USA > Louisiana > Orleans Parish > New Orleans > Standard history of New Orleans, Louisiana, giving a description of the natural advantages, natural history settlement, Indians, Creoles, municipal and military history, mercantile and commercial interests, banking, transportation, etc. > Part 15
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On January 23rd a solemn Thanksgiving was held in New Orleans. There was a grand procession of soldiers, and in Jackson Square, under a triumphal arch erected where his statue now stands, the great commander was crowned with laurel by a young girl representing Louisiana.
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STANDARD HISTORY OF NEW ORLEANS.
Congress afterwards passed resolutions congratulating Louisiana on her brave part in the contest with Great Britain, and extending a full pardon to the Lafittes and their gallant Baratarians.
When Texas asserted herself as a free republic; when the United States determined to adopt her into its own dominions; when the Alamo and Cross atrocities, and the outrageous behavior of Santa Anna, had precipitated war be- tween this country and Mexico, Louisiana did not prove backward in assisting her neighbors. Many reasons made this seem right and wise. One was the suspicion afloat that England, desiring the emancipation of slaves in the United States (for her own financial advantage), had "bought" Mexico, and would fur- mish that country with funds necessary for carrying on a war with the United States. Of course, anything that tended to interfere with slavery would be ob- noxious to the Southern States. But this was only a rumor, though, in view of coming events, an interesting one. The real cause of the enthusiasm of New Orleans during the Mexican War, and her zeal in sending troops to take part in the struggle, is to be found in her sympathy for Texas, her indignation against the Mexican atrocities, and the natural courage and love of adventure among her young sons. So when General Sam Houston, "president of the new republic," visited this city May 24th, 1845, and spoke in behalf of his country, he found a ready and enthusiastic response to his eloquence.
A meeting at the "Banker's Arcade," Dr. D. Bullard, chairman, and Alex- ander Walker, secretary, was held April 22, 1845, at which a committee of twenty-five was appointed to form resolutions in regard to the question of Texas annexation, which resolutions were to the effect that the proposed annexation of Texas was "a great American measure," and that "the doctrine which would exclude a new territory because slavery exists in it, conveys an injuri- ous imputation upon the slaveholding states already in the Union."
Texas became a part of the United States by "joint resolution," which passed Congress, and was signed by President Tyler March 1, 1845.
About this time General Edmund P. Gaines, stationed in the vicinity of New Orleans, sent a request to Governor Mouton that he might raise in Louisiana two regiments of volunteers and two companies of artillery with eight field pieces. This request was immediately granted, and $100,000 was voted by Legislature to the assistance of Texas. It may as well be here mentioned that General Gaines had not the proper authority for acting as he did; that he showed great officiousness ; that the matter was afterwards brought before the administration
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at Washington, and that his conduct was finally excused on account of the patri- otic if somewhat exaggerated, zeal he had displayed.
During August, 1845, excitement in New Orleans became intense. "The war" was a constant topic. Volunteers came forward readily. On the 19th Captain Forno's first company of volunteer artillery (100) was mustered into service of the United States. Various troops passed through the city on their way to the scene of action, adding to the general interest. On the 21st Major Gally's company of volunteer artillery, the cannoneers (123 in number) was mustered in. It was officered as follows: Captain, E. L. Bercier ; senior first lieutenant, Thomas Trelford; junior first licutenant, Gustave Percaux; second lieutenant, F. H. Henriqueux.
"The Native American Artillery Company" was officered by Captain Henry Forno, Senior First Lieutenant J. E. Ealer, Junior First Lieutenant W. J. Lewis, Second Lieutenant David A. Bickel.
In November Hon. John Slidell, being appointed by the president envoy- extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Mexico, visited the capital of that country, but was refused a hearing, and returned to the United States.
In the carly part of May Captain Forno and Colonel Doane opened lists for the enrolling of volunteers, and by the evening of the 2nd had secured seventy. On that evening was held a meeting of the officers of the Louisiana Legion to discuss the raising of volunteers, at which Brigadier-General Augustin presided ; one by the Louisiana Volunteers, and one by the Washington Battalion, which was addressed by General Persifer Smith, so untiring in his efforts and after- wards so gallant a soldier.
Business and public meetings were also held. On the 4th a cash bounty of $10 being given each recruit, the work went on briskly, and about 1,000 men were enrolled. The citizens of New Orleans were indefatigable, and Mr. Ben- jamin Story placed $500,000 at the disposal of the state for use in the war.
During this month Captain Marks raised three companies and part of a fourth, Colonel Hunt two, and Colonel Langdon reported that his ranks were rapidly filling. By May 7th these companies were organized.
Clinton Guards, Captain Chase; Orleans Boys, C. F. Hunt ; Company A Orleans Riflemen, Captain Head; Louisiana Grays, Captain Breedlove; Ger- man Yagers, Captain Soniat ; two companies Louisiana volunteers, Captains Glenn and Stockton ; Company B Orleans Invincibles, Captain White; Native Americans, Captain Stockbridge ; Eclaireurs No. 1, Captain Crevon ; company
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of Tigers, Captain Emerson. On the 10th that finc brigade the "Louisiana Le- gion," offered themselves. General Lafayette Sanders received a commission from General Gaines to raise a regiment of mounted infantry.
By May 15th, the four regiments asked for by General Taylor were or- ganized, and contained the following numbers of men :
Colonel J. B. Walton's regiment, colonel and staff, 3; Captain Isaac F. Stockton's company, 66; Captain R. C. Stockton's company, 63; Captain J. W. Bryce's company, 61; Captain Thomas Glenn's company, 64; Captain J. B. Breedlove's company, 72; Captain George Tobin's company, 61; Captain H. B. Case's company, 82; Captain P. Soniat's company, 64; Captain J. M. Van- dergriff's company, 65; and Captain G. W. White's company, 67; total in the regiment, 668.
Colonel J. F. Marks', the Jackson regiment, colonel and staff, 11; Captain S. C. Head's company, 66; Captain C. S. Hunt's company, 75; Captain R. G. Comstock's company, 98; Captain R. H. Fountain's company, 75; Captain Real's company, 100; Captain M. Willard's company, 104; Captain G. M. Graham's company, 96; Captain J. W. Kecne's company, 68; Captain R. A. Stewart's company, 96; Captain Staple's company, 93; total in the regiment, 882.
Colonel James H. Dakin's regiment, colonel and staff, ; Captain A. F. Rudler's company, 65; Captain Smith's company, 64; Captain McNemara's company, 65 ; Captain E. Crevon's company, 61; Captain G. S. Rosseau's com- pany, 112; Captain A. G. Blanchard's company, 63; Captain Sewall's, 65; Cap- tain Woodland's, 60; Captain Gryce's, 90; and Captain Ricardo's, 71; total in the regiment, 716.
The Montezuma regiment, coloncl and staff, ; Captain Depasher's company, 64; Captain P. Wirth's, 82; Captain C. K. Johnson's 64; Captain George Doane's, 77; Captain J. F. Girault's, 63; Captain George Price's, 62; Captain Buhler's, 62; Captain Galbraith's, 61; Captain Ozier's, 62; and Captain John R. Smith's, 71; total in the regiment, exclusive of staff, 668, and in the four regiments, 2,934.
May 13th William de Buys, late major-general, but enrolled as a private soldier, was appointed inspector-general of volunteer troops on the Rio Grande; Lewis Texada was appointed volunteer aide de camp to General Gaines.
On the 17th a fine sword was presented to General Smith by the Washington Guards.
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War was announced by President Polk May 11th to have actually begun. On the 13th Congress, declaring that "by act of the Republic of Mexico," such was the case, called for 50,000 volunteers.
In New Orleans, during the month of May, Colonel Peyton's regiment, the Taylor Guards, Orleans Blues, California Guards and various companies from the parishes of Mobile were formed, a total of about 500 men. On the 18th, in the Place d'Armes, was held a review of the Louisiana Legion, with the follow- ing companies: Orleans Guards, Captain F. Gardere, 60; Musqueteers, Cap- tain Mondelle, 70; Catalan Guards, Captain Veosca, 63; Cazadores de Orleans, Captain Trigo, 64; Eclaireurs d'Orleans, Captain Desrargue Lambert, 70; and Major Gally's battalion of artillery (200), which alone could be mustered into United States service.
On May 19th five companies of the Fourth Regiment left on the Mary Kingsland for Brazos St. Iago; two of Colonel Dakin's and two of Colonel Da- vis' on the Ondiaka. On the 22nd General de Buys was presented with a sword, and on the 24th various dissatisfied officers resigned.
On November 30th another requisition for troops was made upon Louisiana, limited to five companies of infantry of sixty-four men each, New Orleans be- ing the place of rendezvous.
On Saturday evening, May 15, 1847, there was a grand illumination of the city ; its hotels, private residences, court house and cathedral all brilliantly lighted and decorated with transparencies in honor of recent victories in Mexico. The first municipality was said to outdo the rest of the city.
New Orleans was kept constantly in touch with the military spirit of the times by the pasing and repassing through her streets of United States troops, both on their way to the scene of war and returning from it. On the 11th of June the bodies of Colonel Henry M. Clay and Colonel McKee, who had been stabbed to death while wounded on the field of Buena Vista, and that of Captain Lincoln lay in state at the arsenal on St. Peter street. November 25th Generals Quit- man and Shields and Colonel Harney were entertained at the St. Charles Hotel, and December 3rd a large procession formed in honor of General Taylor, on his way home from the "War."
When the Louisiana troops returned a splendid triumph was given them (July 8, 1848), 10,000 people having collected to watch them march up St. Charles to Tivoli Circle. And in the evening, at the corner of Canal and Caron- delet, a patriotic address was made them by the governor, to which Colonel de Rusey replied, and a fine collation served them at the Place d'Armes.
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Some complaint was made by the local newspapers that the Louisiana troops were not given a chance to distinguish themselves. But we should not forget the valor of General Smith, in whose brigade was Captain Blanchard's company of Louisiana volunteers, and who distinguished himself at Monterey, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec and the capture of the City of Mexico; he was made brigadier-general in 1856, while Zachary Taylor himself, who became president November, 1848, had been for years a resident of this state.
It is hardly worth while to touch upon the causes of the Civil War, except in so far as is necessary to make the courage and patriotism of the Southern soldiers well understood. It was not a conflict between the oppressors of a virtu- ous injured race, and the noble rescuers of that race, who came, like angels from heaven, with the flaming sword of war; neither was it a struggle between pure and disinterested patriots on one side and cruel, unjust tyrants on the other. We are beginning at last to understand the virtues and failings of both North and South. While slavery is an evil, its abolition a part of the world's progress, it is nevertheless a phase itself of evolution. It is the only condition possible at a certain stage of development, and the follies, atrocities and general worth- lessness of the negro evinced at certain periods since his attainment of citizen- ship make it very doubtful whether he was quite ripe for freedom in 1863. Moreover, while slavery was by no means an easy or a happy state for the negro, it was better and higher than the wild savagery and cannibalism of his native Africa. Again, if the North was violent and insolent in its manner, the South showed a tendency to take fire readily. No one can deny that the war was a struggle of interests. If slavery had been as advantageous in Massachusetts or Maine as it was in Mississippi or Louisiana, all the abolitionists in the world would have been unable to shake the determination of a sagacious and not un- mercenary government, and the Southerners while defending their homes, and what they considered sacred rights, had also an eye to their pockets. The fol- lowing extract may be cited from the New Orleans "Daily Crescent," January 3, 1861, in speaking of secession :
"In the results which it will accomplish it will cause our city to advance rapidly in the path of commercial greatness ; it will secure this by concentrating the slave power from which nine-tenths of our wealth is derived. If a Southern Confederacy result, New Orleans must become its great emporium and mart, exporting its vast productions, and importing-which she does not do at all now -the foreign commodities for which they are exchanged. The manufactures
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and mines and internal improvements of the South in their great development will have their agencies and marts in our midst. Our population will augment rapidly, hands will multiply with ample remuneration, and real estate attain a value it has never reached before. Prosperity will prevail in all channels and avenues of business, and over $200,000,000 by Northern authority, which are now expended annually by the South in Northern states, will from necessity be expended in our own eities and towns."
The two sentimental events that influeneed the people of the North, while the government was preparing its own line of conduct, the publishing of "Unele Tom's Cabin" and the John Brown Raid, are now acknowledged to be the work of ignorant, unreasoning fanatics, who, like children playing with matches, and absolutely indifferent to the welfare or lives of others, were ready to set fire to anything for the gratifieation of their own narrow and fatal desires.
But while we deny to John Brown and Harriet Beecher Stowe the martyr's crown, which so many would award them, it would be unjust not to acknowledge that they believed themselves in the right, and acted with unselfish and perhaps charitable motives. Many of the extreme abolitionists of the North were noble- minded men and women, whose views had been distorted and whose heads were somewhat turned. As for the Southerners, men and women, they showed during the great eonfliet a eourage, a elieerfulness, a patriotism, a perseverance, unsur- passed and perhaps unequalled in the military history of the world.
From the time of the annexation of Texas slavery beeaine a vexed question. The laws eoneerning fugitive slaves beeame more and more troublesome. The acquisition of California increased the difficulty of the position. The United States increased, expanded almost daily. What should the new states be- slave-holding or free ? All these things ean only be touched upon. The split in the Democratic convention held at Charleston, S. C., April 23, 1860, was the beginning of the politieal ruin of the South, and when the Republican party elected Abraham Lincoln in November, secession was bound to follow.
South Carolina left the Union December 20, 1860. This began the move- ment that ended with the Civil War. The people of New Orleans were at- tached to the Union, and for some time public sentiment wavered. But it was bound to turn at the end toward secession. Various meetings were held and soei- eties formed. At a "Grand Rally for the Union," held in Lafayette Square, Tuesday, May 8, 1860, and addressed by Isaac E. Morse, Michael Hahn and Judge Riestand, the call for Union men was signed by 107 names, beginning
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with E. W. Huntingdon and ending with Michael Hahn. This was, of course, previous to the secession of South Carolina. So was a mass meeting for state's rights four days later at Odd Fellows' Hall, the call being signed by 600 citizens, headed by the name of W. R. Miles and ending with that of E. B. J. Stuart; a meeting at the same place May 17, presided over by J. W. Zacharie and addressed by J. Madison Day, to ratify the Citizens' ticket for municipal offices, Lucius W. Place being candidate for mayor and J. Milton Relf for street commissioner ; and a meeting May 30, also at Odd Fellows' Hall, in favor of John Bell for pres- ident of the United States. The call to this meeting was signed by 679 persons, and speeches were made by Mr. C. Roselius, Hon. Randall Hunt, Mr. Jones and others.
After South Carolina's bold move it was felt that some decided measures must be taken. A meeting was held January 2 at Odd Fellows' Hall by the "Southern Rights Association," and 'addressed by H. D. Ogden, Lieutenant- Governor H. M. Hyams, Professor J. D. B. de Bow, A. Fabre and Captain St. Paul. The next evening the Second Ward Southern Rights Association held a large meeting at No. 9 New Basin and at Dryade's Market; J. M. Reid pre- sided over a similar meeting, at which B. S. Tappan and others made addresses. A meeting at Concert Hall by the Young Men's Southern Rights Association followed, at which Colonel Lockridge and H. J. Leroy made speeches approving the action of South Carolina. The desire for secession grew stronger, and was evinced with great enthusiasm at a meeting in Odd Fellows' Hall January 4, 1861, addressed by C. M. Bradford, B. S. Tappan, C. Clinch, John Claiborne, Harry Hayes, T. J. Semmes and T. Hunter, and at another meeting at the Ninth Street Market, addressed by Judge Walker, General Miles and Dr. Austin. Finally, when, on January 7, 1861, an election was held for delegates to the state convention, the results were as follows :
Co-operation.
Secession.
Durant
3,918
P. E. Bouford 4,321
Hoot
3,936
F. Labotut.
4,325
Soulé
3,848
W. R. Adams 4,279
Dufour
3,963
T. H. Kennedy 4,320
Jonas
3,902
J. J. Michel. 4,290
Members of the convention elected from the several representative districts in New Orleans were as follows :
First District, T. J. Semmes, J. N. Marks, B. S. Tappan, secession ; second,
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J. A. Rozier, secession, W. T. Stocker, co-operation ; third, J. McClosky, E. W. Estlin, A. H. Gladden, J. B. Slonson, secession ; fourth M. O. H. Norton, secession ; fifth, J. Hernandez, B. Aregno, secession ; sixthi, J. Pemberton. seces- sion ; seventh, G. Clarke, J. Bernaudez, co-operation ; eighth, O. LeBlanc, co- operation ; ninth, P. S. Wiltz, secession ; tenth, W. R. Miles, W. M. Perkuss, A. Walker, sccession.
The 8th of January. 1861, was celebrated with great enthusiasm by all the military bodies in New Orleans, as follows: General Tracy's brigade, including the Washington artillery, the Louisiana Guards, Louisiana Grays, Orleans Cadets and Sarsfield Guards, Jefferson Rifles and General Palfrey's Brigade, including the Orleans Artillery, Louisiana Foot Rifles, German Yagers and sev- eral other companies.
The following day, by order of Governor Moore, the Crescent City Rifles, forty-nine men, under Captain Gladden, Washington Artillery, seventy-two men, Captain Oscar Voorhies, second company, Chasseurs a Pieds, Captain S. Meilleur, forty men, Orleans Cadets, Captain Chas. Dreux, thirty-nine men, Louisiana Guards, Captain S. M. Todd, forty-five men, and Sarsfield Guards, Captain O'Hara, in all 261 men, setting out for the United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge, captured 50,000 stands of small arms from that place, four howit- zers, twenty pieces of heavy ordinance, one battery of six-pounders, one of twelve- pounders, 300 barrels of powder, and a quantity of ammunition. Col. J. B. Walton was in command of the whole expedition.
On the tenth two companies of the Orleans artillery, under Captains Gomez, V. Hebard, first company of Chasseurs a Pieds, Captain St. Paul, Chasseurs d' Orleans (1814-15), German Yagers and Lafayette Guards, 166 men altogether were ordered by the Governor to demand the surrender of Forts St. Philip and Jackson, and hoist the Pelican flag in place of that of the United States. About this time forty other men went up to Baton Rouge, and companies were organized by Captains Fremaux and Abodie, and Lieut. Mark L. Moore, Lieutenant- Colonel John A. Jacques organized a company of 100 men. Volunteers came forward rapidly.
In the convention at Baton Rouge, Ex-Governor Mouton presiding, the secession of Louisiana was decided upon, and January 26, 1861, went into effect. The committee of fifteen reporting was composed of Jno. Perkins, Madison, A. Dechuet, Ex-Governor, A. B. Roman, E. Sparrow, F. Gardere, L. J. Dupre, C. Roselins, W. R. Miles, G. S. Lewis, G. Williamson, A. Talbot, T. J. Semmes, A.
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Provosty, W. R. Barrow and J. K. Elgee. The vote for secession was 113 to seventeen. The convention came to the City Hall, New Orleans, and took charge of municipal affairs, which were immediately reconstructed to suit the new condition. On this occasion the Louisiana flag was raised for the first time over the City Hall. An inventory of the Custom House and Mint, made Febru- ary 11, 1861, shows value to the amount of $3,420,984.15. Seven delegates were sent to the convention of southern states held at Montgomery.
On the 11th of April, 1861, four companies of about 400 men, commanded by Major C. M. Bradford, among them the Orleans Cadets, under Captain Chas. D. Dreux, left for Pensacola to join Colonel Gladden's regiment, and General Tracy's brigade, General Palfrey's Louisiana regiment and Major Augustin's battalion of Orleans Guards were ordered to assemble at their armories by Major- General Lewis.
Company B of the Crescent Rifles was Dreux's Louisiana Batallion. Com- pany A was officered by Captain S. W. Fisk (killed in the war), First Lieutenant, Thad. A. Smith, Second Lieutenants, N. T. N. Robinson and T. A. Fairies ; Sergeants M. C. Gladden, W. E. Huger, D. D. Logan, W. M. Bridges ; Corporals W. Norton, W. G. O'Regan, W. P. Clark and S. R. Garrett. Military organi- zations were formed rapidly. Garibaldi Rifles, second company of Louisiana Foot Rifles, Captian Cornish's Southern Cadets, Walker's Rifles, Louisiana Guards, Crescent Blues, Major Coppen's Zouaves, who owed so much to the generosity of J. W. Zacharie; later the Jefferson Light Guards, "La Turcos," Chasseurs de Bayou, Bienville Guards and Montgomery Guards. But this is somewhat anticipating matters. The fall of Fort Sumter, under General Beauregard's attack, was celebrated April the 14th by the Orleans Artillery, who fired 100 guns at Jackson Square. In April also the fourth company of Louisiana Guards, with eighty-five men, prepared themselves for the defense of the city. The Pelican Fire Company No. 1 organized for the same purpose. Other companies organized in April were the "Rough and Ready Rangers," ninety men, Orleans Cadets, Tiger Rifles, Perritt Guards, a company of sappers and miners. The purchase and equipment of the "Sumter" first confederate war- ship, was an important event of this month and so was the fair for the benefit of the soldiers, held by the indefatigable women of this city in Odd Fellows Hall. The proceeds were $12,516.35. A fair was held afterwards at the St. Louis Hotel which netted a much larger sum. Toward the close of April Camp Metairie, at the Metairie race course was established, the naine being afterwards
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changed to Camp Walker. It held about 4,000 men, and being unhealthful, was abandoned for a camp in Tangipahoa Parish. There was also a camp at what is now Audubon Park, then called Camp Louis.
Companies formed in May were Company A of the Irish Brigade, and A of the American Rifles, Louisiana Rifles, Mercer Rifle Guard, Coast Rangers, Polish Legion, Violett Guards, named after W. A. Violett, and wearing a violet- colored uniform, Southern Pilot Guards, Taylor Cadets, Stephens Guards, Wash- ington Light Guards, Orleans Rifle Rangers, Lafayette Rifles, Perseverance Guards, Orleans Home Light Guards, Civic Guards, Crescent City Guards, Chal- mette Rifle Guards, Jefferson Davis Cadets. About 2,000 men had now left the city, and from 10,000 to 15,000 in or around it were ready for action. On the 27th of the month the famous Washington Artillery left for Virginia, after an ovation at the City Hall and addresses by Rev. Dr. Leacock and Rev. Dr. Palmer.
In June was formed the French Legion of five companies, composed of French citizens living in New Orleans, who generously offered their services to the government ; and in the following month, Lieutenant-Colonel Chas. Dreux, the first Louisiana officer to die for the South, was buried near the Bayou St. John, the address being delivered by Lieutenant-Colonel Adolphus Olivier. During this month was hield a sale of property captured by Confederate privateers, amounting to $30,000.
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