of the State of West Virginia
(Wheeling: John F. M'Dermot, Public Printer, 1863)
Tuesday, July 7th, 1863.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Blakeney.
The Journal was read and approved.
Mr. Farnsworth offered the following resolution which was laid over:
WHEREAS, it will soon become the duty of the Legislature of West Virginia to elect two persons to represent the State of the Senate of the United States, and whereas the hopes of future prosperity and happiness of our people are inseparably connected with the prosperity of the Union and the vindication of the authority of the General Government by the success of its arms, and whereas past experience has taught us the sad lesson, that some who have inspired to and obtained high positive have proved recreant to their trust in the hour of trial, and were willing to make a dishonorable compromise, and thereby sacrifice the honor and dignity of the nation, and in order to avoid such a reoccurrence by any other traitor, and that the position of unconditional loyalty of West Virginia may be distinctly understood, and that the sentiments of those who aspire to the position of Senators, be known, be it.
Resolved, by the Legislature of West Virginia. That a joint committee of two from the Senate and three from the House, be appointed to address those who may be put in nomination for election to the Senate of the United States, and ascertain how far they may be individually willing to support the Government in its efforts to suppress the wicked and unprovoked rebellion which now desolates the land, and also so make it known that the Legislature of West Virginia desires that no man be a candidate for that exalted position who cannot pledge himself to a cordial and earnest support of the Government in its efforts to crush the rebellion, and thereby restore peace to our whole country.
On motion of Mr. Farnsworth,
In view of a speedy organization of the counties of the State into townships, and the difficulties existing on account of the rebellion, therefore,
Resolved. That the Committee on Townships and County Organization, inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill adopting the magisterial districts of the various counties of the State, as townships, until the same be altered or amended by the board of supervisors, in accordance with the 13th section of article 7 of the Constitution.
Mr. Hawkins offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Committee on Courts of Justice and General Laws inquire into the expediency of making the crime of horse stealing punishable by death or some other severe penalty; and report by bill or otherwise.
On motion of Mr. Farnsworth, the said resolution was amended by inserting after the word "stealing" the words "during this rebellion."
The resolution, as amended, was then adopted.
On motion of Mr. Brown, the Senate adjourned.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: July 1863