June 5, 1861
Aggreably to the resolution above, I will proceed to give briefly the outlines of the raising of the Union flag in this town on the 24th day of the present month. On the day of our annual election the Union signally triumphed at the polls in the Pine Grove Precinct. The Union-loving people of this community could not forbear giving public expression to their joy at the resolut of the election. They determined to spread aloft to the breezes of Heaven the national flag. The materials being procured and placed in the hands of the ladies of the town, and a beautiful flag was soon completed. A neat poll [sic] sixty-five feet in length was in due time brought on the ground. All things being ready the pole was skillfully and safely raised near the grocery of L. C. Shingleton. Soon the flag was ascending amid the cheers of the company. It had scarcely reached the place of its destination, when it began to gradually unfold its gay and significant colors to the gentle breezes of Heaven. The company shouted, "long may it wave in triumph," &c. A rifle company was then formed and placed under the command of the Rev. J. W. W. Bolton. After being taken through various military manoeuvres, they were marched in front of the flag pole where they fired three rounds in honor of the national flag. A company of young ladies then took the places of the gentlemen and fired three cheers in honor of the stars and stripes. Three prolonged cheers were then given for the Union, Constitution, and the national flag. It was then announced that there would be a Union meeting in this town on the 25th evening of the present month. The company then dispersed to their homes quietly.
Yours under the Stars and Stripes,
VAN MARTIN.
HEBRON, Va., May 27, 1861.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1861