Elden, The Records of Louisiana Confederate Soldiers & Confederate Commands. Vol. I-III, indicate the following: “Isaacs, William, Hall's Co. Orleans Fire Regt. La. Mil. Appears on Roll not dated.” This indicates that he was a member of one of the many militia units that were organized in New Orleans at the outbreak of the Civil War. William Isaacs was in a company, Hall’s Company, of the Orleans Fire Regiment. You will find the Orleans Fire Regiment in a list of Louisiana Civil War military units here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Civil_War_Confederate_Units I have read a little about the preparations made by these militia units. Charles L. Dufour, in his THE NIGHT THE WAR WAS LOST, talks about these preparations. Mostly the references are to getting organized, "drilling," and making uniforms. For example: "Volunteers organized and drilled on the Levee, in public parks, squares, streets, and even 'in the marts of commerce the drum-beats and the blare of trumpets drowned the busy hum of trade.' Uniforms became commonplace on every corner." Also: "New Orleans was rapidly taking on the appearance of an armed camp. Tailors worked day and night to complete colorful uniforms for Turcos, Zouaves, Chasseurs, and dozens of others. Seamstresses kept their sewing machines humming as they turned out company colors for the various units, and young and old were seized with military ardor and patriotism." And this: "Upon receipt of the news of Fort Sumter, Governor Moore issued the call for all volunteer troops of Louisiana to assemble with arms and equipment at the earliest moment at their armories. In New Orleans, the citizen soldiers hastened to respond, and the sound of drum and fife and marching men filled the streets of the city at all hours of the day, and even at night." But Dufour also says this: "Many of the troops were poorly armed, or not at all, and many were in need of training." Robert C. Reinders in his book, END OF AN ERA: NEW ORLEANS, 1850-1860, says: "Volunteer soldiers had to furnish their own uniforms, but the state and city aided in providing some of their equipment. But right up to the Civil War the local militia was poorly equipped. Reports from the state arsenal in New Orleans revealed a chronic shortage of rifles and small arms, though the shortage might perhaps have been considered a blessing in disguise, for many of the guns were unsafe, if not positively dangerous to use. The Federal government gave the state of Louisiana between 200 and 300 muskets yearly--an insufficient number to meet the demands of an expanding militia." Presumably some of the more "professional" units (those militia units that pre-dated the outbreak of the war) had weapons, but many did not. My guess has always been that the militia units my ancestors were in met infrequently (based on limited roll calls) and that they were not trained or truly prepared to protect the city. The evidence I have found indicates that these militia units may have met only a few times. The record of William Isaacs’ service is apparently found on only one undated muster roll. Here are a couple of examples of what these muster rolls look like: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hellmers/anc_and_des/03_geeck/geeck_images/hmil0006.jpg and http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hellmers/anc_and_des/05_neff/neff_images/hmil0004.jpg Most of my male ancestors and their brothers of the right age can be found in one of these militia units. Copies of these muster rolls were available (before Hurricane Katrina) at the Jackson Barracks Military Library. I went there personally and they were able to provide me with photocopies of the rolls. It appears that they are back in business. You can find the contact information here: http://www.la.ngb.army.mil/dmh/jbml.htm They MAY be able to provide you with a copy of the one undated muster roll. This is likely the only record that you will find of his military service. The muster roll will show you who else was in the same unit. The rolls occasionally show the person’s address and occupation. If you Google “Orleans Fire Regiment,” you might find some reference to their activities. These militias were organized with the purpose of defending New Orleans. Instead of fighting, New Orleans chose to surrender and spare the destruction of the city. In April 1862, after the fall of New Orleans, these groups were disbanded. I'm curious about where you found the information about your William M. Isaacs being in Halls Fire Brigade. Good luck and let us know how you do with the Jackson Barracks Military Library. Norm --- On Thu, 9/9/10, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: > I know William M Isaacs was a > Confederate in New Orleans "Halls Fire  > Brigade"  but that's all I know. I can't find anything > about the history or  > other people in it or dates.? > > Elden Isaacs    [email protected]_ > (mailto:[email protected])