Willey and Carlile, who claimed seats as senators from Virginia, the right to which was certified by the seal of the State with the signature of Francis H.Pierpont as governor.

The credentials indicated that Mr.Willey was to take the seat vacated by Mr.Mason, and Mr.Carlile that vacated by Mr.
Hunter.

The loyal men of Virginia, especially from the western counties, finding that the regularly organized government of the State had joined the Rebellion, extemporized a government composed of the Union men of the Legislature which had been in session the preceding winter in Richmond.

This body had met in Wheeling, and elected two men as senators who had stood firmly for the Union in the convention which had forced Virginia into secession.

Their admission to the Senate was resisted by Mr.James A.Bayard, then senator from Delaware, and by the few other Democratic senators who still held seats.