USA > Louisiana > Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, Volume II > Part 57
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The only direct favor asked was the "amelioration of the situ- ation of my unhappy brother," who it will be remembered was then
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in jail on an indictment of the grand jury. The morning after Blanque received the letter, the following advertisement appeared in one of the New Orleans papers: "A reward of $1,000 will be paid for the apprehending of Pierre Lafitte, who broke and escaped last night from the prison of the parish. Said Pierre Lafitte is about 5 feet 10 inches in height, stout made, light complexion, and somewhat cross-eyed, further description is considered unnecessary, as he is very well known in the city. * The above reward will be paid to any person delivering the said Lafitte to the sub- scriber.
J. H. HOLLAND. Keeper of the Prison."
The escape of Pierre Lafitte just at the time Blanque received the letter may have been merely a coincidence. but at any rate he was not recaptured. He joined his brother at Barataria, and soon after, another letter to Mr. Blanque enclosing one to Gov. Clai- borne, offered the services of the Baratarians, to defend the state against the British invasion then imminent. Claiborne called a council, consisting of Commodore Patterson, Col. Ross and Gen. Villeré to consider the offer, and Gen. Villeré, commander of the Louisiana militia, was the only one who voted to accept their services. At that time an expedition against the smugglers was in preparation. It was now pushed forward with more vigor and on Sept. 16 the fleet, under Patterson, with Ross' troops on board, appeared before the entrances of Barataria bay. After a sharp fight the "pirates" were driven from their stronghold, 3 vessels bearing the Cartagenian colors, 7 cruisers, and some contraband stores were captured, and some of the band taken prisoners. The two Lafittes escaped up the Bayou Lafourche to the German coast and warned the people there of the movements of the British. A remnant of the band gathered on Last island, some 60 miles west of Barataria, but the days of the smugglers were over. About this time Gen. Andrew Jackson appeared in New Orleans to take com- mand of the troops for the defense of the city. Jean Lafitte sought an interview with him and again tendered the services of himself and his men to aid in protecting the state against the British forces. Although Jackson referred to them as "hellish banditti" he subse- quently accepted the offer, and his report of the battle of New Or- leans said : "Captains You and Beluche, lately commanding privateers at Barataria, with part of their former crews and many brave citizens of New Orleans, were stationed at Batteries No. 3 and 4. The general cannot avoid giving his warm approbation of the manner in which these gentlemen have uniformly conducted themselves while under his command, and of the gallantry with which they have redeemed the pledge they gave at the opening of the campaign to defend the country. The brothers Lafitte have exhibited the same courage and fidelity ; and the general promises that the government shall be duly apprised of their conduct."
What a change had come over the spirit of Jackson's dream ! On Sept. 21. 1814, the Baratarians were "hellish banditti and
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pirates"; on Jan. 21, 1815, exactly four months later, they were "privateers and gentlemen." He evidently kept his promise to see that the government was duly apprised of their conduet, for on Feb. 6 President Madison issued a proclamation granting amnesty to the smugglers. In this proclamation he said: "It has long been ascertained that many foreigners, flying from dangers of their own at home, and that some citizens, forgetful of their duty, had co- operated in forming an establishment on the island of Barataria near the mouth of the Mississippi for the purpose of clandestine and lawless trade. The government of the United States caused the establishment to be broken up and destroyed; and having ob- tained the means of designating the offenders of every description, it only remains to answer the demands of justice by inflicting ex- emplary punishment. But it has since been represented that the offenders have manifested a sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the prosecution of the worst cause for the support of the best ; and particularly that they have exhibited in the defense of New Orleans unequivocal traits of courage and fidelity. Offenders, who have refused to become associates of the enemy in war upon the most seducing terms of invitation, and who have aided to repel his hostile invasion of the territory of the United States, can no longer be considered as objects of punishment, but as objects of generous forgiveness. It has therefore been seen with great satis- faction that the general assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend these offenders to the benefit of a full pardon. Every person claiming the benefit of this full pardon, in order to entitle himself thereto. shall produce a certificate in writing from the governor of the State of Louisiana, stating that such person has aided in the defense of New Orleans and adjacent country dur- ing the invasion thereof as aforesaid."
The president also recommended that all suits, indictments, and prosecutions for fines, penalties and forfeitures against persons entitled to this full pardon should be stayed or dismissed. Thus were the Barataria smugglers finally disposed of, though some of them sought other lands and there continued the calling. which seemed to have for them a strange fascination. For a long time the islands about Barataria bay were believed by many to conceal some of the "pirates' treasure." Searching parties tried repeatedly to unearth this treasure-trove, and even yet there are some persons who believe the islands contains a portion of the smugglers' ill- gotten gains.
Sojourner, a post-hamlet in the central part of Caddo parish, is about 4 miles west of Blanchard, the nearest railroad town, and 8 miles northwest of Shreveport, the parish seat.
Soldiers' Home .- After the close of the great Civil war in 1865 one of the first thoughts of the discharged Confederate soldiers was to care for their comrades who had been wounded or other- . wise disabled. The different commands organized local benevolent associations at New Orleans and elsewhere in the state, but it soon became apparent that a broader and more permanent system was
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needed. The first legislature that assembled after the war passed an act on March 17, 1866, providing for the establishment of a "Soldiers' Home for Louisiana," and just a week later the board met and organized in accordance with its provisions. Several localities were considered, but the property known as the "Lake Shore Hotel" at Mandeville, St. Tammany parish, was finally selected. The hotel was leased for three years; the building pre- pared for occupancy ; rules and regulations for the management of the home were adopted: temporary officers, consisting of a superintendent, matron, steward and cook, were chosen; and on May 19, 1866, notice was given that the institution was ready to receive inmates. The veterans showed some hesitancy at first about going to the home, but by the following January 96 had been admitted. In 1867 the legislature appropriated $10,000 for the maintenance of the home. Then came the reconstruction period, during which no state appropriations were made, the needy veterans being supported by private subscriptions.
In 1882 the legislature passed an act amending the law of 1866, and made provisions for an annual appropriation of $2,500 for the support of the home, which was to be located in or near New Orleans, on bought or leased premises, as the board of directors might determine. The management of the home was placed in the hands of this board of directors, which was to meet at least once a month, and was given all power concerning the control of the home. Admission to the home was limited to "soldiers in the military service of Louisiana. maimed or disabled in the said service, or infirm by reason of old age or sickness." All applicants for admission were to be received temporarily, or until the board could examine and pass upon their claims for permanent admission. After duly considering several proposed locations, the board decided to locate the home on Bayou St. John, near Espla- nade avenue, and the name of "Camp Nicholls" was unanimously adopted, in honor of Gen. Francis T. Nicholls, the first president of the board. Suitable buildings were erected and on Feb. 4, 1884, were pronounced ready for the reception of inmates. A superin- tendent, matron, physician and other necessary officers and at- taches were appointed, and on . March 16, 1884, the home was formally dedicated and opened. On that occasion the flag of Louisiana was unfurled over the institution by the daughters of Robert E. Lee. Stonewall Jackson and Gen. D. H. Hill, and the first inmates were admitted in May following the dedication.
With the passing of the years the lines of those who followed Lee, Jackson, Johnston, and the other great leaders of the Con- federacy, are growing pitifully thin. while the number of disabled and infirm without adequate means of support is proportionately increasing. These veterans of the "Lost Cause" appeal not only to the people's charity, gratitude and compassion, but also to their sense of justice and state pride, and there is little likelihood that the State of Louisiana will ever fail to provide liberally for them as care and want overtake them in the evening of their lives.
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Article 302 of the present state constitution recognizes the sokliers' home as a state institution and provides for its maintenance by an annual appropriation of $130 per capita, to be based upon the number of inmates on April 1 of the year for which the appro- priation is made, the money to be used for the purchase of clothing and the support of the veterans in the home.
Solitude, a postoffice of West Feliciana parish, is about 5 miles northwest of St. Francisville. The nearest railroad station is Baines, on the Woodville division of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R. R.
Sophie Newcomb College .-- (See Tulane University. )
Soulé Commercial College and Literary Institute .- This institu- tion was established at New Orleans in 1856 by George Soule, who has been the president of the school for over half a century. It is a non-sectarian. coeducational college, admirably housed in its own fine, large building. erected in 1903. on St. Charles avenue. near the city hall and overlooking the beautiful Lafayette Square. The college building is an imposing four-story structure, built of pressed Colonial red brick, white terra cotta base, trimmings and ornamentation. Its ornamental tower contains a clock which has a mechanical device that regulates the movements of a life- size automaton, dressed as a college student, with cap and gown. This figure rings the large tubular bell or chime every half hour, and is a most novel contrivance. The clock is provided with an illuminated dial. and the tower is crowned by the figure of a large owl, the bird of wisdom. in white terra cotta. The college em- braces the following schools on the eclectic or graded plan, subject to the pupil's choice: 1. An intermediate English school for stu- dents from 9 to 12 years of age. 2. A higher English and grammar school. 3. An academic or secondary school. 4. An English night school for working boys. 5. A thoroughly appointed shorthand and typewriting school. 6. A high grade full course commercial school with-superior equipments, business offices, bank, store, etc. All these schools have separate rooms and each: has a separate staff . of faithful and efficient teachers.
Soulé, Pierre, lawyer. statesman and diplomat, was a native of France, having been born at Castillon, 26 miles east of Bordeaux. in Sept .. 1802. His father was an eminent jurist and a lieutenant- general in the armies of the French republic. Pierre was educated in the Jesuit college at Toulouse and in Bordeaux until he was 15 years of age, when he became involved in a conspiracy against the Bourbons and fled to the Pyrenees, where for a year hie fol- lowed the occupation of a shepherd boy. He then went to Paris, entered the field of journalism. and in 1825 was arrested for an attack on the government. Notwithstanding his manly and inde- pendent defense. he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to impris- onment, but he managed to escape to England. Late in the year 1826 he went to llayti and from there to the United States. For a time he was a guest of Gen. Andrew Jackson in Tennessee. then worked as a gardener at Bardstown. Ky., until he had learned
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the English language, when he took up the study of law. Upon being admitted to the bar he became associated with a New Orleans law firm, and by his eloquence and analytic power of mind soon won renown as a trial lawyer. In 1845 he was elected to the Louisiana state senate as a Democrat and about the close of his term was elected to the U. S. senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Alexander Barrow. He was then elected to succeed Henry Johnson for the term ending March 4, 1855. Soon after entering the senate he became the acknowledged leader of the State-rights Democracy; opposed the compromise measures of 1850; frequently "crossed swords" with Webster and Clay in debate, and in these forensic encounters added to his reputation as an orator and logician. In 1853 he resigned his seat in the senate to accept the appointment of minister to Spain, which was tendered him by President Pierce. with a view to the annexa- tion of Cuba. Mr. Soule's career in Spain was somewhat sensa- tional. The French ambassador, Marquis de Turgot, objected to some of his diplomatie methods and a duel resulted, in which Turgot was severely wounded. In Aug., 1854, he was accused of complicity in the Madrid revolt. but there was no proof to sustain the accusation. The following winter he withheld a treaty for reciprocity of trade with Cuba, which had been negotiated the preceding autumn, and issued a manifesto favoring the acquisition of Cuba by force. The following summer he gave up the Spanish mission and resumed the practice of law in New Orleans. He opposed the secession of Louisiana. but after the ordinance was passed by the convention he cast his lot with the state and was sent to Europe as an agent of the Confederacy. He soon returned, however, and when the Federal forces appeared before the city in the spring of 1862 it was Mr. Soule who dictated the mayor's reply to Adm. Farragut's demand for a surrender. (See Monroe, John T.) After the Federals occupied the city, Mr. Soule was arrested by order of Gen. Butler and confined for several months in Fort Lafayette. Later he served on the staff of Gen. Beauregard in the defenses of Charleston, S. C., and was made a brigadier- general in the Confederate army "for special services." At the close of the war he went to Havana, but subsequently returned to New Orleans, and died there on March 16, 1870.
Soulouque, a post-station in the southeastern part of Iberville - parish, is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi river, 6 miles below Plaquemine, the parish seat. St. Gabriel is the nearest rail- road town. The population was 78 in 1900.
Southern University (Colored) .- During the bitter years of reconstruction after the war, the educational advancement of the state was greatly retarded by the race issue. When the constitu- tional convention met under the new regime in 1879, it took the necessary steps to establish in the city of New Orleans an institu- tion to be devoted to the higher education of the negro population. to be entitled the "Southern university." The support of this institution was secured by constitutional provisions, entitling it to
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an annual appropriation for its current expenses by the state legis- lature, of not more than $10,000 nor less than $5,000. In con- formity to the constitutional provision, the legislature passed an act in April, 1880, "To establish in the city of New Orleans a uni- versity for the education of persons of color, and to provide for its proper government." On March 3, 1881, the charter was signed by I. N. Marks, George H. Fayerweather, S. D. Stockman, Edwin H. Fay, John J. Carter. Robert H. Jones, J. B. Wilkinson, M. D., T. T. Allain, Zebulon York, N. C. Blanchard, John S. Billieu and W. Sanders, as incorporators. The same body of men composed the first board of trustees. Little was accomplished during the early years of the school while it was still in the experimental stage. The legislature in providing for the institution had entirely failed to appropriate money for a building in which to carry on the work. Therefore the trustees did the best they could and purchased a building on Calliope street, New Orleans, out of money appropriated to pay teachers' salaries, though this necessi- tated dispensing with a part of the teaching force. The first presi- dents of the institution were George H. Fayerweather (colored), one of the original trustees ; Dr. C. H. Thompson, a colored Epis- copal minister, each of whom held office for one year ; Rev. J. H. Harrison, an alumnus of Vanderbilt university, and Rev. George W. Bothwell. The first decided advance of the school was made during the three years' incumbency of Prof. Harrison, who had the correct training of the true teacher. During these 3 years the total enrollment of pupils was 860, and an arrangement was also made which materially raised the grade of the school, through the transfer of colored pupils who had completed the public school course in New Orleans to the grade of the university for which they were prepared. It was at this period, too, that the girls' indus- trial and physical departments had their beginning. Under the administration of President Bothwell in 1886 the school was re- moved from its small and inadequate quarters on Calliope street to its present location on Soniat and Magazine streets. Permission had been previously obtained from the legislature to sell the school's equity in the old quarters and purchase a whole square of ground on Soniat and Magazine streets, then in the outskirts, and to build thereon the present commodious and substantial 3-story brick building. The money obtained from the sale of the old building was applied as part payment for the new one. The legislature also made a special appropriation in 1886 of $14,000 in the form of state warrants to assist in paying for the new quarters. As the warrants were then at a considerable discount on the market, only about $7,500 were realized from this source. Moreover, the state had previously appropriated for the support of the school the maximum of $10,000, and for several years thereafter, in view of the special appropriation, only allowed the institution $7.500. The total cost of the new grounds and improvements was $35.330, on which the original indebtedness of the college was $12.534 at 8 per cent in- terest. By 1903 this debt was reduced to $8,000 by payment from
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the fund for the salaries of teachers, and the interest rate was re- duced to 61/5 per cent. Meanwhile the grounds had appreciated in value until they were worth three times their original cost of $6,000, and are now worth even more.
The new building on Magazine street was opened with appro- priate ceremonies in March, 1887. It was the first building erected in the state for the education of colored people and occupies a conspicuous site on the highest ground in the city, only a few squares distant from the Mississippi river. It is built in the classic style with doric columns and gothic arches, possesses a marble entrance, and has extensive galleries along its front. In 1887 the board of trustees elected as president of the school a native of Louisiana, H. A. Hill, the present incumbent. In the matter of discipline, which presented the greatest initial obstacle to be over- come, the institution now bears favorable comparison with that of any similar school. No pupils were graduated prior to 1887, since when the graduates from the several departments have numbered 434. The present enrollment of pupils in the university is about 400. There were 36 graduates in 1907.
The work of the institution is divided into the following depart- ments : college, normal school, high school, grammar school, music, industrial school, including the girls' industrial school, agricultural school, and mechanical. The girls' industrial school has trained hundreds of girls in the use of the needle and machine, and in the making of clothing and various other articles. Those students who complete a course in this department receive a certificate stating the same. The mechanical school embraces instruction in both the theory and practice of mechanics. Its work is carried on in a large and substantial building, 36 by 80 feet, 2 stories high, which is equipped with work benches of the most approved pattern (made in the building), a complete set of tools for each bench, a steam engine with shafting, pulleys, grindstones, turning lathes, band and scroll saws, etc., all run by steam. A tin shop and other depart- ments have since been added and the work of the school is of a highly practical nature. The university now owns a farm of over 100 acres of tillable land, purchased by the governor with an ap- propriation of $8.000 made by the legislature in 1895. It is in op- eration near the upper suburbs of New Orleans, fronting on the Mississippi river. The farm has been stocked with teams and im- plements necessary for the cultivation of the various agricultural products of Louisiana. Dormitories for students and recitation rooms have also been provided on the farm, which is used, in con- nection with class recitations of pupils of the university in agri- culture and agricultural chemistry, to systematically and scientifi- cally cultivate every important field and vegetable crop of the state. A few other crops are cultivated experimentally. The pupils are taught theoretical, scientific farming in classes, and the result is shown in the practical application in the fields. The soil is analyzed in the chemical laboratory of the university and its deficiencies sup- plied on the farm. There have been erected on the farm hog-yards
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and houses, poultry-yards, and poultry-houses, which have been stocked with the best breeds. Water piping has been laid over the grounds and a wind-mill pumps the water. A dairy school was opened on the farm at the beginning of the session of 1896-7, with a 2 years' course in dairying, and is sending out many well equipped graduates. The university receives its support by annual appro- priations from the state legislature, supplemented by an annual appropriation from the Federal government for the agricultural and mechanical department.
Among the pressing needs of the school at the present time are the establishment of a domestic science department, including a cooking school and a sufficient appropriation by the state to lift the $8,000 mortgage on the institution, upon which the state continues to pay from 6 to 8 per cent interest.
Southwood, a post-hamlet of Ascension parish, is situated on the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R. R., where it crosses the western boundary of the parish.
Spanish-American War .- As early as June 9, 1896, the general assembly of Louisiana passed a resolution asking Congress and the president to grant belligerent rights to Cuba, then struggling to secure her independence from Spain. This attitude was well maintained when war against Spain was declared by the United States in the spring of 1898. as the state furnished more than her quota of troops under all calls. President Mckinley's proclamation of April 23, 1898, calling for 125.000 men, was followed by that of Gov. Foster on the 25th for two regiments of infantry. In accord- ance with the president's recommendations, preference was given to the organizations of the National Guard, and the Ist volunteer infantry was composed chiefly of the 6th battalion and the 3d inde- pendent company of the guards. This regiment was mustered into the U. S. service with the following officers: Col., William L. Stevens : Lieut .- Col .. Ruffin G. Pleasants : Majs., C. Julian Bartlett and Seaman A. Knapp; Surg .- Maj .. Frank E. Artaud. On June 1 the regiment arrived at Mobile, where it was assigned to the 1st brigade, Ist division, 4th army corps. The next day it was ordered to Miami, Fla., where the men suffered greatly on account of the unhealthy location and insanitary condition of the camp. On Aug. 10 the regiment reached Jacksonville, where it remained until Oct. 3, when it was mustered out.
The 2nd regiment was made up of the 3d. 4th and 7th consoli- dated battalions of the National Guard, and was officered as fol- lows: Col .. Elmer E. Wood: Lieut .- Col .. William C. Dufour : Majs., William L. Hughes and George M. Hodgson; Surg .- Majs .. Frank J. Chalaron and John T. Archinard: Adjt., Capt. Henry L. Favrot. This regiment was composed mainly of New Orleans men. It left that city on May 30 for Mobile, and upon arriving there was assigned to the 2nd brigade, Ist division, 4th army corps. On June 25 it was transferred to the 2nd brigade, Ist division, 7th corps. On the 20th it joined the troops in camp at Miami, Fla., and remained there until Ang. 3, when it was ordered to Jackson-
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