At the annual election for officers of the company in 1861 the same ones were continued in office, with the exception that the position of brevet second lieutenant was left vacant, vice Griffing.
Up to June 28, 1861, the “City Guard” drilled with, and used for the purposes of the state, the same arms and accoutrements so kindly furnished them by the citizens in 1856; at this time, however, the state authorities issued the following to the company, all being of the same pattern as previously owned by the corps: sixty muskets, gun-slings, bayonets, and scabbards; sixty cartridge-boxes, belts and plates; sixty waist-belts and plates, with the same number of cap pouches; four sergeant’s swords and scabbards, belts and plates.
The several companies of the regiment wore different style uniforms, representing, as has been said, all colors of the rainbow. The board of officers determined upon adopting one for the entire regiment, one that would be serviceable in case they were called upon for active duty. They therefore addressed themselves to the citizens of San Francisco, who soon came forward with the requisite amount to purchase same, and along toward the middle of the year 1861 the regiment was finally fitted out with a gray regimental uniform, the cost of which was twelve dollars.
All the troops in the Second Brigade, Second Division, C. S. M., during the month of November, 1861, were required to take the oath of allegiance before Judge Blake, in substance as follows: “To support the constitution of the United States and of the state of California, solemnly agreeing to defend both against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.” The “City Guard” came forward with a larger membership than any of the other companies.
The company was well received by the best society in the city of San Francisco. This fact is abundantly evident from the many events that transpired during its early history. It will be impossible, however, to detail all the interesting social festivities of these days, but in order that the writer’s assertions may carry conviction with it, the following historical fact is recited: A military and civic subscription ball was given at Platt’s Hall, on the evening of Friday, December 27, 1861, complimentary to the officers of the Russian steam corvette Calevala, by the citizens of San Francisco, as a token of the public appreciation of the friendly spirit manifested by the Emperor of all the Russias toward our federal government. All arrangements for this ball were confided to the members of the “City Guard” by a committee of the most prominent people. Lieutenant Wm. C. Little was floor manager, assisted by four noncommissioned officers of the company. Captain Clark, chairman of the reception committee, was assisted by all the other members of the company, every one being in the full fancy uniform of the corps. The “press,” in describing the affair, spoke thus of the “City Guard”: “One of the most spirited and efficient of our local uniform militia companies, whose proverbial good taste was fully sustained in the admirable manner in which the ball was conducted.”
In May, 1862, Little was advanced to Second Lieutenant, vice Freeman, Fred W. Macondry, Jr., was made junior second lieutenant, vice Little promoted. The result of the election for officers of the company with rank, from August 8th, following was: Captain, Wm. C. Little, vice Clark, promoted lieutenant colonel First Regiment; Fred W. Macondry, Jr., first lieutenant, vice Loring; R. M. Noyes, second lieutenant, vice Little promoted; John Hoyt as junior second lieutenant, vice Macondry promoted. This quartet of officers remained thus until September 4, 1865.
The first camp of the state militia was held in May, 1863, in pursuance to orders from general headquarters. This camp was named “Stanford” after the commander in chief, and the expense was borne by the state.
The legislature of California opened its heart to help the militia financially, on April 25, 1863, the first time on record. Appropriations were made for its maintenance, three hundred dollars per year for each company of infantry, besides requiring the counties to furnish twenty-five dollars per month for armory rents. It also provided for two encampments, the above being one of them, and for full-dress uniforms for the entire force. These, made of blue, were issued during same year. It also passed the clause to exempt militiamen from jury duty after serving faithfully for a period of seven years.
Company B, “City Guard,” First Regiment of Infantry, participated as a company in its first camp, a Second Brigade affair, from the 6th to the 16th of October, 1863. Camp Allen, named after the commander of the Second Division, was held near San Antonio, Alameda county, the state defraying the expense.
The company received its first improved arms on February 20, 1865. These were the “rifle muskets” of 58 caliber, model 1861. Sixty of these, together with a full set of accoutrements, the same kind as before used, were issued to the Company, and those previously carried were returned to general headquarters during the following month. Twenty extra muskets came to the company during October following.