Civil War Louisiana (CWLA)

________________________________________
Civil War Louisiana (CWLA)
CWLA seeks to provide an online resource of any and all material of the Civil War relating to Louisiana with a special interest in the war in Acadiana in southwest Louisiana.
____________________________________________

Monday, December 29, 2014

Gallant Creoles by Michael Marshall





A link has been added to Michael Marshall's history of the Donaldsonville Canonniers on our page "Books on Louisiana Units." 

Here is the write up on the book as it appears at the UL Press website (link above): 

Composed of Creole and Cajun citizen-soldiers, the Donaldsonville Canonniers were originally organized as a militia company in 1837 and were one of the most active and highly regarded Louisiana units during the American Civil War. Known as the Donaldsonville Artillery during the conflict, the Canonniers were a conspicuous part of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, participating in a number of skirmishes, artillery duels, and battles, including: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Seven Days, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, North Anna, Second Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Appomattox Station. The Canonniers reorganized in July 1875 and were eventually accepted into Federal service during the Spanish-American War, before disbanding for good in November 1898. 
 Gallant Creoles: A History of the Donaldsonville Canonniers records the history of this Louisiana militia company and also includes extensive biographies of each Donaldsonville Canonnier who served during the Civil War. 
"An obvious labor of love, Michael Marshall’s history of the Donaldsonville Battery Volunteer Artillery leaves absolutely no source unturned. . . . It is a welcome contribution to anyone’s Civil War library." --Chris Calkins, author of The Appomattox Campaign and The Battles of Appomattox
"Michael Marshall paints a detailed and intimate portrait of a group of young men who left their homes on the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche to try and make good on the Confederacy’s claims of independence. These rugged gunners faced the shot and shell thrown at Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia with pluck and nerve, all the while standing to their duty—and their guns—resolved to see this chore through to its end. When the smoke cleared, a battle tested remnant returned to the Pelican State confident they had done their duty.  A great story, well told."
--Donald S. Frazier, author of Fire in the Cane Fields and Thunder Across the Swamp 
"Thoroughly researched, rich in detail, Michael Marshall’s Gallant Creoles is a stunning tribute to a little known artillery unit from southeast Louisiana—Le Canonniers de Donaldsonville. Marshall’s mastery in chronicling the history of this colorful group of artillerists who faithfully served in the Army of Northern Virginia is a must read for any Civil War enthusiast."
--Christopher G. Peña, author of Scarred By War: Civil War in Southeast Louisiana  
About the Author
Michael Marshall is a retired New Orleans Police Department detective and sergeant. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is also a former World History and Publications high school teacher and U.S. Marine. His interest in the Civil War began at a very young age during the conflict’s centennial commemorations and family visits to battlefield parks. The proud father of two sons, he currently resides in Hammond, Louisiana, with his wife.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Jayhawkers Raid Mallet Woods

Opelousas Courier, November 5, 1864:

THE JAYHAWKERS AT WORK - During the night of the 2d inst., a band of about 20 Jayhawkers carousing about Mallet Woods, set fire and burned the residences of Messrs. Charles Dorosier, Sylvain Saunier and Jos. B. Young leaving their respective families to take care of themselves as best they can, and prevented them even of saving the most necessary clothing. Young Saunier was shot at and wounded, while in the act of escaping.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Governor's Mansion, Opelousas, La.

KLFY News out of Lafayette, La. did a small piece on the Governor's Mansion located in Opelousas February 12, 2014.



The Mouton House, or The Governor's Mansion, was originally built by a wealthy planter by the name of Lastie Dupre for his daughter and son-in-law: Celimere Dupre Mouton and Homere Mouton. The Mouton home became Governore Thomas O. Moore's residence when the capital of Louisiana was moved from Baton Rouge to Opelousas in May of 1862.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Warning: Jayhawkers and Home Guards

The Opelousas Courier from May 14, 1864 made a report on the recent activities of the "Jayhawkers" in the Opelousas area but also issued a warning to the public about the Home Guards:

"JAYHAWKERS - Since about two months, over one hundred of these malefactors have been shot or otherwise disposed of by military corps and by Home Guards, in this Parish, besides a larger number in Calcasieu and Avoyelles. The results are that quiet is partly restored in quarters heretofore threatened by these marauders, and, we hope, will continue so long as good and honest Home Guards will do their duty. Upon this subject, well founded rumors infer that certain of these organizations [Home Guards] are so composed that they are much to be dreaded even by honest and poor planters. Not knowing exactly the secrets and their duties and actions, we [ineligible] from making any further comments, but would simply call the attention of those who are interested in the subject."

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

"Tarred and Cottoned" in Louisiana

MONTGOMERY WEEKLY ADVERTISER, April 29, 1863, p. 1, c. 4
                The Shreveport Gazette recently published a card signed by about a hundred foreigners, who, fearing that they might be drafted in the militia, adopted that course to notify the people that they were French subjects, and owed no allegiance to Louisiana.  The News says that Mr. B. Courtade, one of the signers of the card, was taken out of his bed and "tarred and cottoned" the same night, and the rogue's march was played before the business houses of the balance.

Coppens' Zouave Battalion

Coppens' Zouave Battalion
Lt. Colonel George Coppens (seated) and brother, Captain Marie Alfred Coppens.Image sold at auction on Cowan Auctions, for $14,375