Love these odd local militia companies! Here's one especially for the old guys! This one is a real company, though, as numerous actual citizens of New Orleans are named in the following advertisement for additional members. Man! I would have qualified for membership in both the Elephant Rangers and the Fossil Guard! -- Jim Huffman, Violett Guards, Co. K, 6th LA Inf.

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HEADQUARTERS FOSSIL GUARD
(Fire District No. 4)
New Orleans,
April 22, 1861.

AT A DRILL MEETING OF THE COMPANY, on Friday, the 18th inst., it was ordered by the Captain to publish the names of the members and to request the citizens of the above District, who wished to join, to hand in their names to the Secretary or Orderly Sergeant; provided he is of the age of forty and upwards, and of good moral habits. The following is a list of the officers and members of the comapny:

[A list of some fifty members is shown.]

Drill meetings, TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS. Regular business meetings, first FRIDAY in every month. J.A. Somers, O.S.