types worn by Militia. The letters "s f" are inter- 

 preted as "State Fencibles," and the "Excelsior" 

 buttons on the ends of the crescent identify the 

 origin of the unit as New York State. Fencibles 

 were basically troop units organized for home de- 

 fense only. There was a volunteer Militia company 

 called the "State Fencibles" in New York City as 

 early as 1800. It apparently lost its identity as such 

 in 1847 or 1848 when the organization split, half 

 entering the 8th Regiment and half entering the 9th 

 Regiment of New York State Militia."^ 



Figure 276 



hb Pt-rsonal communication from Frederick P. Todd, July 6, 

 1960. Mr. Todd is the foremost authority on New York 

 Militia units. 



124 



U.S. Government Printing Office: 1963 



