January 29, 1863
Nearly all members of both branches of the Legislature met in the Hall of the House of Delegates, last night, to take such steps as might be necessary to organize the new State Campaign in all the different counties. The meeting was a most excellent one. It was presided over by Lieutenant-Governor Polsey of Mason County. There was but one spirit pervading it. The Representatives, without an exception, gave expression to the entire interest of themselves and their respective constituencies in the success of the New State. Every county was pledged to a handsome majority, and some of them to a unanimous vote, as for instance the counties of Preston, Braxton, Clay, Nicholas and Morgan. We believe all the counties will nobly redeem these pledges of their representatives. The only contest that there will be in all our boundaries will be in this immediate vicinity, and we do not think the county of Ohio will fail her sister counties on the day of the election. We believe every single county in the New State will give a majority. It will be a proud vote if it so turns out.
Prof Ross of West Liberty, in this county, the new State candidate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Gordon Battelle, was present and made a short but forcible address.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: January 1863