Ensigns We Will Be-- Part 2: Anchorman Means Last in Class

Louis Loramier was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Army on graduation and did not make the rank of 2nd lieutenant until 20 January 1808.  He resigned 31 December 1809 to become a farmer in Missouri.

The last man of the next class, Samuel Noah, was also appointed an ensign in the 2nd U.S. Infantry.  he became a 2nd lieutenant 18 August 1808 and 1st lieutenant 6 November 1810, before resigning 13 March 1811.

He then volunteered in the Patriot Army in Mexico and took part in the capture of San Antonio.

In the War of 1812, Noah served as a volunteer in the defense of Brooklyn but his commission was not restored.

Next, Some Famous Anchormen.  --Brock-Perry

Ensigns We Will Be-- Part 1: What Is An Anchorman?

From the March 20, 2008, Gray Matter "Ensigns We Will Be" by J. Phoenix, Esq.

Now, USMA graduates are commissioned 2nd lieutenants on graduation day, but this was not always so.  Some early graduates were commissioned 1st lieutenants or even captain right away.  Still others became ensigns (even though they weren't in the Navy).  Evidently, this was not a good thing, probably meaning you graduated last in your class.

The first USMA graduate to be commissioned as an ensign was Louis Loramier, a classmate of Alden Partridge and anchorman of the Class of 1806.  Upon graduation 14 November 1806, he became an ensign in the 1st U.S. Infantry.

And, What Exactly Is An Anchorman?  --Brock-Perry

USMA Class of 1806: Louis Loramier-- Part 3: A Political Appointment by Jefferson

From Thayer's Note on Louis Loramier.

He was appointed to the USMA by Thomas Jefferson "to be of usefulness of winning over key Creoles in the just acquired Louisiana Territory.."

So, his appointment was essentially a political one.  Have a son of a Creole serving in the U.S. Army would only approve relations and make the French Canadians feel more like a part of their new country.

Louis' father was born in Canada and is considered the first European settler in the Cape Girardeau area.  The father played a key role in the rapid switch of the area from Spain to France to the United States during the Louisiana Purchase.

Louis retired to be a farmer and died in Cape Girardeau.

--Brock-Perry

USMA Class of 1806: Louis Loramier-- Part 2: Commissioned an Ensign?

In the last post, I mentioned that Louis Loramier was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Army.  I had always believed that the rank of ensign was one more associated with the Navy.  He later did get a commission as a second lieutenant before resigning three years later in 1809 to become a farmer.

I'll have to find out more information about the ensign thing.

--Brock-Perry

USMA Class of 1806: Louis Loramier-- Part 1

Cadet July 17, 1804 to November 14, 1806.  Commissioned an ensign with 1st Infantry.

Became 2nd Lt. 1st Infantry Jan. 20, 1808.  Served on Western Frontier 1806-1809.  resigned December 31, 1809 and became a farmer near Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Died December 31, 1831 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

--Brock-Perry