n, and to
hold themselves prepared for such orders as may be
transmitted to them.

"'II.--The colonel commanding will report without delay to
Major General Lewis, commanding State militia.

"'By order of THOS. O. MOORE, Governor.

[Signed,] M. GRIVOT, Adjutant General.'

"And whereas, said military organization, by the same order,
was directed to report to Major-General Lewis for service,
but did not leave 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 Packenham 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 that all the members of the
'Native Guards' aforesaid, and all other free colored
citizens recognized by the first and late governor and
authorities 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 such persons are
required at once to report themselves at the Touro Charity
Building, Front Levee St., New Orleans, where proper
officers will muster them into the service of the United
States.

"By command of Major General Butler:

"R. S. DAVIS, _Capt. and A. A. A. G._"

Notwithstanding the harsh treatment they had been receiving from
Military-Governor Shepley and the Provost Guard, the rendezvous
designated was the scene of a busy throng the next day. Thousands of men
were enlisted during the first week, and in fourteen days a