is, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge
the duties of his office by doing and performing all manner
of things thereto belonging. And I do strictly charge and
require all officers, non-commissioned officers and privates
under his command, to be obedient to his orders as captain;
and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions,
from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the
future Governor of the State of Louisiana, or other superior
officers, according to the Rules and Articles of War, and in
conformity to law.

"'In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be
made patent, and the seal of the State to be hereunto
annexed.

"'Given under my hand, at the city of Baton Rouge, on the
second day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-one.

[L.S.] [Signed,] THOS. O. MOORE.
"'By the Governor:
[Signed,] "'P. D. Hardy, Secretary of State.
[Endorsed.]

"'I, Maurice Grivot, Adjutant and Inspector General of the
State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that ---- ----, named
in the within commission, did, on the second day of May, in
the year 1861, deposit in my office his written acceptance
of the office to which he is commissioned, and his oath of
office taken according to law.

[Signed,] "'M. GRIVOT,
Adjutant and Inspector General, La.'

"And whereas, said military organization elicited praise and
respect, and was complimented in General Orders for its
patriotism and loyalty, and was ordered to continue during
the war, in the words following:

"'HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA,

"'Order No. 426.] "'Adjutant General's Office, March 24, 1862.

"'I.--The Governor and Commander-in-Chief, relying
implicitly upon the loyalty of the free colored population
of the city and State for the protection of their homes,
their property, and for Southern rights, from the pollution
of a ruthless invader, and believing that the military
organization which existed prior to the 15th of February,
1862, and elicited praise and respect for the patriotic
motives which prompted it, should exist for and during the
war, calls upon them to maintain their organizatio