The Louisiana Legion was organized in 1821 with four companies, including the Washington Artillery.
[2] The Cabildo, which served as the first armory of the Washington Artillery, still bears the initials of the Louisiana Legion ("L. L.") in the iron latticework of its balcony.
[4] In 1855, when its commander, Brigadier General H. W. Palfrey, was absent, his duties were regularly carried out by German Colonel Fred Otto Eichholz, a veteran of the Mexican War.
[4] "By the beginning of 1861 this [the Louisiana Legion] consisted of the Orleans Battalion of Artillery, containing French and Spanish citizens; the Regiment of Light Infantry, composed of Germans; and the newly formed battalion of Chasseurs à Pied de la Louisiane.
[5] In September, the unit, 2223 strong (if not well-armed), paraded through the city to reassure the residents they were well protected.