HISTORICAL NOTES:
The 1st Battalion, Louisiana Cavalry (State Guards) was organized as part of the Louisiana State Army in March, 1863, this battalion was officially mustered in on June 12 at Shreveport. The men performed picket duty near Simmesport in April and May and fell back to Shreveport when Federal forces marched against Alexandria in early May. By the fall of that year, the battalion had moved to the area of the Black and Little rivers to protect it from raids out of Vidalia. A Union force skirmished with part of the battalion at Trinity on November 15, surprising and capturing about 14 men. In early February, 1864, the battalion moved to Holloway's Prairie to participate in a a campaign against Jayhawkers in that area. The campaign lasted until the latter part of the month. On March 10, the battalion was transferred to Confederate service as part of the newly designated Louisiana State Guard. One source states that the battalion was present at but did not participate in the Battle of Mansfield, April 8. Later in the month, the men were attached to Colonel George W. Baylor's Texas cavalry brigade and fought in the Battle of Monett's Ferry, April 23. In June, the battalion moved to south Louisiana and performed picket and outpost duty along Bayou Teche. The men continued their service in south Louisiana until October 27. On that day, the battalion was consolidated with the 2nd Louisiana State Guard Battalion to form the 8th Louisiana Cavalry Regiment." FIELD OFFICERS: BATTLES:
skirmishes in Louisiana
ROSTERS:
The composite roster of this regiment contains the names of 37 men.
Company A (Bossier Rangers, Wyche's, Caldwell's, Players's) [later Company H, 8th Regiment Cavalry]
Bossier Parish
Company B (Franklin Rangers, Guice's) [later Company F, 8th Regiment Cavalry]
Franklin Parish
Company C (Avoyelles Rangers, Murdock Guards, Murdock's, Marshall's, Heath's) [later Company G, 8th Regiment Cavalry]
Avoyelles & Rapides Parish
HISTORICAL NOTES: