In Washington, the U.S. Senate confirms the official transfer of two Virginia counties to West Virginia

The month before, the House of Representatives had voted 112-24 the official transfer of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties from Virginia to West Virginia.  As Virginia counties, both had voted for secession in 1861 but had been included in the new state of West Virginia from 1863.  Court cases were pending with Virginia challenging the action but against strong Democrat opposition Congress voted to confirm the transfer.  The Senate voted 32-5 to concur with the earlier joint resolution.  (By John Osborne)