Date of Award
5-2011
Degree Type
Thesis-Restricted
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Program
History
Department
History
Major Professor
Dupont, Robert L.
Second Advisor
Millett, Allan
Third Advisor
Mizell-Nelson, Michael
Abstract
William C. C. Claiborne found himself a stranger in a strange land. Almost more a colonial governor of a European power rather than an American statesman, Claiborne grappled with maintaining a militia force for the Territory of Orleans, now the present day state of Louisiana. He built upon the volunteer companies he found within the city of New Orleans, but had little success molding the entire militia into an effective, efficient military force. Claiborne, hoping to use the fear generated by the January 1811 slave revolt to spur militia reform, maintained an active correspondence with the state's legislators, the area's military commanders, the members of the Louisiana congressional delegation, and even the President of the United States for assistance with militia matters. Ultimately, Claiborne failed and the British attack on New Orleans in 1814/1815 made the matter of reform academic.
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Michael J., "A "Melancholy Experience:" William C. C. Claiborne and the Louisiana Militia, 1811-1815" (2011). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 119.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/119
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation