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 When the period of strained relations with Great Britain arrived, however, and fresh war-talk began to be heard, the influence of public opinion was soon felt once more among the susceptible undergraduates. And now a really remarkable college company arose, fostered by both State and University authorities, and marking the beginning of what may be called the modern era of military affairs at Harvard. This was the famous Washington Corps. It seems to have owed its inception to Elbridge Gerry, then Governor of Massachusetts, who as a member of the class of 1762 had doubtless joined in the formation of the Marti-Mercurian Band and seen what collegians could do with military drill. In December of 1811 he arranged for a grant of arms from the State, and the company was soon in working order. There were at first about eighty members, only seniors and juniors over five feet five inches in height being eligible. Adam L. Bingaman, ’12, was the first captain, Jonathan M. Wainwright, ’12 (afterwards Bishop of New York), lieutenant, and George Thacher, ’12, ensign. The uniform was an ordinary black hat, blue coat, white waistcoat, white pantaloons, white gaiters, and white belt—a very dressy combination. The officers, all seniors, wore military chapeaux, sashes, and sabres.

In the autumn of 1812 the new company was presented, amidst enormous enthusiasm, with a white silk