Stan --

This was the classic volunteer era. During the first few months of 1861, all kinds of things happened that later became inconceivable. Companies formed and then vanished in a matter of weeks, even days. That was because Governor Brown's disposition to retain troops for state defense didn't suit many hot-blooded volunteers literally dying to fight Yankees at Pensacola or in Virginia. These men simply opted to join some other company on its way out of state.

On the other hand, many companies organizing before Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops included large numbers of more mature men. Having families and/or business interests, most had no intention of going out of state for any length of time. These men were content to serve as State Guards.