In November 1862, Lincoln gave Banks command of the Army of the Gulf, and asked him to organize a force of 30,000 new recruits, drawn from New York and New England.

[5] The North Star was part of this large force bound for New Orleans, Louisiana, to replace Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler as commander of the Department of the Gulf[6] (Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy thought Banks' appointment ill-conceived as he was a less able leader and administrator.

After the Battle of Irish Bend on 14 April, it arrived at Opelousas where it remained until 11 May.During this time, the regiment was converted to mounted infantry with confiscated horse.

On 21 May, the brigade set out to Berwick escorting a large wagon train of cotton, sugar, molasses, and freed slaves.

On 4 June, it reunited with XIX Corps at Port Hudson where the 41st as mounted infantry was reassigned to COL Grierson's cavalry brigade.