 Bishop Verot continued throughout the social upheaval caused by the American Civil War and Reconstruction.He drew particular attention for his response to President James Buchanan's proclamation of Friday, January 4, 1861 as a day for fasting and prayer.The bishop delivered a sermon defending Southern rights and slavery's legal basis as well as condemning the "false and unjust principles of Abolitionism" and the Know-Nothing movement which persecuted Catholics.