The Federal occupation of Louisiana, in general and New Orleans in particular, was a turning
point in the relationship of the southern state with those of the North. Feelings of the
southern fighters remained high against "Yankee aggression" into the south throughout
the conflict. New Orleans came under occupation in 1862. War correspondence from one
Daniel Fendlason of Tangipahoa Parish, near New Orleans, expressed thoughts common to
southerners:

"My Dear Elizabeth,
I take this opportunity of writing to you to inform you that I am still able to drill although
I have been sick, I am better now. I would have been well but we march every three or four
of five days the last time we marched, we marched a cross the Blue Ridge mountains it was
a very hard march up the mountains, but after we got to the top and turned down, we got a
long easy. We are in the enemy's country now; one company out of our regiment has been out
on picket gard ever since we crossed the mountain. They met three hundred of the Yankeys and
whiped them back, killing ten or more and taking a few prisoners. Out of a hundred and thirteen
men, we have thirty-three fit for duty.
John McDaniel has been gone to the Hospital ten or twelve days that I have never heard from him & I
am grieved sorely at the thought of Yankeys having possession of New Orleans though it will be more
blood spilled for them for we are determined to fight them the harder. For that all we want is to be
led on and we will give them Sut yet. I have some prisoners that our men have taken. I have seen
the Mississippi Regiment in marching, but never had time to inquire after George Hughes, nor I don't
know whether he is there or not. My Dear wife, give my love to all our people. Tell them I would write
to them, but I cant get a letter out as we have no mail, we have to send them by hand, and very often
we could send one but we don't know in time to write. I want you to write to me as soon as you get this
letter and send all the news to me. Direct your letter to Daniel Fendlason, Richmond Va.
Care of Captain Richardson Co. I. 9th Regiment, Lea Volunteers
Nothing more, but remain Your Affectionate Husband,
Daniel Fendlason"
May 4, 1862

Fendlason, while not a Creole, was a resident of Louisiana who farmed near New Orleans,
and very much identified with the southern cause. He died later that year of wounds
received in battle. His ancestors had fought against the British alongside the French in the
American Revolutionary war; they considered themselves Patriots.

New Orleanian, Henri Garidel, now living in exile in Richmond, serving as a member
of the Confederate government, wrote this:

"The Yanquis are surrounding us on all sides, but I think we are ready for them. All men are called for
the defense of the city [Richmond]; I went with the Major to his house. He gave me a rifle and we left...
We could hear the cannon. My heart was beating fast. But when we got there, we were disappointed.
There were no Yanquis there. Our troops were fighting five or six miles away and there was no way to join them...
Seeing that there was nothing going on, we went back, and I arrived there [in Richmond] at 7:30 p.m." May 7, 1863


"Just as I was going to stand my shift, I saw Louis Adam [of New Orleans] go by from the Washington [Parish] artillery,
which is taking part in the battle being fought in the southern part of Richmond... Our battery is guarding the road that
goes from Richmond to Petersburg. The men here with me includes Alfred Grima, Henry Cruzat and Charles Peychaud,
all from New Orleans, and they are fine lads. I am happier being with them than with anyone else."
May 14, 1863 Diary of Henri Garidel