List of California State Militia civil war units

The following are California State Militia units that were active between 1861 and 1865 during the American Civil War.

Volunteer Companies of the California State Militia 1860–1866

Alameda County

Alpine County

Amador County

Butte County

Calaveras County

Contra Costa County

Del Norte County

El Dorado County

Fresno County

Humboldt County

Lake County

Lassen County

Los Angeles County

Marin County

Mariposa County

Mendocino County

Merced County

Mono County

Monterey County

Napa County

Nevada County

Placer County

Plumas County

Sacramento County

San Bernardino County

San Diego County

San Francisco County

San Joaquin County

San Luis Obispo County

San Mateo County

Santa Barbara County

Santa Clara County

Santa Cruz County

Shasta County

Sierra County

Siskiyou County

Solono County

Sonoma County

Sutter County

Stanislaus County

Tehama County

Tuolumne County

Trinity County

Tulare County

Yolo County

Yuba County

References

  1. ↑ Golden Gate Natl. Recreation Area, Major Ephraim Dyer, Jr. Collection, In 1864, the Alvarado Guard was created as part of the State of California Militia Guard to protect local citizens during the Civil War. Ephraim Dyer, Sr. was elected Captain and Commander, a position he held until the unit was disbanded in 1867.
  2. ↑ "The Hayward Guard and San Lorenzo Guard were consolidated Nov 13, 1865." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 616-617.
  3. ↑ Jackson Guard formed late in 1865. The 1866 Military Law reorganized existing companies, perhaps this explains why the "guard" dissolved soon after organization.
  4. ↑ California Militia and National Guard Unit Histories, Oakland Home Guard
  5. ↑ In 1863 the Company changed its name from Oakland Home Guard to Oakland Guard.
  6. ↑ "Alpine County was a stronghold for "...Copperheads" and their attitude and acts of violence and sabotage aroused in the loyal Union men, feelings of bitterness and fear. Due to the existing conditions the Markleeville Guard (later changed to the Alpine Rifles) was organized at Markleeville, Alpine County, April 2, 1864..." The name of the company was changed a few months after its organization in response to a general feeling that inasmuch as the company was a county wide organization it should bear the county name – Alpine. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 581–582.
  7. ↑ "The Adjutant General Report of 1863 failed to list the Amador Hussars among the organized militia companies of the State, and it is assumed that the unit was disbanded during the year of 1862." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #141.
  8. ↑ "On August 16, 1861 "the Amador Mountaineers" entered the service of the United States Army as Company C, First Infantry Regiment of the California Volunteers." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 305.
  9. ↑ "...in 1862 the records show that they (the Sutter Creek Volunteers) had never posted their penal bond or sent a company muster roll to the Brigadier-General Commanding the Fourth Brigade, as was required by the military laws. Failure on their part to meet these requirements caused Adjutat-General W.C. Kibbe to list the Sutter Creek Volunteers as disbanded in 1862." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #123.
  10. ↑ "Volcano was the location of rich gold deposits but by 1860 the deposits were completely worked and many residents began to migrate to other mining towns. Due to a lack of arms in the State this unit was never properly equipped during its three year existence. By 1861, only 15 members of the company had remained in Volcano. The rest had moved to more prosperous mining towns, hence the Volcano Guard had virtually disbanded. There are no records indicating that this company was mustered out of service, and it is assumed that the remaining members of the Volcano Guard went into the new Volcano Blues a volunteer military company which was organized July 31, 1861." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, #72.
  11. ↑ "In answer to the Governor's Proclamation, August 23, 1861 calling for five thousand volunteers, the Butte County Dragoons tendered their services and placed their company at the command of the Governor. However, despite the note on the Muster Roll, there is no record that the company went into the Service of the United States, and it is assumed the corps was mustered out soon after organization." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #124.
  12. ↑ Although there is little documentation to verify the amount of time this company existed, the Outline History of Calif. National Guard (Vol. 2, #113) states "the Governor accepted Colonel Templeton's five cavalry companies for a period of three years' service one of which was the Butte Mounted Rifles."
  13. ↑ "The Chico Light Infantry was organized soon after the horrible murders and depredations caused by the Indians in Butte and Tehama Counties, and residents felt it was necessary to have military protection." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 558.
  14. ↑ The California Volunteers, Company C of Oroville, Butte County was organized under the laws of the State, June 6, 1861, with Edward B. Willis as Captain and James A. Wardwell as First Lieutenant. The corps had a membership of sixty men, but no arms were issued to this company as they immediately tendered their services to the Governor and were accepted and mustered into the service of the United States as part of the First Infantry Regiment of California Volunteers. Adjutant General Report, 1861, page 133
  15. ↑ Oroville Guard
  16. ↑ Muster Roll dated March 17, 1865 designates the Union Guard as Third Brigade, 2nd Battalion, Co. C.
  17. ↑ "On May eighteenth (1861) Captain Haynes again communicated with the Adjutant General regarding the arms, as the community was greatly alarmed over the advent of the large numbers of Indians being taken into the Smith River Valley Reservation, some fifteen miles from Crescent City. These six or eight hundred Indians had been engaged in plundering and murdering citizens of Humboldt for the past two or three years and from their known animosity the members of the company deemed it prudent to have some means at hand to keep the hostiles in subjection." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 321–324.
  18. ↑ "Although the Coloma Greys was an effective company,...the unit was forced to disband as a number of its members joined the Second and Fourth Regiments of California Volunteers, and fifteen went to the Nevada territory. Ten members were left and as the community was too small to furnish the necessary recruits to fill the existing vacancies, the company disbanded by mutual consent." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, #67.
  19. ↑ During the War of the Rebellion an organization composed of men residing in the North, known as the "Copperheads" created a great deal of consternation throughout the country. The use of the term "copperhead" spread throughout the North quietly and persistently, so much so, that there was a fancied resemblance of the peace party to the venomous snake which strikes without warning. These "copperheads" residents of the North deemed it impossible to conquer the Confederacy and were earnestly in favor of peace, consequently they were opposed to the war policy of the President and Congress. These same men caused considerable worry for the various communities in El Dorado and Amador Counties. The Lieutenant Colonel informed the Adjutant General that he had received a report that an organization headed by prominent Copperheads was preparing to attack their different militia companies in El Dorado and Amador Counties..." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, pp.533–535.
  20. ↑ "The Georgetown Union Guard when first organized was an unattached company, but in 1864 it was reorganized and designated as Company A, Second Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade.
  21. ↑ "No muster rolls of the Placerville Guard were received by the Adjutant General, therefore, there was no date recorded of the disbandment of the company." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #145.
  22. ↑ This unit organized to suppress Indian depredations in Humboldt Co. On several occasions the Arcata Guard quelled the hostile Indians until their removal to a Federal Reservation. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 407.
  23. ↑ This company formed to subdue the bands of hostile Indians that continually attacked communities in the area between Humboldt and Trinity Counties. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 406.
  24. ↑ Governor Weller issued a call for volunteer military companies to be formed in Humboldt County to oppose hostile Indians. One of the companies formed was the Humboldt Volunteers, under the command of Captain Seman Wright. This company had several minor clashes with roving bands of Indians, and on February 26, 1860, they engaged in their first important conflict. The Humboldt Volunteers came upon a large body of Indians camped on Indian Island and the encounter that followed became a massacre. News of this companies activities brought such a storm of criticism from all parts of the State, that the Humboldt Volunteers were.compelled to disband in the latter part of 1860.
  25. ↑ This company of volunteers was mustered initially to protect citizens and property from hostile Indians (September 1861). In three months, the Indians were controlled and placed on the Federal Reservation whereupon the company mustered out. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, 1849–1941, Vol. 2, p. 344.
  26. ↑ Orgnanized in February, 1861, attached to 1st Brigade, 1st Division. "The company was one of the fortunate units that received their arms and equipment with very little delay. Adjutant General Kibbe stated that this company was well drilled, very efficient and armed with rifled muskets. He further indicated however, that Captain Alexander had failed to comply with the law of the State in making returns of his company, although having been requested to do so by the Adjutant General's Office. The reason for the failure to send the returns was made clear, when Governor Downey received a letter from Captain Alexander dated December 1, 1861, stating that he had been unable to get his men to drill or attend meeting for three months and asked permission to resign his commission as Captain. He expressed the opinion that the organization would not continue as a unit, and therefore, the Bondsmen desired to turn the company's arms and accoutrements back to the state. "Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 1, p. 280.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 http://www.militarymuseum.org/SoCal.pdf J.M. Scammel, Military Units of Southern California 1853–1862, California Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. XXIX, Number 3.
  28. ↑ This unit was short-lived because of a lack of arms and accoutrements due to the federal government's involvement in the Civil War which required its attention in the east. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p.565.
  29. ↑ The company's activities consisted of the usual drills, rendering aid to the civil. authorities in maintaining law and order. Also in checking any display made by the Secessionists during the Civil War. Reformed themselves in 1863 into the Esmeralda Rangers, a cavalry company. On September 13, 1863, when a readjustment of the boundary line between California and the territory of Nevada was made, it was discovered that Aurora, the County seat of Mono County, was three miles on the Nevada side, as a result of this boundary change the Esmeralda Rangers in Aurora, Nevada, were dropped from the roster.
  30. ↑ The town of Aurora during the Civil War was the location of one of Mono County's richest gold mines, and renegades from all parts of California had gathered there. Also many of the town s citizens were secessionists The Hooker Light Infantry was formed with the expressed purpose of aiding the civil authorities to maintain law and order among the residents. On September 13, 1863, when a readjustment of the boundary line between California and the territory of Nevada was made, it was discovered that Aurora, the County seat of Mono County, was three miles on the Nevada side, as a result of this boundary change the Hooker Light Infantry were dropped from the roster.
  31. ↑ The Company was later reorganized into Company G of the First Infantry of California, Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 301–302.
  32. ↑ "the members decided upon the name of Howell Zouaves in honor of Brigadier General Josiah Howell. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #281.
  33. ↑ California State Militia and National Guard Unit Histories; Nevada Rifles
  34. ↑ In 1863 this company was redesignated Company A, First Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade." The company maintained that designation until reorganized under the Military Law of 1866" Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #109.
  35. ↑ "The Mountain Volunteers were in existence for only seven months, from May until December 1861, and with the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion Captain Fitch and Lieutenant Copely joined Company B, Fourth Infantry Regiment of California and many of the company's members joined the Volunteer Infantry Service for active duty... it is assumed the Mountain Volunteers were forced to disband during December of 1861, as their membership quota no longer met the required standards." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #102.
  36. ↑ "Records indicate that there were never any arms or accoutrements issued this company as the men were recruited into the service of the California Volunteers shortly after the company was organized. As it was the intention of the members of this company to enlist with the California Volunteers, the Placer County Mountaineers was disbanded during the latter part of 1861 although there was no record on file of the official muster out of the company." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 348.
  37. ↑ Company was named after Brigadier General James Shields who distinguished himself during the war with Mexico. Outline History of California National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 379-381.
  38. ↑ Never an effective unit, no muster roll, returns or reports from the unit were made. "No record of the formal mustering out of the Indian Valley Rifles was found, but in the Adjutant General's Report of 1864-1865 a notation was made to the effect the company had been disbanded." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, #202.
  39. ↑ Never an effective unit, no muster roll, returns or reports from the unit were made. "...the Union Guard was disbanded under the name Union Corps during the year 1864-1865." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #193.
  40. ↑ The company was originally "mustered into the service of the State as an unattached company. On June 15, 1864 the Emmet Guard was attached to the Fourth Infantry Regiment, Fourth Brigade, and designated as Company E of that Regiment." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #240.
  41. ↑ On May 6, 1860, the company voted to strike out the word "Independent" from their title, thereafter they would be referred to as the "City Guard". The muster Roll dated June 8, 1863 designates the City Guard as Company A, 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade. The Muster Rolls from 1864 to 1868 indicates this Company as Co. A, 4th-Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade. In 1866, "the City Guard was one of the many companies reorganized and mustered back into the State service." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, #78.
  42. ↑ "The Sacramento Hussars were organized 1859 as an independent cavalry company, composed entirely of German residents from the City of Sacramento. On June 11, 1863 the Hussars were mustered into the service of the State, as an unattached company of the 4th Brigade, California National Guard; remaining so until 1874 when they voted to again become an independent military company. The Hussars were especially noticeable for their fine horses and showy trappings." The company uniforms "were designed after the Hussar Regiments of Prussian soldiers." After being mustered out of the service of the State, the Hussars remained for many years an independent military organization. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 483–485.
  43. ↑ "...the Sacramento Light Artillery was reorganized and mustered in on July 6, 1866, as a unit of the National Guard of California, and designated as Company A, First Battalion of Artillery, Fourth Brigade." "Sacramento Light Artillery redesignated Battery B, First Artillery Regiment, Fourth Brigade, March 19, 1880." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #261.
  44. ↑ "According to correspondence on file, the title `Sharpshooters' was most appropriate, as the members of the company had previously been members of the Sacramento Rifle Club. All were `crack' shots, noted for their ability with the rifle and proud of their records." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 481–482.
  45. ↑ "This company was in existence only a short while and from correspondence it may be assumed that Captain Walleb was the prime factor in promoting the company. He tendered his resignation on Nov. 14, 1863, after less than five months of service, giving as his reason in a letter to Governor Leland Stanford, that he was moving to Tuolumne County. After his resignation the company was transferred to Fourth Regiment of Infantry, Company E, Fourth Brigade. With the termination of Captain Walleb's service there seemed no guiding force to hold the company together. No member was elected Captain to replace him and no effort was seemingly made to get the necessary arms and uniforms for this company." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 499.
  46. ↑ "...the company mustered into the service of the United States as Company E, First Infantry, California Volunteers." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #105.
  47. ↑
  48. ↑ "The San Diego Guard was still in existence in 1862, yet no returns or reports were received by the Adjutant General's Office. While no date of disbanding can be found, the Adjutant General's Report of 1863 does not list this unit as a company nor was mention made of them in later reports from the office. It is assumed that the company was disbanded during the year of 1863. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 1, p.183. San Diego County like all the Cow Counties was in the midst of the great drought of 1862-1864 that killed nearly all the cattle, their source of wealth. Membership was probably too impoverished to participate or had left the region.
  49. ↑ "The name Black Hussars was changed to "San Francisco Hussars" when in 1862 the company changed the color and style of their uniforms to one more elegant than the old." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, pp. 261–267.
  50. ↑ On July 22, 1861, Brigadier-General Cobb ordered a Court Martial to convene at the armory of the City Guard for the trial of Lieutenants Ducroynell and Gailhard, and such other officers of the French Guard that may be brought before it. The officers named were from the Carbineers and their offense consisted of their refusal to recognize Eugene Villargne as Captain. The Lieutenants contended the Captain had resigned and his resignation had been accepted, therefore, he had no authority over them. (San Francisco Daily Herald, July 22, 1861, page 1, column 1.) No records are available that would reveal what the outcome of the Court Martial was, but the Adjutant General's Report of 1862 shows that the then Lieutenant Gailhard had been elected Captain of the Carbineers succeeding E. Villargne, so it seemed likely he was acquitted at the trial. Since the Adjutant General's Report of 1863 does not list the Carbineers as a unit in the Militia at that date, it is assumed that the dissension caused by.the Court Martial so weakened the company numerically that it was ordered dis-banded in the latter part of 1862.
  51. ↑ This company was predominantly of German descent.
  52. ↑ "The unit was organized for the purpose of rendering home protection and to aid civil authorities in quelling the Secessionists who were very active in San Francisco...."Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p.584.
  53. ↑ "The Company was composed of French citizens who were enterprising men and were vitally concerned in the welfare of their adopted country." The unit was unfortunate in that the duly elected officers would hold office for a few months and then resign. General Kibbe expressed the hope that the company might be placed on a permanent basis in membership and efficiency or else the unit would be disbanded. Apparently the company was too weak to warrant its existence for there was no mention of the unit in the Report of the Adjutant General of 1862." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 279.
  54. ↑ Organized on June 2, 1865 "The California Tigers was one of the companies to be reorganized on August 21, 1866. It became the California Tigers, Company H, and transferred to the First Infantry Regiment of the Second Brigade." "This company refused to parade with the command on July 5, 1869 at a place designated by orders from Brigade Headquarters. The charges of mutinous, disorderly, and disobedient conduct, and noncompliance with the law governing the National Guard was brought against them. On July 21, 1869, the California Tigers was dishonorably mustered out of the state service." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 633.
  55. ↑ The Ellis Guard was composed of German citizens. "In February 1864, the company was transferred to the 2nd (German) Infantry Battalion and in 1865 was again transferred to the 6th Regiment of Infantry, 2nd Brigade" according to Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 500.
  56. ↑ The company changed its name to the Pioneer Zouaves on September 26, 1865, although the Adjutant General's Report 1865–1867 still recognized it by the former name. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p.383.
  57. ↑ "...the members were so demoralized according to the report of the General in Command, that he could not procure a muster out roll for the company. The company was disbanded and mustered out of the State service in 1866 under the new Military Law..." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 640.
  58. ↑ "The First Light Dragoons claimed to be the first legally organized militia company mustered in under the first Militia Law passed by the first session of the California Legislature held in San Jose in 1850. This claim was disputed by the Eureka Light Horse Guard which was organized about the same time." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, pp. 40–42.
  59. ↑ "It is interesting to note that all the names of members appearing on the Muster Rolls were of Irish extraction which indicated the company took their title of Hibernia Greens seriously, Hibernia meaning Native son of Ireland." Although the Hibernia Greens had an enlarged and active membership in the short term that it was in service, under the first section of the Militia Law of 1866 the unit was ordered disbanded July twenty-fifth of that year." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 632.
  60. ↑ Members of this company (the National Guard 1855–1856) reorganized Jan. 3, 1859 as the Independent National Guard when it could not carry out orders by Governor J. Johnson on June 3, 1856 requiring it to shoot down San Francisco citizens when a "state of insurrection" was declared. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 1, pp. 93–99.
  61. ↑ The correspondence indicates that the Jackson Dragoons mustered in as Company I up until May, 1863 then the letters bear the Company C designation.
  62. ↑ California Militia and National Guard Unit Histories; Index to Militia Units of the State of California 1850–1881 wrongly emends to 'Lone Wolf Guard;' for actual unit, cf. Inventory of the Military Department. Militia Companies Records, 1849–1880.
  63. ↑ "One of the oldest volunteer companies in the state," the company consisted almost entirely of firemen from the "Monumental Engine Company." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, pp. 16–19.
  64. ↑ On August 5, 1861, Captain Rigg with four other Captains offered the services of their companies to the United States Government to protect the Overland Mail Route. Whether the company that Captain Rigg represented was the Marion Rifles' complete membership, or just part of it, was not stated, but it is probable the company disbanded in 1861 with many members entering the Federal service. California State Militia and National Guard Unit Histories; Marion Rifles. This history was written in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in conjunction with the office of the Adjutant General and the California State Library
  65. ↑ On August 22, 1866 the unit changed its name from Mechanics Rifles to McKenzie Guard to honor Brigadier General McKenzie commanding the Second Brigade. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 594–595.
  66. ↑ "The Mission Guard was one of the many companies mustered into the State Service during the War of the Rebellion for home protection, and to aid in quelling the Secessionists who were particularly active in San Francisco and the adjoining counties." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 590.
  67. ↑ "The company selected the name Montgomery Guard in honor of General William Reading Montgomery." He had served in the Mexican War of 1848. He was also served in the Civil War, attaining the position of Brigadier General of the United States Volunteers on May 7, 1861. Outline History of Calif. National Guard Prepared in Office of the Adjutant General, Vol. 1, pp. 271–273.
  68. ↑ On December 7, 1865, the company unanimously resolved to change its name from the McClelland Guard to Excelsior Guard. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 431–432.
  69. ↑ This company was Company C up until 1861 and then becomes Company B, correspondence of both company designations exists.
  70. ↑ In 1864 the company was designated as Company H, Second Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 520.
  71. ↑ Tiralleurs is derived from the French word meaning "sharpshooter." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 575.
  72. ↑ A German unit.
  73. ↑ Initially this unit was attached to the 1st Regiment of Infantry, but Feb. 12, 1864 it was transferred to the 2nd Infantry Regiment, and again in August transferred to the 6th Infantry Regiment. During 1864, the name of the company was changed from the Sigel Rifles to the "Sigel Guard". Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 350–351.
  74. ↑ State Guard was reorganized April 21, 1866 as a unit in the National Guard.
  75. ↑ A German unit; it was named after Colonel F.G.E. Tittel of the 6th Infantry (German) Regiment who presided over its organization meeting. "There was general dissatisfaction among the officers commanding the 6th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, regarding the treatment their troops received after being mustered out. The officers contended the 2nd (Irish) Infantry Regiment received payment in full for all claims submitted while the German Regiment claims were refused. The commanding officers felt their disbandment had been ordered because their political views were not in sympathy with former Governor Low's administration..." Many companies in the German Regiment expressed resentment toward the state for favoritism toward's the Irish. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, pp.598–599.
  76. ↑ On Jan. 27, 1862 the company changed its name to the "Washington Light Infantry".
  77. ↑ "The membership of this company began decreasing during the first part of 1866, and unable to keep the membership of the unit up to the standard required by law, the Castoria Guard upon recommendation of Adjutant General George S. Evans, was on July 21, 1866, mustered out of service." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 618.
  78. ↑ "No records of this company appear on the files, but it is believed dissatisfaction together with the Secessionist element that was manifested in San Joaquin County during the Civil War, caused the Linden Light Dragoons to disband." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 540.
  79. ↑ "Apparently the arms were never received and although no date of muster out can be found, the company was disbanded the latter part of 1862." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 1, #84.
  80. ↑ Disbanded due to secessionist dissention, pro-Union members formed the Stockton Union Guard.
  81. ↑ Formed by pro-Union members formerly in the Stockton Blues.
  82. ↑ The Company disbanded as a result of the Civil War as many of its members joined the regular army. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, p. 194.
  83. ↑ National Light Artillery's first muster roll illustrates that a portion of the men were "Copperheads" (C.H.) while the majority were loyal to the union. Correspondence also states a difference in loyalties among the men. Additional information is contained in Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 541–542.
  84. ↑ "The town of New Almaden, was the location of the largest quicksilver mines in the world... It is assumed that it was to protect these mines from the Secessionists, during the Civil War, that the New Almaden Cavalry company was organized." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 567.
  85. ↑ On Sept., 1861 San Jose Volunteers became designated as California Volunteers, 1st Infantry, Co. D during Civil War. Mustered into service with the expressed purpose of aiding the Union Army. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 300.
  86. ↑ Formerly Santa Clara Light Infantry.
  87. ↑ "The members adapted the name of Trueman Head Rifles to show honor to one of California's most prominent frontiersmen, who was more generally known under the euphonious title of "California Joe". Trueman Head was appointed Chief of Scouts by General Custer for the U.S. Cavalry. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 511.
  88. ↑ "Through some quirk of fate these exceedingly patriotic men, who comprised the Gibsonville Blues, were thwarted in their desire to be included as a definite unit of the Volunteers, but there is no doubt that the majority of those men remaining after first contingent had left enlisted in companies that were recruited at a later date. As there are no further records to show that the company was maintained, it is assumed that the Gibsonville Blues were disbanded by mutual consent of the members." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 1, #81.
  89. ↑ "In June 1864 a petition from the company was presented to Major C.V. Hubbard who was in command of the Fourth Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade, asking that the company be attached to his command. This request was granted and the company became attached to the Fourth Infantry Battalion as Company E, on June 26."
  90. ↑ "There is but a `skeleton' file of the organization of the Union Guard of Eureka, Sierra County. On June eighth of the same year (1865) the Sierra Battalion was reorganized so as to increase the number of companies... This company was included in the list of companies to form the Battalion as the Union Guard of Eureka, but it was listed in the minutes of the meeting for the election as the Eureka Guard." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 623.
  91. ↑ "Late in the Fall of 1862, the Company changed its name to the Sarsfield Guard." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #153.
  92. ↑ "An interesting item appeared in the Sacramento Union referring to the McClellan Guard as a Copperhead Company. The officers of the McClellan Guard were found guilty of non compliance with Military Laws, and were mustered out of service October 4, 1864." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 476–478.
  93. ↑ "The Bloomfield Guard... was organized by the citizens and residents of Bloomfield for a two-fold purpose": to quell the Secessionists who were active during this time and to protect the citizenry from the conflict that existed between the Settlers and Land owners. Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 421–422.
  94. ↑ "Early in 1862, the name of the company was changed from Emmet Guard to Emmet Rifles, Company F by a majority vote of the company." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 373–377.
  95. ↑ "The Guard was a reorganization of the Petaluma Union Mounted Rifles, a cavalry unit formed August twentieth of that year (1864)." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, pp. 619–620. Petaluma City Guard is designated as Co. C, 1st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade according to Nov. 23, 1864 Muster Roll.
  96. ↑ California State Militia and National Guard Unit Histories; Petaluma Guard
  97. ↑ "A requisition for arms and accoutrements was sent to Governor John G. Downey but due to the Nation's participation in the War of the Rebellion at that time there was a shortage of arms, and the newly organized corps was unable to receive their quota....after three months Company A, was considered formally disbanded having never received either commissions or arms, although the commissions had been issued; but disbandment occurred before the officers received them. Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 287.
  98. ↑ Franklin Guard probably the reformed Stanislaus Guard disbanded the same year and in the same town as this unit was formed.
  99. ↑ "It is likely that the Stanislaus Guard disbanded the latter part of 1862, as there is no further information available concerning this unit." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 278.
  100. ↑ "This company true to their oath of allegiance to the State of California, often found themselves in the unique position of having to quell any riotous display by the Secessionists with whom they sympathized." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, p. 396. Prior to 1864 the Sigel Guard was designated 1st Infantry Battalion but later was 3rd Infantry Regiment.
  101. ↑ "On several of these (muster) rolls the corps is titled Douglas City Rifles, Company H, although no other record can be found to substantiate their claim of being an attached company; in fact, one Muster Roll designated them as Company A with the notation "unattached." When the company was organized in 1861, that section of the country was listed as the Sixth Division, Second Brigade, then in 1863 when the Brigades were rearranged into one Division and six Brigades, the Douglas City Rifles were assigned to the Fifth Brigade."
  102. ↑ According to the Muster Rolls, after March 28, 1864, the Washington Guard was designated as Co. G, Fourth Regiment Infantry, Fourth Brigade.
  103. ↑ According to the Muster Rolls, after Sept. 28, 1864 the Woodland Guard was designated Co. K, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade.
  104. ↑ "Although this company had a large membership and was well armed; due to the fatigue of the peculiar Zouave Drill, it was forced to disband the same year of its organization." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol.2, #125.
  105. ↑ This unit organized because "an Indian attack was feared by the community". Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 1, p. 277. Although the Downey Guard had a large membership at organization and was a well officered corps, the early disbandment of the unit after a little more than a year's existence., was caused by lack of interest on the part of members due to. Captain Kerrigan's resignation. Adjutant General Report 1861, page 127.
  106. ↑ Although the Marysville Rifles were credited with having a spirited and patriotic company, and the Adjutant General in the year of 1861, called them one of the banner companies of the State, having furnished ninety-two men, eight of which were commissioned officers for the service of the United States, the Marysville Rifles were mustered out July 10, 1866, under the existing military law. This law was the outcome of a recommendation by the Adjutant General concerning companies located in mining towns which owing to their transient population and the inability of said companies to keep up their organizations, were recommended to disband.
  107. ↑ "The rank and file composing this company were all of Spanish extraction." Outline History of Calif. National Guard, Vol. 2, #274.
  108. ↑ ["In the early part of 1864 the company was designated as Company A, Seventh Regiment of Infantry, Fourth Brigade." Outline History of the California National Guard, Vol. 2, #174.]
  109. ↑ Muster Rolls indicate company was designated as Co. C, 4th Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade in 1864 and Co. C, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade in 1865.

Sources

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