Daily Times
(Leavenworth, KS)
April 24, 1861
In view of the present dangerous situation of the country, our citizens who speak the French language have formed a military organization for the purpose of sustaining the Constitution of the United States and of Kansas. The name they have chosen is a peculiarly appropriate one. As the noble Lafayette aided in achieving American independence, so, now, those who are by birth his countrymen, are ready to assist in defending the institutions of their adopted land. The Lafayette Guards are a staunch set of men, most of them having already seen service. If called upon we are certain they will render effective support to Kansas and the Union. They number about seventy-five men. The following is a list of the officers:
David Block, Captain; Victor Sauley, 1st Lieutenant; C. Boisse, 2d do; Charles Carli, Ensign; Eugene Pelfresne, Adjutant; Joseph Nicholas, 1st Sergeant; J. Hallaux, 2d do; J. Gill, 3d do; B. Sabate, 4th do.
This will, in a short time, be one of the best companies in the city. Much credit is due to Charlie Carli, Joseph Nicholas, and others, for their efforts in forming it.