"J. W. FINNELL. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 63. New Orleans, August 22, 1862.
Whereas on the 23d day of April, in the year 1861, at a public meeting of the free colored population of the city of New Orleans, a military organization, known as the Native Guards (colored), had its existence, which military organization was duly and legally
enrolled as a part of the militia of the State, its officers being commissioned by Thomas 0. Moore, Governor and commander-in-chief of the militia of the State of Louisiana,...
And whereas said military organization by the same order was directed to report to Major-General Lewis for SERVICE, but did not lease 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 Pakenham 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, rrhat all the members of the Native Guards afore-said, and ALL OTHER free colored citizens recognized by the first and late Governor and anthorities 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 snch 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."
[could operate outside state borders if ordered to do so.]
Being State Troops was SUPPOSED to keep them at home but Mississippi set a Civil War precedent by sending its State troops to Pensacola, Florida, prior to the Confederacy ever being in existence.
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David Upton