Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
August 23, 1862

Editors Intelligencer:
There was a lively time in Buckhannon on Saturday, Aug. 23d, 1862, by the announcement that Governor Peirpoint and Auditor Crane would address the citizens of Upshur county, which was liberally responded to. At the ringing of the Court House bell the citizens wended their way to the Court House which was densely crowded, many not being able to gain admittance.

The citizens were greatly disappointed at not seeing the Governor who was expected.

The meeting was organized on the motion of Mr. F. Berlin nominating Mr. A. Morgan, as President, which was carried unanimously, and Mr. S. Bennett, as Secretary.

The Chairman then introduced Auditor Crane to address the people.

Mr. Crane opened his remarks by stating that he had come to address them on two subjects: first, that which was involving our whole country in ruin, which was the war, or better termed unholy rebellion; and secondly, the subject so near and dear to us, called the new State. He stated there was nothing in the Constitution to show that the Union should be dissolved, but quite the reverse. We received it from our Revolutionary fathers as a gift to be handed down from age to age. They framed it for us not to destroy, but to live under; therefore, why should we break it? When our fathers framed that Constitution they never expected to live under it, but still they knew that their children's children would; therefore, to respect our fathers' blood we ought to preserve it rather than destroy it.

He quoted different acts of the Constitution, showing that the ordinance of secession was illegal to the uttermost. It was time that all who had thus far escaped should examine well the circumstances of their situation; especially those living in this part of Virginia, where the country is infested with guerrillas and murderers, now was the time to prepare to meet such villianous [sic] foes; but if any in the crowd liked Jeff Davis and his so-called Confederacy better than the United States Government to go there; for he nor any other loyal man wanted them in their midst. ["Hear," "Hear," and loud cheers.]

It is now time you had your eyes open, so as not to be deceived with the lying reports of rebel victories, for it was plain to be seen and understood that it was not so, (you are right,) for they have now no forts nor posts which they once held, except that dirty thieving den called Richmond.:(We'll have that too.)

The Southern Confederacy once boasted that they could whip us five to one, but they have never shown it. Take Fort Donelson, Roanoke and Pittsburg Landing for a sample. (They can't do it.)

The ladies of this country could assist in a great measure in assisting the government with more help; the wife by telling her husband he may go, and a companion or lover by telling her sweetheart to go, and saying I will have nothing but a soldier for a beau. (You are right.)

He called on them to rally to arms and crush out the invaders from off our soil; and further said that they had just as much right to enter the battle field as those gone before them. One has no more right to fight than another.

Fellow-citizens, I once more make the appeal for you to arouse and defend the government which has stood, and preserved you so many years:the government which you have had the privilege of enjoying. I do not wish to detain you long, but before I close I will turn to that which is nearest and dearest to us:that is the new State.:You have not got it yet, but you shall have it. [Hear, hear, and loud cheers.]

He read some paragraphs from different newspapers showing the traitorous schemes of John S. Carlile, a man whom the people of West Virginia but a few short months ago almost worshipped, had now deserted them, and was trying to bring ruin upon our beloved country.

He told them unless we have a new State we will fare worse than we do now; and to get that was to turn out en masse and show our loyalty by going into the battle field. He further stated that we should have a new State in spite of John S. Carlile and his company. He denounced John S. Carlile as a traitor to his country and his constituents.

Before the meeting broke up three cheers were given for Auditor Crane and three groans for John S. Carlile.

Dr. D. S. Pinnell was then called for, and made a most eloquent and patriotic speech. He called on the young men to volunteer, and the old men to assist in supporting the wives and families of those who did volunteer.

Dr. Pinnell was followed by D. D. T. Farnsworth, who called loudly for volunteers, and showed them the necessity of it by telling them of the danger our country is now involved in. He then retired.

A resolution was then passed that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Wheeling Intelligencer, after which the meeting adjourned.

A.Morgan, President.
S. Bennett, Secretary.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: August 1862