4th Louisiana Volunteers Soldier Mirror

Wooden flip mirror, 4-¼”x2-½” engraved “4 LAV” on front, and “E. Bobe” on back. Ernest Bobe served with Company C of the Louisiana 4th European Infantry during the Civil War. The 4th Regiment of the European Brigade, Louisiana Militia, was organized in New Orleans during the early months of the Civil War as part of the city’s unique “European Brigade,” a militia force composed largely of foreign-born residents including French, Spanish, Italian, German, and other European immigrants living in Louisiana. Formed in 1861 amid fears of Federal invasion and local unrest, the regiment primarily served in the defense of New Orleans and southern Louisiana rather than campaigning with the main Confederate field armies. The European Brigade functioned as a home guard and reserve force, maintaining order, guarding strategic points, and supporting Confederate military authorities during the critical first year of the war. Like much of the Louisiana militia system, the regiment’s service effectively ended following the fall of New Orleans to Union forces under Admiral David Farragut and General Benjamin Butler in April 1862.