In 1862, at the age of seventeen, Estopinal left school to enlist as a soldier in the St. Bernard Guards of the 28th Louisiana Regiment.

With the special or temporary status secured, Wheat hoped to attract four or five more companies and become the colonel of the soon-to-be organized 8th Louisiana Regiment.

To meet this contingency, firm old Henry Kelly, colonel of the 8th Louisiana Regiment, was relied on, with but few in the secret.

Commander of the 6th Louisiana Regiment.

Weapon used by the 6th Louisiana Regiment.

Sometime in the spring of 1863 he was appointed colonel of the 9th Louisiana Regiment of African Descent.

Hart hailed from New Orleans and commanded soldiers from the Fifth Louisiana Regiment during the war.

In 1753 he was promoted to colonel and commandant of the Louisiana Regiment by Governor Louis de Billouart Kerlerec.

In 1791, he was appointed colonel and placed in command of the Louisiana Regiment.

Diary entry for July 24, 1864, of Major Alexander Hart of the 5th Louisiana Regiment.