I have copies of these letters, most of which were written by members of Company C, 17th Louisiana Infantry Regiment. However, there are two letters written by Henry C. Lee, a member of Company H, 31st Louisiana. His letters are dated 25 November 1862, written from Jackson, and 21 January 1863, written from Camp Ouachita near Vicksburg. The last letter gives an account of the 31st during the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou. There is no mention whatsoever of General Blanchard. However, the letters were written after the 31st had been transferred out of northeastern Louisiana.

Incidentally, while looking at these letters, I notice a peculiarity. My Louisiana history sources indicate that Tangipahoa Parish was not created until 1869, and so Camp Moore was technically located in St. Helena or Washington Parishes. However, letters written from Camp Moore by a member of the 17th Louisiana have this heading: "Camp Moore La Oct 20th 1861 Tangipahoe Par". How can this be? Did the Louisiana Legislature create Tangipahoa Parish in 1861 after the state seceded, and later legislature repealed all actions of the legislature while Louisiana belonged to the Confederacy? Letters written on Oct 24 and Nov 15 begin the same way. Other letters do not include the parish, so I do not think this was any notation by Dr. Vandiver.

Thanks,

Tim