Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
March 28, 1864

Editors Intelligencer:

A valuable sabre, sash and belt was presented to Capt. W. A. McCoy, Co. C, 1st Va. Vet. Cavalry, by the members of his company on March 28. After dress parade the regiment was formed in a hollow square and in behalf of the company the following appropriate remarks were made by Lieut. F. M. Work:

J. S. H.

Capt. McCoy - The officers and soldiers of your company having shared with you the dangers and hardships of three years' service in defense of our country and liberty; having been so often led by you to the bloody conflict; encouraged in the charge of your manly toes, and urged to deeds of valor by your noble example, we present you with this token of our profound regard and affectionate esteem. The sword is an emblem of justice, and as such we present it to one whose conduct has always been equitable. This is also emblematic of protection, and is a most proper gift to that gentleman and soldier to whom has well been committed the confiding trust of those whom you have so long and faithfully commanded. As a mark of honor we could have offered this gift to none more deserving than yourself, "Take it, " and may you be aided by the God of battles to use it for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty - a guard to the defenseless, a sword of fire and terror to traitors. Accept it, and may its mettle prove ever as true as your own brave heart.

Fellow Soldiers - It needed not this elegant testimonial to convince me of your kind regards. I have read your auto-biography as written by your sabres, and would unhesitatingly commit my dearest interest to your keeping.

Your patient endurance of privations and hardships on long and dangerous marches, your patriotic adherence to military discipline and prompt discharge of duty; your brave and manly bearing on the battlefield, together with your uniform kindness and gentlemanly deportment in our personal intercourse, have long since bound my heart with yours in the most endearing friendship.

Your magnificent present might embarrass me under other circumstances, but I cannot doubt your sincerity. Our acquaintance has ripened into mutual and implicit confidence under circumstances where empty profession could not succeed. I have been your valor tested so frequently that I am proud and happy to accept at your hand this beautiful sabre together with the sash and belt. I accept it, not only as a magnificent token of your friendship for me, but also as emblematical of the unyielding determination of the loyal people of this great Republic to prosecute this war to the floral subjugation of traitors, and the complete and permanent establishment of our glorious Union. I take this sabre and buckle it on and let the act express my resolutions to wield it in defense of my country, to follow our nation's flag until it waves triumphantly over the grave of rebellion. From my heart I thank you for this elegant token of your confidence and friendship. And now my comrades as we are just entering upon another campaign as veterans. I ask no higher honor than to lead you in the front of the coming light. No higher praise that the noiseless pulsations of your brave hearts, no greater happiness than the proper adjustment of the national difficulties under the directions of an all wise Providence.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: March 1864