Now it is time for us to begin to give some well deserved credit to the Veterans of the 18th Regiment Louisiana Infantry.

This section of my web site is devoted to the "common soldier" who, when his new nation called upon him to defend his homeland from aggression, responded with a resounding desire to do what was asked of him. He followed his leaders into battle, endured unimaginable hardships, suffered horrible wounds, the worst of battlefield conditions, little if any rations and supplies. Many were without even the basic necessities such as a uniform or shoes. Yet, he did his part, answered the call and stood tall. Many of these men did not return...while many did with wounds that horribly disfigured them for life. But each man did his duty...answered the call, and when faced with insurmountable odds, stood up
and was counted! For he was...but, a simple soldier.

A "commendation of his troops" made by Major-General Richard Taylor, C.S. Army, commanding District of Western Louisiana, of operations dated April 9-23, 1863, Alexandria, gives some insight into the conditions that these gallant men endured throughout their years of service...

"In our engagements with the enemy and during the fighting on the retreat, running through 10 days, the conduct of officers and troops who participated therin cannot be too highly extolled. Their patient endurance of fatigue and privation, pertinacious and successful resist-anew to the pursuing columns of the enemy are worthy of great commendation."

One hears much about the "great battles" of the American Civil War: Gettysbury, Antietam, Vicksburg, Shiloh, the Wilderness, Fredericksburg, Bull Run, Chickamauga, and countless others. Many have written of these battles, of the suffering, the sacrifices, the human tragedy along with the death, maiming and destruction that accompanied these vast campaigns. These hardships were suffered by both sides...equally throughout the long bloody years of the American Civil War. Yet, when a soldier takes a strike by a mini-ball or is torn to shreds by canister shot, or dies a lonely death on some forgotten field in a minor skirmish that no one remembers, the pain is no less nor no more than one who dies or is maimed in a great battle contested by two vast armies. For the lone soldier is dead all the same and his family mourns his passing no less. For that is the way of war...ALL suffer greatly. To him, gallantry and valor or but words spoken by the great orators of the day.
Yes, the large battles grabbed the attention of the country; but, the common soldier suffered no less on the lonely field of battle ...where he did his duty and often paid the ultimate price.

As time progresses...look to this section of my web site for others who will follow and be "recognized" for their efforts.

Remember,YOUR input and information can go a long way in helping to preserve the memory of our long gone ancestors who gave their all for the cause they believed in. If you would like to add your 18th Regiment ancestor to this list of "Honored Veterans" pages, please do so and contact me at the e-mail address listed below. I will advise you on how to set up your bio to be added to the growing list of other bio's presently in the early stages of construction.

Any information in the form of photos, documents , letters, diaries , notes, etc. will be helpful in developing a page devoted to your ancestor's memory. Thank you for taking the time to visit this little web site devoted to the memory of our gallant ancestors who served with honor in the

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18th Louisiana Infantry Regiment
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