I can agree on several of your points, up to and including the unknown number. As I said several times before I use Dr. William's 65,000 as a starting point. I have no idea where,how or by whom this number came into being, but it is to be considered and reserached.

"I do believe that for whatever reason, Louisiana troops were identified as black soldiers by Union officers in several battles, and I don't know why."

I have an answer may be right may be wrong but it at least sheds some light on the subject--

From the Congressional Globe-- Blair, Jc. Rives, F. Rives. pages 229-233

"Mr. WICKLIFFE. I wish to state, sir, that I did not offer a resolution to inquire whether slaves had been employed in the southern army. I did not believe,or hear, or understand^that such a military arm had been employed by these secessionists. I was unwilling to believe that such was the fact; but it was suggested by some gentleman over the way .that it was the fact, and he wanted me to accept an amendment making that inquiry. I did not nccept it. He moved it as an amendment, and the House adopted it. I had no objection to the inquiry. I denounce the employment of slaves or Indians by either of the belligerent parties. I, who have lived long enough to know something of Indian warfare, cannot tolerate the idea that in a civilized and Christian age any portion of the United States—the confederates or the United States themselves—should employ, without the condemnation of thcChristian world, savages or negroes as instruments of war between white men.'