The 2nd Regiment of the French Brigade was a new formation, having been created in March 1861 as the 2nd Regiment of French Legion. It was subsequenlty assigned to the French Brigade as its Second Regiment. It was under the command Col. Charles Harispe. The regiment consisted of two battalions and one of these was under the command of Major P.Milhau (variant Milhan). In March 1861 the regiment was ordered into State service for use within the city limits of New Orleans.