Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, Volume II, Part 8

Author: Fortier, Alcee, 1856-1914, ed. 1n
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Atlanta, Southern Historical Association
Number of Pages: 1326

USA > Louisiana > Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, Volume II > Part 8

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French Literature .- For many years after the first settlement

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was made at Biloxi in 1699, the struggles and hardships of the colonists were such that they had but little time or inclination for literary pursuits. About the only works written in Louisiana during the first century of her history were the reports of officers (some of which were written in Spanish), and the memoirs of a few men like Penicaut, who was called "the literary carpenter," La Harpe and Francisco Bouligny. One production of consider- able historic importance, written during this period, is the cele- brated "Mémoire des Négociants et Habitats de la Louisiane sur l'Evenement du 29 Octobre, 1768," written by Lafrenière and Caresse, two of the leaders in the revolution of that year. In 1779 Julien Poydras wrote an epic poem entitled "La Prise du Morne du Baton Rouge par Monseigneur Galvez," eulogistic of the feats of Gov. Galvez and his army in the campaigns against the British posts in West Florida, and in 1794 "Le Moniteur de la Louisiane," the first newspaper published in Louisiana, made its appearance.

Following the cession of the province to the United States and the admission of Louisiana as a state, more attention was paid to literature. Not that this was the direct result of the cession and admission, but the increase in population and the improvement of material conditions gave the people more time and a better field for the exercise of their literary talents. Dividing the works of Lonisiana French writers into History, Drama, Poetry and Fiction, and treating them in that order, the name of Charles Gayarre will head the list. His "Essai Historique sur la Louisiane" was pub- lished in 1830, and in 1846 was published his "Histoire de la Lou- isiane" in two volumes, covering the period of the French domina- tion. Mr. Gayarre has been called "the Henri Martin and the J. R. Green of Louisiana," as he spent the greater part of his life in writing and rewriting the history of his state. In 1841 Victor Debouchel's "Histoire de la Louisiane, depuis les premières décov- ertes jusqu'en 1840," was published, the aim of the author being to provide a history for use in the schools, yet one which could be read with profit by every one. "Esquisses Locales," pen pic- tures of prominent Louisianians, by Cyprien Dufour, were first published in the "Courrier de la Louisiane" in 1847, and afterward reproduced in book form. This was followed by a "Histoire de la Louisiane" by Henry Remy, published in the "St. Michel," a weekly paper of St. James parish, and the "Réflexions sur la Politique des Etats-Unis, etc.," of Bernard de Marigny, both of which were published in 1854. Alexandre Barde's "Histoire des Comités. de Vigilance aux Attakapas" made its appearance in 1861, giving an account of the efforts of the citizens to break up bands of bandits that the law was powerless to reach. In 1877 Mile. Désirée Martin wrote "Le Destin d'un Brin de Mousse," a descrip- tion of life among the Acadian exiles ; Mme. D. Girard's "Histoire des Etats-Unis suivie de l'Histoire de la Louisiane" was published in 1881, and in 1882 Mme. Laure Andry's "Histoire de la Louisiane pour les enfants" came from the press.

In an article of this nature it is impossible to give more than a

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bare outline of the literary productions of the state, and it is probable that some entitled to recognition have been omitted. Among the historical productions deserving of mention are the lectures of Prof. Alcee Fortier on "Le Chateau de Chambord" and "Les Conquêtes des Normands," which were written and first delivered in the '80's. Prof. Fortier also wrote several lectures on literary subjects in French about the same time, and published in 1893 his "Histoire de la Litterature Française," in 1899 "Précis de l'Histoire de France," in 1905 "Voyage in Europe" and in 1906 "Les Planteurs Sucriers de l'Ducien Regime en Louisiane."

The first drama in the literature of Louisiana was published in 1814 by Le Blanc de Villeneufve, an ex-officer in the French army. It was "Poucha Houmma," a tragedy based on life among the Indians. In 1839 A. Lussan published "Les Martyrs de la Louisiane," a tragedy in five acts relating to the revolution of 1768, the principal character being Joseph Villere. Other dramatic pro- ductions are Dr. Alfred Mercier's "l'Ermite de Niagara" and "Fortunia ;" L. Placide Canonge's "France et Espagne," also based on the revolution of 1768, his "Qui perd gagne," a one act comedy, and his "Le Comte de Carmagnola :" C. O. Dugue's "Mila ou la Mort de La Salle;" and Dr. C. Delery's "L'Ecole du peuple," a satire on carpet-bag rule. the characters being chosen from among prominent individuals during the days of reconstruction. Judge Alfred Roman and Felix Voorhies have each written some "sprightly comedies," which have been produced on the stage by amateurs, but only a few of them have been published.

Poetry comes in for a larger share of attention than the drama. The varied and romantic history of Louisiana ; her grand and pic- turesque scenery ; the relations of the three nationalities-French, Spanish and English; the valor and chivalry of her sons, and the grace and beauty of her daughters, have all combined to furnish for the poet's pen themes, of which the impulsive and vivacious Creole disposition has not been slow to take advantage. Consequently, Louisiana has produced probably more poets of merit than any other state, though it is to be regretted that some of the best verses written in the state have never been given to the public, and that many of those published are now hard to find.

Mention has already been made of Julien Poydras' epic, which was perhaps the first poetic effusion from the pen of a Louisianian. Tullius St. Céran was one of the earliest poets. In 1837 he wrote "Rien-ou Moi," which was followed the next year by "Mil huit cent quatorze et mil huit cent quinze." In the latter year appeared Dominique Rouquette's "Les Meschacebeennes," and seven years later he published a large volume of poems entitled "Fleurs d'Amerique." In 1841 his brother, Rev. Adrien Rouquette, brought out "Les Savanes." a book of poems on Louisiana subjects, and in 1860 was published his "l'Antoniade ou la Solitude avec Dieu." Alexandre Latil's "Éphémères, Essais Poetiques." was published in 1841, and the following year Dr. Alfred Mercier's poetical works, "La Rose de Smyrne" and "Erato," were published in Paris, the

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former, an oriental love story, and the latter, a collection of short poems. In 1845 Urbain David wrote "Les Anglais a la Louisiane en 1814 et 1815," an epic poem in ten cantos, graphically portraying Jackson's victory and Pakenham's defeat. In 1846 Felix de Cour- mont began the publication in New Orleans of a poetical journal called "Le Taenarion," and wrote several satires which led to his being severely criticised, though some of his other poems pos- sessed considerable merit "Les Epaves, par Un Louisianais." a volume of poems, was published in Paris in 1847. The manuscript, according to the editors, was found in a trunk saved from the wreck of the steamer Hecla on the Mississippi river, but the name of the poet was never definitely established. . Dr. Charles Testut was one of the most fruitful and versatile of the French poets of Louisiana. His "Les Echos," published in 1849, contains a large number of short poems covering a wide range of topics and pre- senting almost every conceivable style of verse. Joseph Dejacque's "Les Lazareenes," "Fables et Chansons, Poésies Sociales," ap- peared in 1857. Although containing verses of literary worth, it met with little success, probably owing to the socialistic tendencies of the author in attacking property rights and family ties. "Les Némésiennes Confédérées," by Dr. C. Delery, published in 1863, was a severe araignment of the Federal forces in New Orleans, par- ticularly Gen. Butler. In 1872 was published "Homo," a well writ- ten, didactic poem of seven cantos by Charles D. Dugué, who was also the author of a book of poems entitled "Essais Poetiques." Camille Thierry's "Les Vagabondes" contains some pleasing verses, and "Les Cenelles" is a collection of poems by various authors, including Thierry. Dalcour. Boise. Dauphin, Debrosses, Riquet, St. Pierre, Lanusse. Valcour, Liotau and Victor Sejour, whose "Le Retour de Napoléon" received favorable comment in France. Among the translators may be mentioned Constant Lepouze, who rendered into French the odes of Horace and his ninth satire "La Fâcheux," and Abbé Etienne Viel. who translated into Latin the 24 books of Fénelon's "Télémaque."

Notwithstanding the fact that Louisiana history is rich in romance, but few works of fiction have been written in the French language. The principal ones are the two novels of Dr. Charles Testut-"Le Vieux Salomon" and "Les Filles de Monte Cristo;" Dr. Alfred Mercier's "Le Fou de Palerme," "L'Habitation St. Ybars," "Lydia," "Johnnelle," and "La Fille du Prêtre," in which the author attacks the celibacy of priests; Father Adrien Rouquette's "La Nouvelle Atala." an Indian legend; Mme. S. de la Houssave's "Le Mari de Marguerite" and "Pou- ponne et Balthazar;" George Dessommes' "Tante Cydette." a story of New Orleans life; Edward Dessommes' "Femme et Statue." a historical and artistic study; Dr. O. Huard's "Triomphe d'une Femme." and Prof. Alcee Fortier's "Gabriel d'Ennerich." descriptive of life in France in the 18th century. A number of interesting short stories and praiseworthy poems have appeared from time to time in "Les Comptes-Rendus de l'Athénée

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Louisianais," the organ of a society organized in 1876 for the study of the French language and literature (See Athenee Louisianais), but lack of space forbids detailed mention of these productions or their authors.

English Literature .- The English literature of Louisiana is so comprehensive and the authors so numerous that in a brief review it is possible to notice only those who have wielded the greatest influence in the evolution of that literature. Under the same divi- sions as in the French literature-History, Drama, Poetry and Fiction-the first author entitled to notice is François Xavier Martin, the learned jurist, who in 1827 published his History of Louisiana, covering the period from the earliest discovery to the year 1815. In 1882 the work was republished, with a memoir of the author by W. W. Howe, and annals from 1815 to 1861 by J. F. Condon. Charles Gayarre's history of the state was pub- lished in English as well as French, and was brought down to the period of the Confederate war. Mr. Gayarre also wrote in English a number of historical works, including "Philip II," "A Sketch of the Two Lafittes." "The New Orleans Bench and Bar in 1823," "Mary Stuart." and "The Creoles of History and the Creoles of Romance." Henry W. Allen visited Europe in 1859 and wrote "The Travels of a Sugar Planter," and recently Prof. Alcee Fortier has published a "History of Louisiana" in four volumes, bringing the record of events down to the centennial of the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States. Prof. Fortier published also in 1893, "Louisiana Studies." in 1894, "Louisiana Folk-Tales," and in 1906, "History of Mexico." Other historians and their works are Judge Alexander Walker's "Life of Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans:" his son, Norman McF. Walker, wrote "The Geographical Nomenclature of Louisiana," which was published in the Magazine of American History in Sept., 1883: "The Historical Collections" of B. F. French ; Norman's "New Orleans and En- virons ;" W. W. Howe's "Municipal History of New Orleans ;" Prof. H. E. Chambers' histories of the United States; John . Dimitry's "History of Louisiana for Schools;" Grace King's "New Orleans, the Place and the People," and "De Soto in the Land of Florida ;" a "School History of Louisiana," by Grace King and Prof. John R. Ficklen. and Albert C. Phelps' "History of Louisiana."

The civil war afforded the theme for several historical and biographical works. the most prominent of which are: Napier Bartlett's "Military Record of Louisiana" and "A Soldier's Story of the War:" Col. Alfred Roman's "Military Operations of General Beauregard :" Col. William M. Owen's "In Camp and Battle." a history of the famous Washington Artillery: Gen. Beauregard's "Commentary on the Campaign and Battle of Manassas," and his "Summary of the Art of War:" \V. H. Tunnard's "History of the Third Louisiana Infantry ;" and Gen. Richard Taylor's "Destruction and Reconstruction." In the field of biography may be mentioned "The Life of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston," by Col. W. P. John- ston, who is also the author of lectures on Shakespeare; E. C.

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Wharton's "Biography of Charles Gayarre; "Grace King's "Life of Bienville;" Dr. B. M. Palmer's "Life of James Henley Thorn- well," and Mrs. Sarah A. Dorsey's "Recollections of Henry Wat- kins Allen."

One of the earliest English dramas written by a Louisianian was a five-act tragedy in verse by Judge T. W. Collens on the revolu- tion of 1768. The play was written in 1833 and published three years later, when it was performed at the St. Charles theater, meeting with a favorable reception. Judge Collens also wrote "Humanies," dealing with psychology, and a work on political economy entitled "The Eden of Labor." Judge W. W. Howe's comedy, "The Late Lamented," has been pronounced by critics "a work of merit." Charles Gayarre's "School of Politics," a dramatic novel. is a humorous but caustic criticism of American politics, and his "Dr. Bluff, or the American Doctor in Russia," has been described as a laughable comedy. Espy W. H. Williams was the author of several plays in verse, those most worthy of mention being "Witchcraft, or the Witch of Salem," "Parrhasius" and. "Eugene Aram." He also published a number of poems in the local press. E. C. Wharton, a New Orleans journalist, wrote sev- eral plays which were produced in the theaters of that city and well received. The principal ones are "The Young Couple," "Dick the Newsboy." "The Toodles" and "Ten Thousand Filibusters."

Louisiana has produced so many English poets that a volume might be written about them and their works. Prof. Alcee Fortier, in his "Louisiana Studies." says: "Mrs. Mollie E. Moore Davis. Mrs. Gideon Townsend and Mrs. Nicholson are without doubt our three best known poets." The first named began writing poetry before she was nine years old. and won the sobriquet of "The Texas Mocking-bird." Her poems cover a wide range of topics. the best known being "Minding the Gap." "The Golden Rose," "Ilidden Music." "Stealing Roses Through the Gate," "Heart's Ease" and "Wanga." Mrs. Townsend first came into prominence through her "Crossbone Papers." "Quillotypes" and "My Penny Dip," and later published two volumes of poetry entitled "Xariffa's Poems" and "Down the Bayou and Other Poems ." Mrs. Nichol- son, under the pseudonym of "Pearl Rivers." wrote "Lyrics," a collection of poems "of birds and flowers and flowing brooks, and all things beautiful." As proprietor of the New Orleans Picayune she wrote frequently for that paper in both prose and verse. In 1867 M. F. Bigney published "The Forest Pilgrims and Other Poems," one of which. "The Wreck of the Nautilus," has been widely quoted. M. Sophie Holmes (Millie Mayfield) wrote two volumes of poems-"Progression, or the South Defended," and "A Wreath of Rhymes." Mrs. Susan B. Elder, a daughter of Gen. A. G. Blanchard, wrote a number of dulcet poems and stirring war songs. In 1865 Maj. John Augustin published "War Flowers," a book of poems written while he was serving in the Confederate army. He says: "Many of them were scribbled on the limber chest of a 12-pounder Napoleon ; many in the trenches," etc. Maj.

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Augustin also wrote French poetry and was noted as a journalist. Julie K. Wetherill ( Mrs. Marion A. Baker) wrote a number of meritorious poems for newspapers and magazines, and as a literary critic she possessed marked ability. A list of other writers who have contributed to the poetic literature of the state, either by verse or essays upon poetry, would include the names of Mrs. Mary E. Bryan, Mrs. Marie Bushnell Williams. J. W. Overall, Mrs. Mary S. Whitaker, Mrs. M. B. Hay, Miss Elizabeth Bisland, Col. W. P. Johnston, Mrs. Anna Peyre Dinnies ( Moina), Mrs. Julia Pleasants Creswell, Mrs. Eliza Elliot Harper, Mrs. M. W. Crean, Miss M. G. Goodale, Charles Dimitry, Mrs. John R. Ficklen, Mrs. James Durno, Mrs. Florence J. Willard, Mrs. Virginia French, and the Irish patriots and poets, Richard D. Williams and Joseph Brennan, as well as a number of others.

Probably the most widely known Louisiana novelist is George W. Cable, whose "Old Creole Days," "The Grandissimes," "Madame Delphine." "Dr. Sevier." etc., are to be found upon the Shelves of practically every public library in the country, though his pictures of Creole life and character have been pronounced "utterly incorrect" by Louisianians who are thoroughly familiar with the subject. Charles Gayarre's "Fernando de Lemos" and "Aubert Dubayet" are works of merit, though both reveal the fact that the author was more of a historian than a writer of fiction. Mr. Gayarre also wrote several novelettes. Mrs. Sarah A. Dorsey was the author of "Lucia Dare," "A Southern Villegiatura,' "Agnes Graham," and "Panola." Mrs. Mollie E. Moore Davis wrote a number of stories, among which may be mentioned "In War Times at La Rose Blanche." "Under the Man Fig." "An Elephant's Track" and "The Queen's Garden." In 1890 Dr. W. W. Holcombe published his "Mystery of New Orleans," which met with a generous reception. John and Charles Dimitry both made valuable additions to the literature of Louisiana. The latter's "House in Balfour Street" has been declared by critics to be a work of great force, combining the style of Dickens, Hawthorne and Thackery. Mrs. R. T. Buckner's "Towards the Gulf" deals with the subject of miscegenation and is a strong, well-told story. Lafcadio Hearn's "Stray Leaves from Strange Literature." "Some Chinese Ghosts" and "Chita" were written in New Orleans. where he began his literary career. Hle is also the author of "Gombo Zhebes," a dictionary of Creole proverbs selected from six different dialects. Grace King is the author of a number of pleasing stories, among them "Balcony Stories," which give a correct idea of creole life. "The Golden Wedding." by Mrs. Ruth Mc Enery Stuart. por- trays the simple. childlike character of the negro before he was spoiled by the politician ; her "Christmas Gifts" is an interesting story of antebellum days: and her "Camelia Ricardo" and "Car- lotta's Intended" deal with life among the Italians. E. C. Whar- ton's "War of the Bachelors;" Frank MeGloin's "Norodom:" George Austin's "Legends of New Orleans:" Mrs. C. V. Jamison's "Story of an Enthusiast" and "Lady Jane;" Jeannette H. Wal-

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worth's "Southern Silhouettes;" and Thomas McCaleb's "Anthony Melgrave" are all stories of literary worth, and most of them have been widely read.

Among the more recent writers, Rev. Beverly E. Warner and Prof. William B. Smith are especially entitled to recognition. The former wrote "English History in Shakespeare's Plays;" a book of sermons entitled "The Facts and the Faith," and "Troubled Waters," a novel touching on the labor question. Prof. Smith's writings cover a wide range and deal with mathematics, economics and theology. His text-book on geometry and his "Infinitesimal Analysis (3 vols.) are regarded as standard authorities on those subjects. He has written much for newspapers and periodicals on such topics as "Tariff." "Finance," etc., and published "Studies in Paulinism" and "Structure and Origin of the New Testament." Mrs. A. G. Durno, connected for years with the New Orleans Times-Democrat, is noted for her sprightly book reviews and literary editorials. Much of her writing has been done under the pseudonym of "Felix Gray."

The New Orleans Academy of Sciences and the Geographic and Quarante clubs have done for English literature what the Athenee Louisianais was destined to accomplish for French literature by stimulating an interest in good reading and promoting the intel- lectual development of the people. Prior to the Civil war De Bow's Review wielded a great influence upon the literature of the , South. Since that event the Louisiana Journal of Education has published many interesting and excellent papers from the pens of the most gifted educators in the state, and taken altogether the Pelican State has no reason to feel ashamed of her sons and daughters who have contributed to the literature of the land.

No historical sketch of Louisiana literature would be complete without the name of John J. Audubon (q. v.), whose "Birds of . America" and "Quadrupeds of America" have placed him among the greatest naturalists of the civilized world. All over the coun- try are "Audubon" societies to teach children the beauties of bird- life and to instill into their young minds the justice and wisdom of protecting the nation's song birds. It is intended as no disparage- ment to other Louisiana authors to say that of all the literati of the state none is more widely known nor more unversally respected than Audubon.

Litroe, a post-hamlet in the northeastern part of Union parish, is situated at the junction of two divisions of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R., about 20 miles northeast of Farmer- ville, the parish scat.

Littlecreek, a post-hamlet and station in the western part of Catahoula parish, is on the Louisiana & Arkansas R. R., about 25 miles west of Harrisonburg. the parish seat.

Lively, a postoffice of Caldwell parish, is situated on the Ouachita river, 15 miles southeast of Columbia, the parish seat. It is an old settlement and in 1900 had a population of 100. Webb City is the nearest railroad station.

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Live Oak, a post-hamlet of Livingston parish, is situated on a confluent of the Amite river, about 6 miles southeast of Pride, the nearest railroad station, and about 20 miles northwest of Spring- ville, the parish seat. It has a population of 128 in 1900.

Liverpool, a post-hamlet of St. Helena parish, is situated near the Tickfaw river. 5 miles north of Greensburg, the parish seat and nearest railroad town. It had a population of 57 in 1900.

Live Stock .- The soil and climate of Louisiana are splendidly adapted to stock raising. The ample pasturage, the luxurious forage crops which can be so readily grown, the short mild winters making shelter and extra feeding necessary only a few months out of the year, the numerous streams which afford such ready access to fresh pure water, all combine to make stock raising a profitable industry. In 1880, according to the U. S. census report for that year, the aggregate value of domestic animals in the state was $12,345,905. In 1900-two decades later-the total value of such animals was $27,757.301-an increase of more than 100 per cent. In 1900 the estimated value of all animals in the state, including fowls and bees, was $28.869,506-of which $1,057,889 was the esti- mated value of all the poultry, and of which $54.316 was total value of bees. Contrasting the methods of the U. S. census compilers in 1900, and those previous to that year, the 12th census report says : "Prior to 1900, census enumerators had merely obtained estimates of the total value of live stock on farms, and, except in 1850, no instructions were given as to what should be included in those estimates. In that year enumerators were directed to include the values of neat cattle, horses, sheep, mules, asses and swine, and it is probable that in all census years previous to 1900 the estimated values of live stock included only the animals named. In 1900 detailed reports of all classes of animals, and also of poultry and bees on farms, were secured for the first time. All these classes are included under the general designation of live stock, and their values are given under the heads of domestic animals, poultry. bees and special live stock." So the above mentioned increase of the total value of domestic animals of 1900 over the year 1880 is probably not as great as is apparent upon the face of the figures. Cotton seed meal and hulls from the many cotton seed mills, the rich bran, shorts, and polish from the rice mills, and cheap molasses from the sugar factories provide ample feeding rations which are readily available for most cattle raisers. Hundreds of head of cattle are annually fattened in the immediate vicinity of these mills and factories and shipped to the northern and western markets. Improved breeds of the Jersey and Guernsey dairy types, and also of the beef type, such as the Hereford, the Durham, the Polled Angus, and the Devon are rapidly being introduced into the state. In 1880 the approximate number of neat cattle in the state was 471 .- 000; two decades later the number was estimated at 500.000. (For other matters pertaining to cattle see Dairying.)

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Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, Volume II, Part 8

Author: Fortier, Alcee, 1856-1914, ed. 1n Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Atlanta, Southern Historical Association Number of Pages: 1326

Author: Fortier, Alcee, 1856-1914, ed. 1n
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Atlanta, Southern Historical Association
Number of Pages: 1326