Lee's Tigers : the Louisiana infantry in the Army of Northern Virginia

Abstract

Of all the Confederate soldiers who served in the Army of Northern Virginia, none were more controversial than the "Louisiana Tigers." The Louisiana infantry that served in Virginia quickly earned a reputation for being strange and unmanageable. Among the first Louisiana soldiers sent there were the French Zouaves, who dressed in bizarre uniforms and received all their commands in French. These French speaking Catholics at first were simply objects of bemused curiosity, but were soon considered a menace when they demonstrated a penchant for malicious behavior. By the summer of 1861, Richmond was in turmoil as the Louisiana soldiers prowled the streets--drinking, fighting and babbling in a strange tongue. The Louisiana soldiers never overcame this early reputation, and at times even promoted it. The Confederacy eventually developed a love-hate relationship with the Tigers. Although they were often a nuisance in camp, the Louisianians proved to be fierce and reliable in combat. Those generals who cursed them for their strange and violent ways quickly learned to call upon the Tigers when sheer, hard fighting was required. Within two years the two Louisiana brigades in the Army of Northern Virginia were recognized as being among Lee's finest. No comprehensive study has even been completed on the Louisiana infantry in the Army of Northern Virginia. The few works on the subject rely almost exclusively upon well known sources or else over emphasize the role of Roberdeau Wheat's First Special Battalion--the original "Louisiana Tigers." This study takes an indepth look at all the Louisiana infantry in the army of Northern Virginia. Hundreds of letters, diaries and other manuscript sources were examined in order to present an accurate record of their victories, defeats, glory and infamy.