COMPANY A.
On the reception of the news that the rebels had deliberately begun hostilities in Charleston Harbor, the utmost excitement was occasioned in the quiet village of Seneca Falls. Meetings were held in the Public Hall, under the auspices of prominent citizens, and immediate steps taken for the raising of volunteers. An agent was at once dispatched to Albany, in order to secure the necessary authority for organizing a company. The inhabitants aided materially with their funds and influence in furthering the enterprise.
E. J. Tyler, Esq., established an enrolling office, and placards were posted up in prominent parts of the village, calling for recruits.
During the first two days between forty and fifty were secured, and in a week’s time the number was increased to eighty. As fast as recruited, the men were set to drilling, in an ample building secured for that purpose.
On the 9th of May the company held an election for officers, which resulted as follows:
- Captain—George M. Guion.
- First Lieutenant—E. J. Tyler.
- Second Lieutenant—Pryce W. Bailey.
Not long after, J. T. Miller, Esq., now Inspector General of the State, presented a beautiful flag to the Company, in behalf of the ladies of the place. Captain Guion responded in a brief speech, as he received the banner, promising in behalf of the members of his command, that it should ever be defended, and never suffered to trail in the dust. The presentation exercises, which were held in the Public Hall, were very largely attended, and passed off with great eclat and spirit.
On the 13th of May the Company departed for Elmira, amid the wildest enthusiasm of the citizens, where it soon after became Co. A, 33d N. Y.