Henry Demas

The regiment operated throughout Louisiana until 1866, when the troops scouted in Texas until the men mustered out in March 1867.

[5] His areas of interest included suppression of slavery in Cuba, protection of wildlife, incorporation of a benevolent association, providing police juries the ability to issue bonds, reduction of printing costs, and restriction of monopolies.

[1][a] In 1897, Demas was appointed New Orleans Naval Office by Senator Mark Hanna (Ohio) and President William McKinley.

The appointment caused a backlash with Democratic newspapers claiming that Demas was one of "Negro politicians who... have enacted the role of masters of the white people" and questioned his character, motives, and honesty.

[13] He was described in an article in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk newspaper as a "preeminent figure here throughout reconstruction times… and the best known negro politician in Louisiana".