First Black Regiment

[Jim Klag]

September 27, 1862 - The first all-black regiment in United States history is formed in Union-controlled New Orleans from "free Negroes." While their technical name is the First Regiment Louisiana Native Guard they call themselves "Chasseurs d'Afrique". The name translates to "Hunters of Africa."

USA / Corps d’Afrique 1st Louisiana Native Guard (1862-1863)

The 1st Louisiana Native Guard (USA) was one of the first all-black regiments to fight in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The Guard originated in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1862, durin…

www.blackpast.org

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[Jim Klag]

America's Civil War: Louisiana Native Guards | HistoryNet

The black and mixed-race troops of the Louisiana Native Guards offered to serve both South and North.

www.historynet.com

 

[rittmeister]

"Chasseurs d'Afrique". The name translates to "Hunters of Africa."

those chasseurs are like german jäger originally hunters (which in europe means they are already in a government position) recruited as light infantry for their marksmanship skills. in germany they brought their own guns (often rifles). the first standard issue for jäger (preussen) was the dreyse zündnadelgewehr (variant of 1849). the only other units to get those early dreyses were the guards' infantry units (gardeschützenregimenter).

 

[Matt McKeon]

Chasseurs are units in the French army, its not surprising that a New Orleans unit had a French name. I'm reaching a little, but I believe the gens of couleur(?) were a French speaking free Black middle class in the City.

 

[Matt McKeon]

Gens de couleur militia had been part of defending the city against the British in the War of 1812. (technically after the war was over).

 

[rittmeister]

gens of couleur(?)

(les) gens de coleur (libres)