I know Alan to be quite the scholar on the Confederate Conscription Act of 1862 and I know you Richard to be an outstanding Civil War scholar, particularly when it comes to Louisiana and Louisianians in the War Between the States.
Since these message boards have become quite an important historical resource and since our readers need to clearly see the two (2) positions being discussed here, might I suggest that we end this thread, for future readers with a short statement, approximately 300 words or less of the opposing positions?
It seems that the point of contention is whether the Conscription Act "killed" Louisiana militia units that existed prior to about March through May of 1862 or whether some or many of these militia units remained intact, in spite of the act.
If both parties are agreeable, I will ask that you send your short statement of your position regarding the above to me by email. I will then post your "paper" on the message board simultaneously and THAT will be "The End" of this thread. This would seem a fair solution and will allow the readers of the message board to review the opposing positions and make up their on minds or encourage further research.
In this paper, may I ask that you start afresh. Do not consider the previous postings in the thread or counter a specific argument or refer to your counterpart. Simply state your position and make your argument with references and let us go on to another topic.
I hope both parties to this thread find this a fair and reasonable solution.
Please inform me by email whether you accept this proposal and I will inform that other party. If one or both of you do not respond to this offer, I will archive the thread and eliminate any further postings.