In April of the same year, when the news of the assassination of our martyred President, Abraham Lincoln, was received, San Francisco became wild with excitement; mobs quickly gathered, and endeavored to wreck the printing-offices of those who had advocated secession, and of those who had been so rabid in their utterances that they had really done the next thing but actually advocate the killing of the President. The feeling against these people can well be imagined. Some considerable damage was done before the authorities were able to act; finally, when the militia was called upon, the “City Guard” was the first company to report at the rendevous, and it was the only company whose every member was in complete uniform. Guards were kept on the other offices that had escaped the fury of the mob up to this time. Guards were also kept over loyal newspapers, for fear that the rioters would so far forget themselves as to wreck them too. Considerable trouble was experienced, and many broken heads was the result. As soon as matters quieted down the troops were dismissed.
Little was again re-elected September 4, 1865, with William M. Noyes as first lieutenant, vice Macondry; George W. Granniss, second lieutenant, vice Noyes promoted; T. Van Tassel, junior second lieutenant, date from October 3, 1865, vice Hoyt. The latter remained in his position but a short time, going again into the ranks, presumed to be upon the reorganization as the National Guard of California.
On November 20, 1865, the company moved from California street to an armory situated on the top floor of a three-story building on the south side of Market street, opposite Dupont. Remaining there until April following.
April 2, 1868, saw the last of the “California State Militia,” for upon this date the Legislature passed the law creating the “National Guard of California,” together with a general revision of the codes governing the state forces. Among the principal features of this bill we find: A limit to the number of companies; allowing but three officers to each infantry company, same to hold office for two years; field officers to be elected for four years.
Soon after this bill became a law a complete reorganization took place, and many companies were necessarily mustered out of the service. Orders were issued from general headquarters on July 12, 1866 (see S. O. No. 3 series of 1866), directing the immediate organization of the Second Brigade, in accordance with this law. This was accomplished the next month.
The “City Guard” Company B, retained its position in the First Regiment, and sixty-seven members of the company took the following oath on the twenty-first day of August, 1866, before the mustering-in officer, Major George W. Smiley, Asst. Adj. Gen., 2nd Brig., N. G. C.
“Company “B,” First Regiment Infantry; Second Brigade,
N. G. C.
“State of California, }
“City and County of San Francisco. } ss.
“You do solemnly swear and pledge your honor that you
“will support the constitution of the United States, and the
“constitution of the state of California, and that you will
“maintain and defend the laws and all officers lawfully employed
“in administering the same.”
Little, Noyes, and Granniss were retained as the three company officers, Van Tassel taking the oath as a private.