Filibuster units were supposed to be based on US Army organization of 67 privates per company. However, expecting Cuban recruits to fill out most of the private ranks, most companies were small and NCO heavy in a cadre style. There were three regiments in the 1850 expedition and also three in the 1851 landing.

1850 Filibuster units.

The Kentucky Regiment consisted of 179 men in SIX companies. This should average to about 35 men each but the Kentukians could elect in which company that they served so several had 45 men in them. They also elected their officers and NCOs.

The Louisiana Regiment had 130 men in ten administrative companies which were grouped together into field companies of about 35 men when they landed in Cuba.

The Mississippi Regiment had 145 men and averaged 35 men per company. It is sometimes in journals referred to as the Mississippi Rifle Battalion.

One unit is referred to as Captain Mizel’s Independent Company (size ?)

1851 Filibuster units

The limited data it looks as if the regiments were identified by their commander. As with the 1850 force the companies were small administrative cadre style units with hopes to be filled out by Cuban rebels. Each regiment had nine administrative companies with several merged into field companies upon landing in Cuba.

The Crittenden Regiment numbered between 114-120 Americans.

The Downman Regiment consisted of 219 Americans.

The smallest unit was the Obero Regiment of 69 men (all NCO and officer cadre) consisting of Cuban exiles with a few Hungarians and Germans.

Lopez's Filibuster Expedition to Cuba 1850-1851

Introduction
Uniforms and Flags
Spanish Colonial Uniforms of the 1850s
Unit Organization
Battles and Scenarios 1850
Battles and Scenarios 1851
Notes for Wargamers