New State Meeting in the Fourth Ward.
March 9, 1863
A large and enthusiastic meeting of the New State Men of the 7th election Precinct, was held on Saturday night in the Fourth Ward Public School House. Speeches were made by Gen. Samuels and Prof. Weber, the latter gentleman was listened to very attentively by a number of his German countrymen, who are getting all alive to the importance of the interests at stake on the New State question. The address of Gen. Samuels had a happy effect. He showed conclusively that the war now being waged by Southern leaders, was a war against popular government, a war against the best and dearest interests of poor white men, and so with the new State. There was little or no opposition to it outside of the Pan Handle, and we had only to look for a few moments at that opposition, to be satisfied that their hearts and their every dime was with the arch conspirators in Richmond. A New State Club was organized. Harvey Hall, Esq., was elected President and Mr. S. G. Stevens, Secretary. Other business of minor importance was transacted and the Club adjourned to meet this evening at 7 o'clock at the House House, for the purpose of perfecting their organization.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: March 1863