WASHINGTON GUARDS

WASHINGTON GUARDS. The Washington Guards were organized in May, 1859 and formally offered their services to the governor of Iowa on April 17, 1861. On April 19, 1861 an announcement in the Herald read:

               This company is filling up rapidly with recruits. Last night a meeting was held, at which quite a number 
               were enrolled.  The company meets tonight for drill and to receive recruits.  Parties who joined the
               company last evening are requested to meet for drill tonight.

On April 22, 1861 several members of the Guards appeared before the volunteer fund board. They stated that they were not prepared for immediate service unless they were assured that their families would be taken care of in their absence. The following guaranty was immediately given:

                We, the undersigned committee appointed by the Union meeting held on Saturday evening, 
                the 20th of April, 1861 for the purpose of providing funds for the support of the families of 
                such of our citizens as may volunteer in service of their country, hereby pledge ourselves to 
                see that the purpose for which we were appointed is fully carried out and that the families of 
                all such are fully supported during he absence of such volunteers.   (Signed by)
                                                                                  Henry L. STOUT
                                                                                  Julius K. GRAVES
                  M. Allison, G. F. Matthews, A.H. Mills, J. C. Chapline,  T. Faherty, W. W. Mills-secretary

In May, 1861 Colonel J. F. Bates was elected colonel of the First Iowa Regiment. The Washington Guars were accepted into service about May 21st.