150 years ago, as part of the group's efforts to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

For more information, contact Zane Jensen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phil Smoley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .