The Tensas Cavalry, It's Origin, Tensas Parish, Louisiana
From the Tensas Gazette January 26, 1906, Submitted by Edith Ziegler


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The Tensas Cavalry, It's Origin, Tensas Parish, Louisiana
From the Tensas Gazette January 26, 1906, Submitted by Edith Ziegler

     Faced with the existing conditions that surrounded them in regard to 
their defenceless situation in case of insurrection among the negroes or 
invasion of their homes by fanatics of the old John Brown stripe, the 
propriety of organizing a home guard company, for the protection of their 
homes and loved ones, was discussed and agitated from time to time by some 
of the prominent citizens of the parish, as they met at different times 
and places.
     Among those prominent in agitating the question, and who afterwards 
aided and assited(sic)in getting up the company, were, Jas. M. Gillespie, 
A. C. Watson, George W. Williams, Albert, John and Horace Bondurant, 
Isaac F. Harrison, E.S. McCall, Eli Tullis, Jas. M. McGill, Robert Murdock, 
Henry Shafer, Robt. H. Snyder, Sr., Dr. Tom Newell, Edward Newell, Dr. A.D. 
Bowie, John Routh, S. W. Dorsey, Reeves Lewis, David and William Buckner, 
and many others who might be mentioned with favor.
     Some time in the early part of the year 1860 a call was made for all 
who favored the organization of a Cavalry Company for Tensas parish to meet 
at the Court House in St. Joseph on a certain day and date, not now remembered 
by the writer.
     The meeting convened according to call, and the subject discussed, and 
it was decided that a Cavalry Company be at once organized. A number of names 
were enrolled to form the company.  The meeting was adjourned to meet in two 
weeks from that time to complete the organization and elect officers. At the 
appointed time the meeting convened with about 30 or 40 names enrolled and the 
following officers were elected:
  Isaac F. Harrison, Captain;
  Jas. M. Gillespie, First Lieutenant;
  Albert Bondurant, Second Lieutenant;       
  E. S. McCall, Brevet Second Lieutenant;
  J. D. S. Newell, Orderly Sargent.
      The non-commissioned officers I do not remember, their names or rank. A 
committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by laws.  
      The next question to decide, was, where would we get authority to act, 
and to whom we belonged, which was decided by offering our services to the 
Police Jury, being subject to their orders; provided they would furnish our 
arms and saddles, which offer the Police Jury willingly accepted and agreed to.
      Each member furnished his own horse, uniform and all other equipment 
necessary.
      The drilling question was next discussed, and we found it quite a 
difficult subject, as none of the Company knew anything about cavalry tactics, 
nor did we know of any one who could secure a drill master. We secured all the 
books we could find which would give any light on the subject. At length a young 
man by the name of Stone, (I do not remember his given name), who had attended a 
military school, was found, and employed as drill master, and we soon got to 
work and made progress. The arms of each member consisted of two Colts-Navy 
pistols and a saber.
 The uniform, of which we had two suits, a dress and a fatigue.  The dress 
was of blue cloth, trimmed with yellow. The fatigue was of gray and coarser 
material. Cavalry boots reaching to the knee. A gray hat, with a black ostrich 
feather. Each man's measure was taken and the uniforms and boots were made in 
New Orleans. Each man's uniform cost him $48.00.
      The drill days were twice per month, at St. Joseph, and were well 
attended. Each member was put upon his honor to attend.
      The most important event that occured during the home guard period was an 
encampment of several days on "Bray Lake", and on the last days a barbecue, and 
the presentation by the ladies of Tensas Parish of a beautiful silk flag to the 
Company. (That flag is now one of the relics in Memorial Hall, New Orleans.)
      The program which was gone through with that day:
After the people had assembled, the bugal(sic) call of boots and  saddles was 
sounded. Then the assembly call, and after drilling and going through different 
evolutions, the Company was fronted into line before the speakers stand, and 
the flag was presented by Mrs. Sarah A. Dorsey in a most eloquent and appropriate 
address, and was responded to by Color Sargent Job Routh, in a very flowing and 
happy manner; after which a few more evolutions were gone through with, and the 
Company was ordered to quarters and dismounted, to assembly at the grand-stand 
and all who wished to engage in the dance which lasted until dinner was announced.
      A bountiful supply of good barbacued(sic) meat and plenty of good things, 
furnished by the ladies were spread on a long table. If any one left there 
without being satisfied, it was their own fault.
      After dinner the dance was resumed and continued until the sun was low in 
the West. That night a party was given by Mr. A.C. Watson and all enjoyed 
themselves until a late hour.