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1849 being a year of little noteworthy news, the following
story appeared in the Tri-Weekly Intelligencer.
For some time past we were aware that a number
of young and enterprising citizens of Washington,
Georgetown and Alexandria as well as from the
surrounding
countryside,
contemplated
an
expedition for the purpose of trying their fortunes
in the gold regions of California.
...The organization of the corp now completed...it
will be perceived [it] is composed of a portion of
the talent, enterprise and respectability of the
cities the members hail from. It is truly a well-
chosen band, handsomely uniformed and well-
equipped for all the dangers they may have to
encounter.
The great principle, upon which they are bound, by
solemn obligation, to operate, is contained in one
of the articles of the constitution, to wit: "Labor
shall be the true and legitimate capital of the
association; but if, after arrival at California, it shall
be found advantageous to trade, a majority of the
association may so order it.
The uniform is a short gray frock coat, single
breasted, with gilt eagle buttons; pantaloons the