New State Meeting in Clarksburg.
March 13, 1863
Clarksburg, Va., March 9.
Editors Intelligencer:
This has been a glorious day in Harrison county. Butternuts and Copperheads have been weighted and found wanting. The loyal yeomanry of this county were treated to three of the best speeches ever delivered here.
Hon. P. G. Van Winkle, with his clear and logical mind, opened the hall by proving the constitutionality of the reorganized State of Virginia, and also of the new State measure in every particular, referring to several precedences, as well as to the action of Congress. He floored every objection that the violent secessionists or anti-New State men could bring against the New State. In point of logic he excelled every speaker that I have heard yet on the subject.
Hon. Dan. Farnsworth, from Upshur, followed. He is a happy speaker, connecting his discourse with enough of wit and cunning to rivet the attention of all hearers. Carlile, Vance and Davis were laid threadbare. In comparing the products of the little State of Massachusetts with Virginia, he showed clearly that Massachusetts excelled in most everything except in asses. Says he: "As for asses, Virginia is ahead. Massachusetts raised two asses in 1860, and the single county of Harrison raised two, but they are of the short-eared species." (Davis and Vance were listening at the door.) It would be idle to attempt to follow him in his various arguments. It is sufficient to say, however, that rebeldom suffered under his lashes, and that he was warmly applauded by the audience.
Lloyd Moore spoke next, and as usual showed where his heart is, viz: with the Union, now and forever.
This meeting convinced me that the Union element of Harrison is strong, and will give a heavy majority for the New State at the coming election.
The speeches and the three gentlemen who addressed us this day will live in the minds of the people, and the fruits thereof will certainly be made apparent on election day.
With three cheers for West Virginia, I am
Yours, respectfully,
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: March 1863