Saturday, October 25, 2014

Susan Francis, Cantiniere of the 13th Louisiana Infantry

While going through some rosters, I came across a woman who was mustered in at Camp Moore, Louisiana:  Susan Francis of the 13th Louisiana Infantry.  She was enrolled as a cantiniere (or vivandiere) and not a soldier. These were women dressed in quasi-military garb who performed various duties such as providing water and medical care. Vivandieres had roots that can be traced to France and Zouave units, which was a theme adopted by some Civil War units, especially those from Louisiana due to the French influence. That was the case with the 13th LA.
 
There were two men in the same company whose last name was Francis. I assume they may have been related. Perhaps one was a husband. But I haven't been able to make any conclusions or find any other information on her.  Research is ongoing.


No comments:

Post a Comment