May 12, 1863
The Militia Disbanded - Speech Of The Governor. - In accordance with an order given on Sunday night, upon the arrival of the 4th and 5th regiments of militia, the men assembled yesterday morning at the Court House for the purpose of giving up their arms. The regiments were formed in line, and Governor Peirpoint mounted a box and made a brief speech, returning thanks on behalf of the State for the prompt and willing manner in which they had responded to their country's call. He said that they would be remembered with gratitude by every true citizen of the State, and that the men themselves would remember the expedition with pleasure. He felt glad from his inmost heart to know that the people of Wheeling were ready and willing at all times and at all hazards to defend their city and States from its marauding enemies. The Governor said that it was not in his power to afford transportation from Clarksburg, or he would have done so; but he was glad to hear from the officers that the men had accomplished the march like veterans, and he hoped none would regret it. He complimented the men upon the fact that from the time the brigade started until it returned, not a single casualty had occurred. Considering that the regiments were composed of raw militia, this was regarded as most remarkable, and evinced that the men had benefited from the instruction they had received. The Governor again thanked the men, and was about leaving the stand, when "three cheers were proposed for Gov. Peirpoint." The cheers were given. The Governor then proposed three cheers for the Union and three cheers for glorious West Virginia.
The militia then deposited their arms by companies, and dispersed.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1863