THE CALL TO ARMS

In December, 1860, the General Assembly of Louisiana met in session called by Governor Thomas Moore. After a short session acts were passed for the organization of the militia and for a convention of representatives from the people to meet on January 23, 1861, to determine the future policy of Louisiana. The United States Arsenal and Barracks at Baton Rouge were taken possession of by the State of Louisiana, being surrendered to Governor Moore by Major Haskins, of the U. S. Army.

"HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA,
Adjutant-General's Office, N. O., April 21, 1861.

"The President of the Confederate States having made a requisition upon the Governor of Louisiana for five thousand infantry to serve for twelve months, unless sooner discharged, (this force being in addition to the three thousand already called for,) I, Thomas O. Moore, Governor of the State of Louisiana, do hereby proclaim that volunteers will be received in accordance with the requisition of the President of the Confederate States, each company to be composed of not less than sixty-four privates, four sergeants, four corporals, one captain, one first lieutenant, and one second lieutenant. Volunteers will be received by companies, battalions or regiments. Those offering will address Adjutant-General M. Grivot, at New Orleans, stating the force of their command, will remain in the parish in which they form, perfect themselves in drill, etc., and hold themselves in readiness at a moment's notice, subject to the orders of the Governor. The Governor appeals to the patriotic citizens of this State to respond to this proclamation for the protection of the rights of the State. By order of

"THOMAS O. MOORE,
"Governor and Commander-in-Chief.

"M. Grivot, Adjutant and Inspector-General. La."

The place of encampment selected for the arriving volunteers was called Camp Walker near Metairie. Many of the companies which were to form the Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry had begun to arrive.

In May, 1861, the Third Regiment, Louisiana Infantry, was organized by the selection of the following officers: Colonel, Louis Hebert; Lieutenant Colonel, S. M. Hyams, Sr., of Natchitoches; Major, W. F. Tunnard, of Baton Rouge.

FIELD AND STAFF.-Quartermaster, Theodore Johnson, Iberville; Commissary, T. L. Maxwell; Surgeon, Breedlove; Chaplain, Rev. P. F. Dicharry; Adjutant-Lieutenant, J. Harvey Brigham.

The regiment was composed of the following companies:

Company "A," Iberville Greys: Captain, Charles A. Brusle; First Lieutenant, T. C. Brown; Second Lieutenant, T. G. Stringer; Second Lieutenant, Jr., T. R. Verbois; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 87 strong.

Company "B." Morehouse Guards: Captain, R. M. Hinson; First Lieutenant, W. S. Hall; Second Lieutenant, D. C. Morgan; Second Lieutenant, Jr., J H. Brigham; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 124 strong.

Company "C," Winn Rifles: Captain, David Pierson; First Lieutenant, Asa Emanuel; Second Lieutenant, William Strother; Second Lieutenant, Jr., W. C. Lurry; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 89 strong.

Company "D," Pelican Rangers, No. 2: Captain, J. D. Blair; First Lieutenant, S. D. Russell; Second Lieutenant, W. E. Russell; Second Lieutenant, Jr., S. M. Hyams, Jr.; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 77 strong.

Company "E," Morehouse Fencibles: Captain, J. F. Harris; First Lieutenant, P. C. Brigham; Second Lieutenant, P. Brooks; Second Lieutenant, Jr., W. D. Brigham; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 78 strong.

Company "F." Shreveport Rangers: Captain, J. B. Gilmore; First Lieutenant, W. A. Lacey; Second Lieutenant, O. J. Wells; Second Lieutenant, Jr., A. Jewell; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 115 strong.

Company "G." Pelican Rangers, No. I: Captain, W. W. Brezeale; First Lieutenant, W. O. Brezeale; Second Lieutenant, G. W. Halloway; Second Lieutenant, L. Caspari; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 157 strong.

Company "H." Monticello Rifles: Captain, J. S. Richards; First Lieutenant, W. D. Hardiman; Second Lieutenant, W. H. Corbin; Second Lieutenant, Jr., Cy. A. Hedrick; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 107 strong.

Company "I," Caldwell Guards: Captain, W. S. Gunnell; First Lieutenant, J. C. Evans; Second Lieutenant, L. B. Fluitt; Second Lieutenant, Jr., T. J. Humble; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 116 strong.

Company "K," Pelican Rifles: Captain, John P. Viglini; First Lieutenant, John B. Irvin; Second Lieutenant, F. D. Tunnard; Second Lieutenant, Jr., F. R. Brunot; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 87 strong.

Total strength of the Regiment: Field Officers, 8; Line Officers, 40; Non Commissioned Officers, 92; Privates, 945. Grand total, 1085.

The various companies were mustered into the State service in April and May, and the Regiment was formally received into the Confederate service on the 17th day of May, 1861.

On the May 17, 1861, the Third Regiment was mustered into the Confederate services by Lieutenant Pfiffer, and shortly afterward receiving marching orders. On May 20, 1861 the regiment formed up and marched to the river. As the regiment reached the river they boarded the steamers Arkansas, Arkansaw, Indian No. 2, and Countess. The destination of the Third Regiment was to be Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their duty was to check a threatened invasion of our Western border.

The regiment reached Little Rock, Arkansas on May 27, 1861. The regiment remained in Little Rock until June 5, 1861, at which time it proceeded toward Fort Smith. They reached Fort Smith on June 7, 1861 and became a portion of the Western Army under the command of General Benjamin McCulloch, the famed Texas Ranger.

The Third Regiment received orders on June 28, 1861. Union Generals Lyon and Lane were both reported to be approaching Fort Wayne. The First Division comprised of companies A, B, G, D, and F left Camp Poteau under command of Colonel S. M. Hyams. The Second Division comprised of companies C, E, H, I, and K, under command of Major W. F. Tunnard left on the morning of July 4, 1861 en-route Camp Jackson near Maysville, Arkansas.

HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH'S BRIGADE,
Camp Stephens, Ark.,July 21, 1861.

CAPT.-You will proceed without delay to the Creek Agency in the Indian Territory, and there muster in a regiment of Creek Indians. It appears from treaty stipulations made by Captain Pike, Commissioner, that this regiment is to be composed of eight companies of Creeks and two of Seminoles.

It will be proper for you, as soon as you reach the Indian Territory, to make Captain Pike, the Commissioner, aware of your mission, who will, no doubt, give you valuable information in regard to this regiment. As soon as the regiment is organized and mustered into service, an election will be held for a colonel and other field officers, whom you will also muster into service.

Major Clark, Quartermaster at Fort Smith, will be directed to send to you an agent of the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, to furnish the necessary supplies. Beef and flour can be furnished in the country, or certainly from Texas. It will therefore only be necessary to furnish the regiment with coffee, sugar, and salt from Fort Smith, and directions will be given to that effect. A quantity of powder and lead will also be sent from Fort Smith to the regiment.

I have the honor to be, Captain,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES McINTOSH, Capt. C. S. A. and Adjt.-Gen.

HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH'S BRIGADE,
Camp Stephens, Ark.,July 22, 1861.

Special Orders,
No. 16.

I. Captain C. A. Brusle, of the Louisiana Regiment of Volunteers, will proceed without delay to the Creek Agency, and muster in a regiment of Creek and Seminole Indians, which is being organized there.

II. Major Clark, Brigade Quartermaster at Fort Smith, will send with Captain Brusle an agent of the Quartermaster and Subsistence Departments, to furnish the necessary supplies to the different companies of the regiment as they are mustered into service.

By order General McCulloch.

JAMES McINTOSH,
Capt. C. S. A. and Adjt.-Gen. of Brigade.