Wheeling Va May 26 1860 His Ex.y. The President of the United States Dear Sir You have by this time undoubtedly heard the news from West Virginia and that she has with great unanimity maintained her allegiance to the Union. In this result you will be assured from my past relations to the import questions of the day that I feel a profound gratification. Under these circumstances and in view of the fact that some young men, previous to the election and induced by older men to believe that the West would be largely in [the] favor secession, have taken up arms in behalf of the State, and seeing that they must now know and feel their hopeless condition, would it not be an exercise of judicious mercy to issue a kind and paternal proclamation commanding obedience to the laws by the citizens of West Virginia and invoking them to return to their allegiance and duty and promising pardon and oblivion for the past. Earnestly desiring that this matter may meet your immediate and favorable determination. I am your Obt Svt Geo W. Thompson. [2924] Washington May 26, 1860 George W Thompson about the loyalty of West Virginia. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.