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Re: 1st Louisiana Native Guard Death

Okay on Dec. 13, 1862 I found the report of the inquest. In summary, after further witnesses the story goes like this.

Lt. Detiege, coming with a guard of four men, called to Joseph Degruy, as 23, to come and drill. Degruy was sitting on top of a wagon going from camp. Degruy replied he would be there in a few moments; they he was going to get his clean clothes. The Lt. insisted that he come immediately, which he did, and placed himself between the guard. As he did the Lt. went up to him and caught him by the collar and shook him roughly saying, "Did I not tell you to come immediately?" Degruy replied: "Don't shake me that way." The Lt. stepped back some two or three steps, drew his pistol and fired. Two shots were heard. The first staggered Degruy and the second felled him and he died in a few minutes.

The Captain asked the Lt. what was the matter, and he replied: "For disobedience of orders I shot him."

Degruy had not yet been mustered into service. He had just arrived wanting to join the regiment.

The verdict of the jury was to charge Lt. St. Emile Detiege with the crime of murder. Both Detiege and Degruy were discribed as "colored".

Lt. Emile Detiege is shown in the Soldiers and Sailors system as going on and serving in the 73rd and 96th U.S.C.T. He also would serve La. State Senate, 1874-76 and in the La. House of Representatives, 1877-80. He is also listed as an officer of the original 1st Louisiana Native Guard, during the Confederate period.

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David Upton

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