Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1862-09-12
GEN. BUTLER ORGANIZES FREE
NEGROES.

Gen. Butler has turned the 1ank Of the
rebel Governor of Louisiana. In the spring
Of 1861, there was a military organization
Of the Free colored population of New Or
leans, which was formally recognized in a
public order by Thomas 0. Moore, Governor
and Commander-in of the militia Of
the State of Louisiana, as a part ofthe State
militia That order said
The governor and coumaudsr-in-ehief relying
implicitly upon the loyalty OF the free colored
population Cf the city and state, for the tr0tec-
tion Of their homes their property and for south
ern rights, from the pollut Of a ruthless inva-
der anc believing that the military org IMITATION
which existed prior 10 the 18th Of February, 1852.
and elected praise and respect for the patriotic
motives which prompted il, should exist for and
during the war, calls upon them 10 maintain their
organization, and 70 hold themselves prep ired for
such orders as may be transmitted 20 them The
colonel commanding viii report without delay to
MAJOR General Lewis, commanding state Militia.
by order Of
THOMAS O. MOORE,
Governor.
Cen. Butler believed tla. 90 au or-aniza-
ton ol free negroes was allowable for .he
interest. ui rebellion. .; WIS 80 much the
more allowable for ,h, support Of lawful
government. So ia General Orders 63, dated
Aug q, he r,-issuci the foregoing order of
the rebel governor. as historical basis, and
thereto appended the following order Of his !
own
And whereas, said military or,anizition by the /
same order was directed 90 ioport 20 Major Gen. |
Lewis for service, but did not leave the city Of /
New Orleans when he did. now, therefore, the /
general believing that large portion
Of this militia force Of the state Of Louisiana arc
willing TO take service 10 the volunteer forces Of
the United States, and be enrolled and organized
to defend their homes from ruthless invaders; 10
protect their wives and children and kindred from
wrong and outrage; 20 shield their property from
being seized by bad men; and defend the flag !
Of their native country their fathers did under
Iacks1 at Chalmette against P4keuham and his
nyrmidoas carrying the black faso, beauty and
booty, apprecIatIng their motives relying upon
their "weI known loyalty ami patriotism and
with praise and respect f.r these brave men-it
IS ordered that all the members of the Native
iuards, aforesaid and all other free cllored cit
zsus recognized by the first and late governor and
authorities Of the state Of Louisiana as a portion
q the militia Of the State, who shall enlist in the
-oluuteer service Of the United States, shall be
luly Organized by the appoiutmeut Of proper Off
ers, AID accepted, paid, equipped, armed and "a
1uei as a-e other volunteer troop. of the United
ta.cs. sutject 70 the approval Of the President
the United states. Al slcl persons are requir-
d ~ 0lce 90 report themselves 40 the Iouro char
~ building, Front Levee street. New Orleans.
-lere proper officers will muster them into the
orvice ot the uitri States
Ey command lf
MAI. GEN. BUTLER.
Commanding Department
b. r- DAVIS, Capt. aud A. A. 4. Gen.
Thus Gen. Butler following IN the wake
Gsa, Hunter and PheI,. The step is a
hort one .r.m a regiment .f free blacks,
red before the war. t14 regiment al blacks
reed by tie cJnfsc8ti7u act. {