Militia general orders, head-quarters, New Orleans, August 6th, 1814. In a letter from the honourable the secretary at war, under date of the 4th ultimo, the governor of Louisiana has received the orders of the president of the United States, to organize and hold in readiness for immediate service, a corps of a thousand militia infantry, being the quota assigned to this state, of a requisition for ninety-three thousand five hundred men, made on the executives of the several states, under the laws of the 28th February 1795, and 18th of April 1814, the governor and commander-in-chief in consequence directs, that one complete regiment, a thousand strong, to be composed of two battalions 1st and 2nd be organized and equipped for service, with the least possible delay. The first division of militia will furnish four full companies, each company to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, two second lieutenant, four serjeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and ninety privates — the whole to be apportioned among the several brigades or regiments attached to the first division by the major-general commanding the same, and under his orders to be organized on or before the 4th of September next, and due returns made to the adjutant-general. The second division of militia will furnish five full companies — each company to consist as aforesaid of one captain, one first lieutenant, two second lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and ninety privates — the whole to be apportioned among the several brigades or regiments attached to the second division by the major-general commanding the same; and under his orders to be completely organized on or before the 15th September next, and due returns made of the same. In all cases volunteer uniform companies of the strength required will be preferred, and a tender of service from all such promptly accepted in assigning the quota of the first and second division. The commander-in-chief, as was his duty, has taken into view the exposure of particular points, and the amount and description of population; like considerations will influence the major-generals in making apportionment among the several brigades and regiments. The returns to the adjutant-general will give the names of the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates, and particularly state the number and condition of the arms, in order that provision may be made for the supply of deficiencies. Each noncommissioned officer and private to furnish himself with a knapsack and blanket. The colonel-commandant of the regiment, and the medical staff will be named by the commander-in-chief; the major of the first battalion to be selected by the major-general of the second division; the major of the second battalion by the major-general of the first division, and the paymaster, adjutant, and quartermaster of the regiment by the colonel-commandant. The corps thus to be organized and kept in readiness for active duty, will on the further commands of the president, or on the requisition of any officer acting under his authority, be ordered into the service of the United States, for a term not exceeding six months after their arrival at the point of rendezvous unless sooner discharged. The point of rendezvous for the detachment drawn from the first division, will be the city of New Orleans, and from the detachment drawn from the second division, the town of Baton Rouge. “ The late pacification in Europe (says the secretary at war) offers to the enemy a large disposable force, both naval and military, and with it the means of giving to the war here a character of new and increased activity and extent “ Without knowing with certainty, that such will be its application, and still less than any particular point or points, will become objects of attack, the president has deemed advisable, as a measure of precaution, to strengthen ourselves on the line of the Atlantic.” To these just reflections, the commander-in-chief will only add his firm reliance, that Louisiana will cheerfully participate with the sister states in whatever toils or dangers, the safety of our common country shall advise. The desire manifested by the United States to sheathe the sword, on terms alike honourable to both parties, may indeed he met with a correspondent disposition. It is not easy to believe, that a nation should be so wholly regardless of duty to herself, as always to reject the claims of justice — but let us not be so far deluded with a hope of peace, as to leave our country uncovered and unprotected. If the latest reports from Europe are to be accredited, the enemy had determined on the most vigorous prosecution of the war — it is added, that this section of the union was to be attacked with design “ of wresting Louisiana from the hands of the United States and restoring it to Spain.” A project so chimerical illy comports with that character for wisdom, to which the English government aspires, nor is it believed to be seriously contemplated. That the bare rumour, however, of such a design should awaken some anxiety, is cause of no surprise. But if there be individuals so much deceived, as to suppose its accomplishment possible, they are cautioned against being instrumental in deceiving others. The principles of the American government, no less than the interest and honour of the American people forbid the relinquishment of one tenth of the American territory. Whilst the western rivers flow, no foreign power can hold or detach Louisiana from the United States. She may indeed be temporarily exposed to an invading foe, but until by some convulsion of nature that numerous, gallant, and hardy race of men, inhabiting the vast tract of country watered by the tributary streams of the Mississippi, shall become extinct, the political destiny of Louisiana is placed beyond the possibility of change. Her connexion, interest and government must remain American. We however do not solely rely for security on our northern and western brethren. We shall not be wanting in duty to ourselves. The commander-in-chief therefore avails himself of this occasion, to invite the officers thoughout the state, and particularly colonels of regiments, and commandants of separate corps, to be faithful and diligent in the discharge of their respective duties. He orders the several regimental, battalion and company musters, as prescribed by law to be regularly holden, and every effort made to introduce order and discipline. If the war continues, we cannot hope for exemption from its calamities. In case of invasion, the whole militia will be ordered to front the enemy — if our homes and fire-sides are menaced, union, zeal, and mutual confidence should warm every heart and strengthen every arm. By order of his excellency William C. C. Claiborne, governor and commander-in-chief. (Signed) A. Laneuville. www2.latech.edu/~bmagee/louisiana_anthology/texts/latour/latour--appendices.html#CappendixN08
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 02:46:10 +0000
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