April 29, 1863
THE PARADE OF THE MILITIA - EXCITEMENT IN THE CITY. - The report which continued to reach the city yesterday threw the whole population into a great state of excitement. The militia which had been ordered out on Monday evening assembled in front of the Court House to the number of about seven hundred whence they were marched to the Ordnance department where their old guns were exchanged for newer and better ones. The two regiments, comprising the brigade, were then dismissed till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and captains of companies were ordered to detail a Sergeant and five men to go after absentees and those who refuse to serve.
Accordingly at 3 o'clock in the afternoon the militia again assembled at the Court House and the squads brought up hundreds of persons who entertain a disinclination to perform military duty. So far as we know all hands submitted without resistance when they were caught.
The men were then marched to the Custom House and after being provided with ammunition, were dismissed and ordered to report for duty at 12 o'clock, P.M.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: April 1863