Negro Troops of Antebellum Louisiana: A History of the Battalion of Free Men of Color (review)

BOOK REVIEWS65 Third, in several instances the data analyzed were selected from only two counties in the relevant region. At first glance, this technique of selecting two random or representative counties for detaüed analysis appears reasonable. But experience in selecting a sample of southern farms from the manuscript census teaches that the selection of only a few counties can lead to gross errors, the reason for these errors being quite simple. A detailed analysis of two counties appears to involve a large quantity of data, but unfortunately the data may be similar to each other and greatly different from data selected from other counties. This possibility is more likely where agricultural data, involving sou type and terrain, are concerned. The effect of these statistical shortcomings cannot be fully evaluated until further studies of land speculation have been completed. Until they become available , Professor Swierenga's data and conclusions must suffice. If used with caution, they should prove valuable. James D. Foust Indiana University Negro Troops of Antebellum Louisiana: A History of the Battalion of Free Men of Color. By Roland C. McConnell. (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1968. Pp. xi, 143. $5.00.) Prior to the CivU War, a unique military organization assumed an important role whenever Louisiana—whether as a province, territory, or state—was endangered. Negro Troops of Antebellum Louisiana is the story of that organization, eventuaUy known as the Battalion of Free Men of Color. The author, Professor Roland C. McConnell, examines the origin of the first Negro military unit in Louisiana and traces its valuable contributions to the defense of New Orleans and adjacent areas from the colony's formative years through the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. The battalion had its beginnings in 1729 when the French colony of Louisiana was threatened with total destruction. Following a terrible massacre at Natchez, slaves were enlisted to help fight the Chickasaw and Natchez Indians. As a reward for risking their lives, many of these slave soldiers were freed and organized into a company with their own officers. Negro troops of Louisiana saw their next service in the American Revolution. The Spanish organized militia compames of free Negroes which fought under Governor Bernardo de Gálvez against the British. By capturing runaway slaves, the Negro militia also contributed to the security of the province in peacetime. At the close of the Spanish domination of the region, these Negro units had "earned a bright military reputation for defending Louisiana from both internal and external foes." By the time the United States acquired Louisiana in 1803, however, many of the white inhabitants were opposed to the continued use of the Negro militia. Increasingly dependent on slave labor, they feared collaboration between rebeUious slaves and free Negro soldiers. The events of the War of 1812 diminished this opposition, and the state legislature officially created the Battalion of Free Men of Color which was the first unit of its kind in the United States. Under General Andrew Jackson, the battalion joined another Negro military group and fought courageously during the Battle of New Orleans. Among the last troops to be mustered out of federal service, the Negro militiamen received the same pay and treatment as the white soldiers and were highly commended by General Jackson. FoUowing the War of 1812, the Negro müitia movement in Louisiana underwent a decline. "It is quite understandable," McConneU points out, "that the colored müitia would fade out in the turmoü of the slavery controversy." But other factors also contributed to the passing of the Negro müitia. For example, Negro veterans became more interested in taking advantage of growing economic opportunities in Louisiana and had little or no time for the müitia. In addition, disappointment at 66CIVIL WAR HISTORY not receiving a fuller measure of political and civü rights undoubtedly prompted a decline in zeal. Based extensively upon archival records and other documentary materials, the volume gives abundant evidence of thorough research. Occasionally, as in the treatment of the Battle of New Orleans, the author allows details of overall campaigns and battles to somewhat obscure the role of the Negro troops. Yet as a whole, this study is a worthwhile...