The Union soldiers stationed in and around New Iberia were frequently assigned to foraging parties. While the term "foraging" might bring images of picking berries, the reality was that the Union troops would take what they wanted from surrounding farms, plantations, and homes.
The prairie around New Iberia was dotted with rich plantations, and corn and fodder was found in abundance. The local plantation owners tried every possible way to be exempt from providing supplies to the Union army. They would produce what they termed "Protection Papers," and claim to be foreign citizens.
The Union Army ignored their claims.
