second day of May, in the year 1861, deposit in my office his written acceptance of the office to which he is commissioned, and his oath of office taken according to law.

[Signed]

"M. GRIVOT, Adjt. and Ins. Gen. La."

AND WHEREAS, such military organization elicited praise and respect, and was complimented in General Orders for its patriotism and loyalty, and was ordered to continue during the war, in the words following:

"ORDER No. 426.

"HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA,

66

Adjutant General's Office, March 24, 1862. (

"I. The Governor and Commander-in-Chief, relying implicitly upon the loyalty of the free colored population of the City and State, for the protection of their homes, their property, and for Southern rights, from the pollution of a ruthless invader, and believing that the military organization which existed prior to the 15th February, 1862, and elicited praise and respect for the patriotic motives which prompted it, should exist for and during the war, calls upon them to maintain their organization, and to hold themselves prepared for such orders as may be transmitted to them.

"II. The Colonel Commanding will report without delay to Major General Lewis, commanding State Militia."

"By order of

[Signed] "M. GRIVOT, Adjutant General."

THOS. O. MOORE, Governor.

AND WHEREAS, said military organization, by the same order, was directed to report to Major General Lewis for service, but did not leave the city of New Orleans when he did :

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 wrong 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 and 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 MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER :

R. S. DAVIS,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant General.

New Orleans, August 25, 1862.

No. 64.

All Officers or Enlisted Men of the Confederate service, now on parole in this city, who wish to be exchanged, will report themselves to Lieut. G. Weitzel, at the City Hall, on or before Monday, the 1st of September, for the purpose of arranging for such exchange.

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER :

R. S. DAVIS,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant Generai.