Wheeling Intelligencer
May 4, 1865
Kingwood, Preston Co., W. Va.,
April 27, 1865.
Editors Intelligencer:
This being the annual Township election day, the question arose whether those of our citizens who voluntarily left our township four years ago and went to the rebel army, should be permitted to return and live among us, and in order to ascertain the feelings of the people generally, a public meeting was called the object of which was stated and a vote taken and the result was as follows: Out of 60, 56 voted against their returning, and four in favor of their return.
Now, Messrs. Editors, you will please insert the above in your valuable paper so that those rebels may be apprised of the sentiment that prevails amongst our loyal citizens. In order to avoid all trouble hereafter for themselves they had better not return amongst as, as we disown them as citizens, and look upon them as our enemies who would destroy us and the government if they could.
(Signed)
Many Voters of Kingwood Township
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: April 1865