COMPANY K.
Americans will ever remember with gratitude the patriotism displayed by our adopted fellow citizens, during the progress of the great uprising. Teuton and Celt alike manifested their devotion for their adopted country, by rallying to the rescue. This was true to a remarkable degree of the Irish population of Seneca Falls. The call of the President for troops led to the immediate formation of an Irish Company. Patrick McGraw, who had served in Her Majesty’s service for upwards of fifteen years, superintended its organization, and was afterwards chosen Captain. He was materially aided by Brig. Gen. Miller, and Messrs. John McFarland and George Daniels. On Sunday afternoon, April 11th, the Sabbath quietude of the village was disturbed by the music of bands and tramp of citizens. Every one was on the alert, and every eye turned towards one point, the Catholic Church, for there the organization of the Company was to receive, after Vespers, the sanction and benediction of the Catholic Pastor. A procession was formed at the Village Armory, composed of the Volunteers, headed by Capt. McGraw, the Jackson Guards, under the command of Capt. O’Neil, bands of music, and vast crowds of citizens. At 4 P. M. the procession arrived at the Church, which was immediately filled to its utmost capacity. Union flags gracefully hung around the sanctuary, and the choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and the “Red, White and Blue.” Vespers ended, an address was delivered by the Pastor, who urged loyalty to the Union, the defence of a common country, and the perpetuation of the traditional bravery of the Irish race.
Tuesday afternoon, May 22d, 1861, the Company prepared to leave for Elmira. It was a general holiday in the village and suburbs. The factories ceased work, stores were closed, bells rung out their liveliest peals, the “Big Gun” blazed away, and every one was on the qui vive. The men were supplied with a graceful fatigue dress, of home manufacture. Equipped in their rakish caps, knit woolen shirts and dark grey pantaloons, they marched through the streets, accompanied by the Jackson Guards, the Fire Companies, and many thousands of loyal citizens. On the Fair Grounds the Company was presented with a flag, the gracious offering of the citizens. The Captain received, on the same occasion, a beautiful sword, Rev. Edward McGowan making the presentation speech.
The “Jackson Guards” and “Continentals” accompanied the men to Geneva, and escorted them to the steamboat provided for conveying them to Elmira. At the landing, the crowds were immense, and cheer after cheer went up from the assemblage for the Irish Volunteers, as the boat steamed away from the dock.
On reaching Elmira, the men were provided with quarters, and soon after became attached to the Thirty-third, as Co. K.