The 16th of May was designated as the day for its departure. Relatives and friends of the Volunteers, from the surrounding country, began to make their appearance early in the day, and long before the hour of leaving, the streets were thronged with people. The Company, now increased to eighty-two strong, was escorted to the depot by the Palmyra Light Guards, headed by the Brass Band. Following next in order were the Clergy of the place, and citizens on foot and in carriages, constituting a long and imposing procession. Flags, handkerchiefs and bunting of every description were waved from the windows and house-tops, and banners and emblems, with appropriate mottoes, were displayed at the street corners, as the procession moved along. It was a scene which the spectators and participants will never forget. Arriving at the depot, James Peddie, Esq., delivered a farewell address, and the Company was soon en route for Elmira.
Reaching there late in the evening, the men remained in the village until the next day, when accommodations were provided for them at Southport, some two miles distant. They were quartered here until the organization became Co. B of the Thirty-third New York, when they were transferred to the barracks.
COMPANY C.
This Company was recruited at Waterloo, Seneca County. The people throughout the village and township heartily co-operated in the various plans undertaken for raising volunteers. War meetings were held at different places, from time to time, and a large relief fund contributed for the benefit of all such as should enlist.
Among those most active in organizing this Company, were Hon. A. P. King, Hon. D. S. Kendig, Messrs. R. P. Kendig, Wm. Knox, Sterling G. Hadley, Henry C. Wells, E. H. Mackey, Joseph Wright, and Dr. Samuel Wells. These gentlemen contributed freely of their funds and influence to the cause.
Eighty-six volunteers came forward and attached their names to the Roll. The following were chosen officers:
- Captain—John F. Aikens.
- First Lieutenant—Chester H. Cole.
- Second Lieutenant—Andrew Schott.
On the 26th of April the Company was sworn into the State service by Major John Bean, of Geneva, and received the name of the “Waterloo Wright Guards,” in honor of Joseph Wright, Esq. The ladies of the village devoted several weeks to preparing outfits for the men, who were bountifully furnished with every thing conducive to a soldier’s comfort. They likewise presented to the Company, through S. G. Hadley, Esq., a finely wrought silk banner. Rev. Dr. Parkes, of the Episcopal Church, receiving it, assured them that though torn and tattered in the fierce encounters of battle, this banner would never, he was confident, be dishonored. On the 30th of April the men departed for Elmira, where they were quartered in a barrel factory, and afterwards in the barracks.