Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
February 10, 1863

Winchester, Va., Feb. 22.

Editors Intelligencer:

At a meeting of the Virginia troops stationed at Winchester, Va., held on the 10th of February, 1863, Col. T. M. Harris was chosen President and Lieut. W. A. Smiley appointed Secretary.

Col. Harris reviewed in a clear and forcible manner the causes which have compelled us to take up arms in the defense of our county, and trusted that the same motives which induced us to leave our homes and scenes of our domestic and social happiness still actuated us in the vigorous prosecution of the war to a successful termination, the establishment of the authority of the Federal Government over every State of the Union. He alluded to a class who had started with us, but they did not continue, for "they were not of us." He charged John S. Carlile as the leader of this class and said he had noticed the beginning of his defection, as early in the second Convention that met in Wheeling. He spoke of the influence which this party through the mouth piece the Wheeling Press, was attempting to exert over the people for the defeat of almost every measure calculated to strengthen the cause of the Union, and render futile our efforts to obtain a new State. He regretted that this party had assumed a popular political name by which to cover their traitorous designs, and by which they were seeking to deceive many who were the true friends of the Union. He thought it proper that we should speak out in reference to these traitors at home, and show them by what light they were held by the Virginia soldiers.

On motion of Chaplain J. M. Phelps, a committee consisting of one from each Virginia regiment and detachment was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.

The chair appointed the following committee who were to report on to morrow evening:

Lieut. Col. R. S. Northcott, 12th Va. Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. M. S. Hall, 10th Va. Volunteer Infantry; Chaplain J. M. Phelps, 9th Va. Volunteer Infantry; Capt., J. R. Utt, 3d Va. Cavalry; Lieutenant Lawson, 1st Va. Cavalry; Capt. J. Carlin, 1st Va. Battery, and Capt. H. W. Hunter, 3d Va. Volunteer Infantry.

On motion the meeting adjourned.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: February 1863