The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-02-10
HISTORY OF THE BOSSIER VOLUNTEERS
AND NINTH LOUISIANA REGIMENT.
BY CAPT. R. ]. HANCOCK.

BY CAPT. R. ]. HANCOCK.
THE following is the first OF a series OF
papers which will appear in the Banner
during the next few weeks. To record the
"reminiscences of those who participated in
the struggle of the Southern Confederacy
for independence, right and justice, has
always seemed to US duty that the heroic
participants owe to their dead comrades,
their children and the generations who
succeed them. With the object in view of
preserving as much as possible of the his
tory of Bossier Parish in the Confederate
War, the editor of the Banner has pur-
suaded his longtime friend, Capt. r. }.
Hancock, to write short history of 1.-THE
Bossier Volunteers and the Ninth LOUISE
ana Regiment" It was not the intention
of Capt. Hancock to write the history him
self, but to assist the editor in the work
he being reluctant to appear in print as an
author-but as he has done the work so
well, it is justice due him that his papers
should appear in their original form, and
that he should have the credit which is
richly due him.-EDroR BANNER.
On the nth day of June, 1861, there
assembled in the Court House at Bellevue,
La, body of men who soon organized
the Bossier Volunteers, which was after
wards to be Company d, Ninth Louisiana
Regiment. They elected E. G. Randolph
as captain, F. Y. Hughes first lieutenant,
John L. Naples second lieutenant and
r. j. Hancock third lieutenant. The COM
pany numbered 1O4 men, rank and file.
Capt. Randolph detailed me to 60 to New
Orleans and report the company to Gov.
Moore for service during the war. had
just time to pack valise with change OF
underwear before the stage coach arrived
from Shreveport via Benton and board for
Monroe. l mounted seat in the coach
and after arriving at Monroe took the cars
for Vicksburg and jackson, Miss, thence
by rail to New Orleans.
While eating dinner at Vicksburg
met Maj. Loudon Butler going back to
Bossier. (Mr. Butler it was then) kindly
offered to give me letter of introduction
to Gov. Moore, which kindness appreci-
ated, as had never seen the Executive.
When reached New Orleans stopped al
the old st. Charles Hotel and had the good
fortune to meet Major and General Hodges
who were we'll acquainted with the Cover
nor. In an interview with them told them
my business was to have the company &C.
cepted for the war. They replied that the
Governor had, day or two before, con.
cluded to accept troops for twelve months
l replied that we had volunteered for the
war, but would take the responsibility te
have them accepted for twelve months il
they thought it right to do so. stated
that the men, was satisfied, preferred
twelve months acceptance, as by the end o.
the year, if the war lasted that long, they
could re-enlist if they desired to do 80, o.
join other companies. The Messrs. Hodges
fine old ENTHUSIASTICALLY agreed to my
suggestion and said they would go with me t.
see the Governor, whose headquarters was
room 4, st Charles Hotel. thanked then
and after breakfast we visited His Excel.
lency in his office. After introduction, etc.
stated to him frankly that the eompan,
had organized for the war, believing they
could not get shorter acceptance. Blu
the Messrs. Hodges and I had agreed tt
ask for twelve months service. His Elk.
cellency readily agreed and accepted u.
for one year. Then the Governor, wht
was also fine old business man, asked i
knew Capt. Ben Pearce of Bienville.
replied that I did, slightly. That hae
heard him make some good Democratic
speeches in Bossier. Well, said he, Capt
Pearce has raised company, and will 70,
see that my acceptance of his company
reaches him if write him letter. re.
piled that would certainly see and give
to him, or would leave it at his home if h,
was absent. The Governor therefore wrot,
an acceptance for Capt. Pearce's company
the Bienville Blues.
left on the first train for jackson, Miss.
thence to Vicksburg and Monroe A
Monroe took the stage for Bellevue. 1
SO happened that Pearce was in the stag,
going east. There stages met to exchang,
horses late at night. The drivers wer,
chatting and talking rather loudly. The,
awoke me and they awoke Capt. Pearce
who asked one of them where we were ant
how far to Monroe. l thought l recog.
nized his voice and asked if it were no