California State Militia and National Guard Unit Histories
Los Angeles Greys
 
Organizational Data
 
Official or Other Names: Los Angeles Greys, First Brigade, First Division.
Location: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County:
 
Mustered In: 1860
 
Commanding Officers
H. N. Alexander, Captain; commissioned February 15, 1861
I. F. Bostwick, First Lieutenant; commissioned February 15, 1861
 

History

The Los Angeles Greys was organized on February 1, 1861, after having filed the usual petition with the County Judge and meeting all requirements. of the State Laws. H. N. Alexander was elected Captain and I. F. Bostwick, First Lieutenant.

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.[1]

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, all therefore, the Bondsmen desired to turn the company's arms and accoutrements back to the State.

The Los Angeles Greys were probably disbanded in 1862, as no further records could be found concerning the company subsequent to that date. [2]

Footnotes

1. Adjutant General Report, 1861, page 74.

2. Letter from Captain Alexander to Governor Downey, December 1, 1861, on file State Archives.

 

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
 
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Updated 8 February 2016