1st Louisiana Native Guards
In the summer of 1862, the first attempts in Louisiana to arm and equip men of African ancestry into the Union Army were made by Brig. Gen. John W. Phelps, a Vermont abolitionist with Gen Butler in New Orleans, Louisiana. Phelps desired to arm, uniform, and equip the contrabands utilized by him for engineer duties to defend the position at Camp Parapet near Carrollton, just a few miles upriver from New Orleans. On July 30, 1862, Phelps asked Butler for "arms, accoutrements, clothing, camp and garrison equipage, & etc for three regiments of Africans, which I propose to raise for the defense of this point." Butler, who had been using contraband to repair levees, widen drainage ditches, and strengthen fortifications, would deny the request and instruct Phelps to use them to "cut down all the trees between Camp Parapet and Lake Pontchartrain." Phelps resigned over the issue stating, "...while I am willing to prepare African regiments for the defense of the government," he continued, that he "was not willing to become a mere slave driver which you propose."
On August 5, 1862, Confederates attacked Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although repulsed, General Butler feared rumors that they were headed toward New Orleans and evacuated Baton Rouge and called for reinforcements to be sent to New Orleans. Rather than Washington sending him reinforcements, Stanton advised Butler to recruit new troops from the Unionist population in Louisiana, mainly the Irish and German immigrants in New Orleans. However, due to the disruption of slavery in the region, there was a labor shortage which lured the immigrants to the higher wages in the labor market.
On August 14, 1862, just a dozen days after rebuffing Brig. Gen. Phelps request to form colored regiments, General Butler made a momentous decision; fearing an imminent attack on New Orleans, he told the Secretary of War, "I shall call on Africa to intervene." "I have determined to use the services of free colored men who were organized by the rebels into the Colored Brigade, of which we have heard so much." Butler recalled, "I then found that one of the Captains was a translator in the Provost Court of German, Spanish and French, Mr. Sauvenet. I sent for him and asked him (he was a colored man, hardly a mulatto), "You were a captain in the colored regiment?" "Yes, sir." "Why didn't you go away with the rest of the Confederate forces, when they ran away?" "We didn't chose to go. The whole regiment stayed." "But, how came you, free colored men, fighting for the Confederacy -fighting for slavery?" Ahh! We could not help it... We have property and rights here, and there is every reason why we should take care of ourselves." "Didn't you do it out of loyalty to the Confederate Government?" "Not at all, there are not five men of the regiment fighting on the side of the Confederacy." "Are you willing to enlist on our side?" "Yes!" "Will you get the captains and other officers to come here, and see if you can find your men?" "Yes, sir!" The men had previously drilled without muskets, as the Confederates would not let them have arms. Sauvenet brought about fifteen captains and lieutenants and they were all very glad to take service with the Union Army.
Butler's General Orders No. 63 of August 22, 1862.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, NEW-ORLEANS, Aug. 22, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 63. -- Whereas, on the 23d day of April, in the year 1861, at a public meeting of the free colored population of the City of New-Orleans, a military organization, known as the "Native Guards" (colored,) had its existence, which military organization was duly and legally enrolled as a part of the militia of the State, its officers being commissioned by THOMAS O. MOORE, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the militia of the State of Louisiana, in the form following, that is to say:
THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, [Seal of the State.]
By THOMAS OVERTON MOORE, Governor of the State of Louisiana, and Commander-in-Chief of the Militia thereof.
. . . . .
Now, therefore, the Commanding General, believing that a large portion of this militia force of the State of Louisiana are willing to take service in the volunteer forces of the United States, and be enrolled and organized to "defend their homes from ruthless invaders;" to protect their wives and children and kindred from wrongs and outrage; to shield their property from being seized by bad men; and to defend the flag of their native country, as their fathers did under JACKSON at Chalmette, against PACKENHAM and his myrmidons, carrying the black flag of "beauty and booty."
Appreciating their motives, relying upon their "well-known loyalty and patriotism," and with "praise and respect" for these brave men, it is ordered that all the members of the "Native Guards" aforesaid, and all other free colored citizens recognized by the first end late Governor and authorities of the State of Louisiana as a portion of the militia of the State, who shall enlist in the volunteer service of the United States, shall be duly organized by the appointment of proper officers, and accepted, paid, equipped, armed and rationed as are other volunteer troops of the United States, subject to the approval of the President of the United States. All such persons are required at once to report themselves at the Touro Charity Building, Front Levee-street, New-Orleans, where proper officers will muster them into the service of the United States. By command of
MAJ.-GEN. BUTLER.
R.S. DAVIS, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.
September 27th, 1862, the First Louisiana Native Guards (73rd USCT) were officially mustered into service. They would be quartered in the Touro Building at the corner of Front and Levee streets. Although Gen Butler did not have official authorization from Washington to organize the regiment, his request to do so, unanswered, and therefore not denied, he therefore took it" to be approved."
According to an article in the New York Times (Feb. 7, 1863), "Immediately after the issue of this order, Col. STAFFORD, having accepted the command, commenced recruiting. By the direction of Gen. BUTLER, he sought a suitable place as a depot for the men, and finding the great TOURO Almshouse -- provided for by the will of JUDAH TOURO -- in an unfinished state, on account of the rebellion, he fitted it up and occupied it as a barracks for his men. The work of recruiting commenced on the 30th of August. On the 27th of September, 1,800 men of color had been enrolled and ten companies, comprising 1,000 men, were on that day regularly mustered into service by Maj. G.R. GIDDINGS, Fourteenth United States Infantry, Mustering and Disbursing officer, who had been sent on by the War Department to muster into the service such men as were raised by Gen. BUTLER in Louisiana."
On August 5, 1862, Confederates attacked Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although repulsed, General Butler feared rumors that they were headed toward New Orleans and evacuated Baton Rouge and called for reinforcements to be sent to New Orleans. Rather than Washington sending him reinforcements, Stanton advised Butler to recruit new troops from the Unionist population in Louisiana, mainly the Irish and German immigrants in New Orleans. However, due to the disruption of slavery in the region, there was a labor shortage which lured the immigrants to the higher wages in the labor market.
On August 14, 1862, just a dozen days after rebuffing Brig. Gen. Phelps request to form colored regiments, General Butler made a momentous decision; fearing an imminent attack on New Orleans, he told the Secretary of War, "I shall call on Africa to intervene." "I have determined to use the services of free colored men who were organized by the rebels into the Colored Brigade, of which we have heard so much." Butler recalled, "I then found that one of the Captains was a translator in the Provost Court of German, Spanish and French, Mr. Sauvenet. I sent for him and asked him (he was a colored man, hardly a mulatto), "You were a captain in the colored regiment?" "Yes, sir." "Why didn't you go away with the rest of the Confederate forces, when they ran away?" "We didn't chose to go. The whole regiment stayed." "But, how came you, free colored men, fighting for the Confederacy -fighting for slavery?" Ahh! We could not help it... We have property and rights here, and there is every reason why we should take care of ourselves." "Didn't you do it out of loyalty to the Confederate Government?" "Not at all, there are not five men of the regiment fighting on the side of the Confederacy." "Are you willing to enlist on our side?" "Yes!" "Will you get the captains and other officers to come here, and see if you can find your men?" "Yes, sir!" The men had previously drilled without muskets, as the Confederates would not let them have arms. Sauvenet brought about fifteen captains and lieutenants and they were all very glad to take service with the Union Army.
Butler's General Orders No. 63 of August 22, 1862.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, NEW-ORLEANS, Aug. 22, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 63. -- Whereas, on the 23d day of April, in the year 1861, at a public meeting of the free colored population of the City of New-Orleans, a military organization, known as the "Native Guards" (colored,) had its existence, which military organization was duly and legally enrolled as a part of the militia of the State, its officers being commissioned by THOMAS O. MOORE, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the militia of the State of Louisiana, in the form following, that is to say:
THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, [Seal of the State.]
By THOMAS OVERTON MOORE, Governor of the State of Louisiana, and Commander-in-Chief of the Militia thereof.
. . . . .
Now, therefore, the Commanding General, believing that a large portion of this militia force of the State of Louisiana are willing to take service in the volunteer forces of the United States, and be enrolled and organized to "defend their homes from ruthless invaders;" to protect their wives and children and kindred from wrongs and outrage; to shield their property from being seized by bad men; and to defend the flag of their native country, as their fathers did under JACKSON at Chalmette, against PACKENHAM and his myrmidons, carrying the black flag of "beauty and booty."
Appreciating their motives, relying upon their "well-known loyalty and patriotism," and with "praise and respect" for these brave men, it is ordered that all the members of the "Native Guards" aforesaid, and all other free colored citizens recognized by the first end late Governor and authorities of the State of Louisiana as a portion of the militia of the State, who shall enlist in the volunteer service of the United States, shall be duly organized by the appointment of proper officers, and accepted, paid, equipped, armed and rationed as are other volunteer troops of the United States, subject to the approval of the President of the United States. All such persons are required at once to report themselves at the Touro Charity Building, Front Levee-street, New-Orleans, where proper officers will muster them into the service of the United States. By command of
MAJ.-GEN. BUTLER.
R.S. DAVIS, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.
September 27th, 1862, the First Louisiana Native Guards (73rd USCT) were officially mustered into service. They would be quartered in the Touro Building at the corner of Front and Levee streets. Although Gen Butler did not have official authorization from Washington to organize the regiment, his request to do so, unanswered, and therefore not denied, he therefore took it" to be approved."
According to an article in the New York Times (Feb. 7, 1863), "Immediately after the issue of this order, Col. STAFFORD, having accepted the command, commenced recruiting. By the direction of Gen. BUTLER, he sought a suitable place as a depot for the men, and finding the great TOURO Almshouse -- provided for by the will of JUDAH TOURO -- in an unfinished state, on account of the rebellion, he fitted it up and occupied it as a barracks for his men. The work of recruiting commenced on the 30th of August. On the 27th of September, 1,800 men of color had been enrolled and ten companies, comprising 1,000 men, were on that day regularly mustered into service by Maj. G.R. GIDDINGS, Fourteenth United States Infantry, Mustering and Disbursing officer, who had been sent on by the War Department to muster into the service such men as were raised by Gen. BUTLER in Louisiana."
2nd and 3rd Louisiana Native Guards
The number of men of African ancestry wishing to join the Union Army in New Orleans in 1862 was so great, that additional regiments were formed by General Butler after the muster of the 1st Louisiana Native Guard, two additional infantry regiments were authorized. The 2nd Louisiana Native Guard was mustered into service October 12, 1862. The 3rd Louisiana Native Guard was mustered into service November 24, 1862. These two regiments were made up almost entirely of enlisted men who had once been enslaved only months before. A recruiting article or advertisement in the October 24, 1862 issue of L'Union newspaper in New Orleans. "Ralliez vous sous le Drapeau de l'Union" with a bounty (which can be seen on the Pay, Bounties, Draft, etc. page on this site) offered and a "special appeal to men who can speak both English and French." In addition, Hollandsworth writes in his book The Louisiana Native Guard that at least two men in the 2nd LNG were born in Africa and that they told stories to the men about African customs, tribes and kings. Having grown into 3 regiments, General Butler moved the men to Camp Strong which was located outside New Orleans at the location of the Louisiana Race Track.
Letter from a Colored Soldier" (1st Louisiana Native Guard [73rd USCT]) Published in the Daily Delta newspaper, New Orleans, November 4, 1862:
“We arrived at this place (Lafourche Landing) on the 1st instant [i.e., 1 November 1862] eight hundred to eight hundred and forty-five strong, only about thirty men having fallen out, and these from sickness. We have not, as yet, had the pleasure of exchanging shots with the enemy. But we are still anxious, as we have ever been, to show to the world that the latent courage of the African is aroused, and that, while fighting under the American flag, we can and will be a wall of fire and death to the enemies of this country, our birth place. When we enlisted we were hooted at in the streets of New Orleans as a rabble of armed plebeians and cowards. I am proud to say that if any cowardice has been exhibited since we left Camp Strong, at the Louisiana Race Course, it has been exhibited by the rebels. They have retreated from Boutee Station beyond Terrebonne Station, on the line we have marched, burning bridges, and destroying culverts, which, no sooner than coming to the knowledge of Colonel Thomas, of the 8th Vermont regiment, have been repaired as quickly as they were destroyed.
“I am not of a disposition to claim for our regiment more than its share of praise, but I venture the assertion that there is not a regiment in the service more willing to share the hardships of marching and bivouacking, and more desirous of meeting the enemy than this regiment, led by Colonel S. H. Stafford and Major C. F. Bassett.”
Some of the men in the regiment were as young as 16, the oldest 53, with half under 30 years of age. One-third were of pure African blood while the majority were of mixed ancestry (classified at the time as "mulattoes") noted as yellow, fair and bright in muster roll books. Nearly 2/3rds worked in the skilled trades before enlisting, the remainder were listed as laborers. The majority of the men were born in Louisiana.
Colonel Spencer H. Stafford took overall command of the three Native Guard regiments at Camp Strong. Major Chauncey Bassett, a former 6th Michigan abolitionist, was placed in command of the 1st Louisiana Native Guard. Nathan Daniels, of New Orleans, took command of the 2nd LNG, and John A. Nelson, formerly a captain in the 30th Mass. Infantry, took command of the 3rd LNG. All of the foot officers (captains and lieutenants) of the 1st and 2nd LNG were black and what appears to be of mixed ancestry as the New York Times stated in November, 1862, that several of the black officers were "to all superficial appearance, white men." Captain Francis E. Dumas, 1st LNG, later major in the 2nd LNG, was the son of a white Creole father and a mulatto mother who had been educated in Paris, France. Others, like free men of color such as the captain of company E, Andre Cailloux "the blackest man in New Orleans" and Lieutenant John H. Crowder who lied about his age when he enlisted and became the youngest black officer in the army. The commissioned officers of the 3rd LNG were both white and black. Captain Henry Louis Rey of the of the 1st LNG wrote in L'Union newspaper October 16, 1862, "In parade [at Camp Strong] you can see a thousand white bayonets gleaming in the sun, held by black, yellow, and white hands. Be informed that we have no prejudice; that we receive everyone into camp."
Outside of camp, prejudice did exist, and the men's families in New Orleans were harassed. When on the streets of New Orleans the men were taunted and jeered with racial slurs. Transportation was segregated in the city and issues arose when officers and enlisted men were treated with indignity while wearing the uniform of a soldier.
Letter from a Colored Soldier" (1st Louisiana Native Guard [73rd USCT]) Published in the Daily Delta newspaper, New Orleans, November 4, 1862:
“We arrived at this place (Lafourche Landing) on the 1st instant [i.e., 1 November 1862] eight hundred to eight hundred and forty-five strong, only about thirty men having fallen out, and these from sickness. We have not, as yet, had the pleasure of exchanging shots with the enemy. But we are still anxious, as we have ever been, to show to the world that the latent courage of the African is aroused, and that, while fighting under the American flag, we can and will be a wall of fire and death to the enemies of this country, our birth place. When we enlisted we were hooted at in the streets of New Orleans as a rabble of armed plebeians and cowards. I am proud to say that if any cowardice has been exhibited since we left Camp Strong, at the Louisiana Race Course, it has been exhibited by the rebels. They have retreated from Boutee Station beyond Terrebonne Station, on the line we have marched, burning bridges, and destroying culverts, which, no sooner than coming to the knowledge of Colonel Thomas, of the 8th Vermont regiment, have been repaired as quickly as they were destroyed.
“I am not of a disposition to claim for our regiment more than its share of praise, but I venture the assertion that there is not a regiment in the service more willing to share the hardships of marching and bivouacking, and more desirous of meeting the enemy than this regiment, led by Colonel S. H. Stafford and Major C. F. Bassett.”
Some of the men in the regiment were as young as 16, the oldest 53, with half under 30 years of age. One-third were of pure African blood while the majority were of mixed ancestry (classified at the time as "mulattoes") noted as yellow, fair and bright in muster roll books. Nearly 2/3rds worked in the skilled trades before enlisting, the remainder were listed as laborers. The majority of the men were born in Louisiana.
Colonel Spencer H. Stafford took overall command of the three Native Guard regiments at Camp Strong. Major Chauncey Bassett, a former 6th Michigan abolitionist, was placed in command of the 1st Louisiana Native Guard. Nathan Daniels, of New Orleans, took command of the 2nd LNG, and John A. Nelson, formerly a captain in the 30th Mass. Infantry, took command of the 3rd LNG. All of the foot officers (captains and lieutenants) of the 1st and 2nd LNG were black and what appears to be of mixed ancestry as the New York Times stated in November, 1862, that several of the black officers were "to all superficial appearance, white men." Captain Francis E. Dumas, 1st LNG, later major in the 2nd LNG, was the son of a white Creole father and a mulatto mother who had been educated in Paris, France. Others, like free men of color such as the captain of company E, Andre Cailloux "the blackest man in New Orleans" and Lieutenant John H. Crowder who lied about his age when he enlisted and became the youngest black officer in the army. The commissioned officers of the 3rd LNG were both white and black. Captain Henry Louis Rey of the of the 1st LNG wrote in L'Union newspaper October 16, 1862, "In parade [at Camp Strong] you can see a thousand white bayonets gleaming in the sun, held by black, yellow, and white hands. Be informed that we have no prejudice; that we receive everyone into camp."
Outside of camp, prejudice did exist, and the men's families in New Orleans were harassed. When on the streets of New Orleans the men were taunted and jeered with racial slurs. Transportation was segregated in the city and issues arose when officers and enlisted men were treated with indignity while wearing the uniform of a soldier.
Confederate Reactions
With the United States now enlisting colored men into the army, the Confederate government reacted harshly. CSA President Davis issued orders specifically targeted towards U.S. General Butler, the officers of colored troops and enlisted men of color.
Confederate President's General Order No. 111...
Now therefore, I Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, and in their name do pronounce and declare the said Benjamin F. Butler to be a felon deserving of capital punishment. I do order that he be no longer considered or treated simply as a public enemy of the Confederate States of America but as an outlaw and common enemy of mankind, and that in the event of his capture the officer in command of the capturing force do cause him to be immediately executed by hanging; and I do further order that no commissioned officer of the United States taken captive shall be released on parole before exchange until the said Butler shall have met with due punishment for his crimes.
And whereas the hostilities waged against this Confederacy by the forces of the United States under the command of said Benjamin F. Butler have borne no resemblance to such warfare as is alone permissible by the rules of international law or the usages of civilization but have been characterized by repeated atrocities and outrages, among the large number of which the following may be cited as examples:
...
and by virtue of my authority as Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States do order–
1. That all commissioned officers in the command of said Benjamin F. Butler be declared not entitled to be considered as soldiers engaged in honorable warfare but as robbers and criminals deserving death, and that they and each of them be whenever captured reserved for execution.
2. That the private soldiers and non-commissioned officers in the army of said Butler be considered as only the instruments used for the commission of the crimes perpetrated by his orders and not as free agents; that they therefore be treated when capture as prisoners of war with kindness and humanity and be sent home on the usual parole that they will in no manner aid or serve the United States in any capacity during the continuance of this war unless duly exchanged.
3. That all negro slaves captured in arms be at once delivered over to the executive authorities of the respective States to which they belong to be dealt with according to the laws of said States.
4. That the like orders be executed in all cases with respect to all commissioned officers of the United States when found serving in company with armed slaves in insurrection against the authorities of the different States of this Confederacy.
In testimony whereof I have signed these presents and caused the seal of the Confederate States of America to be affixed thereto at the city of Richmond on this 23d day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.
JEFF'N DAVIS.
....
In addition to the Militia Act of 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln announced the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy. Taking effect January 1, 1863, the proclamation triggered a rapid and enthusiastic expansion of colored regiments mustered into the United States armed forces. Lessons learned from the initial recruitments of late 1862, the War Department's need for the military and political success of colored regiments, to minimize the effects of racism and bigotry within white regiments, and to ensure that the leadership of officers was of a high character, the Bureau of Colored Troops was created. [To learn more, see the page titled Pay, Bounties, Draft, etc.] The Confederate government's response to the increasing enlistment of U.S. Colored Troops by the United States was the Retaliatory Act of May 1, 1863.
....
The Retaliatory Act, Confederate Congress, May 1, 1863 in which the Confederate government ordered the execution of officers in command of USCT to be executed for leading an insurrection of slaves and for those soldiers in the USCT to be executed.
"Every person, being a commissioned officer, or acting as such in the service of the enemy, who shall, during the present war, excite, attempt to excite or cause to be excited servile insurrection, or who shall incite or cause to be incited a slave to rebel, shall, if captured, be put to death"
"Every person, being a commissioned officer, or acting as such in the service of the enemy, who shall, during the present war, excite, attempt to excite or cause to be excited servile insurrection, or who shall incite or cause to be incited a slave to rebel, shall, if captured, be put to death, or be otherwise punished at the discretion of the court."
"All negroes and mulattoes who shall be engaged in war or taken in arms against the confederate States, or shall give aid or comfort to the enemies of the Confederate States, shall, when captured in the Confederate States, be delivered to the authorities of the State or States in which they shall be captured, to be dealt with according to the present or future laws of such State or States."
Confederate President's General Order No. 111...
Now therefore, I Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, and in their name do pronounce and declare the said Benjamin F. Butler to be a felon deserving of capital punishment. I do order that he be no longer considered or treated simply as a public enemy of the Confederate States of America but as an outlaw and common enemy of mankind, and that in the event of his capture the officer in command of the capturing force do cause him to be immediately executed by hanging; and I do further order that no commissioned officer of the United States taken captive shall be released on parole before exchange until the said Butler shall have met with due punishment for his crimes.
And whereas the hostilities waged against this Confederacy by the forces of the United States under the command of said Benjamin F. Butler have borne no resemblance to such warfare as is alone permissible by the rules of international law or the usages of civilization but have been characterized by repeated atrocities and outrages, among the large number of which the following may be cited as examples:
...
and by virtue of my authority as Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States do order–
1. That all commissioned officers in the command of said Benjamin F. Butler be declared not entitled to be considered as soldiers engaged in honorable warfare but as robbers and criminals deserving death, and that they and each of them be whenever captured reserved for execution.
2. That the private soldiers and non-commissioned officers in the army of said Butler be considered as only the instruments used for the commission of the crimes perpetrated by his orders and not as free agents; that they therefore be treated when capture as prisoners of war with kindness and humanity and be sent home on the usual parole that they will in no manner aid or serve the United States in any capacity during the continuance of this war unless duly exchanged.
3. That all negro slaves captured in arms be at once delivered over to the executive authorities of the respective States to which they belong to be dealt with according to the laws of said States.
4. That the like orders be executed in all cases with respect to all commissioned officers of the United States when found serving in company with armed slaves in insurrection against the authorities of the different States of this Confederacy.
In testimony whereof I have signed these presents and caused the seal of the Confederate States of America to be affixed thereto at the city of Richmond on this 23d day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.
JEFF'N DAVIS.
....
In addition to the Militia Act of 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln announced the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy. Taking effect January 1, 1863, the proclamation triggered a rapid and enthusiastic expansion of colored regiments mustered into the United States armed forces. Lessons learned from the initial recruitments of late 1862, the War Department's need for the military and political success of colored regiments, to minimize the effects of racism and bigotry within white regiments, and to ensure that the leadership of officers was of a high character, the Bureau of Colored Troops was created. [To learn more, see the page titled Pay, Bounties, Draft, etc.] The Confederate government's response to the increasing enlistment of U.S. Colored Troops by the United States was the Retaliatory Act of May 1, 1863.
....
The Retaliatory Act, Confederate Congress, May 1, 1863 in which the Confederate government ordered the execution of officers in command of USCT to be executed for leading an insurrection of slaves and for those soldiers in the USCT to be executed.
"Every person, being a commissioned officer, or acting as such in the service of the enemy, who shall, during the present war, excite, attempt to excite or cause to be excited servile insurrection, or who shall incite or cause to be incited a slave to rebel, shall, if captured, be put to death"
"Every person, being a commissioned officer, or acting as such in the service of the enemy, who shall, during the present war, excite, attempt to excite or cause to be excited servile insurrection, or who shall incite or cause to be incited a slave to rebel, shall, if captured, be put to death, or be otherwise punished at the discretion of the court."
"All negroes and mulattoes who shall be engaged in war or taken in arms against the confederate States, or shall give aid or comfort to the enemies of the Confederate States, shall, when captured in the Confederate States, be delivered to the authorities of the State or States in which they shall be captured, to be dealt with according to the present or future laws of such State or States."
Early Operations
1st LNG part was part of Brig. Gen. Weitzel’s offensive into the Bayou La Fourche region in southern Louisiana. During the autumn of 1862 escaped slaves flooded into the US Army as refugees. This created supply issues as soon the refugees outnumbered the soldiers. Weitzel complained to Gen. Butler that citizens were fearful because the “sight of armed negroes in uniform spurred servile insurrection in an area where the whites were outnumbered 10 to 1.” Inhabitants were terror stricken at the sight of black men in uniform carrying arms.
In late October, 1862, the 1st Regiment Louisiana Native Guards, 8th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and 2 guns from the 4th Massachusetts Artillery marched overland to Brashear City along the route of the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad. They were to be joined by additional Union troops who were marching down from Donaldsonville. Captain James H. Ingraham wrote, “While fighting under the American flag, we can and will be a wall of fire and death to the enemies of this country, our birthplace.” (2) Progress was slow as tall grass had grown thick between the rails that prevented the locomotives to move forward. The soldiers were then ordered to get on their knees and pull the grass up with their bare hands. Culverts were also in need of repair and many of the rails needed to be re-spiked. Obstructions needed to be removed. Axes were put to use felling trees for sleepers (cross ties) which also needed replacement as they had been destroyed by the Confederates.
It took two days before the men were able to reach Boutte Station. With continued railroad maintenance as part of the march, it was not until the afternoon of October 28th when the men reached the curve approaching Des Allemands Station, which was reported to be held by Confederates. A platform car was placed in front of the locomotive and the two artillery pieces were placed upon it. Moving forward, the 8th Vermont formed into line of battle on the right, north of the roadbed, and the 1st Louisiana Native Guard on the left, skirmishers in front. As they advanced, they soon discovered that the station had been abandoned and burned. The bridge across the bayou had also been burned by the retreating Confederates. The next two days were spent rebuilding the 435 foot bridge before reaching La Fourche crossing. From there, the men repaired the torn up railroad and a second bridge, 675 feet long, as it marched to Brashear City. For the remainder of 1862, the 1st Regiment guarded the railroad.
The headquarters of 1st LNG was established at La Fourche Crossing. The 2nd LNG guarded the railroad closer to New Orleans with its headquarters at Boutte Station. The 3rd LNG was sent to plantation fields to pick sugar cane. During this time General Butler was replaced by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks and was immediately met with demands from Brig. Gen. Weitzel and white Louisianans to withdraw the black troops from the region because they feared the moral effect in the community and that their presence would incite insurrection.
Banks responded by reassigning the 2nd LNG to Ship Island to guard prisoners. The 1st LNG was sent to Algiers, across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. From Algiers, the soldiers of the 1st LNG were assigned to man Fort St. Leon and Fort McComb. The 3rd LNG, after harvesting the sugar cane, was transported up the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge. A correspondent for the New York Tribune, February 1, 1863, wrote, “The more I see colored regiments…, the more convinced I am that upon them we must ultimately rely as the principle source of our strength in these latitudes. …The Third Louisiana Native Guards, Colonel Nelson, are encamped here, and a more orderly, disciplined, robust, and effective set of men I defy anyone to produce.” Others did not share the correspondent’s opinions but were prejudiced against them. Some regiments refused to be in contact with them fearing their “manliness to be lowered by contact with an inferior race.” The post commander, Brigadier General Cuvier Grover refused to recognize them as part of the Union army and did not permit them to draw any clothing, blankets, or pay.
As racial tensions rose at Baton Rouge, and conflicts between white soldiers and the colored officers of the 3rd LNG increased, Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks ordered the officers to New Orleans and asked for their resignation citing that the government’s policy was not to commission blacks as officers in the army. All sixteen of the colored men turned in their resignations. “We did not expect, or demand to be put on a Perfect equality in a social point of view with whites. But we did most certainly expect the Privileges, and respect due to a soldier who had offered his services and his life to his government, ever ready and willing to share the common dangers of the Battle field. This we have not received, on the contrary, we have met with scorn and contempt, from both military and civilians. If we are forced to ask for information from the generality of white officers, we invariably receive abrupt, and ungentlemanly answers, when in many instances it is their legitimate business to give the information required. To be spoken to, by a colored officer, to most of them, seems an insult. Even our own regimental commander has abused us, under the cover of his authority, presuming upon our limited knowledge of military discipline. All combine to make our Position insufferable.”
The 1st LNG arrived in Baton Rouge to join the 3rd LNG on March 19, 1863. The men of the LNG were noted for their fine practice of drill and sharpness in military maneuvers. They were, however, provided with obsolete muskets, poor quality accoutrements, and uniforms discarded from white regiments. The men had also not been paid nor had they received their promised recruitment bounty.
Men of the 2nd LNG had their first taste of action, one of the first involving black Union troops in the Civil War, when on April 8, 1863, a detachment of 180 of the men were sent via transport to East Pascagoula, Mississippi. Captain Sauvenet and twenty men secured the wharf and raised the American flag on the roof of the hotel. Confederates engaged the men for several hours while the Native Guards held their ground. The men were recalled to the transports when additional Confederates arrived. 6 were killed and thirteen wounded. As General Banks moved his forces up the Bayou Teche and through Alexandria, Louisiana in the spring of 1863 as part of his strategy to take Port Hudson, he left the 1st and 3rd LNG at Baton Rouge.
In February 1863, the 4th Louisiana Native Guard was mustered into service at New Orleans and placed on garrison duty at surrounding forts. It was then sent to Baton Rouge to accompany the first and third regiments. In April, the 1st Louisiana Engineers was mustered into service at Carrollton, Louisiana whose enlisted men were also formerly enslaved men.
On May 13, 1863 a heated exchange of insults in an argument over wood between Col. Stafford of the 1st LNG and Captain Garland of the 21st Maine Infantry resulted in General Banks placing Col. Stafford under arrest. Col. Stafford wrote a letter protesting that the captain had insulted him by calling him a “black son of a bitch” but he was subsequently charged with “conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline,” and was dismissed from service.
Just a few days later, the 1st LNG received orders to join General Banks’ army already at Port Hudson. Arriving on May 23, the regiment was now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bassett. The 3rd was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Fennegass who replaced Colonel John A. Nelson, now in command of the Native Guard regiments. The 1st Louisiana Engineers arrived in Baton Rouge on the 21st of May and then Port Hudson on the 24th along with the 4th Louisiana Native Guard the same day.
Sources:
(1) Hollandsworth, "The Louisiana Native Guards" (1998)
(2) https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=86323
In late October, 1862, the 1st Regiment Louisiana Native Guards, 8th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and 2 guns from the 4th Massachusetts Artillery marched overland to Brashear City along the route of the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad. They were to be joined by additional Union troops who were marching down from Donaldsonville. Captain James H. Ingraham wrote, “While fighting under the American flag, we can and will be a wall of fire and death to the enemies of this country, our birthplace.” (2) Progress was slow as tall grass had grown thick between the rails that prevented the locomotives to move forward. The soldiers were then ordered to get on their knees and pull the grass up with their bare hands. Culverts were also in need of repair and many of the rails needed to be re-spiked. Obstructions needed to be removed. Axes were put to use felling trees for sleepers (cross ties) which also needed replacement as they had been destroyed by the Confederates.
It took two days before the men were able to reach Boutte Station. With continued railroad maintenance as part of the march, it was not until the afternoon of October 28th when the men reached the curve approaching Des Allemands Station, which was reported to be held by Confederates. A platform car was placed in front of the locomotive and the two artillery pieces were placed upon it. Moving forward, the 8th Vermont formed into line of battle on the right, north of the roadbed, and the 1st Louisiana Native Guard on the left, skirmishers in front. As they advanced, they soon discovered that the station had been abandoned and burned. The bridge across the bayou had also been burned by the retreating Confederates. The next two days were spent rebuilding the 435 foot bridge before reaching La Fourche crossing. From there, the men repaired the torn up railroad and a second bridge, 675 feet long, as it marched to Brashear City. For the remainder of 1862, the 1st Regiment guarded the railroad.
The headquarters of 1st LNG was established at La Fourche Crossing. The 2nd LNG guarded the railroad closer to New Orleans with its headquarters at Boutte Station. The 3rd LNG was sent to plantation fields to pick sugar cane. During this time General Butler was replaced by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks and was immediately met with demands from Brig. Gen. Weitzel and white Louisianans to withdraw the black troops from the region because they feared the moral effect in the community and that their presence would incite insurrection.
Banks responded by reassigning the 2nd LNG to Ship Island to guard prisoners. The 1st LNG was sent to Algiers, across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. From Algiers, the soldiers of the 1st LNG were assigned to man Fort St. Leon and Fort McComb. The 3rd LNG, after harvesting the sugar cane, was transported up the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge. A correspondent for the New York Tribune, February 1, 1863, wrote, “The more I see colored regiments…, the more convinced I am that upon them we must ultimately rely as the principle source of our strength in these latitudes. …The Third Louisiana Native Guards, Colonel Nelson, are encamped here, and a more orderly, disciplined, robust, and effective set of men I defy anyone to produce.” Others did not share the correspondent’s opinions but were prejudiced against them. Some regiments refused to be in contact with them fearing their “manliness to be lowered by contact with an inferior race.” The post commander, Brigadier General Cuvier Grover refused to recognize them as part of the Union army and did not permit them to draw any clothing, blankets, or pay.
As racial tensions rose at Baton Rouge, and conflicts between white soldiers and the colored officers of the 3rd LNG increased, Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks ordered the officers to New Orleans and asked for their resignation citing that the government’s policy was not to commission blacks as officers in the army. All sixteen of the colored men turned in their resignations. “We did not expect, or demand to be put on a Perfect equality in a social point of view with whites. But we did most certainly expect the Privileges, and respect due to a soldier who had offered his services and his life to his government, ever ready and willing to share the common dangers of the Battle field. This we have not received, on the contrary, we have met with scorn and contempt, from both military and civilians. If we are forced to ask for information from the generality of white officers, we invariably receive abrupt, and ungentlemanly answers, when in many instances it is their legitimate business to give the information required. To be spoken to, by a colored officer, to most of them, seems an insult. Even our own regimental commander has abused us, under the cover of his authority, presuming upon our limited knowledge of military discipline. All combine to make our Position insufferable.”
The 1st LNG arrived in Baton Rouge to join the 3rd LNG on March 19, 1863. The men of the LNG were noted for their fine practice of drill and sharpness in military maneuvers. They were, however, provided with obsolete muskets, poor quality accoutrements, and uniforms discarded from white regiments. The men had also not been paid nor had they received their promised recruitment bounty.
Men of the 2nd LNG had their first taste of action, one of the first involving black Union troops in the Civil War, when on April 8, 1863, a detachment of 180 of the men were sent via transport to East Pascagoula, Mississippi. Captain Sauvenet and twenty men secured the wharf and raised the American flag on the roof of the hotel. Confederates engaged the men for several hours while the Native Guards held their ground. The men were recalled to the transports when additional Confederates arrived. 6 were killed and thirteen wounded. As General Banks moved his forces up the Bayou Teche and through Alexandria, Louisiana in the spring of 1863 as part of his strategy to take Port Hudson, he left the 1st and 3rd LNG at Baton Rouge.
In February 1863, the 4th Louisiana Native Guard was mustered into service at New Orleans and placed on garrison duty at surrounding forts. It was then sent to Baton Rouge to accompany the first and third regiments. In April, the 1st Louisiana Engineers was mustered into service at Carrollton, Louisiana whose enlisted men were also formerly enslaved men.
On May 13, 1863 a heated exchange of insults in an argument over wood between Col. Stafford of the 1st LNG and Captain Garland of the 21st Maine Infantry resulted in General Banks placing Col. Stafford under arrest. Col. Stafford wrote a letter protesting that the captain had insulted him by calling him a “black son of a bitch” but he was subsequently charged with “conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline,” and was dismissed from service.
Just a few days later, the 1st LNG received orders to join General Banks’ army already at Port Hudson. Arriving on May 23, the regiment was now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bassett. The 3rd was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Fennegass who replaced Colonel John A. Nelson, now in command of the Native Guard regiments. The 1st Louisiana Engineers arrived in Baton Rouge on the 21st of May and then Port Hudson on the 24th along with the 4th Louisiana Native Guard the same day.
Sources:
(1) Hollandsworth, "The Louisiana Native Guards" (1998)
(2) https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=86323
Siege of Port Hudson
Organization of U.S. Colored Troops at the Siege of Port Hudson:
XIX Corps: Army of the Gulf: Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks
United States Colored Troops (Corps d'Afrique): Brig. Gen. Daniel Ullman
1st Louisiana Native Guards (73rd USCT): Lt. Col. Chauncey J. Bassett, mustered into service Sept. 27, 1862
3rd Louisiana Native Guards (75th USCT): Col. John A. Nelson, mustered into service Nov. 24, 1862
4th Louisiana Native Guards (76th USCT): Col. Charles W. Drew, mustered into service Feb 10, 1863
Engineers (Department of the Gulf): Major David C. Houston, Chief Engineer
Captain John C. Palfrey, U.S. Engr.s
Captain Joseph Bailey, 4th Wisconsin Infantry (Mounted)
1st Louisiana Engineers (1st Regt. Engineers, Corps d’Afrique) (95th & 97th USCT): Col. Justin Hodge mustered into service April 10, 1863
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One of the major objectives of the Union army was to take control of the Mississippi River. As General U.S. Grant pushed his way southward towards Vicksburg, General Nathaniel Banks was to push northward from New Orleans to meet Grant at Vicksburg. Confronting Gen. Banks was the Confederate bastion at Port Hudson fourteen miles north of Baton Rouge. Banks tested the Confederates on March 14, 1863 through a diversionary attack as Farragut attempted to run his fleet past the Port Hudson batteries. Farragut’s fleet was badly shot up and only two ships were able to pass through. The Union army fell back to Baton Rouge. In April, Banks bypassed Port Hudson and advanced through the Bayou Teche to Vermillionville, and then to Alexandria while keeping the Confederates at bay. Leaving Alexandria, Louisiana, Banks marched his army down the Red River and crossed the Mississippi to invest Port Hudson from the north while additional Union troops marched up from Baton Rouge beginning the Siege of Port Hudson on May 22.
On May, 26, General Banks ordered an assault on the Confederate bastion. The 1st and 3rd LNG were positioned on the Telegraph road running between the Mississippi River and Port Hudson and at Bayou Sara near Francisville. In their front was Big Sandy Creek and a bridge that the Confederates had burned. Two officers of the 1st Louisiana Engineers and men of the 42nd Massachusetts (the pontoon train had yet to be transferred to the colored men of the 1st Louisiana Engineers) laid a 280 foot pontoon bridge across the marshy bog. The far right of the Union line, where the Native Guards were placed, was commanded by Brig. Gen. William Dwight, Jr. who had earned a reputation for his drunkenness while in uniform. He saw the order for a general assault as an opportunity “to test the negro question.” “The negro will have the fate of his race on his conduct. I shall compromise nothing in making this attack, for I regard it as an experiment.” Dwight was drunk by breakfast and did not conduct a reconnaissance, study the map, or look over the terrain. Beyond the marshy bog lay a flooded and rugged terrain with tangles of trees in front of the Confederate position which the men would have to cross. The path was alongside 400 yards of rifle pits parallel to Telegraph Road. Six field pieces and multiple Confederate regiments manned the works to be stormed. The floodplain which would be crossed left little room for maneuver and two eight-inch Columbiads in a water battery were positioned to rake the road as the Union troops advanced.
Early the next day, Wednesday, May 27, 1863, six companies of the 1st LNG and nine of the 3rd LNG advanced over the pontoon bridge over the Big Sandy and filed to the right to form a line of battle in a grove of willow trees over the old riverbed south of Telegraph Road. Initially covered by the 6th Massachusetts Artillery and dismounted troopers of the 1st Louisiana Cavalry, after only one round fired, the Confederate response was so heavy that the artillerymen withdrew. At ten in the morning, the Native Guards left the willow trees and moved forward at the double-quick to advance across the six hundred yards to the Confederate positions. Two hundred yards they marched when the Confederate artillery opened up with “shot and shells, and pieces of railroad iron twelve to eighteen inches long.” The enemy in the rifle pits and behind the breastworks commenced firing as soon as the Native Guards came within range. Anselmas Planciacois, the color sergeant of the 1st Louisiana Native Guards, was hit almost immediately, having his head split in two and his brains splattered on those soldiers around him. "The flag! The flag!" shouted the men. The colors were seized by two corporals around him, who fought for the honor of carrying the colors forward. Captain Andre Cailloux, leading the men of his company, urged the men forward, "Steady men, steady," while his left arm dangled by his side with a shattered elbow. “Evante” The men pushed forward across the open ground as Cailloux was shot and killed. Firing only one volley, the men of the Native Guards fell back as the Confederates continued their deadly fire. Some found cover under a small hill between the Confederate rifle pits and the river. Only 15 minutes after their advance had begun, not a single casualty had been inflicted on the Confederates, yet the dead and wounded men of the Native Guard covered the battlefield by the score.
Col. Nelson, of the 3rd LNG, sent an aid to Dwight informing him of the failed assault and found him seated on the ground leaning on a tree. “Tell Colonel Nelson [that] I shall consider he has done nothing unless he carries the enemy’s works,” he said to the aide. When he was told that both regiments were cut up badly and half of their men lost, Dwight replied, “Charge again, and let the impetuosity of the charge counterbalance the paucity of numbers.” Recrossing the river and relaying the message to Col. Nelson, word was sent to the other commanders, Bassett and Finnegass, to prepare the men for another assault.
Lt. Col Henry Finnegass, rather than moving his regiment forward, fell back with his men to Nelson’s position and asked the colonel for a chew of tobacco. Nelson ordered Finnegass to return to his regiment, which he did, but promptly returned a few minutes later asking for a drink of whiskey and a light for his pipe. “Return to your men and lead the advance,” Nelson told him, as valuable time was being lost. Finnegrass responded that the Rebel positions were to strong and asked to take his men to the rear to re-form them. Nelson refused the request and added that a withdrawal under the current conditions would demoralize the troops and encourage the Confederates. Finnegass refused and said that he “would be damned” if he would go and stood off to the side.
With Finegrass’ refusal to obey orders, the formidable Rebel position and the heavy casualties made it clear that it would be suicidal for the Native Guards to assault the position again. Furthermore, with an intoxicated Dwight who had no intention of leaving his headquarters, Nelson ordered the men to continue firing from their current position among the willows. Throughout the afternoon, they continued to fire at the Confederates while the enemy’s guns shelled the Louisiana Native Guards’ position. The wounded men continued to stream to the rear as the casualties mounted. The Native Guards went into battle with fewer than 540 men in each of the two regiments. The 1st LNG lost two officers, Captain Andre Cailloux and 2nd Lt. John Crowder. Twenty-four enlisted men were killed, and three officers and ninety-two enlisted men wounded. The 3rd LNG lost a total of ten killed and thirty-eight wounded.
There was no flag of truce to remove the dead and dying for the Louisiana Native Guard after the May 27th assault. Along the Telegraph Road and up to the Confederate parapets, the bodies of the slain colored troops were left to rot and as their corpses bloated and putrefied. When soldiers of the Louisiana Native Guard attempted to retrieve the remains of Captain Andre Cailloux, they were repulsed by Confederate sharpshooters. After days of rot, the smell became so unbearable that Confederates finally sent a message through the lines asking General Banks to allow their soldiers to bury the black dead.
The Native Guards were held in reserve for the failed June 14th assault which was more disastrous than the first. However, two companies of the 1st LNG were able to capture detached rifle pits which had stopped their advance two weeks earlier. Preparing for a third assault to take place in early July, Banks called for volunteers for a “Forlorn Hope” who he promised promotion, recognition, and a medal to those who volunteered. Fifty-four men of the 1st LNG volunteered and thirty-seven from the 3rd LNG. Banks, however, refused to accept the volunteers from the black regiments for the elite assignment. When Vicksburg fell on July 4th, Port Hudson capitulated shortly thereafter, on July 9th, when news reached the Confederates. The third assault became no longer necessary.
Official army reports gave special praise to the 1st Louisiana Native Guard and the 1st Louisiana Engineers for their bravery and accomplishments during the siege of Port Hudson. News accounts of the gallantry of the 1st Louisiana Native Guards assault on May 27 proliferated in the northern press. Many were filled with exaggerations and errors. Reports of the number of charges made varied between three and six. Several accounts had the men incorrectly identified as the Second Louisiana Native Guard. A popular illustration in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper depicted the assault with glaring errors such as an incorrect flag, hand-to-hand combat, and men of the regiment on top of the Confederate parapet.
The May 27 assault at Port Hudson was the first major confrontation between African-American soldiers and Confederates on the battlefield. Because the men fought bravely and proved their value, enlistment of blacks into the Union army increased dramatically afterwards. Although the Lincoln administration and the War Department had adopted the policy of recruiting black troops, even ordering Brigadier General Daniel Ullman to the Department of the Gulf with two hundred officers from the Army of the Potomac to raise a black brigade. Public support, however, lagged behind the new policy until the 1st Louisiana Native Guard turned public opinion towards its favor. By August 1863, more than 10,000 black soldiers were in the Department of the Gulf, and by the wars end, ten percent of the Union army were colored troops.
"The battery was not captured; the battle was lost to all except the black soldiers; they, with their terrible loss, had won and conquered a much greater and stronger battery than that upon the bluff. Nature seems to have selected the place and appointed the time for the negro to prove his manhood and to disarm the prejudice that at one time prompted the white troops to insult and assault the negro soldiers in New Orleans. It was all forgotten and they mingled together that day on terms of perfect equality. The whites were only too glad to take a drink from a negro soldier's canteen, for in that trying hour they found a brave and determined ally, ready to sacrifice all for liberty and country. If greater heroism could be shown than that of the regiments of the Phalanx already named, surely the 1st Regiment of Engineers displayed it during the siege at Port Hudson. This regiment, provided with picks and spades for the purpose of "mining" the enemy's works, often went forward to their labor without any armed support except the cover of heavy guns, or as other troops happened to advance, to throw up breastworks for their own protection. It takes men of more than ordinary courage to engage in such work, without even a revolver or a bayonet to defend themselves against the sallies of any enemy's troops. Nevertheless this Engineer Regiment of the Black Phalanx performed the duty under such trying and perilous circumstances. Many times they went forward at a double-quick to to do duty in the most dangerous place during the engagement, perhaps to build a redoubt or breastworks behind a brigade, or to blow up a bastion of the enemy's. "They but reminded the looker on." said a correspondent of a western newspaper, "of just so many cattle going to a slaughterhouse." A writer, speaking of the other regiments of the Phalanx, says: "They were also on trial that day, and justified the most sanguine expectations by their good conduct. Not that they fought better than our white veterans; they did not and could not."
"But there had been so much incredulity avowed regarding the courage of the negroes; so much wit lavished on the idea of negroes fighting to any purpose, that General Banks was justified in according a special commendation to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Regiments, and to the 1st Engineer Regiment, of the Phalanx, saying, 'No troops could be more determined or daring.' The 1st lost its Cailloux, the 2nd its Paine, but the Phalanx won honor for the race it represented." (From: Joseph T. Wilson, THE BLACK PHALANX. Published by American Publishing company, Hartford, Connecticut, 1892.)
XIX Corps: Army of the Gulf: Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks
United States Colored Troops (Corps d'Afrique): Brig. Gen. Daniel Ullman
1st Louisiana Native Guards (73rd USCT): Lt. Col. Chauncey J. Bassett, mustered into service Sept. 27, 1862
3rd Louisiana Native Guards (75th USCT): Col. John A. Nelson, mustered into service Nov. 24, 1862
4th Louisiana Native Guards (76th USCT): Col. Charles W. Drew, mustered into service Feb 10, 1863
Engineers (Department of the Gulf): Major David C. Houston, Chief Engineer
Captain John C. Palfrey, U.S. Engr.s
Captain Joseph Bailey, 4th Wisconsin Infantry (Mounted)
1st Louisiana Engineers (1st Regt. Engineers, Corps d’Afrique) (95th & 97th USCT): Col. Justin Hodge mustered into service April 10, 1863
--------
One of the major objectives of the Union army was to take control of the Mississippi River. As General U.S. Grant pushed his way southward towards Vicksburg, General Nathaniel Banks was to push northward from New Orleans to meet Grant at Vicksburg. Confronting Gen. Banks was the Confederate bastion at Port Hudson fourteen miles north of Baton Rouge. Banks tested the Confederates on March 14, 1863 through a diversionary attack as Farragut attempted to run his fleet past the Port Hudson batteries. Farragut’s fleet was badly shot up and only two ships were able to pass through. The Union army fell back to Baton Rouge. In April, Banks bypassed Port Hudson and advanced through the Bayou Teche to Vermillionville, and then to Alexandria while keeping the Confederates at bay. Leaving Alexandria, Louisiana, Banks marched his army down the Red River and crossed the Mississippi to invest Port Hudson from the north while additional Union troops marched up from Baton Rouge beginning the Siege of Port Hudson on May 22.
On May, 26, General Banks ordered an assault on the Confederate bastion. The 1st and 3rd LNG were positioned on the Telegraph road running between the Mississippi River and Port Hudson and at Bayou Sara near Francisville. In their front was Big Sandy Creek and a bridge that the Confederates had burned. Two officers of the 1st Louisiana Engineers and men of the 42nd Massachusetts (the pontoon train had yet to be transferred to the colored men of the 1st Louisiana Engineers) laid a 280 foot pontoon bridge across the marshy bog. The far right of the Union line, where the Native Guards were placed, was commanded by Brig. Gen. William Dwight, Jr. who had earned a reputation for his drunkenness while in uniform. He saw the order for a general assault as an opportunity “to test the negro question.” “The negro will have the fate of his race on his conduct. I shall compromise nothing in making this attack, for I regard it as an experiment.” Dwight was drunk by breakfast and did not conduct a reconnaissance, study the map, or look over the terrain. Beyond the marshy bog lay a flooded and rugged terrain with tangles of trees in front of the Confederate position which the men would have to cross. The path was alongside 400 yards of rifle pits parallel to Telegraph Road. Six field pieces and multiple Confederate regiments manned the works to be stormed. The floodplain which would be crossed left little room for maneuver and two eight-inch Columbiads in a water battery were positioned to rake the road as the Union troops advanced.
Early the next day, Wednesday, May 27, 1863, six companies of the 1st LNG and nine of the 3rd LNG advanced over the pontoon bridge over the Big Sandy and filed to the right to form a line of battle in a grove of willow trees over the old riverbed south of Telegraph Road. Initially covered by the 6th Massachusetts Artillery and dismounted troopers of the 1st Louisiana Cavalry, after only one round fired, the Confederate response was so heavy that the artillerymen withdrew. At ten in the morning, the Native Guards left the willow trees and moved forward at the double-quick to advance across the six hundred yards to the Confederate positions. Two hundred yards they marched when the Confederate artillery opened up with “shot and shells, and pieces of railroad iron twelve to eighteen inches long.” The enemy in the rifle pits and behind the breastworks commenced firing as soon as the Native Guards came within range. Anselmas Planciacois, the color sergeant of the 1st Louisiana Native Guards, was hit almost immediately, having his head split in two and his brains splattered on those soldiers around him. "The flag! The flag!" shouted the men. The colors were seized by two corporals around him, who fought for the honor of carrying the colors forward. Captain Andre Cailloux, leading the men of his company, urged the men forward, "Steady men, steady," while his left arm dangled by his side with a shattered elbow. “Evante” The men pushed forward across the open ground as Cailloux was shot and killed. Firing only one volley, the men of the Native Guards fell back as the Confederates continued their deadly fire. Some found cover under a small hill between the Confederate rifle pits and the river. Only 15 minutes after their advance had begun, not a single casualty had been inflicted on the Confederates, yet the dead and wounded men of the Native Guard covered the battlefield by the score.
Col. Nelson, of the 3rd LNG, sent an aid to Dwight informing him of the failed assault and found him seated on the ground leaning on a tree. “Tell Colonel Nelson [that] I shall consider he has done nothing unless he carries the enemy’s works,” he said to the aide. When he was told that both regiments were cut up badly and half of their men lost, Dwight replied, “Charge again, and let the impetuosity of the charge counterbalance the paucity of numbers.” Recrossing the river and relaying the message to Col. Nelson, word was sent to the other commanders, Bassett and Finnegass, to prepare the men for another assault.
Lt. Col Henry Finnegass, rather than moving his regiment forward, fell back with his men to Nelson’s position and asked the colonel for a chew of tobacco. Nelson ordered Finnegass to return to his regiment, which he did, but promptly returned a few minutes later asking for a drink of whiskey and a light for his pipe. “Return to your men and lead the advance,” Nelson told him, as valuable time was being lost. Finnegrass responded that the Rebel positions were to strong and asked to take his men to the rear to re-form them. Nelson refused the request and added that a withdrawal under the current conditions would demoralize the troops and encourage the Confederates. Finnegass refused and said that he “would be damned” if he would go and stood off to the side.
With Finegrass’ refusal to obey orders, the formidable Rebel position and the heavy casualties made it clear that it would be suicidal for the Native Guards to assault the position again. Furthermore, with an intoxicated Dwight who had no intention of leaving his headquarters, Nelson ordered the men to continue firing from their current position among the willows. Throughout the afternoon, they continued to fire at the Confederates while the enemy’s guns shelled the Louisiana Native Guards’ position. The wounded men continued to stream to the rear as the casualties mounted. The Native Guards went into battle with fewer than 540 men in each of the two regiments. The 1st LNG lost two officers, Captain Andre Cailloux and 2nd Lt. John Crowder. Twenty-four enlisted men were killed, and three officers and ninety-two enlisted men wounded. The 3rd LNG lost a total of ten killed and thirty-eight wounded.
There was no flag of truce to remove the dead and dying for the Louisiana Native Guard after the May 27th assault. Along the Telegraph Road and up to the Confederate parapets, the bodies of the slain colored troops were left to rot and as their corpses bloated and putrefied. When soldiers of the Louisiana Native Guard attempted to retrieve the remains of Captain Andre Cailloux, they were repulsed by Confederate sharpshooters. After days of rot, the smell became so unbearable that Confederates finally sent a message through the lines asking General Banks to allow their soldiers to bury the black dead.
The Native Guards were held in reserve for the failed June 14th assault which was more disastrous than the first. However, two companies of the 1st LNG were able to capture detached rifle pits which had stopped their advance two weeks earlier. Preparing for a third assault to take place in early July, Banks called for volunteers for a “Forlorn Hope” who he promised promotion, recognition, and a medal to those who volunteered. Fifty-four men of the 1st LNG volunteered and thirty-seven from the 3rd LNG. Banks, however, refused to accept the volunteers from the black regiments for the elite assignment. When Vicksburg fell on July 4th, Port Hudson capitulated shortly thereafter, on July 9th, when news reached the Confederates. The third assault became no longer necessary.
Official army reports gave special praise to the 1st Louisiana Native Guard and the 1st Louisiana Engineers for their bravery and accomplishments during the siege of Port Hudson. News accounts of the gallantry of the 1st Louisiana Native Guards assault on May 27 proliferated in the northern press. Many were filled with exaggerations and errors. Reports of the number of charges made varied between three and six. Several accounts had the men incorrectly identified as the Second Louisiana Native Guard. A popular illustration in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper depicted the assault with glaring errors such as an incorrect flag, hand-to-hand combat, and men of the regiment on top of the Confederate parapet.
The May 27 assault at Port Hudson was the first major confrontation between African-American soldiers and Confederates on the battlefield. Because the men fought bravely and proved their value, enlistment of blacks into the Union army increased dramatically afterwards. Although the Lincoln administration and the War Department had adopted the policy of recruiting black troops, even ordering Brigadier General Daniel Ullman to the Department of the Gulf with two hundred officers from the Army of the Potomac to raise a black brigade. Public support, however, lagged behind the new policy until the 1st Louisiana Native Guard turned public opinion towards its favor. By August 1863, more than 10,000 black soldiers were in the Department of the Gulf, and by the wars end, ten percent of the Union army were colored troops.
"The battery was not captured; the battle was lost to all except the black soldiers; they, with their terrible loss, had won and conquered a much greater and stronger battery than that upon the bluff. Nature seems to have selected the place and appointed the time for the negro to prove his manhood and to disarm the prejudice that at one time prompted the white troops to insult and assault the negro soldiers in New Orleans. It was all forgotten and they mingled together that day on terms of perfect equality. The whites were only too glad to take a drink from a negro soldier's canteen, for in that trying hour they found a brave and determined ally, ready to sacrifice all for liberty and country. If greater heroism could be shown than that of the regiments of the Phalanx already named, surely the 1st Regiment of Engineers displayed it during the siege at Port Hudson. This regiment, provided with picks and spades for the purpose of "mining" the enemy's works, often went forward to their labor without any armed support except the cover of heavy guns, or as other troops happened to advance, to throw up breastworks for their own protection. It takes men of more than ordinary courage to engage in such work, without even a revolver or a bayonet to defend themselves against the sallies of any enemy's troops. Nevertheless this Engineer Regiment of the Black Phalanx performed the duty under such trying and perilous circumstances. Many times they went forward at a double-quick to to do duty in the most dangerous place during the engagement, perhaps to build a redoubt or breastworks behind a brigade, or to blow up a bastion of the enemy's. "They but reminded the looker on." said a correspondent of a western newspaper, "of just so many cattle going to a slaughterhouse." A writer, speaking of the other regiments of the Phalanx, says: "They were also on trial that day, and justified the most sanguine expectations by their good conduct. Not that they fought better than our white veterans; they did not and could not."
"But there had been so much incredulity avowed regarding the courage of the negroes; so much wit lavished on the idea of negroes fighting to any purpose, that General Banks was justified in according a special commendation to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Regiments, and to the 1st Engineer Regiment, of the Phalanx, saying, 'No troops could be more determined or daring.' The 1st lost its Cailloux, the 2nd its Paine, but the Phalanx won honor for the race it represented." (From: Joseph T. Wilson, THE BLACK PHALANX. Published by American Publishing company, Hartford, Connecticut, 1892.)
This Library of Congress map shows the location of the advance and charge of the 1st and 3rd Louisiana Native Guards (73rd & 75th USCTs), May 27th 1863 at Port Hudson. On the far left is the 280 foot pontoon bridge over the Big Sandy Creek laid by Capt. John J. Smith of the 1st Louisiana Engineers (97th USCT) which the Native Guard crossed at 5 A.M. Telegraph Road is seen on the left of the map and to the east of the road is the grove of willow trees in which the two regiments assembled for the assault and then fell back to after it had failed. Along the west side of Telegraph Road, along the rise, is a 400 yard long line of Confederate rifle pits. These opened fire on the men of the Native Guard as they advanced. In the lower left of the map is a grouping of confederate batteries, with six cannon and two 8 inch Columbiads which also opened fire. The bottom left of the map shows the floodplain above the Mississippi River in which the regiments crossed under heavy fire.
During the siege, Banks reorganized the Native Guards and created a separate Corps d'Afrique division within the XIX Corps under the command of General Ullman.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 47.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS
Before Port Hudson, June 6, 1863.
I. The regiments of infantry of the Corps d'Afrique, authorized by General Orders, No. 44 [No. 40], current series, will consist of ten companies, each having the following minimum organization: 1 captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2 buglers, 40 privates. To the above may be added hereafter, at the discretion of the commanding general, 4 corporals and 42 privates, thus increasing the strength to the maximum fixed by law for a company of infantry. The regimental organization will be that fixed by law for a regiment of infantry.
II. The commissary and assistant commissaries of musters will muster the second lieutenant into service as soon as he is commissioned; the first lieutenant when 30 men are enlisted, and the captain when the minimum organization is completed.
III. The First, Second, Third, and Fourth Regiments of Louisiana Native Guards will hereafter be known as the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Regiments of Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique.
IV. The regiment of colored troops in process of organization in the District of Pensacola will be known as the Fifth Regiment of Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique.
V. The regiments now being raised under the direction of Brig. Gen. Daniel Ullmann, and at present known as the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments of Ullmann's brigade, will be respectively designated as the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Regiments of Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique.
VI. The First Regiment of Louisiana Engineers, Col. Justin Hodge, will hereafter be known as the First Regiment of Engineers of the Corps d'Afrique.
By command of Major-General Banks:
RICH'D B. IRWIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
....
As tensions continued to escalate between black troops and white troops, especially as it pertained to prejudice against black officers, Andrews issued the following order.
COLORED SOLDIERS
GENERAL ORDERS No. 12.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Port Hudson, Louisiana, July 30, 1863.
The commanding general of this post has been informed of the abuse of colored soldiers, and disregard of their authority as sentinels, on the part of some of the other troops of this command, and on the part of some persons not in the military service. He takes this opportunity to correct certain erroneous impressions, and to announce to all concerned that this course of conduct must cease at once and entirely.
The Government having decided upon the employment of colored troops, it is the imperative duty of all officers and soldiers to acquiesce fully and promptly in this decision, for which they are in no wise responsible. The colored soldier employed as such is entitled to respect and consideration, and to the protection and support of his military superiors, particularly when performing any duty which has been imposed upon him.
While engaged in carrying out the orders he has received, he is but the agent or instrument of his commanding officer. Any opposition to him or abuse of him while so engaged is not disobedience of his orders nor contempt of his authority, but is nothing less than disobedience of the orders and contempt of the authority of the commanding general, neither of which will be tolerated under any circumstances in this command. Abase of the colored soldier, or opposition to him in the discharge of his duty in this command, will be punished with unrelenting severity, not only for the protection of the colored soldier, who is justly entitled to it, and shall have it, but because such conduct is grossly insubordinate to lawful authority.
All discussions of the subject of employing colored soldiers, all remarks disparaging them, and any course of conduct tending to create ill-feeling between the colored troops and other troops of this command, are most strictly prohibited.
All soldiers of this command are exhorted to the prompt, cheerful, soldierlike performance of military duties. The exhibition of high soldierly qualities by them in the camp, on the march, and on the battle-field, will leave neither time nor inclination for vexatious discussions of a subject with which as soldiers they have no concern.
By command of Brig. Gen. George L. Andrews:
GEO. B. HALSTED,
Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 47.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS
Before Port Hudson, June 6, 1863.
I. The regiments of infantry of the Corps d'Afrique, authorized by General Orders, No. 44 [No. 40], current series, will consist of ten companies, each having the following minimum organization: 1 captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first sergeant, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2 buglers, 40 privates. To the above may be added hereafter, at the discretion of the commanding general, 4 corporals and 42 privates, thus increasing the strength to the maximum fixed by law for a company of infantry. The regimental organization will be that fixed by law for a regiment of infantry.
II. The commissary and assistant commissaries of musters will muster the second lieutenant into service as soon as he is commissioned; the first lieutenant when 30 men are enlisted, and the captain when the minimum organization is completed.
III. The First, Second, Third, and Fourth Regiments of Louisiana Native Guards will hereafter be known as the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Regiments of Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique.
IV. The regiment of colored troops in process of organization in the District of Pensacola will be known as the Fifth Regiment of Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique.
V. The regiments now being raised under the direction of Brig. Gen. Daniel Ullmann, and at present known as the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments of Ullmann's brigade, will be respectively designated as the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Regiments of Infantry of the Corps d'Afrique.
VI. The First Regiment of Louisiana Engineers, Col. Justin Hodge, will hereafter be known as the First Regiment of Engineers of the Corps d'Afrique.
By command of Major-General Banks:
RICH'D B. IRWIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
....
As tensions continued to escalate between black troops and white troops, especially as it pertained to prejudice against black officers, Andrews issued the following order.
COLORED SOLDIERS
GENERAL ORDERS No. 12.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Port Hudson, Louisiana, July 30, 1863.
The commanding general of this post has been informed of the abuse of colored soldiers, and disregard of their authority as sentinels, on the part of some of the other troops of this command, and on the part of some persons not in the military service. He takes this opportunity to correct certain erroneous impressions, and to announce to all concerned that this course of conduct must cease at once and entirely.
The Government having decided upon the employment of colored troops, it is the imperative duty of all officers and soldiers to acquiesce fully and promptly in this decision, for which they are in no wise responsible. The colored soldier employed as such is entitled to respect and consideration, and to the protection and support of his military superiors, particularly when performing any duty which has been imposed upon him.
While engaged in carrying out the orders he has received, he is but the agent or instrument of his commanding officer. Any opposition to him or abuse of him while so engaged is not disobedience of his orders nor contempt of his authority, but is nothing less than disobedience of the orders and contempt of the authority of the commanding general, neither of which will be tolerated under any circumstances in this command. Abase of the colored soldier, or opposition to him in the discharge of his duty in this command, will be punished with unrelenting severity, not only for the protection of the colored soldier, who is justly entitled to it, and shall have it, but because such conduct is grossly insubordinate to lawful authority.
All discussions of the subject of employing colored soldiers, all remarks disparaging them, and any course of conduct tending to create ill-feeling between the colored troops and other troops of this command, are most strictly prohibited.
All soldiers of this command are exhorted to the prompt, cheerful, soldierlike performance of military duties. The exhibition of high soldierly qualities by them in the camp, on the march, and on the battle-field, will leave neither time nor inclination for vexatious discussions of a subject with which as soldiers they have no concern.
By command of Brig. Gen. George L. Andrews:
GEO. B. HALSTED,
Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Aftermath of Port Hudson
After the siege had ended, and through the remaining summer, the Corps d’Afrique assisted in clearing the countryside surrounding Port Hudson of remaining Confederate resistance. A detachment from the 1st Regiment Infantry, Corps d’Afrique was attacked by Logan’s Confederate cavalry near Jackson, Louisiana and twenty-one enlisted men along with Lieutenant Oscar Orillion, a black officer, were captured. When four of the captured soldiers attempted to escape, it “created some excitement and a general stampede among them, all attempting to affect their escape.” Colonel Frank Powers, commanding Logan’s cavalry stated, “I ordered the guard to shoot them down. In the confusion, the other negroes attempted to escape likewise. I then ordered every one shot, and with my six shooter assisted in the execution of the order.” Thirteen of the black soldiers were claimed to be killed by Lieutenant Shattuck of Scott’s Louisiana Cavalry.
During the summer, Banks had decided that black officers were not welcome in the Corps d’Afrique and began to purge the black regiments of them. In the Department of the Gulf, black officers had been seen as a source of “constant embarrassment and annoyance” and blame put on them for a demoralization in the officer corps which caused whites to retaliate with violence. Some white troops even threatened to not reenlist if it meant that they would have to salute a black man. Too many white men in the ranks felt that it was condescending to have them show respect to a colored officer.
The mass resignation of the black officers in the 3rd Louisiana Native Guard on February 19, 1863 was accomplished swiftly, but the purge of those remaining in the 1st and 2nd required time. First, an examining board was set up for the black officers who sought a commission. These boards had the power to grant and deny officer commissions through an oral exam on military matters in which the men had to show proficiency. Second, Banks threatened to withhold the pay of black line officers while paying the white field officers and black enlisted men. The prejudice exhibited by the actions resulted in multiple resignations, which Banks had intended.
Resignations in the 1st Regiment multiplied by through the next several months. Many officers resigned citing illness, physical disability, or family hardship. Others were dismissed by Banks. Several who had passed the board exams resigned after they were transferred to the newly organized 20th Infantry, Corps d’Afrique. By the end of the Red River Campaign, only two black officers remained in the 1st Regiment, James H. Ingraham and Louis A. Snear. Additional officers resigned from the 2nd Regiment when examining boards were made up of white junior officers who would all benefit from an advancement in rank if the examinees failed their exams. The resignations of black officers continued through the winter and then spring of 1864. Lt. Solomon Hayes’ resignation letter cited his reasons for leaving as “the prejudice which exists in my Regiment, as well as the entire Service against Colored Officers.”
By the war’s end, only Charles Sauvenet, the translator in which Maj. Gen. Butler had asked to form the Louisiana Native Guards, remained as the only black officer of the 2nd Regiment. He would muster out at the end of his enlistment as the assistant quartermaster and he would be the black officer with the longest continuous service in the Union Army.
The purge of the black officers also negatively impacted the morale of the black enlisted men. A fourth of the men in Captain Emile Detiege’s company deserted after he resigned on September 25, 1863. When Captain James H. Ingraham resigned in the spring of 1864, nearly fifty men deserted. Writing from Massachusetts in response to the purge of black officers, Banks stated, “The negro, whether the equal to the white man or not, knows when he is treated fairly, and appreciates an injustice quite as endearingly as if of a lighter color.” He continued, “How can we expect the Black man to stand up against the White rebel when we allow him to be insulted by our own soldier because he is White?”
Assuming command of the black troops at Port Hudson on July 10, 1863, Brigadier General George Andrews did not show as much prejudice as other Union officers. In a letter to his wife, he stated that he set out to make the Corps d’Afrique “one of the best in the army.” An 1851 graduate of West Point, civil engineer, and experience as the lieutenant colonel of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, he had battlefield experience at Antietam before becoming Bank’s chief of staff. He demanded the “strictest discipline among the officers.” He established an examining board and applied high standards to the officers. A school was established for officers of the Corps d’Afrique providing instruction. Merit was the exclusive measure of promotion.
With the officer corps now restricted to qualified white men, intelligent and literate black men were in short supply for non-commissioned officers where literacy was essential. Since enslaved persons were forbidden to be taught to read and write in the surrounding parishes, finding literate black men to fill the positions of sergeants, whose work included numerous reports and forms to be completed, required those soldiers to be literate in the English language. To address the issue, Andrews set up schools in almost every regiment in the Corps d’Afrique. Spelling books were common place in the colored soldier's hands as much as the rifle.
During the summer, Banks had decided that black officers were not welcome in the Corps d’Afrique and began to purge the black regiments of them. In the Department of the Gulf, black officers had been seen as a source of “constant embarrassment and annoyance” and blame put on them for a demoralization in the officer corps which caused whites to retaliate with violence. Some white troops even threatened to not reenlist if it meant that they would have to salute a black man. Too many white men in the ranks felt that it was condescending to have them show respect to a colored officer.
The mass resignation of the black officers in the 3rd Louisiana Native Guard on February 19, 1863 was accomplished swiftly, but the purge of those remaining in the 1st and 2nd required time. First, an examining board was set up for the black officers who sought a commission. These boards had the power to grant and deny officer commissions through an oral exam on military matters in which the men had to show proficiency. Second, Banks threatened to withhold the pay of black line officers while paying the white field officers and black enlisted men. The prejudice exhibited by the actions resulted in multiple resignations, which Banks had intended.
Resignations in the 1st Regiment multiplied by through the next several months. Many officers resigned citing illness, physical disability, or family hardship. Others were dismissed by Banks. Several who had passed the board exams resigned after they were transferred to the newly organized 20th Infantry, Corps d’Afrique. By the end of the Red River Campaign, only two black officers remained in the 1st Regiment, James H. Ingraham and Louis A. Snear. Additional officers resigned from the 2nd Regiment when examining boards were made up of white junior officers who would all benefit from an advancement in rank if the examinees failed their exams. The resignations of black officers continued through the winter and then spring of 1864. Lt. Solomon Hayes’ resignation letter cited his reasons for leaving as “the prejudice which exists in my Regiment, as well as the entire Service against Colored Officers.”
By the war’s end, only Charles Sauvenet, the translator in which Maj. Gen. Butler had asked to form the Louisiana Native Guards, remained as the only black officer of the 2nd Regiment. He would muster out at the end of his enlistment as the assistant quartermaster and he would be the black officer with the longest continuous service in the Union Army.
The purge of the black officers also negatively impacted the morale of the black enlisted men. A fourth of the men in Captain Emile Detiege’s company deserted after he resigned on September 25, 1863. When Captain James H. Ingraham resigned in the spring of 1864, nearly fifty men deserted. Writing from Massachusetts in response to the purge of black officers, Banks stated, “The negro, whether the equal to the white man or not, knows when he is treated fairly, and appreciates an injustice quite as endearingly as if of a lighter color.” He continued, “How can we expect the Black man to stand up against the White rebel when we allow him to be insulted by our own soldier because he is White?”
Assuming command of the black troops at Port Hudson on July 10, 1863, Brigadier General George Andrews did not show as much prejudice as other Union officers. In a letter to his wife, he stated that he set out to make the Corps d’Afrique “one of the best in the army.” An 1851 graduate of West Point, civil engineer, and experience as the lieutenant colonel of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, he had battlefield experience at Antietam before becoming Bank’s chief of staff. He demanded the “strictest discipline among the officers.” He established an examining board and applied high standards to the officers. A school was established for officers of the Corps d’Afrique providing instruction. Merit was the exclusive measure of promotion.
With the officer corps now restricted to qualified white men, intelligent and literate black men were in short supply for non-commissioned officers where literacy was essential. Since enslaved persons were forbidden to be taught to read and write in the surrounding parishes, finding literate black men to fill the positions of sergeants, whose work included numerous reports and forms to be completed, required those soldiers to be literate in the English language. To address the issue, Andrews set up schools in almost every regiment in the Corps d’Afrique. Spelling books were common place in the colored soldier's hands as much as the rifle.
Red River Campaign
Colonel William H. Dickey assumed command of the colored brigade in March of 1864 as the XIX Corps prepared for the upcoming Red River Campaign. The Corps d’Afrique consisted of only four regiments and were grouped together as the 1st Brigade, 1st Division (colored).
1st Infantry (73rd U.S.C.T.): Maj Hiram E. Perkins
3rd Infantry (75th U.S.C.T.): Col Henry W. Fuller
12th Infantry (84th U.S.C.T.): Cpt James H. Corrin
22nd Infantry (92nd U.S.C.T.): Col Henry N. Frisbie
Dickey’s Corps d’Afrique were transported from Port Hudson up the Mississippi to the Red River and then to Alexandria. Arriving March 23, where they joined the other US forces assembled there. Banks informed Dickey that he was to “keep your brigade well in hand” and that no passes outside of camp should be given to the black enlisted men.
On March 29, the Corps d’Afrique began its march to Grand Ecore on the banks of the Red River. As the long columns of troops marched into the interior of Louisiana towards Shreveport, the Corps d’Afrique was in the rear guarding the long wagon train. After ten days of marching, the black regiments reached Pleasant Hill while the rest of the column continued to Mansfield. When the Confederates drove the Union forces back in the aftermath of the battle of Mansfield on April 9, the route was blocked by abandoned wagons left behind by fleeing teamsters who fled to the rear to avoid capture.
The retreating mob of soldiers fell back to Brigadier General Emory’s hastily improvised defensive line, but rather than hold that position, Banks had his army retreat to Pleasant Hill. As the Union troops dug in, the Corps d’Afrique and the long wagon train were ordered back to Grand Ecore. Arriving on April 10, the Dickey’s regiments began to fortify their position. Lines of defense were established at Grand Ecore the 12th of April, and orders were given to attack the enemy if he approached. A pontoon bridge was thrown across the river during the night. "Our pickets were driven in on the 13th, but the enemy appeared, upon a reconnaissance made in force, to have gone below for the purpose either of attacking our troops"
Falling back, Bank’s army had an additional problem; Admiral Porter’s Mississippi squadron was stranded in shallow waters above the rapids at Alexandria and was under attack. The engineer brigade, consisting of the 97th and 99th USCTs under command of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bailey, built a dam across the river to raise the water level and rescue the fleet (For the story of the building of Bailey's Dam by US Colored Troops, refer to the 97th USCT Regimental History page). Other troops cut timber, took stone from quarries, downed fences and buildings, and gathered all the materials for the dams. Sailors stripped the warships of their guns and stores in order to lighten their loads. Dickey’s Corps d’Afrique, now designated U.S. Colored Troops, strengthened the perimeter defenses.
"HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.
Brigadier-General GROVER,
Commanding Post:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that no details be made from Colonel Dickey' command of colored troops which will not leave at least 250 men in his camp. He has been ordered to take possession of the line now held by Colonel Smith, and throw up a defensive work there.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
------
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.
Colonel DICKEY,
Commanding Brigade, U. S. Infantry (Colored):
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you advance your command of the line now held by Colonel Smith with two regiments of infantry, being the narrowest point between Red River and the Bayou Rapides. You will take up position there and throw up a defensive work along the line. As soon as you have taken up this new position you will report by letter to these headquarters the fact that you have done so, and any other facts in relation to the position which you may deem of importance.
Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S.-Orders have been sent to the officers making details from your command to make on detail which will not leave at least 250 men in your camp. You will fill no details in excess of this.
Respectfully,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
--------
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.
Colonel WILLIAM H. DICKEY,
Commanding Colored Troops:
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to communicate for your information the following extract from the report of Colonel George L. Beal, on duty as commandant of outposts yesterday:
The hedges and trees in front of line on the right, between the river and Bayou Rapides, should be cut down, as the observation is very poor, and they afford shelter for the enemy.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. N. LIEBER,
Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Serial 063, Page 0453, Louisiana Trans-Mississippi, Chapter LXVI)
.....
After the fleet successfully passed over the rapids by May 12th, Banks’ army continued to fall back. Leaving Alexandria in flames, the army reached Mansura four days later and was met with a Confederate force blocking their route. The Union army formed a line of battle with the colored infantries of Dickey’s brigade in the center. After a four hour fight with light casualties, the Confederates gave way and the bluecoats continued their march. For the remainder of the retreat, the men of the colored infantries guarded the wagon train.
"Numbers 78. Report of Colonel William H. Dickey, Eighty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding First Brigade, First Division, Corps d'Afrique, of action near Moreauville.
HDQRS. 1ST Brigadier, 1ST DIV., U. S. INFTY. (COLORED),
Morganza, La., May 27, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 17th of May while marching on the Bayou De Glaize road, 5 miles beyond Simsport, the enemy appeared, about 300 strong, coming from the wood to the right of the road, a little in advance of my position in the general column, and immediately advanced across the fields, firing on the train. I had just previously deployed a battalion as skirmishers, and it was then marching by the flank near the edge of the wood and in front of the rebel line. This regiment attacked the enemy vigorously, drove him from the field, and pursued some distance. Our loss was 2 killed, 8 wounded, and 2 missing. The enemy left 9 dead on the field. The rebel troops were mounted. No damage was done the train, except, perhaps, the slight wounding of a few horses and mules. The battalion of my command engaged behaved with the utmost coolness, and delivered its fire with excellent effect. No one who witnessed their conduct on this occasion can doubt that it is perfectly safe to trust colored troops in action, and depend upon their doing their full share of fighting. This report has been delayed by the failure of Lieutenant-Colonel Chadwick, the officer commanding the regiment engaged, to forward his report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. DICKEY,
Colonel, Commanding.
Captain FREDERIC SPEED,
Assistant Adjutant-General, near Morganza."
(Serial 061, page 0443, Louisiana and Trans-Mississippi, Chapter XLVI)
.......
"Numbers 79. Report of Lieutenant Colonel John C. Chadwick, Ninety-second U. S. Colored Troops, of action near Moreauville.
HDQRS. NINETY-SECOND U. S. COLORED TROOPS,
Morganza, La., June 13, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 17th of May, while acting as a part of the convoy to the trains of the recent Red River expedition on their passage from Mansura to Yellow Bayou, near Simsport, this regiment was ordered out as flankers and skirmishers. Soon after entering the woods the enemy was discovered in some force, and was at once engaged. Skirmishing with them continued for an hour and a half, which resulted in their being forced back, and a safe passage to the trains guaranteed. This was the first time this regiment, as a whole, had been engaged with the enemy, and I must say that their conduct was as good as that of any new troops. There were instances of cool courage and determined bravery which would compare with the conduct on the battle-field of any veteran. Antoine Davis, acting first sergeant of Company E, was shot in the head, left breast, and groin by the same weapon, a pistol, in the hands of a rebel cavalryman, but could not be moved from his ground until the shot in the groin laid him upon the earth. he received the enemy's fire with the muzzle of the pistol resting against his left breast. I regret to be obliged to report his death in hospital at New Orleans on the night of the 22nd instant. The regiment was and is now armed with the Springfield smooth-bore musket, of very inferior and defective quality, many of them becoming useless at the first fire.
Nine of the enemy are known to have been killed. The casualties in this command are as follows, viz: Killed, 2; wounded, 4; missing, 6; total, 12.
I have the honor to be, general, your very obedient servant,
JNO. C. CHADWICK,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Ninety-second U. S. Colored Infantry."
(Serial 061 page 0444 Chapter XLVI Red River Campaign)
At the conclusion of the Red River campaign the 1st and 3rd Regiments Corps d’Afrique returned to Port Hudson before being assigned to duty at Morganza for eight miserable months of garrison duty. During the campaign, nearly 600 black men enlisted into the Union army. During that same time, the number of black officers still holding commissions had been chiseled down to three.
1st Infantry (73rd U.S.C.T.): Maj Hiram E. Perkins
3rd Infantry (75th U.S.C.T.): Col Henry W. Fuller
12th Infantry (84th U.S.C.T.): Cpt James H. Corrin
22nd Infantry (92nd U.S.C.T.): Col Henry N. Frisbie
Dickey’s Corps d’Afrique were transported from Port Hudson up the Mississippi to the Red River and then to Alexandria. Arriving March 23, where they joined the other US forces assembled there. Banks informed Dickey that he was to “keep your brigade well in hand” and that no passes outside of camp should be given to the black enlisted men.
On March 29, the Corps d’Afrique began its march to Grand Ecore on the banks of the Red River. As the long columns of troops marched into the interior of Louisiana towards Shreveport, the Corps d’Afrique was in the rear guarding the long wagon train. After ten days of marching, the black regiments reached Pleasant Hill while the rest of the column continued to Mansfield. When the Confederates drove the Union forces back in the aftermath of the battle of Mansfield on April 9, the route was blocked by abandoned wagons left behind by fleeing teamsters who fled to the rear to avoid capture.
The retreating mob of soldiers fell back to Brigadier General Emory’s hastily improvised defensive line, but rather than hold that position, Banks had his army retreat to Pleasant Hill. As the Union troops dug in, the Corps d’Afrique and the long wagon train were ordered back to Grand Ecore. Arriving on April 10, the Dickey’s regiments began to fortify their position. Lines of defense were established at Grand Ecore the 12th of April, and orders were given to attack the enemy if he approached. A pontoon bridge was thrown across the river during the night. "Our pickets were driven in on the 13th, but the enemy appeared, upon a reconnaissance made in force, to have gone below for the purpose either of attacking our troops"
Falling back, Bank’s army had an additional problem; Admiral Porter’s Mississippi squadron was stranded in shallow waters above the rapids at Alexandria and was under attack. The engineer brigade, consisting of the 97th and 99th USCTs under command of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bailey, built a dam across the river to raise the water level and rescue the fleet (For the story of the building of Bailey's Dam by US Colored Troops, refer to the 97th USCT Regimental History page). Other troops cut timber, took stone from quarries, downed fences and buildings, and gathered all the materials for the dams. Sailors stripped the warships of their guns and stores in order to lighten their loads. Dickey’s Corps d’Afrique, now designated U.S. Colored Troops, strengthened the perimeter defenses.
"HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.
Brigadier-General GROVER,
Commanding Post:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that no details be made from Colonel Dickey' command of colored troops which will not leave at least 250 men in his camp. He has been ordered to take possession of the line now held by Colonel Smith, and throw up a defensive work there.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
------
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.
Colonel DICKEY,
Commanding Brigade, U. S. Infantry (Colored):
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you advance your command of the line now held by Colonel Smith with two regiments of infantry, being the narrowest point between Red River and the Bayou Rapides. You will take up position there and throw up a defensive work along the line. As soon as you have taken up this new position you will report by letter to these headquarters the fact that you have done so, and any other facts in relation to the position which you may deem of importance.
Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S.-Orders have been sent to the officers making details from your command to make on detail which will not leave at least 250 men in your camp. You will fill no details in excess of this.
Respectfully,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
--------
Alexandria, May 5, 1864.
Colonel WILLIAM H. DICKEY,
Commanding Colored Troops:
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to communicate for your information the following extract from the report of Colonel George L. Beal, on duty as commandant of outposts yesterday:
The hedges and trees in front of line on the right, between the river and Bayou Rapides, should be cut down, as the observation is very poor, and they afford shelter for the enemy.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. N. LIEBER,
Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Serial 063, Page 0453, Louisiana Trans-Mississippi, Chapter LXVI)
.....
After the fleet successfully passed over the rapids by May 12th, Banks’ army continued to fall back. Leaving Alexandria in flames, the army reached Mansura four days later and was met with a Confederate force blocking their route. The Union army formed a line of battle with the colored infantries of Dickey’s brigade in the center. After a four hour fight with light casualties, the Confederates gave way and the bluecoats continued their march. For the remainder of the retreat, the men of the colored infantries guarded the wagon train.
"Numbers 78. Report of Colonel William H. Dickey, Eighty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding First Brigade, First Division, Corps d'Afrique, of action near Moreauville.
HDQRS. 1ST Brigadier, 1ST DIV., U. S. INFTY. (COLORED),
Morganza, La., May 27, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 17th of May while marching on the Bayou De Glaize road, 5 miles beyond Simsport, the enemy appeared, about 300 strong, coming from the wood to the right of the road, a little in advance of my position in the general column, and immediately advanced across the fields, firing on the train. I had just previously deployed a battalion as skirmishers, and it was then marching by the flank near the edge of the wood and in front of the rebel line. This regiment attacked the enemy vigorously, drove him from the field, and pursued some distance. Our loss was 2 killed, 8 wounded, and 2 missing. The enemy left 9 dead on the field. The rebel troops were mounted. No damage was done the train, except, perhaps, the slight wounding of a few horses and mules. The battalion of my command engaged behaved with the utmost coolness, and delivered its fire with excellent effect. No one who witnessed their conduct on this occasion can doubt that it is perfectly safe to trust colored troops in action, and depend upon their doing their full share of fighting. This report has been delayed by the failure of Lieutenant-Colonel Chadwick, the officer commanding the regiment engaged, to forward his report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. DICKEY,
Colonel, Commanding.
Captain FREDERIC SPEED,
Assistant Adjutant-General, near Morganza."
(Serial 061, page 0443, Louisiana and Trans-Mississippi, Chapter XLVI)
.......
"Numbers 79. Report of Lieutenant Colonel John C. Chadwick, Ninety-second U. S. Colored Troops, of action near Moreauville.
HDQRS. NINETY-SECOND U. S. COLORED TROOPS,
Morganza, La., June 13, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 17th of May, while acting as a part of the convoy to the trains of the recent Red River expedition on their passage from Mansura to Yellow Bayou, near Simsport, this regiment was ordered out as flankers and skirmishers. Soon after entering the woods the enemy was discovered in some force, and was at once engaged. Skirmishing with them continued for an hour and a half, which resulted in their being forced back, and a safe passage to the trains guaranteed. This was the first time this regiment, as a whole, had been engaged with the enemy, and I must say that their conduct was as good as that of any new troops. There were instances of cool courage and determined bravery which would compare with the conduct on the battle-field of any veteran. Antoine Davis, acting first sergeant of Company E, was shot in the head, left breast, and groin by the same weapon, a pistol, in the hands of a rebel cavalryman, but could not be moved from his ground until the shot in the groin laid him upon the earth. he received the enemy's fire with the muzzle of the pistol resting against his left breast. I regret to be obliged to report his death in hospital at New Orleans on the night of the 22nd instant. The regiment was and is now armed with the Springfield smooth-bore musket, of very inferior and defective quality, many of them becoming useless at the first fire.
Nine of the enemy are known to have been killed. The casualties in this command are as follows, viz: Killed, 2; wounded, 4; missing, 6; total, 12.
I have the honor to be, general, your very obedient servant,
JNO. C. CHADWICK,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Ninety-second U. S. Colored Infantry."
(Serial 061 page 0444 Chapter XLVI Red River Campaign)
At the conclusion of the Red River campaign the 1st and 3rd Regiments Corps d’Afrique returned to Port Hudson before being assigned to duty at Morganza for eight miserable months of garrison duty. During the campaign, nearly 600 black men enlisted into the Union army. During that same time, the number of black officers still holding commissions had been chiseled down to three.
Garrison Duty
At the conclusion of the Red River campaign the 1st and 3rd Regiments Corps d’Afrique returned to Port Hudson before being assigned to duty at Morganza for eight miserable months of garrison duty. Another reorganization also occured with the U.S. Colored Troops in the Department of the Gulf through General Order No. 88. In a follow up report, Brig. Gen. McNiel mentioned the number of men in each regiment and that the men of several of the colored regiments at Port Hudson were mere "skeletons" presumably due to poor health.
"GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 88.
New Orleans, July 11, 1864.
I. The subjoined General Orders and instructions from the headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi are republished for the information of those concerned:
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 17.
New Orleans, La., July 7, 1864.
The colored regiments of the Corps d'Afrique in the Department of the Gulf will be consolidated and reorganized as follows: The Seventy-third to be formed by consolidation with the Ninety-first; the Seventy-fifth to be formed by consolidation of the Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth, and Ninety-second; the Seventy-sixth to be formed by consolidation with the Seventy-eighth; the Seventy-seventh to be formed by consolidation of the Eighty-first, Eighty-eighth, and Eighty-ninth; the Seventy-eighth to be formed by consolidation of the Eighty-second and Eighty-third...
......
The Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Regiments will be organized at Morganza, the Seventy-fourth at Forts Pike and Macomb and Ship Island, the Seventy-sixth and Seventy-seventh at Port Hudson, the Seventy-eighth at Pensacola, the Seventy-ninth, Eightieth, and Eighty-second at New Orleans, and the Eighty-first at Brazos Santiago.
The regiments of the old organizations that are now absent from the point at which new regiments of which they will form part are to be organized will be concentrated at those points with as little delay as possible, and will be replaced at the stations from which they are withdrawn by colored troops not induced in the original organization of the Corps d'Afrique. All recruiting and other detached parties belonging to the above-named regiments will also be sent to the points indicated without delay.
The organization of the consolidated regiments will be the minimum prescribed by law. The officers to be retained will be determined by the reports of the examining boards appointed for that purposed and the supernumerary officers mustered out of service.
The examining may be made will not only determine the fitness of the officer for the grade for which he has been examined, but also the order of precedence in that grade. Supernumerary officers who are approved by the boards will be recommended to the Adjutant-General of the Army for appointment in regiments that are now being organized in other departments. (NOTE: For the details on the examining boards and the requirements for each grade, see the "Officers" page on this web site)
By order of Major General E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
The following instructions are contained in letters from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi:
The enlisted men of the Seventy-seventh Regiment, Corps d'Afrique (old organization), now stationed at Fort Jackson, will be transferred to those of the new organizations in which vacancies may exist. The officers will be examined in the same manner as the other officers of the Corps d'Afrique.
Boards will be convened at Morganza, Port Hudson, Pensacola, Ship Island, Brazos Santiago, and New Orleans. The board to be convened at Ship Island to proceed first to Forts Pie and Macomb, for the purpose of examining the officers at those posts. * * * An inspector and a mustering officer will also be appointed at every point where boards are convened, who shall make it their special duty to see that the transfers are made with the greatest care, and that the status of the pay and clothing accounts and the general military history of the men is carefully noted on the muster-rolls and on he records of the new organizations, to prevent the possibility of any trouble in future settlement of accounts. Extra copies of the rolls will be forwarded through department headquarters to these headquarters.
(NOTE: For the details on the examining boards and the requirements for each grade, see the "Officers" page on this web site)
* * * * * *
"HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Hudson, La., July 15, 1864.
Major GEORGE B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following statement concerning the troops that will remain at this post after the execution of General Orders, No. 88, Department of the Gulf, current series, the provisions of which are being carried into effect: The Ninety-sixth Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry (engineers) is ordered to New Orleans immediately. This will suspend all work on the fortifications here. The Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth, Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth, and Ninety-second Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry are ordered to proceed to Morganza immediately (one regiment, Seventy-fifth already reported) according to Special Orders, No. 183, paragraph 9, Department of the Gulf, July 11, 1864, which will leave at this post the Seventy-sixth, Seventy-eighth, and Eighty-first Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry,having for duty 1,188 enlisted men, and the Eighty-eighth and Eighty-ninth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry (skeletons, mostly non-commissioned officers), unable to furnish and details save their own camp guards. There being no heavy artillery at this post, the Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry is used to man the guns. There are 367 enlisted men in the regiment for duty,which barely supplies sentinels over the guns - the camp guard -with a few remaining for detachment drill at the pieces. It will be seen that after taking the number of men that belong to the Seventy-sixth United States Colored Infantry from the whole number that will remain for duty - 1,188 - but 821 enlisted men (infantry) remain for all purposes connected with the post. It will be impossible to perform the most ordinary duties and properly maintain guard and outpost lines.
The Second Louisiana Mounted Infantry number 185 for duty, and the outpost duty is at present very loosely performed, even with the utmost exertion and care.
From the above it will be observed that the effective force of this garrison will be as follows:
Infantry for duty (Seventy-eighth and Eighty-first Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry), total,821; infantry for duty (Eighty-eight and Eighty-ninth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry, skeletons), 185; heavy artillery for duty (Seventh-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry), 367; cavalry (and two light batteries not numbered), 1865
It is respectfully suggested that as the Seventy-third, Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth and Ninety-second Regiments, U. S. Colored Infantry are at this post (now awaiting transportation to proceed to Morganza), General Orders, No. 88, be so modified as to permit of the formation of the Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry (new), at this point; or that troops be sent here to replace those ordered away. The insufficiency of the cavalry force here has been the subject of former communication.
JOHN McNEIL,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding." (Serial 084 Page 0259 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS MISSISSIPPI Chapter LIII)
As a result of continued complaints about colored regiments being assigned to fatigue duty in greater numbers than white regiments, Secretary of War Stanton issued an order to field commanders in mid-May to divide fatigue duty equally. The typical daily routine for the infantrymen at Morganza was:
5:30 beating of drums
6 am Reveille: Fall in by companies at parade facing each other Roll call those found sick reported to surgeon)
7 Am Breakfast
7:30 Camp guard posted
8 AM Drill for an hour and a half
9:30 Dismissed for details
1 PM Dinner
3 PM Drill for an hour and a half
4:30 Parade and Inspection
9 PM Tattoo: Assembly in two ranks when sergeants call out the names of men assigned to the next day’s details.
9:30 Taps: All lights out and silence as men slept.
The 74th USCT on Ship Island was merged with the 91st USCT on July 24, 1864 and several of the companies were sent to Fort McComb for garrison duty. By August, three of the five companies of the 74th on Ship Island were sent on detached service to Fort Morgan at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Now trained in heavy artillery, the companies were sent to aid in the siege of Fort Morgan but arrived on August 21, just as the Confederates surrendered the fort. By early September, they returned to Ship Island and manned the guns at Fort Massachusetts.
In Mid-September the 75th USCT joined the 92nd USCT, 1st Louisiana Cavalry, and 2nd NY Veteran Cavalry on an expedition to Simmesport in attempt to prevent a Confederate raiding party from escaping across the Atchafalaya. The long march, although failing to accomplish it mission, resulted in unauthorized plunder and theft. Correspondence afterwards shed light on the complex issues of warfare in Louisiana, emancipation, enlistment, and the mixing of white and black troops on expeditions
"Number 2. Report of Colonel Joshua J. Guppey, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. 3rd Brigadier, 2nd DIV., 19TH ARMY CORPS,
Morganza, September 18, 1864.
SIR: Pursuant to orders from General Lawler, I marched from this place in support of Colonel Davis on the 16th instant, with the One hundred and sixty-first New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Kinsey commanding; the Twenty-third Wisconsin, Lieutenant-Colonel Hill commanding and the Seventy-fifth and Ninety-second U. S. Colored Infantry; the last two named regiments reporting to me under their brigade commander, Colonel Frisbie. I marched nineteen miles during the night, two miles farther than was necessary, owing to want of exact information on the part of the guide, but after correcting my position, I went into camp at the head of Bayou Letsworth, on the ground where out men had been captured that morning. Colonel Davis was proceeding down this bayou toward Simsport, and our camp was within three miles ofthe rear of his column at the time of our halt, but I had not established direct communication with him. In the morning we followed his force seven miles toward Simsport, when we met a messenger from Colonel davis informing me that the rebels had got across the river and that the cavalry was on its return. I halted till Colonel Davis came up, and his information confirming what I had been told, viz, that it was twenty-five miles to Morgan's Ferry by any practicable route from where we were, and the object of my joining Colonel Spicely having ceased to exist by the escape of the rebels to the north side of the Atchafalaya, I decided to return to Morganza. Colonel Davis gave me 200 cavalry and proceeded me with the rest of his force on the return. I marched back about fourteen miles and went into camp at 5.30 p. m., having made forty miles in less than twenty-four hours. This morning I came to camp here, marching about ten miles. My command suffered no loss while out, but many of my men are very foot-sore.
I regret to state that this morning, while Colonel Frisbie was with the rear guard and I was at the head of the column, many men of the Ninety-second Colored Infantry broke from their ranks and commenced stealing poultry, &c. As soon as advised of their actions I put them in order in such a manner that they made no further attempts at pillaging. The Seventy-fifth Colored Infantry is an excellently behaved regiment and I could not but admire their good behavior while the Ninety-second were straggling about houses and yards this morning. The lieutenant-colonel of the Seventy-fifth seems to be an excellent disciplinarian. I have no fault to find with the Ninety-second, except the acts of pillage above named, and Colonel Frisbie assures me that the guilty ones shall be properly dealt with.
I have with reluctance mentioned this matter, that no imputation may rest on my own character as an officer.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. GUPPEY,
Colonel, Commanding Expedition." (Serial 083 Page 084 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS MISSISSIPPI Chapter LIII)
------------
"Numbers 5. Report of Colonel Henry N. Frisbie, Ninety-second U. S. Colored Troops, commanding First Brigade of Colored Troops.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, U. S. COLORED TROOPS,
Morganza, La., September 24, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the safe return of my command. Colonel Guppey, of the Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, having other troops, directed the march, which continued all night. Soon after daylight we reached the point of our destination, which was Morgan's Ford, on the Atchafalaya River, where we found quite a force under command of Colonel Spicely, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry and who treated us courteously and gentlemanly throughout the time I was under his command. For two days we worked at fatigue, building lunettes for the artillery and cutting roads in the woods, so they could be approached under cover. Some officers, apparently acting by authority, seemed hardly able to find enough for the colored troops to do. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearsall, of the Ninety-ninth U. S. Colored Infantry (engineers), who was in charge of the works, became disgusted and returned to Morganza. Some beef procured by a detail from my command from over the river, by permission of Colonel Spicely, for the benefit of the troops, who were suffering some from scurvy, was, in my temporary absence, taken by a cavalry officer, who represented it to be by my order. I am sorry to say there are persons wearing the uniform of a U. S. officer who will not scruple to tell a falsehood to gain some petty advantage and use his uniform to deceive a "poor nigger," and afterward tell his smartness (shame) to his fellows, and then with the air of a clown look around for applause. The evening before we left some buildings on the other side of the river were burned. There seemed to be a general disposition to accuse the colored troops of doing it, and Colonel Spicely seemed to believe the report, and would probably have officially so reported it if I had not positively assured him to the contrary, from indisputable evidence in my possession; but they could not accuse them of burning the buildings the night before they came, the ruins of which were still smoldering, and which was just as wanton an act as the other. Some white soldiers on the road were catching fowls, and no effort was made to stop them. When some officers sent in some of their men to get water a white guard was sent immediately to arrest them to prevent, as was alleged, their plundering, yet no stop was put to the operation of the others. On the return but few men were unable to march and keep up, and not a dozen had to be carried, and in this respect they far exceeded the white troops. In fact, they march as well as any white troops with which they have come in contact. Some sixteen recruits were obtained, and about 150 contrabands. A patient and systematic effort would probably bring to light many recruits, but great pains are taken to hide this class of persons on the approach of our forces. The migration of so many women and children is not encouraged, as they are in incumbrance to the army, and it is not beneficial to themselves. If some officers with a few mounted men are permitted to accompany the cavalry many more recruits could be obtained; but as it is, when they go they have no interest, and in fact discourage the coming of these persons. The policy of breaking up brigades and then mixing white and black regiments to form a new one for raiding purposes temporarily is exceedingly injudicious and productive of much evil and disorganization, and but little good can come of it. No white troops lifted an ax or a spade while out on that trip to work, yet the colored troops marched as far, did as much guard duty, and would probably have fought as hard as the other troops, as they carried as much ammunition and were as well armed, and while the rest lay in the shade we were hard at work.
The constant violation of orders from the War Department by so many commanders falling temporarily in command of colored troops has been the subject of remark and complaint so long that it seems useless to complain again or to mention it, for I have almost ceased to expect justice from any one, for if they will not obey and respect the published orders of the Secretary of War, neither will they those of General Canby, for he has republished this order that prohibits colored troops being required to do an excess of work or fatigue duty over and above those with whom they are associated. The work is no objection to either officers or men, but the manner and the circumstances under which it is required. The slur and stigma of inferiority is what displeases so many officers and makes it so difficult to keep our best officers, for they will not command troops that the Government allows inferiority to become attached to, for they say if the Government wants bosses or overseers let them so be employed from those who want the position; but while they bear commissions they want only their fair share of fatigue, but will do any amount of fighting. The people along the road of this raid and the one previous seemed terror stricken at the sight of black troops, and in future, if every raid is answered by black troops, you will soon not hear of one this side of the Atchfalaya River, yet they behaved in a soldierly manner and were at all times under strict discipline. The distance between this place and the Atchafalaya River is so near on a straight line that a couple of regiments could probably in a week make a good road between two points. The value of holding the line of that river is so manifest to one who will look at the subject that probably only very great interests elsewhere have so far prevented, but with this road the same force that holds the Mississippi could also hold that and give quiet and security from Turnbull Island to Bayou La Fourche, and yet be as available in three hours as if at Morganza. An intrenched camp on the west side of that river to cover the operations of the cavalry up and down the river and toward Opelousas, flanked by batteries on the east bank, would make the position impregnable, and no raid need be apprehended from the certainty of its destruction if attempted. The force at Morganza would answer the purpose, and when they are withdrawn, concentrate the troops between here and the Brasher City Railroad, and its occupation would include within our lines a very rich country from which considerable supplies for the enemy are now being drawn, and the abundance of timber would enable us quickly and cheaply to construct a telegraph and keep the wagon road in good order.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. N. FRISBIE,
Colonel Ninety-second U. S. Colored Infantry, Commanding. (Serial 083 Page 0809 Chapter LIII OPERATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF MORGANZA, LA)"
"GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 88.
New Orleans, July 11, 1864.
I. The subjoined General Orders and instructions from the headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi are republished for the information of those concerned:
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 17.
New Orleans, La., July 7, 1864.
The colored regiments of the Corps d'Afrique in the Department of the Gulf will be consolidated and reorganized as follows: The Seventy-third to be formed by consolidation with the Ninety-first; the Seventy-fifth to be formed by consolidation of the Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth, and Ninety-second; the Seventy-sixth to be formed by consolidation with the Seventy-eighth; the Seventy-seventh to be formed by consolidation of the Eighty-first, Eighty-eighth, and Eighty-ninth; the Seventy-eighth to be formed by consolidation of the Eighty-second and Eighty-third...
......
The Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Regiments will be organized at Morganza, the Seventy-fourth at Forts Pike and Macomb and Ship Island, the Seventy-sixth and Seventy-seventh at Port Hudson, the Seventy-eighth at Pensacola, the Seventy-ninth, Eightieth, and Eighty-second at New Orleans, and the Eighty-first at Brazos Santiago.
The regiments of the old organizations that are now absent from the point at which new regiments of which they will form part are to be organized will be concentrated at those points with as little delay as possible, and will be replaced at the stations from which they are withdrawn by colored troops not induced in the original organization of the Corps d'Afrique. All recruiting and other detached parties belonging to the above-named regiments will also be sent to the points indicated without delay.
The organization of the consolidated regiments will be the minimum prescribed by law. The officers to be retained will be determined by the reports of the examining boards appointed for that purposed and the supernumerary officers mustered out of service.
The examining may be made will not only determine the fitness of the officer for the grade for which he has been examined, but also the order of precedence in that grade. Supernumerary officers who are approved by the boards will be recommended to the Adjutant-General of the Army for appointment in regiments that are now being organized in other departments. (NOTE: For the details on the examining boards and the requirements for each grade, see the "Officers" page on this web site)
By order of Major General E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
The following instructions are contained in letters from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi:
The enlisted men of the Seventy-seventh Regiment, Corps d'Afrique (old organization), now stationed at Fort Jackson, will be transferred to those of the new organizations in which vacancies may exist. The officers will be examined in the same manner as the other officers of the Corps d'Afrique.
Boards will be convened at Morganza, Port Hudson, Pensacola, Ship Island, Brazos Santiago, and New Orleans. The board to be convened at Ship Island to proceed first to Forts Pie and Macomb, for the purpose of examining the officers at those posts. * * * An inspector and a mustering officer will also be appointed at every point where boards are convened, who shall make it their special duty to see that the transfers are made with the greatest care, and that the status of the pay and clothing accounts and the general military history of the men is carefully noted on the muster-rolls and on he records of the new organizations, to prevent the possibility of any trouble in future settlement of accounts. Extra copies of the rolls will be forwarded through department headquarters to these headquarters.
(NOTE: For the details on the examining boards and the requirements for each grade, see the "Officers" page on this web site)
* * * * * *
"HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Hudson, La., July 15, 1864.
Major GEORGE B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following statement concerning the troops that will remain at this post after the execution of General Orders, No. 88, Department of the Gulf, current series, the provisions of which are being carried into effect: The Ninety-sixth Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry (engineers) is ordered to New Orleans immediately. This will suspend all work on the fortifications here. The Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth, Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth, and Ninety-second Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry are ordered to proceed to Morganza immediately (one regiment, Seventy-fifth already reported) according to Special Orders, No. 183, paragraph 9, Department of the Gulf, July 11, 1864, which will leave at this post the Seventy-sixth, Seventy-eighth, and Eighty-first Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry,having for duty 1,188 enlisted men, and the Eighty-eighth and Eighty-ninth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry (skeletons, mostly non-commissioned officers), unable to furnish and details save their own camp guards. There being no heavy artillery at this post, the Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry is used to man the guns. There are 367 enlisted men in the regiment for duty,which barely supplies sentinels over the guns - the camp guard -with a few remaining for detachment drill at the pieces. It will be seen that after taking the number of men that belong to the Seventy-sixth United States Colored Infantry from the whole number that will remain for duty - 1,188 - but 821 enlisted men (infantry) remain for all purposes connected with the post. It will be impossible to perform the most ordinary duties and properly maintain guard and outpost lines.
The Second Louisiana Mounted Infantry number 185 for duty, and the outpost duty is at present very loosely performed, even with the utmost exertion and care.
From the above it will be observed that the effective force of this garrison will be as follows:
Infantry for duty (Seventy-eighth and Eighty-first Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry), total,821; infantry for duty (Eighty-eight and Eighty-ninth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry, skeletons), 185; heavy artillery for duty (Seventh-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry), 367; cavalry (and two light batteries not numbered), 1865
It is respectfully suggested that as the Seventy-third, Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth and Ninety-second Regiments, U. S. Colored Infantry are at this post (now awaiting transportation to proceed to Morganza), General Orders, No. 88, be so modified as to permit of the formation of the Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry (new), at this point; or that troops be sent here to replace those ordered away. The insufficiency of the cavalry force here has been the subject of former communication.
JOHN McNEIL,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding." (Serial 084 Page 0259 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS MISSISSIPPI Chapter LIII)
As a result of continued complaints about colored regiments being assigned to fatigue duty in greater numbers than white regiments, Secretary of War Stanton issued an order to field commanders in mid-May to divide fatigue duty equally. The typical daily routine for the infantrymen at Morganza was:
5:30 beating of drums
6 am Reveille: Fall in by companies at parade facing each other Roll call those found sick reported to surgeon)
7 Am Breakfast
7:30 Camp guard posted
8 AM Drill for an hour and a half
9:30 Dismissed for details
1 PM Dinner
3 PM Drill for an hour and a half
4:30 Parade and Inspection
9 PM Tattoo: Assembly in two ranks when sergeants call out the names of men assigned to the next day’s details.
9:30 Taps: All lights out and silence as men slept.
The 74th USCT on Ship Island was merged with the 91st USCT on July 24, 1864 and several of the companies were sent to Fort McComb for garrison duty. By August, three of the five companies of the 74th on Ship Island were sent on detached service to Fort Morgan at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Now trained in heavy artillery, the companies were sent to aid in the siege of Fort Morgan but arrived on August 21, just as the Confederates surrendered the fort. By early September, they returned to Ship Island and manned the guns at Fort Massachusetts.
In Mid-September the 75th USCT joined the 92nd USCT, 1st Louisiana Cavalry, and 2nd NY Veteran Cavalry on an expedition to Simmesport in attempt to prevent a Confederate raiding party from escaping across the Atchafalaya. The long march, although failing to accomplish it mission, resulted in unauthorized plunder and theft. Correspondence afterwards shed light on the complex issues of warfare in Louisiana, emancipation, enlistment, and the mixing of white and black troops on expeditions
"Number 2. Report of Colonel Joshua J. Guppey, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. 3rd Brigadier, 2nd DIV., 19TH ARMY CORPS,
Morganza, September 18, 1864.
SIR: Pursuant to orders from General Lawler, I marched from this place in support of Colonel Davis on the 16th instant, with the One hundred and sixty-first New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Kinsey commanding; the Twenty-third Wisconsin, Lieutenant-Colonel Hill commanding and the Seventy-fifth and Ninety-second U. S. Colored Infantry; the last two named regiments reporting to me under their brigade commander, Colonel Frisbie. I marched nineteen miles during the night, two miles farther than was necessary, owing to want of exact information on the part of the guide, but after correcting my position, I went into camp at the head of Bayou Letsworth, on the ground where out men had been captured that morning. Colonel Davis was proceeding down this bayou toward Simsport, and our camp was within three miles ofthe rear of his column at the time of our halt, but I had not established direct communication with him. In the morning we followed his force seven miles toward Simsport, when we met a messenger from Colonel davis informing me that the rebels had got across the river and that the cavalry was on its return. I halted till Colonel Davis came up, and his information confirming what I had been told, viz, that it was twenty-five miles to Morgan's Ferry by any practicable route from where we were, and the object of my joining Colonel Spicely having ceased to exist by the escape of the rebels to the north side of the Atchafalaya, I decided to return to Morganza. Colonel Davis gave me 200 cavalry and proceeded me with the rest of his force on the return. I marched back about fourteen miles and went into camp at 5.30 p. m., having made forty miles in less than twenty-four hours. This morning I came to camp here, marching about ten miles. My command suffered no loss while out, but many of my men are very foot-sore.
I regret to state that this morning, while Colonel Frisbie was with the rear guard and I was at the head of the column, many men of the Ninety-second Colored Infantry broke from their ranks and commenced stealing poultry, &c. As soon as advised of their actions I put them in order in such a manner that they made no further attempts at pillaging. The Seventy-fifth Colored Infantry is an excellently behaved regiment and I could not but admire their good behavior while the Ninety-second were straggling about houses and yards this morning. The lieutenant-colonel of the Seventy-fifth seems to be an excellent disciplinarian. I have no fault to find with the Ninety-second, except the acts of pillage above named, and Colonel Frisbie assures me that the guilty ones shall be properly dealt with.
I have with reluctance mentioned this matter, that no imputation may rest on my own character as an officer.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. GUPPEY,
Colonel, Commanding Expedition." (Serial 083 Page 084 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS MISSISSIPPI Chapter LIII)
------------
"Numbers 5. Report of Colonel Henry N. Frisbie, Ninety-second U. S. Colored Troops, commanding First Brigade of Colored Troops.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, U. S. COLORED TROOPS,
Morganza, La., September 24, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the safe return of my command. Colonel Guppey, of the Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, having other troops, directed the march, which continued all night. Soon after daylight we reached the point of our destination, which was Morgan's Ford, on the Atchafalaya River, where we found quite a force under command of Colonel Spicely, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry and who treated us courteously and gentlemanly throughout the time I was under his command. For two days we worked at fatigue, building lunettes for the artillery and cutting roads in the woods, so they could be approached under cover. Some officers, apparently acting by authority, seemed hardly able to find enough for the colored troops to do. Lieutenant-Colonel Pearsall, of the Ninety-ninth U. S. Colored Infantry (engineers), who was in charge of the works, became disgusted and returned to Morganza. Some beef procured by a detail from my command from over the river, by permission of Colonel Spicely, for the benefit of the troops, who were suffering some from scurvy, was, in my temporary absence, taken by a cavalry officer, who represented it to be by my order. I am sorry to say there are persons wearing the uniform of a U. S. officer who will not scruple to tell a falsehood to gain some petty advantage and use his uniform to deceive a "poor nigger," and afterward tell his smartness (shame) to his fellows, and then with the air of a clown look around for applause. The evening before we left some buildings on the other side of the river were burned. There seemed to be a general disposition to accuse the colored troops of doing it, and Colonel Spicely seemed to believe the report, and would probably have officially so reported it if I had not positively assured him to the contrary, from indisputable evidence in my possession; but they could not accuse them of burning the buildings the night before they came, the ruins of which were still smoldering, and which was just as wanton an act as the other. Some white soldiers on the road were catching fowls, and no effort was made to stop them. When some officers sent in some of their men to get water a white guard was sent immediately to arrest them to prevent, as was alleged, their plundering, yet no stop was put to the operation of the others. On the return but few men were unable to march and keep up, and not a dozen had to be carried, and in this respect they far exceeded the white troops. In fact, they march as well as any white troops with which they have come in contact. Some sixteen recruits were obtained, and about 150 contrabands. A patient and systematic effort would probably bring to light many recruits, but great pains are taken to hide this class of persons on the approach of our forces. The migration of so many women and children is not encouraged, as they are in incumbrance to the army, and it is not beneficial to themselves. If some officers with a few mounted men are permitted to accompany the cavalry many more recruits could be obtained; but as it is, when they go they have no interest, and in fact discourage the coming of these persons. The policy of breaking up brigades and then mixing white and black regiments to form a new one for raiding purposes temporarily is exceedingly injudicious and productive of much evil and disorganization, and but little good can come of it. No white troops lifted an ax or a spade while out on that trip to work, yet the colored troops marched as far, did as much guard duty, and would probably have fought as hard as the other troops, as they carried as much ammunition and were as well armed, and while the rest lay in the shade we were hard at work.
The constant violation of orders from the War Department by so many commanders falling temporarily in command of colored troops has been the subject of remark and complaint so long that it seems useless to complain again or to mention it, for I have almost ceased to expect justice from any one, for if they will not obey and respect the published orders of the Secretary of War, neither will they those of General Canby, for he has republished this order that prohibits colored troops being required to do an excess of work or fatigue duty over and above those with whom they are associated. The work is no objection to either officers or men, but the manner and the circumstances under which it is required. The slur and stigma of inferiority is what displeases so many officers and makes it so difficult to keep our best officers, for they will not command troops that the Government allows inferiority to become attached to, for they say if the Government wants bosses or overseers let them so be employed from those who want the position; but while they bear commissions they want only their fair share of fatigue, but will do any amount of fighting. The people along the road of this raid and the one previous seemed terror stricken at the sight of black troops, and in future, if every raid is answered by black troops, you will soon not hear of one this side of the Atchfalaya River, yet they behaved in a soldierly manner and were at all times under strict discipline. The distance between this place and the Atchafalaya River is so near on a straight line that a couple of regiments could probably in a week make a good road between two points. The value of holding the line of that river is so manifest to one who will look at the subject that probably only very great interests elsewhere have so far prevented, but with this road the same force that holds the Mississippi could also hold that and give quiet and security from Turnbull Island to Bayou La Fourche, and yet be as available in three hours as if at Morganza. An intrenched camp on the west side of that river to cover the operations of the cavalry up and down the river and toward Opelousas, flanked by batteries on the east bank, would make the position impregnable, and no raid need be apprehended from the certainty of its destruction if attempted. The force at Morganza would answer the purpose, and when they are withdrawn, concentrate the troops between here and the Brasher City Railroad, and its occupation would include within our lines a very rich country from which considerable supplies for the enemy are now being drawn, and the abundance of timber would enable us quickly and cheaply to construct a telegraph and keep the wagon road in good order.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. N. FRISBIE,
Colonel Ninety-second U. S. Colored Infantry, Commanding. (Serial 083 Page 0809 Chapter LIII OPERATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF MORGANZA, LA)"
Initial Mobile Campaign Movements
In February, 1865, Major General Edward R. S. Canby, the new commander of the Department of the Gulf, began making plans to capture the Confederate stronghold of Mobile, Alabama. The 73rd USCT was transported to Pensacola, Florida where it was brigaded with two other black regiments, the 68th USCT and 76th USCT, under the command of Brig. Gen William Anderson Pile. By March, 1865, on the eve of the upcoming general movement, the 73rd USCT was encamped next to the 82nd and 86th USCT as part of Hawkins Brigade. The following orders set the 73rd U.S. Colored Infantry into motion:
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 48.
New Orleans, February 20, 1865.
* * *
8. Owing to the want of success that has attended the efforts made to organize the regiments of colored volunteers authorized by General Orders, Numbers 154,* series of 1864, from these headquarters, the authority contained in the same is hereby revoked, and all recruits who have been enlisted under that order will be at once transferred to other regiments of colored troops serving in this departments to complete the terms of their enlistment. In making transfers under this order care will be taken to equalize as far as possible the relative strength of the regiments, and to place the men so transferred where their services will be first and most available. To this end infantry regiments serving in the field will be selected. The chiefs mustering officer of the departments is charged with the execution of this order.
* * *
14. In compliance with orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, the following-named regiments will proceed as soon as transportation can be furnished to Algiers, La., and be reported to Brigadier General John P. Hawkins, commanding Separate Division of the U. S. Colored Infantry: The Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Brashear City; the Eightieth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Bonnet Carree; the Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Port Hudson; the Seventy-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Port Hudson,; the Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Morganza; the Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Morganza. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportations.
By command of Major-General Hurlbut:
J. C. STONE,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General."
......
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 50.
New Orleans, February 22, 1865.
1. In compliance with orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, extract 14 of Special Orders, Numbers 48, current series, from these headquarters, is hereby so far modified as to require only the Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry (at Morganza) and the Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry (at Port Hudson) to report to Brigadier-General Hawkins, commanding division of colored infantry at Algiers, La. The other four regiments of colored infantry named in the order will be disposed of as follows: The Seventy-fifth (at Morganza) will relieve the Thirty-third Illinois Volunteers at Terre Bonne; the Seventy-eighth (at Port Hudson) will relieve the Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteers at Thibodeaux; the Eightieth (at Bonnet Carre) will relieve the Sixth Minnesota Volunteers, now at new Orleans, La; the Ninety-third will remain at Brashear City, and in place thereof the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers will be relieved from duty at that place. Upon being relieved as above the four regiments of white infantry will be sent to the camp located below Chalmette, about four miles from this city, and be reported to the commanding officer Sixteenth Army Corps, to which they are assigned. Brigadier General T. W. Sherman, commanding Southern Division of Louisiana, is charged with the execution of so much of the above order as relatives to the movement of these regiments to camp below Chalmette, upon being relieved by the troops from Port Hudson, Morganza, and Bonnet Carre. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
* * *
By command of Major-General Hurlbut:
J. C. STONE,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0941 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 23, 1865.
Brigadier General JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Algiers:
Please send two regiments to encamp near the Half-Way House on the road to Hickox Landing. A steamer will be sent to ferry them across to Saint Joseph street, and they will march out by that street and the Shell road. Until transportation is furnished from Hickox Landing to Pensacola such details as may be required for fatigue duty, under the superintendence of Captain Morse, assistant quartermaster, will be furnished. Please make the necessary preparations at once.
By order:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
ALGIERS, February 23, 1865.
(Received 7. 35 p. m.)
Lieutenant Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The ferry-boat has stopped running on account of the fog and several of our wagons belonging to the troops and en route for Pensacola, are left on this side. They will be sent over early in the morning. This will also prevent the teams of the two regiments ordered to Half-Way House. The regiments had better remain here till morning.
JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Brigadier-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0956 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.........
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 54.
New Orleans, La., February 23, 1865.
1. The following regiments are hereby organized into a division of colored infantry, to be commanded by Brigadier General John P. Hawkins, who will report direct to these headquarters: First Brigade-Twenty-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-second U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry. Second Brigade-Forty-seventh U. S. Colored Infantry, Fiftieth U. S. Colored Infantry, First-first U. S. Colored Infantry. Third Brigade-Forty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Sixty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry.
* * * * *
By order of Major General E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0954 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Half-Way House, near New Orleans, February 25, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded.
If my division could be strengthened I would like very much that it should be done. The effective force in the field will be much less than is shown as "effective strength" in the field return, owing to the many details necessary for the administration of the different staff departments, pioneers, &Etc.
JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding."
.....
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. 1ST DIV., U. S. COLORED TROOPS, Numbers 24.
Half-Way House, La., February 25, 1865.
I. Brigadier General William A. Pile, U. S. Volunteers, having reported to these headquarters for duty in pursuance of Special Orders, Numbers 50, current series, headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, is hereby assigned to the command of the First Brigade, composed of the following regiments: Twenty-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-second U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry. Brigadier-General Pile will report in person to these headquarters at Pensacola, Fla., with as little delay as practicable.
II. Colonel C. W. Drew, Seventy-sixth Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry, having reported to these headquarters pursuant to orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, is hereby assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, composed of the following regiments: Forty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Sixty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry.
By order of Brigadier General J. P. Hawkins:
SAML. B. FERGUSON,
Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0974 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"GENERAL ORDERS,WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 28.
Washington, February 26, 1865.
The Thirteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps having been reorganized by Major-General Canby, by direction of the President Major General Gordon Granger is assigned to the command of the former and Major General A. J. Smith to the latter, their assignments to date from February 18.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General."
.....
"MORGANZA, February 26, 1865.
Captain W. H. CLAPP,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have the honor to inform you that the Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry left here this day for Algiers, pursuant to orders.
D. ULLMANN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0982 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, March 4, 1865.
Brigadier General JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Commanding First Division, U. S. Colored Troops:
GENERAL: In regard to your desire that the Twenty-fifth and Eighty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry Regiments be relieved from duty and ordered to report to you at the camp of your division, I beg leave to give the following explanation: First. Special Orders, Numbers 54, headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, dated February 23, giving the number of regiments intended for the organization of your division comprises in the First Brigade three regiments stationed here for the last year, namely, the Twenty-fifth, the Eighty-second, and the Eighty-sixth Regiments. Second. The Twenty-fifth Regiment is garrisoning Fort Pickens, Barrancas, the redoubt, and guarding Gun-boat Point, at the mouth of the Bayou Grande above the navy-yard. The Eighty-second and Eighty-sixth are busily engaged in completing the line of fortifications between the beach and Fort Barrancas, Barrancas and redoubt, and redoubt and Bayou Grande, and it is important that this work is done before the troops take the field. Third. I have no other troops at my disposal to relieve and replace these three regiments in the several forts and on the line of fortifications. Fourth. I have received no orders to relieve those three regiments from duty with this district, which would leave all the forts without garrison, and prevent the completion of the line of fortifications.
Under these embarrassing circumstances I consider it the best expedient that these regiments continue to remain at their present duties, and that the Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, just arrived, be encamped near the Eighty-second and Eighty-sixth, in order to have the regiments of the First Brigade of your division united as much as possible preparatory to their taking the field. I feel inclined, general, that you will agree to these my views, pending the daily expected arrival of Major-General Canby, commanding, and his final orders in the matter.
Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
ASBOTH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding."
Source: Serial 101 Page 839 Correspondence, Etc Union
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 48.
New Orleans, February 20, 1865.
* * *
8. Owing to the want of success that has attended the efforts made to organize the regiments of colored volunteers authorized by General Orders, Numbers 154,* series of 1864, from these headquarters, the authority contained in the same is hereby revoked, and all recruits who have been enlisted under that order will be at once transferred to other regiments of colored troops serving in this departments to complete the terms of their enlistment. In making transfers under this order care will be taken to equalize as far as possible the relative strength of the regiments, and to place the men so transferred where their services will be first and most available. To this end infantry regiments serving in the field will be selected. The chiefs mustering officer of the departments is charged with the execution of this order.
* * *
14. In compliance with orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, the following-named regiments will proceed as soon as transportation can be furnished to Algiers, La., and be reported to Brigadier General John P. Hawkins, commanding Separate Division of the U. S. Colored Infantry: The Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Brashear City; the Eightieth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Bonnet Carree; the Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Port Hudson; the Seventy-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Port Hudson,; the Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Morganza; the Seventy-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, now at Morganza. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportations.
By command of Major-General Hurlbut:
J. C. STONE,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General."
......
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Numbers 50.
New Orleans, February 22, 1865.
1. In compliance with orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, extract 14 of Special Orders, Numbers 48, current series, from these headquarters, is hereby so far modified as to require only the Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry (at Morganza) and the Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry (at Port Hudson) to report to Brigadier-General Hawkins, commanding division of colored infantry at Algiers, La. The other four regiments of colored infantry named in the order will be disposed of as follows: The Seventy-fifth (at Morganza) will relieve the Thirty-third Illinois Volunteers at Terre Bonne; the Seventy-eighth (at Port Hudson) will relieve the Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteers at Thibodeaux; the Eightieth (at Bonnet Carre) will relieve the Sixth Minnesota Volunteers, now at new Orleans, La; the Ninety-third will remain at Brashear City, and in place thereof the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers will be relieved from duty at that place. Upon being relieved as above the four regiments of white infantry will be sent to the camp located below Chalmette, about four miles from this city, and be reported to the commanding officer Sixteenth Army Corps, to which they are assigned. Brigadier General T. W. Sherman, commanding Southern Division of Louisiana, is charged with the execution of so much of the above order as relatives to the movement of these regiments to camp below Chalmette, upon being relieved by the troops from Port Hudson, Morganza, and Bonnet Carre. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
* * *
By command of Major-General Hurlbut:
J. C. STONE,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0941 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 23, 1865.
Brigadier General JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Algiers:
Please send two regiments to encamp near the Half-Way House on the road to Hickox Landing. A steamer will be sent to ferry them across to Saint Joseph street, and they will march out by that street and the Shell road. Until transportation is furnished from Hickox Landing to Pensacola such details as may be required for fatigue duty, under the superintendence of Captain Morse, assistant quartermaster, will be furnished. Please make the necessary preparations at once.
By order:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
ALGIERS, February 23, 1865.
(Received 7. 35 p. m.)
Lieutenant Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The ferry-boat has stopped running on account of the fog and several of our wagons belonging to the troops and en route for Pensacola, are left on this side. They will be sent over early in the morning. This will also prevent the teams of the two regiments ordered to Half-Way House. The regiments had better remain here till morning.
JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Brigadier-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0956 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.........
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 54.
New Orleans, La., February 23, 1865.
1. The following regiments are hereby organized into a division of colored infantry, to be commanded by Brigadier General John P. Hawkins, who will report direct to these headquarters: First Brigade-Twenty-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-second U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry. Second Brigade-Forty-seventh U. S. Colored Infantry, Fiftieth U. S. Colored Infantry, First-first U. S. Colored Infantry. Third Brigade-Forty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Sixty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry.
* * * * *
By order of Major General E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0954 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Half-Way House, near New Orleans, February 25, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded.
If my division could be strengthened I would like very much that it should be done. The effective force in the field will be much less than is shown as "effective strength" in the field return, owing to the many details necessary for the administration of the different staff departments, pioneers, &Etc.
JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding."
.....
"SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. 1ST DIV., U. S. COLORED TROOPS, Numbers 24.
Half-Way House, La., February 25, 1865.
I. Brigadier General William A. Pile, U. S. Volunteers, having reported to these headquarters for duty in pursuance of Special Orders, Numbers 50, current series, headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, is hereby assigned to the command of the First Brigade, composed of the following regiments: Twenty-fifth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-second U. S. Colored Infantry, Eighty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry. Brigadier-General Pile will report in person to these headquarters at Pensacola, Fla., with as little delay as practicable.
II. Colonel C. W. Drew, Seventy-sixth Regiment U. S. Colored Infantry, having reported to these headquarters pursuant to orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, is hereby assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, composed of the following regiments: Forty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Sixty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Seventy-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry.
By order of Brigadier General J. P. Hawkins:
SAML. B. FERGUSON,
Assistant Adjutant-General."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0974 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"GENERAL ORDERS,WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 28.
Washington, February 26, 1865.
The Thirteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps having been reorganized by Major-General Canby, by direction of the President Major General Gordon Granger is assigned to the command of the former and Major General A. J. Smith to the latter, their assignments to date from February 18.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General."
.....
"MORGANZA, February 26, 1865.
Captain W. H. CLAPP,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have the honor to inform you that the Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Regiments U. S. Colored Infantry left here this day for Algiers, pursuant to orders.
D. ULLMANN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding."
(Source: Serial 101 Page 0982 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI Chapter LX)
.....
"HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, March 4, 1865.
Brigadier General JOHN P. HAWKINS,
Commanding First Division, U. S. Colored Troops:
GENERAL: In regard to your desire that the Twenty-fifth and Eighty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry Regiments be relieved from duty and ordered to report to you at the camp of your division, I beg leave to give the following explanation: First. Special Orders, Numbers 54, headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, dated February 23, giving the number of regiments intended for the organization of your division comprises in the First Brigade three regiments stationed here for the last year, namely, the Twenty-fifth, the Eighty-second, and the Eighty-sixth Regiments. Second. The Twenty-fifth Regiment is garrisoning Fort Pickens, Barrancas, the redoubt, and guarding Gun-boat Point, at the mouth of the Bayou Grande above the navy-yard. The Eighty-second and Eighty-sixth are busily engaged in completing the line of fortifications between the beach and Fort Barrancas, Barrancas and redoubt, and redoubt and Bayou Grande, and it is important that this work is done before the troops take the field. Third. I have no other troops at my disposal to relieve and replace these three regiments in the several forts and on the line of fortifications. Fourth. I have received no orders to relieve those three regiments from duty with this district, which would leave all the forts without garrison, and prevent the completion of the line of fortifications.
Under these embarrassing circumstances I consider it the best expedient that these regiments continue to remain at their present duties, and that the Seventy-third U. S. Colored Infantry, just arrived, be encamped near the Eighty-second and Eighty-sixth, in order to have the regiments of the First Brigade of your division united as much as possible preparatory to their taking the field. I feel inclined, general, that you will agree to these my views, pending the daily expected arrival of Major-General Canby, commanding, and his final orders in the matter.
Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
ASBOTH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding."
Source: Serial 101 Page 839 Correspondence, Etc Union
Siege of Fort Blakeley
The Union Order of Battle for the Army of West Mississippi, consisted of nearly forty-five thousand men under the command of Major General E. R. S. Canby. The XIII Corps under General Gordon Granger with thirteen thousand men in three divisions, the XVI Corps under Maj. Gen. A.J. Smith with sixteen thousand men, and a column from Pensacola consisting of thirteen thousand men under Major General Frederick Steele. These separate columns were to be marched on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay and up to the initial fortifications at the north end of the bay.
The First Division, United States Colored Troops fell under the command of Brigadier General John P. Hawkins. With three brigades organized, the 1st Brigade consisting of the 73rd, 82nd, and 86th U.S.C.T. fell under the command of Brigadier General William A. Pile. Colonels Hiram Scofield and Charles W. Drew the other two brigades.
Pile’s brigade began its advance towards Mobile, Alabama on March 20, 1865. Defending the city were massive fortifications and earthworks protecting the western and southern attack, and Fort Blakeley and Spanish Fort protecting the eastern approaches. As Canby and Smith’s combined column marched north from the Fish River towards Spanish Fort, the U.S. Colored Troops under Steele advanced from Pensacola northward to Pollard, Alabama and then westward to Fort Blakeley. Steele’s column consisted of thirteen thousand men and 250 wagons. Fresh rains turned the roads into mud and the routes became very laborious and wagons and equipment continually became stuck and roads had to be corduroyed.
Pile’s men reached Fort Blakeley on April 1. The next morning, the men threw skirmishers and reached within nine hundred yards of the enemy defenses. Instead of making a dramatic assault, the men were ordered to dig approaches towards the Rebel position. For several days, the men dug closer and closer to the enemy under constant fire from sharpshooters. By the morning of April 9, the men were close enough to charge the Rebel fortifications.
“The usual way of locating advanced parallels was to send forward a line of skirmishers after dark to seize a position about one hundred yards in advance, more or less, according to topographical conditions, and when this line was assured in its position another line supplied with pics and shovels, was sent forward to join the first, when the line so established would intrench themselves as they stood. This done the occupants of these pits would extend them right and left to form a continuous line. Meanwhile saps or zig-zag approaches were also made to connect these parallels, so that officers and men could pass from one parallel to another in safety by night or day. These advances were made under the supervision of brigade commanders, who reported their progress daily to higher authority. This work was of course made as difficult and dangerous as possible by the besieged garrison, by means of frequent sallies, by night and day, and by means of fire-balls tossed into our lines from cohorn mortars and exposing our men to fire short range while at their work.” - Lieutenant Colonel Merriam, 73rd USCT
The division of U.S. Colored Troops took up position on the right flank of the Union army that besieged Blakeley, the entrenchments at Blakeley extended 3-miles and anchored at the north and south ends by the Tensaw River. In front were nine redoubts where men and artillery could be massed. The 73rd USCT, along with the other USCT troops, were posted in an area fronting Redoubts 1 and 2, the northernmost along the line at Fort Blakeley. As the siege progressed from April 1 to April 8, 1865, the Federals advanced steadily closer to the Confederate position while under fire, ultimately digging multiple lines of trenches and advanced rifle pits where skirmishers could be posted. By the morning of Sunday, April 9, their lines lay within just a few hundred yards of the Confederates, close enough for an overwhelming assault that would end the siege. Federal commanders began planning such an operation that morning with a sense of urgency, as they feared the severely outnumbered garrison might attempt a stealthy withdrawal via the Tensaw and reform as a combined force with other troops of the Rebel army.
According to Merriam, “ …we received news of the escape of the garrison of Spanish Fort…during the previous night. The effect upon us all was very depressing, for the failure to capture that garrison after spending half a month digging them out meant that these troops had abandoned a position no longer tenable, only to fall back to stronger fortifications covering Mobile, there again to be besieged, probably under conditions less favorable to us. To me it appeared that the escape of the garrison in our front would be simply disgraceful. Oppressed with this feeling I asked the colonel of the 86th Regiment on my right to go with me to our brigade commander, General Pile, and ask permission to capture the enemy’s advance line of works at once (it was then soon afternoon) instead of waiting for cover of darkness as had been the custom.”
Lieutenant Colonel Merriam, 73rd USCT, and several other USCT officers obtained permission to take a small force to probe the Confederate left on the afternoon of April 9, 1865, to determine if an evacuation was underway and thereby provide invaluable information to army leadership. It was thought that the nearly five thousand USCT may be confronting only five hundred Confederates. At approximately 3:00 p.m., men from the 73rd and the 86th USCT launched their small reconnaissance force in front of Redoubts 1 and 2. Exposed to enemy fire, they took several casualties as they ran up and over felled timber abatis and over the rise of the Confederate advanced rifle pits. The Confederates, believing it to be the beginning of a general assault threw reinforcements into the redoubts.
Lt. Col. Merriam continued, “It was probably about three o’clock when General Pile came to the front to supervise the attack. He was accompanied by Major-General Osterhaus, General Canby’s chief of staff. All arrangements being satisfactory, the attack was made with great gallantry by Captain Brown of the 73rd and Captain Jenkins of the 86th. The capture of the outer line was only the work of a few minutes, but so terrific was the fire concentrated upon us from front, and, at first, also from both flanks, by artillery and infantry, and plainly seeing the gathering of reinforcements by the enemy in my front I sent forward as supports Captain Snear, Company B, Lt. Lyon, Company I, and Company A, Captain Crydenwise, in rapid succession – the last named company taking spades, by order of General Pile, to reverse the captured rifle pits. At this time I hastened to the advance myself. Gallant Major Mudgett had fallen, shot through the head. Captain Brown had fallen mortally wounded and Captain Snear fell with a severe wound at my feet as I reached the line. He refused to sheathe his sword or to be carried off of the field. Captain Crydenwise with his company was reversing the rifle pits. Taking B, G and I companies under Captain Lyon – the only officer left in the other brigades of Hawkin’s Division were storming the pits in their front and conforming to our lines.”
As small units became involved in heavy, prolonged skirmishing the Federal command responded in kind and disorganized fighting on both sides erupted. Colonel Drew commanding the 3rd Brigade (48th, 68th, and 76th USCT) ordered his men to advance around 4 p.m. and his troops “broke off on the double-quick with shouts, and charged with the greatest enthusiasm.”
At about 5:30 p.m., cheers could be heard from the Federals to the left of their position and Brig. Gen. Pile ordered his men forward, within moments Hawkins entire division was in motion in an enthusiastic charge. Through a storm of artillery and small arms fire fighting took place all across the 3- mile line. By 6:15 p.m. the last shots of the battle had been fired, and Fort Blakeley lay in the possession of the Union Army.
The 73rd U.S. Colored Infantry was credited with being the first unit to place its colors in the sector; on Confederate Redoubt 2. During the battle, USCT units captured over 200 men and several pieces of artillery and sustained some of the heaviest casualties of any unit engaged. Over 30 troops were killed and nearly 150 wounded in the assault. USCT units suffered nearly 400 casualties during the entirety of operations. Observers noted the black regiments performed bravely during the assault, with Brig. Gen. Christopher Columbus Andrews writing that “greater gallantry than was shown by officers and men could hardly be desired. The (troops) were burning with an impulse to do honor to their race, and rushed forward with intense enthusiasm, in face of a terrible fire.”
After the fall of Mobile the 73rd USCT marched to Selma, Alabama which had also been captured by the Union Army following General Wilson’s columns marching southward in conjunction with the assaults on Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley. After a short stay in Selma, the regiment returned to Mobile before traveling by steamer to Vicksburg and then marching to Jackson, Mississippi in June. A month later, in July, the regiment returned to Camp Parapet near New Orleans where Brigadier General Phelps had first asked General Butler permission to uniform and arm fugitive slaves. Special Orders No. 67 dated September 23, 1865, demobilized the regiment and the remaining white officers were transferred to the 96th U.S. Colored Infantry, Acting Engineers. The enlisted men whose terms of service were about to expire were mustered out.
The First Division, United States Colored Troops fell under the command of Brigadier General John P. Hawkins. With three brigades organized, the 1st Brigade consisting of the 73rd, 82nd, and 86th U.S.C.T. fell under the command of Brigadier General William A. Pile. Colonels Hiram Scofield and Charles W. Drew the other two brigades.
Pile’s brigade began its advance towards Mobile, Alabama on March 20, 1865. Defending the city were massive fortifications and earthworks protecting the western and southern attack, and Fort Blakeley and Spanish Fort protecting the eastern approaches. As Canby and Smith’s combined column marched north from the Fish River towards Spanish Fort, the U.S. Colored Troops under Steele advanced from Pensacola northward to Pollard, Alabama and then westward to Fort Blakeley. Steele’s column consisted of thirteen thousand men and 250 wagons. Fresh rains turned the roads into mud and the routes became very laborious and wagons and equipment continually became stuck and roads had to be corduroyed.
Pile’s men reached Fort Blakeley on April 1. The next morning, the men threw skirmishers and reached within nine hundred yards of the enemy defenses. Instead of making a dramatic assault, the men were ordered to dig approaches towards the Rebel position. For several days, the men dug closer and closer to the enemy under constant fire from sharpshooters. By the morning of April 9, the men were close enough to charge the Rebel fortifications.
“The usual way of locating advanced parallels was to send forward a line of skirmishers after dark to seize a position about one hundred yards in advance, more or less, according to topographical conditions, and when this line was assured in its position another line supplied with pics and shovels, was sent forward to join the first, when the line so established would intrench themselves as they stood. This done the occupants of these pits would extend them right and left to form a continuous line. Meanwhile saps or zig-zag approaches were also made to connect these parallels, so that officers and men could pass from one parallel to another in safety by night or day. These advances were made under the supervision of brigade commanders, who reported their progress daily to higher authority. This work was of course made as difficult and dangerous as possible by the besieged garrison, by means of frequent sallies, by night and day, and by means of fire-balls tossed into our lines from cohorn mortars and exposing our men to fire short range while at their work.” - Lieutenant Colonel Merriam, 73rd USCT
The division of U.S. Colored Troops took up position on the right flank of the Union army that besieged Blakeley, the entrenchments at Blakeley extended 3-miles and anchored at the north and south ends by the Tensaw River. In front were nine redoubts where men and artillery could be massed. The 73rd USCT, along with the other USCT troops, were posted in an area fronting Redoubts 1 and 2, the northernmost along the line at Fort Blakeley. As the siege progressed from April 1 to April 8, 1865, the Federals advanced steadily closer to the Confederate position while under fire, ultimately digging multiple lines of trenches and advanced rifle pits where skirmishers could be posted. By the morning of Sunday, April 9, their lines lay within just a few hundred yards of the Confederates, close enough for an overwhelming assault that would end the siege. Federal commanders began planning such an operation that morning with a sense of urgency, as they feared the severely outnumbered garrison might attempt a stealthy withdrawal via the Tensaw and reform as a combined force with other troops of the Rebel army.
According to Merriam, “ …we received news of the escape of the garrison of Spanish Fort…during the previous night. The effect upon us all was very depressing, for the failure to capture that garrison after spending half a month digging them out meant that these troops had abandoned a position no longer tenable, only to fall back to stronger fortifications covering Mobile, there again to be besieged, probably under conditions less favorable to us. To me it appeared that the escape of the garrison in our front would be simply disgraceful. Oppressed with this feeling I asked the colonel of the 86th Regiment on my right to go with me to our brigade commander, General Pile, and ask permission to capture the enemy’s advance line of works at once (it was then soon afternoon) instead of waiting for cover of darkness as had been the custom.”
Lieutenant Colonel Merriam, 73rd USCT, and several other USCT officers obtained permission to take a small force to probe the Confederate left on the afternoon of April 9, 1865, to determine if an evacuation was underway and thereby provide invaluable information to army leadership. It was thought that the nearly five thousand USCT may be confronting only five hundred Confederates. At approximately 3:00 p.m., men from the 73rd and the 86th USCT launched their small reconnaissance force in front of Redoubts 1 and 2. Exposed to enemy fire, they took several casualties as they ran up and over felled timber abatis and over the rise of the Confederate advanced rifle pits. The Confederates, believing it to be the beginning of a general assault threw reinforcements into the redoubts.
Lt. Col. Merriam continued, “It was probably about three o’clock when General Pile came to the front to supervise the attack. He was accompanied by Major-General Osterhaus, General Canby’s chief of staff. All arrangements being satisfactory, the attack was made with great gallantry by Captain Brown of the 73rd and Captain Jenkins of the 86th. The capture of the outer line was only the work of a few minutes, but so terrific was the fire concentrated upon us from front, and, at first, also from both flanks, by artillery and infantry, and plainly seeing the gathering of reinforcements by the enemy in my front I sent forward as supports Captain Snear, Company B, Lt. Lyon, Company I, and Company A, Captain Crydenwise, in rapid succession – the last named company taking spades, by order of General Pile, to reverse the captured rifle pits. At this time I hastened to the advance myself. Gallant Major Mudgett had fallen, shot through the head. Captain Brown had fallen mortally wounded and Captain Snear fell with a severe wound at my feet as I reached the line. He refused to sheathe his sword or to be carried off of the field. Captain Crydenwise with his company was reversing the rifle pits. Taking B, G and I companies under Captain Lyon – the only officer left in the other brigades of Hawkin’s Division were storming the pits in their front and conforming to our lines.”
As small units became involved in heavy, prolonged skirmishing the Federal command responded in kind and disorganized fighting on both sides erupted. Colonel Drew commanding the 3rd Brigade (48th, 68th, and 76th USCT) ordered his men to advance around 4 p.m. and his troops “broke off on the double-quick with shouts, and charged with the greatest enthusiasm.”
At about 5:30 p.m., cheers could be heard from the Federals to the left of their position and Brig. Gen. Pile ordered his men forward, within moments Hawkins entire division was in motion in an enthusiastic charge. Through a storm of artillery and small arms fire fighting took place all across the 3- mile line. By 6:15 p.m. the last shots of the battle had been fired, and Fort Blakeley lay in the possession of the Union Army.
The 73rd U.S. Colored Infantry was credited with being the first unit to place its colors in the sector; on Confederate Redoubt 2. During the battle, USCT units captured over 200 men and several pieces of artillery and sustained some of the heaviest casualties of any unit engaged. Over 30 troops were killed and nearly 150 wounded in the assault. USCT units suffered nearly 400 casualties during the entirety of operations. Observers noted the black regiments performed bravely during the assault, with Brig. Gen. Christopher Columbus Andrews writing that “greater gallantry than was shown by officers and men could hardly be desired. The (troops) were burning with an impulse to do honor to their race, and rushed forward with intense enthusiasm, in face of a terrible fire.”
After the fall of Mobile the 73rd USCT marched to Selma, Alabama which had also been captured by the Union Army following General Wilson’s columns marching southward in conjunction with the assaults on Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley. After a short stay in Selma, the regiment returned to Mobile before traveling by steamer to Vicksburg and then marching to Jackson, Mississippi in June. A month later, in July, the regiment returned to Camp Parapet near New Orleans where Brigadier General Phelps had first asked General Butler permission to uniform and arm fugitive slaves. Special Orders No. 67 dated September 23, 1865, demobilized the regiment and the remaining white officers were transferred to the 96th U.S. Colored Infantry, Acting Engineers. The enlisted men whose terms of service were about to expire were mustered out.
Notable Men of the Louisiana Native Guards
1st Louisiana Native Guard (73rd U.S.C.T.)
ANSELMAS PLANCIANOIS. Just before the siege of Port Hudson began, the Louisiana Native Guards were presented with their regimental flag. When Colonel Hodge (First Louisiana Engineers) gave the flag to Color Segeant Anselmas Plancianois, Hodge charged him with protecting, even die for, the flag, but that it was never to be surrendered. Plancianois responded, ‘Colonel, I will bring these colors to you in honor or report to God the reason why.’ His words were met with cheers from the Regiment. Plancianois was killed carrying the flag as the regiment charged the Rebel works on May 27th, 1863 along with Captain Andre Cailloux. (Image: Capt. Cailloux with the color guard at Port Hudson, Emancipation, Apple+, 2022)
Captain Andre Cailloux’s remains were taken to New Orleans for burial. Six pallbearers were colored officers of the 2nd Louisiana Native Guard. The band of the 42nd Massachusetts played as the flag draped casket was loaded into the hearse after last rights were given by a white priest. Two companies of black soldiers acted as honor guard as his body passed down the Esplanade in front of crowds of spectators, black and white, waiting to pay their respects. He was buried at the Bienville Street Cemetery. Cailloux is perhaps the most famous black officer of the American Civil War.
LOUIS ANTOINE SNAER was born in New Orleans. He was a free man of color, raised and educated there, and he joined the 1st Louisiana Native Guards at the beginning of the war, and mustered into Co. B., 73rd USCT as a Captain. He holds the distinction of being the only Creole officer at the battle of Ft. Blakeley, the last major battle of the Civil War. Maj. Snaer moved to California after the war and died there on the 18th of June in 1917 at the age of 75. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles.
James H. Ingraham, Captain. Born into slavery, it was said that he had never been made to feel "the whip" or other "inhumanities" of that condition. At the age of six, he was freed by his master -- who was also his father. Future civil rights leader in the south. His words on the plaque at Fort Butler state, “…the latent courage of the African is aroused, and that, while fighting under the American Flag, we can and will be a wall of fire and death to the enemies of this country, our birthplace.” President of the 1865 Louisiana Convention of Colored People and Principal speaker and organizer of the Louisiana branch of the National Equal Rights League asking for universal suffrage, marriage between races, civil and political rights of citizens without distinction of color or former status.
P. S. Pinchback, Congressman, Senator, and Governor of Louisiana for 4 months. “…if Blacks were citizens, they should be allowed to vote; if they were not citizens, then they should not be subject to military draft." Pinchback stated that "they did not ask for social equality, and did not expect it; but they demanded political rights -- they wanted to be men."
Captain Emile Detiege (Detege), Emile’s father, Nicolas Detiege was a Belgian immigrant who had a long-term relationship with a Louisiana Creole woman named Roséline Dartes, a mulâtresse, who had been born a slave of Pierre-Louis Nee, M.D. Émile Detiege, son of Nicolas and Roséline, was born in 1840 and was considered a “quadroon” being of ¼ African ancestry. He, like his father, was a brick mason. He was a slave of Dr. Pierre-Louis Nee and Marie Clair Benoit de St Clair. Emile was emancipated upon the death of his father fulfilling his last will and testament. Emile helped Col. Phelps train the freedmen at Camp Parapet in military drill when the first attempt to enroll black men into the ranks was originally attempted, but denied. He also became a schoolmaster and taught the freedmen to read. On September 27th 1862, Emile enlisted into the 1st Louisiana Native Guards (73rd USCT) and was appointed as 1st Lieutenant of Company C in New Orleans. Detiege tendered his resignation on September 16, 1863 citing the following, “I herewith tender my immediate and unconditional resignation as First Lieutenant of Company C – First Regiment Infantry Corps d’Afrique, on the grounds of the prejudice existing – against the free men of color as officers. Hoping that it will meet your approval. With that profound respect which is due to all rank.”
He was very active in the campaign for black suffrage and was the first man of color to serve as sheriff of St. Martin Parish. An altercation between two armed men accused of slander, Ernest and Onesiphore Delahoussaye, resulted in a struggle and shooting in which both the Delahoussayes were killed. Emile Detiege was later acquitted. Detiege married Célita Marie Vidal in New Orleans in 1871 and they had two children. He served in politics as a Louisiana state senator from 1874-1876 and was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1878. He passed away April 12, 1899 at the age of 59 in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. He has two tombs. The largest is in St. Michael’s Cemetery in St. Martinville, Louisiana. A smaller military marker is located in St. Mary's Cemetary in Bay St. Louis.
2nd Louisiana Native Guard (74th U.S.C.T.):
Captain Arnold Bertonneau, Arnold was born on 4 Feb 1834 in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States. His French Creole parents were Louis Bertonneau and Marie Ursule Auguste. Arnold was born a free man.
Bartonneau was one of the original officers (1st Lieutenant) of the self-proclaimed Louisiana militias known as the the "Meschacebe Guards" which became known as the Louisiana Native Guards protecting New Orleans. Although the Louisiana militia was never officially recognized, uniformed or armed by the Confederacy, U.S. Brigadier General Butler officially mustered several of the original men as the 1st Louisiana Native Guard in September 1862 making it one of the first colored regiments mustered into service. Enlistments exceeded expectations and additional colored regiments were created. At 28 years old Arnold Bertonneau was commissioned a Captain, Company H, in the 2nd Regiment of the Louisiana Native Guards (74th U.S. Colored Infantry) on October 12, 1862. He resigned his commission with several other officers in March, 1863 for reasons of racial prejudice against him and other colored officers.
After his resignation Bartonneau became a central figure in the campaign to win black suffrage through his participation in the organization of the Louisiana Branch of the National Equal Rights League and his work with newspaper publisher Roudanez. Both participated in a petition campaign and gathered more than 1000 signatures requesting suffrage for black men, who were free before the war, to vote. He and Jean Baptiste Roudanez took the petition to Washington in 1864 and presented it to President Lincoln and Congress. The petition was rejected by the Senate.
He married Eulalie Montfort on April 23, 1868 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1877, he filed a law suit for discrimination (Bid in Equity) with the Board of Directors City Schools which was filed in the U.S. Circuit Court and appealed to the higher court. After his first wife passed away he married Julia Lacoste in 1891. He and his wife Julia moved to Pasadena, California in about 1901.
Their son A.J. was active in the Pasadena Board of Trade and in 1915 was made manager of the Tournament of Roses and is considered the father of the Rose Bowl football game that follows the parade every year.
He passed away on October 7, 1912 at his home in Pasadena, California, and was buried in Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum in Altadena, California. The mausoleum link has access to a document that lists many other Union vets buried at the location.
Sources:
Birth and marriage: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/170673920?objectPage=3
Military Service Records: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bertonneau https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/88/9991/20999188/content/00014/M320-ServRecConfedSold_Louisiana/M320_0094/M320_0094/images/0225.jpg
Court Case: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/26437321?objectPage=10
Oscar Dunn
ANSELMAS PLANCIANOIS. Just before the siege of Port Hudson began, the Louisiana Native Guards were presented with their regimental flag. When Colonel Hodge (First Louisiana Engineers) gave the flag to Color Segeant Anselmas Plancianois, Hodge charged him with protecting, even die for, the flag, but that it was never to be surrendered. Plancianois responded, ‘Colonel, I will bring these colors to you in honor or report to God the reason why.’ His words were met with cheers from the Regiment. Plancianois was killed carrying the flag as the regiment charged the Rebel works on May 27th, 1863 along with Captain Andre Cailloux. (Image: Capt. Cailloux with the color guard at Port Hudson, Emancipation, Apple+, 2022)
Captain Andre Cailloux’s remains were taken to New Orleans for burial. Six pallbearers were colored officers of the 2nd Louisiana Native Guard. The band of the 42nd Massachusetts played as the flag draped casket was loaded into the hearse after last rights were given by a white priest. Two companies of black soldiers acted as honor guard as his body passed down the Esplanade in front of crowds of spectators, black and white, waiting to pay their respects. He was buried at the Bienville Street Cemetery. Cailloux is perhaps the most famous black officer of the American Civil War.
LOUIS ANTOINE SNAER was born in New Orleans. He was a free man of color, raised and educated there, and he joined the 1st Louisiana Native Guards at the beginning of the war, and mustered into Co. B., 73rd USCT as a Captain. He holds the distinction of being the only Creole officer at the battle of Ft. Blakeley, the last major battle of the Civil War. Maj. Snaer moved to California after the war and died there on the 18th of June in 1917 at the age of 75. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles.
James H. Ingraham, Captain. Born into slavery, it was said that he had never been made to feel "the whip" or other "inhumanities" of that condition. At the age of six, he was freed by his master -- who was also his father. Future civil rights leader in the south. His words on the plaque at Fort Butler state, “…the latent courage of the African is aroused, and that, while fighting under the American Flag, we can and will be a wall of fire and death to the enemies of this country, our birthplace.” President of the 1865 Louisiana Convention of Colored People and Principal speaker and organizer of the Louisiana branch of the National Equal Rights League asking for universal suffrage, marriage between races, civil and political rights of citizens without distinction of color or former status.
P. S. Pinchback, Congressman, Senator, and Governor of Louisiana for 4 months. “…if Blacks were citizens, they should be allowed to vote; if they were not citizens, then they should not be subject to military draft." Pinchback stated that "they did not ask for social equality, and did not expect it; but they demanded political rights -- they wanted to be men."
Captain Emile Detiege (Detege), Emile’s father, Nicolas Detiege was a Belgian immigrant who had a long-term relationship with a Louisiana Creole woman named Roséline Dartes, a mulâtresse, who had been born a slave of Pierre-Louis Nee, M.D. Émile Detiege, son of Nicolas and Roséline, was born in 1840 and was considered a “quadroon” being of ¼ African ancestry. He, like his father, was a brick mason. He was a slave of Dr. Pierre-Louis Nee and Marie Clair Benoit de St Clair. Emile was emancipated upon the death of his father fulfilling his last will and testament. Emile helped Col. Phelps train the freedmen at Camp Parapet in military drill when the first attempt to enroll black men into the ranks was originally attempted, but denied. He also became a schoolmaster and taught the freedmen to read. On September 27th 1862, Emile enlisted into the 1st Louisiana Native Guards (73rd USCT) and was appointed as 1st Lieutenant of Company C in New Orleans. Detiege tendered his resignation on September 16, 1863 citing the following, “I herewith tender my immediate and unconditional resignation as First Lieutenant of Company C – First Regiment Infantry Corps d’Afrique, on the grounds of the prejudice existing – against the free men of color as officers. Hoping that it will meet your approval. With that profound respect which is due to all rank.”
He was very active in the campaign for black suffrage and was the first man of color to serve as sheriff of St. Martin Parish. An altercation between two armed men accused of slander, Ernest and Onesiphore Delahoussaye, resulted in a struggle and shooting in which both the Delahoussayes were killed. Emile Detiege was later acquitted. Detiege married Célita Marie Vidal in New Orleans in 1871 and they had two children. He served in politics as a Louisiana state senator from 1874-1876 and was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1878. He passed away April 12, 1899 at the age of 59 in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. He has two tombs. The largest is in St. Michael’s Cemetery in St. Martinville, Louisiana. A smaller military marker is located in St. Mary's Cemetary in Bay St. Louis.
2nd Louisiana Native Guard (74th U.S.C.T.):
Captain Arnold Bertonneau, Arnold was born on 4 Feb 1834 in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States. His French Creole parents were Louis Bertonneau and Marie Ursule Auguste. Arnold was born a free man.
Bartonneau was one of the original officers (1st Lieutenant) of the self-proclaimed Louisiana militias known as the the "Meschacebe Guards" which became known as the Louisiana Native Guards protecting New Orleans. Although the Louisiana militia was never officially recognized, uniformed or armed by the Confederacy, U.S. Brigadier General Butler officially mustered several of the original men as the 1st Louisiana Native Guard in September 1862 making it one of the first colored regiments mustered into service. Enlistments exceeded expectations and additional colored regiments were created. At 28 years old Arnold Bertonneau was commissioned a Captain, Company H, in the 2nd Regiment of the Louisiana Native Guards (74th U.S. Colored Infantry) on October 12, 1862. He resigned his commission with several other officers in March, 1863 for reasons of racial prejudice against him and other colored officers.
After his resignation Bartonneau became a central figure in the campaign to win black suffrage through his participation in the organization of the Louisiana Branch of the National Equal Rights League and his work with newspaper publisher Roudanez. Both participated in a petition campaign and gathered more than 1000 signatures requesting suffrage for black men, who were free before the war, to vote. He and Jean Baptiste Roudanez took the petition to Washington in 1864 and presented it to President Lincoln and Congress. The petition was rejected by the Senate.
He married Eulalie Montfort on April 23, 1868 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1877, he filed a law suit for discrimination (Bid in Equity) with the Board of Directors City Schools which was filed in the U.S. Circuit Court and appealed to the higher court. After his first wife passed away he married Julia Lacoste in 1891. He and his wife Julia moved to Pasadena, California in about 1901.
Their son A.J. was active in the Pasadena Board of Trade and in 1915 was made manager of the Tournament of Roses and is considered the father of the Rose Bowl football game that follows the parade every year.
He passed away on October 7, 1912 at his home in Pasadena, California, and was buried in Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum in Altadena, California. The mausoleum link has access to a document that lists many other Union vets buried at the location.
Sources:
Birth and marriage: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/170673920?objectPage=3
Military Service Records: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bertonneau https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/88/9991/20999188/content/00014/M320-ServRecConfedSold_Louisiana/M320_0094/M320_0094/images/0225.jpg
Court Case: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/26437321?objectPage=10
Oscar Dunn
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/1862/08/15/archives/gen-butler-vs-gen-phelps-the-centraband-question-at-neworleans.html?fbclid=IwAR25ir37yvZOVukMS-4SruG-zEJtkzRos4m40xaA3NabXImdtdHgTvqJkz4
Hollandsworth, The Louisiana Native Guard, pgs 15-16.
Butler to Stanton, August 16, 1862, O.R. Vol XV., pgs 552-553.
Butler to Stanton, August 14, 1862, O.R. Vol XV., pgs 548-549.
https://www.nytimes.com/1863/02/07/archives/department-of-the-gulf-trip-to-fort-macombe-the-first-louisiana.html?fbclid=IwAR38BSUguhOmd9DNkgJG9ex_VHfnJdiyobtjqG3pT_u-w4G6iJkvVIT2bzc
https://www.historynet.com/americas-civil-war-louisiana-native-guards/?fbclid=IwAR3akaRhgXJg13BGEhUQQvmw565kIBWVzC1iiAhVs5kAW4xYHACHldzwy78
https://www.nytimes.com/1863/02/07/archives/department-of-the-gulf-trip-to-fort-macombe-the-first-louisiana.html?fbclid=IwAR1Om4J3le7PK71cSssAAGV1k1_yddAUGoZRZjyFt4sgcQwXiV5e0Ri_00s
https://blog.genealogybank.com/civil-war-letter-from-an...
Hollandsworth, "The Louisiana Native Guards" (1998) pg. 31.
http://www.freedmen.umd.edu/pow.htm?fbclid=IwAR06ae6UD4k3fXHZeZw9bOS6AeZO2OtDPZVERoWeXT9bRb_gZ0CmhgeaQSk
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation?fbclid=IwAR0VAnUal0EUobJWPbhyIClCnJdgY_6Wsdy3vvqkBH1UkeSo7eUsxH0aBFU
https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/39620?fbclid=IwAR20_1ZhThy-75NzogXpvqKL_9Kt-H_6DVkT6YJHnIDKtwG6RIMQOIRy6XY
Joseph T. Wilson, THE BLACK PHALANX. Published by American Publishing company, Hartford, Connecticut, 1892.
Official Records: https://ehistory.osu.edu/books/official-records/063/0453
https://www.nytimes.com/1862/08/15/archives/gen-butler-vs-gen-phelps-the-centraband-question-at-neworleans.html?fbclid=IwAR25ir37yvZOVukMS-4SruG-zEJtkzRos4m40xaA3NabXImdtdHgTvqJkz4
Hollandsworth, The Louisiana Native Guard, pgs 15-16.
Butler to Stanton, August 16, 1862, O.R. Vol XV., pgs 552-553.
Butler to Stanton, August 14, 1862, O.R. Vol XV., pgs 548-549.
https://www.nytimes.com/1863/02/07/archives/department-of-the-gulf-trip-to-fort-macombe-the-first-louisiana.html?fbclid=IwAR38BSUguhOmd9DNkgJG9ex_VHfnJdiyobtjqG3pT_u-w4G6iJkvVIT2bzc
https://www.historynet.com/americas-civil-war-louisiana-native-guards/?fbclid=IwAR3akaRhgXJg13BGEhUQQvmw565kIBWVzC1iiAhVs5kAW4xYHACHldzwy78
https://www.nytimes.com/1863/02/07/archives/department-of-the-gulf-trip-to-fort-macombe-the-first-louisiana.html?fbclid=IwAR1Om4J3le7PK71cSssAAGV1k1_yddAUGoZRZjyFt4sgcQwXiV5e0Ri_00s
https://blog.genealogybank.com/civil-war-letter-from-an...
Hollandsworth, "The Louisiana Native Guards" (1998) pg. 31.
http://www.freedmen.umd.edu/pow.htm?fbclid=IwAR06ae6UD4k3fXHZeZw9bOS6AeZO2OtDPZVERoWeXT9bRb_gZ0CmhgeaQSk
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation?fbclid=IwAR0VAnUal0EUobJWPbhyIClCnJdgY_6Wsdy3vvqkBH1UkeSo7eUsxH0aBFU
https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/39620?fbclid=IwAR20_1ZhThy-75NzogXpvqKL_9Kt-H_6DVkT6YJHnIDKtwG6RIMQOIRy6XY
Joseph T. Wilson, THE BLACK PHALANX. Published by American Publishing company, Hartford, Connecticut, 1892.
Official Records: https://ehistory.osu.edu/books/official-records/063/0453