Before and during the Civil War, New Orleans, Louisiana (a.k.a. "The Crescent City") harbored many free blacks, including some who were former slaves. It was possible for a slave to buy his or her own freedom by working additionally for pay in a shop or factory. Some were actually born free, or had emigrated from a Caribbean island where slavery had been abolished. Others shed the shackles of slavery when an owner decreed it so in a last will and testament. Many were Mulattos, or the result of mixed parentage, African and one of the other national groups living there. Their skin color ranged from fair to deep ebony.

"I'm the blackest free man in the Crescent City!" That was the hilarious boast of the young and handsome Andre' Callioux as he entertained his friends at dinner. They all laughed with their host and raised their glasses in salute to the man who one day would lead black Union soldiers in battle against Confederate troops. True, his skin was as dark as polished ebony wood, but he drew comfort and strength from its hue. Andre' would not let his African heritage prevent him from succeeding as a driving force among blacks in the city. His friends and relatives often said he would some day become a great person, perhaps in politics, or business.

Andre' was one of those remarkable men whose business understanding and hard work propelled him into the ranks of the wealthy. He enjoyed a flamboyant life style that attracted many friends. Some of his colleagues were reported to be worth at least twenty five thousand dollars -- a large sum in those days. While not perfect, life for free blacks in New Orleans was far better than in most other American cities. Indeed, they suffered many indignities and adversities because of their skin color.

From the early 1800s, free blacks in New Orleans were required by law to carry identification papers that said they were no longer slaves. A growing number had prospered to the extent of being considered rich by the local economic standard. Their enterprising ventures ranged from performing as a skilled iron work artisan, to operating food stores, cafes, or clothing shops. A few owned shipping and drayage businesses, and thus earned a more impressive income.

While the Civil War raged throughout several states, hostilities ended for New Orleans in 1862. That was the year when aging Flag Officer David G. Farragut captured the city for the Union. Later, General Benjamin F. Butler began his controversial administration of the largest city in the Confederacy. The city's surrender was a great and irretrievable disaster for the Southern cause and a smashing victory for the Union.

As Commander of the Gulf region, General Nathaniel P. Banks took over the governance of New Orleans late in 1862. General Butler was assigned to other duties in the East. Spurred by the Union's desperate need for manpower in this dragging war, General Banks convinced his superiors to let him raise a regiment of free blacks. This "Corps de Afrique," was organized from the black population of the area. Most recruits were well educated, owned property, and were loyal to the Union. Banks soon enlisted 15,000 black soldiers in Louisiana. One of these patriotic men to answer the call was the dauntless Andre' Callioux.

It was curious that the line officers in one of the two newly formed New Orleans regiments were all black men. Ironically, the Union refused to allow that to happen in the North. It was feared that white soldiers would not accept the command of black officers. Integrated units were unthinkable. That harmful policy caused confusion, anger, and resentment among the eligible free blacks in northern states. They rightly felt that it was cruel to say that blacks were good enough to fight and die as soldiers, but not good enough to lead troops in war, or peace.

By mid-1863, The First Louisiana Regiment was battle ready. The call to arms brought forth sons from many New Orleans prominent black families. They all wanted to see the end to slavery and urged their young men to join the fight. Some were said to have amassed personal fortunes, but that did not deter their patriotic passion.

Among the line officers of the first unit activated was the irrepressible Andre' Callioux. Many of his friends and business associates also signed up with him at the Union Army Station on Chartres Street. Not long after, he received the commission of Captain and was placed in charge of a company of anxious young men. Their training was rigorous and sufficient to soon call them a unified fighting group.

It was said about New Orleans that many young women swooned at the news of Andre' going to war. Such was his reputation as the city’s young dashing Lothario. He wooed and pursued the sultry Creole beauties in the Vieux Carre' and even those who lived on the spectacular River plantations. His laughter and banter with both men and women drew cultured black society around to his bachelor quarters on the Esplanade. They often met in his home for parties and gatherings to discuss newly arrived art and books from England and France. Being bilingual was one of Andre's fascinating qualities.

Educated earlier in Paris, France, in the arts and philosophy, Andre returned to New Orleans and a profitable career as a businessman. Later, he courted and married a charming Creole of color and soon started a family. He became a leading citizen in the black community and a prominent member of the Catholic Church. His flair for the dramatic and cultured approach to life was a beacon to many who liked the tall, handsome, and athletic man. Andre' was also known to be a good boxer and fencer throughout the region and demonstrated his skills on many occasions.

Confederate military incursions repeatedly happened in central and Northeastern Louisiana. The Rebels were trying to establish and hold key positions on the strategic upper Mississippi River. In the adjoining state, Vicksburg, Mississippi was one of the Confederate strongholds. It would later come under Union attack and siege, which some historians described as the turning point of the war.

Late in 1862, the Union forces planned for attack units to drive the Confederate Army out of Port Hudson on the Mississippi. General Banks' wing of the Army was chosen for the task. Officers and men of The First Regiment petitioned to be the point unit in the attack. Their request was immediately granted.

It was a hot and sultry day in May 1863 when the troops of The First moved forward in the yellow dust of a parched land. They advanced on the rifle-pits of the enemy Rebels under heavy gunfire to no avail. No matter how brave and relentless the soldiers were, their numbers continued to dwindle in the ceaseless barrage. Despite the withering fire, not one turned back.

After a day and evening of fighting, it became obvious that the Confederate stronghold would not be broken with a routine frontal attack. Never the less next morning Captain Callioux pressed the assault forward. The determined men readily followed his booming voice and flashing saber into the fray.

Far ahead of his unit, Andre' was suddenly struck in the arm by a rifle ball which made it useless, dangling by his side. In spite of the intense pain and difficulty firing his own weapon, Andre' continued the advance. He inspired the black troops to many feats of bravery and heroism that day. It was about one in the afternoon when courageous Captain Callioux's voice was stilled. An enemy shell exploded at his feet snuffing out the life of "the blackest man in the Crescent City."

It was customary that after a severe battle, a temporary truce allowed each side to recover and bury their dead. On this occasion, the Confederates would not allow their attackers to reenter the battlefield. As a result, it was many days before Andre's shattered body could be collected and removed for burial.

New Orleans newspapers reported that Captain Callioux's funeral was one of "the most magnificent in the history of New Orleans." Thus, New Orleans' "blackest man" received high honor from the Church, and hero status from throngs of people marching behind the Callioux cortege through the city streets.

Accordingly, the courageous efforts of The First Regiment set a course for the future by destroying the myth that black men would not and could not fight. They did so and with valor. The First Regiment served admirably as a model for future development of Union Army troops both in the South and the North. It was an impressive example of blacks taking part in their own liberation from many generations of slavery.

Glowing accounts of their exploits on the battlefield were proudly told in New Orleans' black families for years to come. Unfortunately, because of color prejudice, the actions of these brave soldiers did not enter the pages of school history books. Still, through their gallant deeds they became first class heroes in the bloody war that ended black slavery once and for all.

[Sources and bibliography by email request to the author/ albynum@aol.com/]

(This article was first published in 1996 in The Foundation for Historical Louisiana, July/August issue.