New Britain herald., 1915-01-07
NEW HAVEN COMPANIES
 DINE IN ELM CITY
Governors Foot Guard and CrayS
 Not at Inaugural Bal.


 years the Second company, Governors Foot Guard, of this city, with their companions in arms for the day, the New Haven Grays, did not remain in Hartford last night after partcipat- ing in the formal cerem monies of the inauguration of Governor Holcomb, but returned to this city on the 43O train to pass the evening in a de- lightfully informal way at the Hotel Garde, this city. Instead of attend ing the inauguration ball the innova- tion of a joint banquet back here ;n New Haven was tried and it proved delightful success. It proved splendid finish to the official day, and the members of the two commands left the Garde after the festivities of the evening, delighted with the novel plan for their entertainment that had been decided upon for this year.
 There was no official ceremony to the occasion, but everything went along in a pleasant informal way that was thoroughly enjoyed by about 25O members of the two organizations.
 The whole affair was very informal in it's character Most of the speak CTS were active or former mem bers of either one company, or the other. Major Joseph J. Wooster of the Foot Guard acted as toastmaster and mas ter of ceremonies.
 Speakers of Evening.
 The speakers were Congressman John c. Tilson, colonel of the Second regiment; Mayor Frank J. Rice, Gen eral E. E. Bradley, an enthusiastic old Gray and Foot Guard both; Col onel Charles F. McCabe, former head of the Second regiment; former Cap tain Frederick G. Crabb of the Grays; Captain Carl F. Bollmann of the Grays; Lieutenants Baker and Alden of the Grays: former Major George T. Hewlet of the Foot Guard; Hon, Norris $. Lippitt, former state bank commissioner, and Postmaster Philip Troup.
 But once or twice were serious topics touched upon during the speaking. Congressman Tilson and Major Hewlet both paid high compli- ments to Governor Holcomb Con- gressman Tilson spoke approvingly of the recommendations made by tho new governor in his inaugural ad- dress.
 Troup Has New Yarn.
 Major Hewlett and MT. Troup both told some new yarns. The latter sprung a story which made 8 hit ot a man who worked in Winchestcr's and one day got letter saying that he was fired The workman left, but five days later turned up at the shop and started to work. The fore man went around to him and asked him if he didn't get a, letter telling him he was fired The workman replied that he had got a letter and that he'd read it both inside and out. Inside, it said I was fired,' the workman said, but on the outside it said Return after five days to the Repeating Arms com 
 Captain Bollman of the Grays was in good voice and made one of those meat little speeches" for which he is famous.
 In connection with the ceremonies of yesterday the following sketch of the history of the Second company. Foot Guard, is of interest showing as 1t does the companys splendid record from it's organization back in 1774.
 Fine History of Company.
 No one can pretend to a knowledge of the history of the city of New Ha- ven or in fact of New England, with out being familiar with the interesting history of the Second company. Gov ernor's Foot Guard. The first meet ing for the organization of this com mand was held in this city on the evening of December 2S, 1774. A of citizens in nearly all the trades and professions of the time got together expressing a desire, by the record ito encourage the military art in the town of New Haven, and in order to have a we'll disciplined com pany in said town, have agreed with Burke to teach us the mili- 1 tary exercise. We also agree that we will endeavor to furnish ourselves with guns and bayonets, as near uni form as possible, and other accourte- ments as may be thought necessary"
 Arnold First Captain.
 A uniform was adopted and on March 16, 1775-Colonel Leverett Hubbard in the chair--the officers of the company elected were: Benedict 1 Arnold captain; Jesse Leavenworth, lieutenant and Hezekiah Sabin, Jr., ensign, with four sergeants and a clerk. On March ?. 1775, the com pany presented to the general as- | sembly a petition to be constituted a | distinct military company to be called | the Governors Second Company of | Guards and to be missioned as such. The assembly made the petition special business and passed it the 1 so me day The new company num- bered sixty-four rank and file, their duties being stated as Ito attend upon and guard the governor and general assembly, at all times as occasion shall require, equipped with proper arms and uniformly dressed, etc."
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