February 28, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
RICHMOND, February 27. – A despatch, dated Frankfort, Ky., gives some particulars of the disposition of the Democratic Convention at that place by the military. The Kentucky House of Representatives, by a decided vote, having refused to the Convention the use of their hall, the Convention rented the Theatre. Delegates from forty counties were present, and DAVID MERRIWETHER was elected Chairman. On taking the Chair, he expressed the hope that the Convention would do nothing which the Government and loyal citizens would not approve. In the meantime, a regiment of soldiers, with fixed bayonets, formed in front of the theatre, and when the call of counties was made, Colonel GILBERT, the commanding officer of the troops outside, took the stand and informed the Convention that none but men of undoubted loyalty to the Government would be allowed to run for any office. He advised the delegates to disperse to their several homes, and in future to desist from all such attempts to precipitate civil war upon the State. The assemblage then adjourned. There was some excitement in the city, but no disorder.