Longfellow.
APPEARING upon the charter-roll of the First California Guard, under date of organization, namely, July 27, 1849, will be found the name of J. Russel Gerry, M. D., company surgeon. Upon looking further along the roll we find the names of John A. Clark and George F. Watson, first and second lieutenants, respectively, of the company, both having joined on May 21, 1852. Second Sergt. R. M. Stephenson and Corporal John W. Conner also joined at the same time with the lieutenants. Third Sergt. E. W. Crowell, together with R. S. La Motte, H. D. La Motte, and Charles S. Simpson, date from July 13, 1852; and Thomas B. Parker from October 5th same year. Fourth Sergt. H. F. Wadsworth and Joseph Henriques joined in 1852, but the exact dates cannot be given at this writing. H. D. La Motte and E. G. Hilton, two of the three now living, who were among the organizers of the “City Guard,” furnish evidence between them to show that the following named gentlemen were also among those who belonged to the California Guard just prior to March 31, 1854—the great day—but are unable to give the dates of their first joining same: Asa L. Loring, Charles Le Gay, John Ames, John McQuade, E. G. Hilton (who speaks for himself), John C. Briggs, P. R. Moore, Samuel C. Loring, E. R Dimmock, and J. H. Pierce.
The records of the California Guard are very incomplete for the early years, particularly so for 1853, that year only showing two enlistments. This is the reason why the writer is unable to furnish the dates above left vacant.
The First California Guard was originally organized as a train of artillery, and exercised in the standing gun drill, besides drilling with muskets. Early in 1854, however, they changed into a horse battery, receiving from the state two six-pound brass guns with carriages and all appliances.
This change did not meet with favor from all the members of the battery, some particularly desiring to retain the old form of organization, as they did not care for the mounted work; nor did they relish the manner in which their captain, Woodworth, conducted the drills and affairs of the battery, he being absent therefrom, and very inattentive to the duties required of a company commander.
These members, therefore, turned their attention to the accomplishment of a new organization in accordance with their desires, the proceedings being entirely harmonious between all parties concerned.
With this object in view, they held a preliminary meeting pursuant to the following notice:
“You are requested to attend a meeting of the second company California Guard at the armory this evening, at 7 o’clock. Dated Monday, March 13, 1854.”
At this meeting, or at one held perhaps a few days later, the name of the new organization must have been agreed upon, for in the columns of the Daily Alta California under date of March 21, 1854, the following notice and order appears: