Let's assume that, due to increased violence in the Baltimore Riots, and perhaps a more Democratic State Legislature, Maryland decides to Secede. This, naturally, is a death knell for DC as the capital of the Lincoln administration, due to having the seat of Government encircled by the revolting states. Maybe Delaware goes too. This all begs the question of where would Lincoln run the nation during this early crisis, or throughout the war. I see three options:
- Philadelphia. The closest thing to a capital the Union had during the Continental Congress or the Articles of Confederation. it's a large city, and is near enough the front to keep the President up to date with the cause. however, it would be very close to the border TTL, at least until the CSA was forced out of Maryland.
- New York. The largest city under Union control (I'm not sure how pro-confederate the city was in 61, but I'm aware of the 63 draft riots.) Further away, but also importantly, safer- or could be seen as such in the situation at hand.
- Indianapolis. Now, this is largely because it's the capital of the president's home state. But, it's also a railway hub, central in the Union's territory. It would also be far from the Confederates, as Kentucky would remain loyal, meaning the nearest part of the CSA would be Nashville Tennese.