I don't have a good grasp on what happened to the 3rd Brigade Mississippi Infantry in late 1862. The brigade was comprised of the 3rd and 7th regiments of Mississippi Infantry and they were assigned to coastal defense, being stationed at Bay St. Louis. Here is where I need clearing up.

We all know about A.S. Sydney Johnston's Tennessee campaign that was stopped at Shiloh. I also understand it was P.G.T. Beauregard who issued the orders that called up the reinforcements to Johnston. The 3rd Miss. Inf. bugged out in Nov. 1861 and the 7th Miss. Inf. followed them out of that area in February 1862.

This left New Orleans vulnerable and we know it ended when Gen. Mansfield Lovell pulled what few troops were left in the area out. He was blamed for the loss of New Orleans but I understand a court of inquiry cleared him of any wrong doing. I also know that no General likes to have troops taken away from his command. Are there any sources that would provide Gen. Lovell's thoughts on the loss of the 3rd Brigade?

It's hard to believe he woud not have protested against the move. Was it actually Beauregard to blame for New Orleans being abandoned to its fate? If the 3rd Brigade hadn't been pulled out would New Orleans have survived to fight another day?

Thanks for any help!