[PAR35]

If they never left the Union as the Unionists all claimed, then there was no reason to "re-apply".

And West Virginia does not legally exist. (See the Constitutional provisions for creating a new state from the territory of an existing state).

[Restorer]

And West Virginia does not legally exist. (See the Constitutional provisions for creating a new state from the territory of an existing state).

Au contraire.

The constitutional provisions were meticulously followed. The "legal" (according to the federal government) of Virginia voted its approval for the separation of West Virginia.

That the "legal" government was recognized by few Virginians outside West Virginia is not supposed to be noticed. :)

However, there were Virginians not from the western section who stayed loyal to the Union. A notable example was General George Thomas, one of the best Union generals. His property was confiscated in punishment for his "treason" by the VA state government. In retaliation, the Union confiscated Arlington from General Lee.

[alphadog]

"And West Virginia does not legally exist. (See the Constitutional provisions for creating a new state from the territory of an existing state)"

Where would I find that?