Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
May 11 1863

Editors Intelligencer:
As I know you feel a deep interest the prosperity of the new State, I will ask a small space in your paper for the favor of one who is not only entitled to your confidence, but to the confidence of the whole country.

Last Monday we held a County Convention to nominate county officers, and as the election is so near at hand the convention thought it best to recommend a suitable person as a candidate for this Senatorial district; and with a unanimous vote recommended your friend Harmon Sinsel. Mr. Sinsel was a member of the Constitutional Convention of West Virginia, and I think there are more than a few representatives that ever gave more general satisfaction to their constituents than Mr. Sinsel. He is a high minded, honorable and upright man. No one can truthfully say anything against his character as a gentleman.

Mr. Sinsel is, and has been from the beginning, an unconditional Union man, and during the late rebel raid was advised by some of his friends to leave for Wheeling, but he refused to do so, and declared he would meet the invader, musket in hand, and defend his home. He went to Grafton at the most critical moment, before Mulligan got there, joined the Home Guards and remained with them until General Kenley's brigade arrived at Grafton, when the General took him as a guide to pilot him around the burnt bridges to Clarksburg. He continued to do his military duty until the invaders left our soil, although he is over forty-five years of age.

Gentlemen of Monongalia and Preston counties, we of Taylor intend to give you two Judges, one Senator and the Congressman, and only ask for one Senator. Give us that and we are satisfied.

Mathew Creel.

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