143
same color, with black stripe; glazed forage cap,
with the initials in front, W.C.C.M.A.
Each member will be armed with a rifle, pair of
pistols, bowie-knife, and belt hatchet with
accoutrements.
Monday, April 2, 1849
Across the nation the slavery question had magnified
almost beyond the ability of the great compromisers: Daniel
Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun. The clouds of war
were forming.
On that fateful Monday in Washington, D.C., the sun
shone brightly and the illustrious W.C.C.M.A. took leave of
that city with all the pomp and circumstance the political
capital of the country could muster. A noisy crowd of well-
wishers and a marching brass band highlighted the
excitement of the day.
The following account of the leave-taking is from the
Gold Rush Journal of J. G. Bruff, resident of the W.C.C.M.A.
The 2nd day of April, 1849 was one of the most
eventful...than any other circumstance in the City's
history since its occupancy by the British troop in
1814... At 9 a.m. sharp my company was paraded,
armed and equipped on the pavement of Lafayette
Square, opposite the White House. ...Captain Tait