NATCHITOCHES [LA]
UNION
1861-1862
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, masthead
Ernest Le Gendre, Editor.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 4
Yankees Hard Masters.—A Southern cotemporary remarks that Yankees make
the hardest masters of slaves in the South.
This is undoubtedly true. They
are the hardest employers of white workmen, and they expect to get as much labor
from a slave as they have forced from the necessities of white men.
No system of slavery in the world, that we have any knowledge of, is as
harsh, inhuman and cruel as that which prevails in the Yankee merchant marine.
The scenes of horror that are of constant occurrence in Yankee vessels
have caused the whole civilized world to stand aghast.
For years before the present rupture, the English journals were filled
with accounts of cruelties and murders practiced upon American seamen in the
various lines of packets and freight ships trading between the North and
England. The subject was brought to
the attention of Parliament, and the inquiry was anxiously pressed whether
measure could not be adopted by the United States Government and Courts, in
conjunction with those of Great Britain, to put a stop to the crying evil,
American vessels on more distant and less frequented highways of the sea were
probably disgraced by scenes even more shocking that those which have rendered
the Northern and Liverpool lines little better than "floating hells."
The south American, California and China trade can each a tale of blood
and misery unfold, which will never be fully known till the last day.
It is the constant practice of shipmasters to entice men to sign their
ship papers while perfectly drunk, and then, once out of sight of land, they bet
them to their duty, knock them down with marling spikes upon the slightest
provocation, whip them till the decks are red with blood, and the poor wretches
often jump overboard to find in death their only relief from inhumanity.
No wonder that they make hard masters of the African, and that they
commit cruelties and excesses in this wicked invasion, unknown in civilized
warfare.—Richmond Dispatch.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 4-7
Note: Many of
the advertisements are in French. The
transcriptions are the best I can do while reading Confederate ink on
Confederate paper, now on microfilm, in an unfamiliar language.
Accent marks in particular are likely to be lost or mistaken for flaws.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 4
Academie.
Commerciale,
Classique et
Mathematique
des Natchitoches.
Cette institution, dernierement establie par le soussigne et actuellement
preparee á recevoir des Pensionnaires et Externes.
Une batisse spacieuse, commandant une vue etendue de la ville, un terrain
vaste our les recreatains, ombrage d'arbres, en forment une retraite de ville et
campagne tout à la fois.
Le systeme de gouvernmement de l'institution sera strietement modere et
paternel; aucane punition corporelle ne sera infligée.
Dans le cas on les elèves deviendraient desobeissants on obstinée, ils
seraient immédiatement chassés.
L'annee scolaire commence le 14 Janvier 1861 et finira au mois de
Novembre de chaque annee. Les
vacances dureront deux mois et pourrout être passées dans l'Institution,
moyennant la somme de $15,00 par mois. Les
elévesseront reçus à n'importe quelle époque, mais pas pour une periode
moindre de cinq mois, excepté par cousentement mutuel.
Aucune déduction ne sera faite pour absence excepte dans un cas de
maladie prolongee. Le cours
d'Education comprendra tout ce qui est enseigné dans les Principales
Institution Du Sud.
La
Musique, le dessin, le livres et fournitures, ainsi que les dépenses
pour Médicines ou Médicins, seront payes à part.
Conditions.
Pension et Education (y compris le bios de lit, lavage et raccomodage par
session $160.
Chaque pensionnaire doit avoir son lit, ainsi que 2 habiliemens d'hiver
et 4 d'Eté, il chemises, 6 paires de bas, 6 serviettes 2 paires souliers ou
bottes, un verre une cuillière, fourchette et couteau, un peigne brosse a tête
et cirage.
Tout le linge devra être marqué avec le nom en
plein.
E. F. Fitzgerald
Principal et Proprietaire.
References:
Hon. W. M. Levy
Remy
McTier Esq.
L. Prudhomme Esq.
L.
Dupleix Esq.
T. Airey Esq.
Walmsley, Carver & Co.
F. Vienné, Esq.
Janin & Caspari.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 5
Au Corset D'Or.
V. Pretat,
No. 75, rue de Chartres, au premier, Annonce aux marchands,
que par suite d'arrangements pris en Europe, il recevra constamment un superbe
et grand assortiment de corsets de tous genres et de toute quality, qui'ill
livrera à des prix plus avantageux que ceux de New York.
V. Pretat, faisant une specialité du corset depuis nombre d'annèes,
affre aux marchands des avantages qu'ils ne trouveront nalle part; il les prie
de vouloir bien l'honorer de leur visite avant d'acheter ailleurs.
Corsets.
Reçu par les derniers arrivages d'Europe un complet assortiment de
corsets nouveaus, appriés Ceinture Régence, article de haute nouveaute
parisienne, à vendre en gros seulement.
Un lot de jupes française, haute nouveaute, en crin et
mouseline.
Un assortiment de corsets d'un tissu tout à jour, dit CORSET ORIENTAL,
fait expressement pour la maison V. Pretat.
Les ordres de la campagne seront emplis avec
ponctualité.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 7
Avis Aux Fumeurs
de Tabac Hache.
Le Soussigné informe respectinuesement Messieurs les Marchands de la
ville et de la campagne, et tous les consommateurs en général, qu'il vient
d'ajouter à sa manufacture de Tabac en Poudre, dont les produits lui ont vain
une médaille d'or a l'Exposition universeille de Paris, en 1855 la fabrication
de Tabacs a Fumer de toute nature, qu'il garantit être aussi bons pour le moins,
que ceux des maisons le plus en renom, et, en outre, parfaitement purs et agréables
au goût.
Depôt général et debit à son magasin No. 16, rue St-Louis.
Manufacture à
McDonoghville, Le.
A. Delfit.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 24, 1861, p. 2
Note: The
entire second page in each issue is in French, but they include different
articles.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 31, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
We give to our readers a letter from Governor Moore to Bishop Martin,
acknowledging receipt of the diocesan offering for the benefit of the sick and
wounded of our armies.
A few additional sums that have come since will receive the same
destination.
New Orleans, 18th Oct. 1861.
Rev. A. Martin, Bishop of Natchitoches.
Dear Sir:
Your very kind note with a check for $441.50 was rec'd this morning, and
permit me individually, and for the sick and wounded volunteers, for whose
benefit the donation was intended, to express to you our grateful thanks.
Our hospital at present, at Richmond, is quite bountifully supplied, so
the donation will be held for ours here, at least, for the time being, or
invested in the necessaries required for 3d Regiment in Missouri, that Regiment
having several companies from your own Parish, and more remote from any point at
which hospital stores can be conveniently had.
Again expressing my thanks to you and through you, to the different
Congregations for their patriotism and liberality.
I remain very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't.,
Tho. O. Moore.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 31, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
Select reading.—Female Manners—Scarcely any thing is so offensive in
the manners of a lady who, [illegible] in good society, as that of ostentation.
By this is meant that kind of manner which savors too much of
self-appreciation and display—indicating a disposition to make herself over
conspicuous—and which, in short is the acting out of a spirit of self
confidence and conceit. This
appears badly enough when exhibited by one of the opposite sex, but, when seen
in a young lady—it is quite intolerable.
Liability to embarrassment from every slight change of circumstance; and
an awkward bashfulness, are not, of course, at all desirable; but between these
and an ostentatious manner, there is a happy medium, consisting of a due
combination of confidence and modesty, which renders a lady pleasing to all with
whom he associates. If, however
either of these extremes must be followed, it will be found that diffidence will
be more readily pardoned than ostentation. And yet while ostentatiousness of manner is to be avoided, it
is necessary to guard against any appearance of studied reserve.
Persons are not unfrequently met with whose manners leave upon the minds
of those with whom they come in contact the painful impression of being regarded
with distrust or suspicion. Whenever
this trait appears it is almost certain to excite feelings of anger or
prejudice. Most persons will hear any thing with more patience than to
be told, either directly or indirectly that they are unworthy of confidence.
A significant smile, or nod, or look, with a third person, which is not
intended to be understood by the individual with whom the conversation is being
carried on, is a marked violation of propriety, and has often caused a deeply
wounded sensibility, and sometimes a loss of friendship.
While a lady should studiously avoid everything of this kind, her manners
should be characterised by a happy frankness, such as will, in whatever she may
be placed, leave no doubt of her sincerity.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 31, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Receipt for Making Coffee.—Take the common garden beet, wash it clean
cut it up into small pieces, twice the size of a grain of coffee; put into the
coffee toaster or oven, and roast as you do coffee—perfectly brown. Take care not to burn while roasting it. When sufficiently
dry and hard, grind it in a clean mill, and take half a common sized coffee cup
of the grounds and boil with one gallon of water.
Then settle with an egg, and send it to the table, hot.
Sweeten with very little sugar, and add good cream of milk.
This coffee can be drank by children with impunity, and will not (in my
judgement [sic]) either impair sight or nerves.
Col. Wm. D. Weaver and myself have tried it, and find it almost equal,
when properly made, to either the Java, Brazalilian or Mocha coffee.
I am indebted to the colonel for this excellent substitute; and as every
man has a beet orchard, so he has his coffee.
And like Cuffy, we exclaim, "bless God for dis blockade.
Nigger not get him plenty of kophphee, and Mr. Lincoln am no where."
R. J. Dawson.
P. S. There is a per centage
of water in the beet, which is extracted as you roast the coffee particles to a
nice brown.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, October 31, 1861, p. 2, c. 7
Mme. Gouzy,
Accoucheuse
De la Faculté de
Médicine de Paris.
Premier Prix.—Medaille
d'Or.
A l'honeur d'informer les Dames de Natchitoches, qu'etablie dans cette
localité depuis plus de trois ans, elle peut se recommander avec confiance aux
Dames pour la pratique de son art.
Sa longue experience est un sûr gurant que ses clientes trouveront chez
elle les soins intelligents et assidus qu'elles doivent en attendre.
Consultations et guerisons des maladies confidentielles sans operation.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 4
The Militia and the Foreigners
The duties and obligations of the Militia, in relation to foreign
residents in Louisiana, have never been defined in a clear and precise manner,
and on the part of the high authorities of one State, contradictions and
conflicts appear every day. Some
examples will suffice to edify our readers.
The Natchitoches Chronicle of the 2d November publishes a letter
addressed to Capt Wm. Payne, as follows:
Attorney General's Office,
}
New Orleans, Oct. 17, 1861.}
Captain Wm. Payne, Natchitoches:
Sir—Yours of 11th received.
Foreigners residing in the state sixty days are bound to defend the
country, and are subject to militia duty. The
Governor has no power to exempt any one from militia duty; his
proclamation has nothing to do with the matter.
Respectfully,
Thos. J. Semmes
Here then we have the orders and proclamations of the Governor, destroyed
by a letter, which may have the merit of being very laconic, but which is not
very clear. What does the Attorney
General mean by the word country? Is
it the place, the Parish or the States inhabited by the unnaturalized
foreigners? Or is it the whole
confederation? According to the
tenor of the letter addressed to Capt. William Payne, we should be tempted to
believe that we should not consider the proclamations of the Governor as
serious, unless approved by the Attorney General.
Amidst this conflict between those high functionaries of our State comes
the opinion of County Mejean, French Consul at New Orleans, an opinion which, on
such a subject is not without importance. It
is expressed in the following letter communicated to us, for the purpose of
enlightening the French Residents of Louisiana.
French
Consulate }
New Orleans
}
New Orleans 16, October, 1861.
Sir,
I received your letter of the 11th and hasten to answer it.
The Militia Law, in the State of Louisiana, and probably in the other
Southern States, is clear. All male white inhabitants from 18 to 45 years, are obliged
to submit to it. The only
concession made by the Governor of this State in favor of Foreigners is, to
accept for the protection of the Towns and Parishes which they inhabit, and
without being require to serve beyond them, all bodies or companies of men
composed entirely of foreigners not naturalized.
From this Law, foreigners have no way of escaping or could only do so by
leaving the Country. But as in
doing this, they would be obliged to abandon their interests and the property
acquired here on the faith of treaties I think that by remaining and submitting
forcedly to the Laws, they do not violate, in any manner, the neutrality
commanded by the Government of the Emperor.
Receive, sir, the assurance of my distinguished consideration,
Count Mejan,
French Consul.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 5
Pork and Beef Packing.—We find that the Confederate government intends
establishing slaughterhouses on Red River for the purpose of packing meat for
the army. The measure is a very
judicious one. Four prominent
points, as fit places, are presented to our view:--1st,
Alexandria—to obtain the beeves from Opelousas, Louisiana, and that part of
Texas lying between Sabine river and Nacogdoches.
2nd, Shreveport—to draw her supply of both hogs and beeves
from the interior of eastern Texas. 3rd
Jefferson, Texas—to draw her supplies from the same section, with the addition
of several counties lying west of that town.
In that section of country, we are told, one man owns 2000 head of hogs.
The 4th, Fulton—to
obtain supplies from north-west Arkansas, the Indian nations and that portion of
Texas lying on upper Red River. The
whole of this section of country is well stocked with hogs—the mass very
heavy, and corn selling at 25 cents per bushel.
Postmaster general Reagan is well acquainted with this part of country,
and can give the government every necessary information.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 7, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Souscription Pour un Drapeau.
Un grand nombre de membres de la compagnie des Chasseurs à pied,
comprenant qu'il est de toutes nécessité d'avoir dans une compagnie un drapeau
de la Confédération, nous ont priés d'ouvrir une souscription pour acheter
cet étendard. Nous nous empressons
d'accèder à cette légitime demande. Il
est étrange, en effet, que depuis la création de cette compagnie, aucune
initiative n'ait était pris à ce sujet. Dès
son début, la suscroption s'est couverte de nombreuses signatures de membres
appartement à la compagnie, et, avant peu, les Chasseurs à pied auront un
drapeau qui sera bien à eux.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 7, 1861, p. 2, c. 5
Compagnie
Des Chasseurs a
Pied.
Exercises.
Mercredi 4 heurs
P. M.
Avec Uniforme,
Samedi 4 heures P.
M.
Nota.—Aucun changement ne sera fait dans l'ordre du service, à moins
que le Capitaine ou en des officers remplissant ses fonctions, n'en ait donné
l'ordre à la compagnie.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 14, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Summary: Roster
of the Natchitoches Rebels, John D. Wood, Captain
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
Camp Roman 3 Novembre 1861.
Monsieur l'Editeur,
Je viens aujourd'hui vous accuser reception de votre aimable lettre du 22
octobre, et vous remercier pour les numéros de l'Union que vous avez eu
la bonté de m'envoyer. Laissez-moi
aussi vous témoigner ma vive satisfaction pour tous le détails intéressants
que vous me donnez de Natchitoches et soyez persuadé que j'ai su les apprécier.
. .
De tous les reglements que nous avons ici, celui que j'aime le mieux et
auquel j'obéis tourjours sans murmurer: c'est
le réveil. A quatre heures du
matin vous entendez une foule de ran tan plan, puis un fifre, puis en
cornet, puis un sergent parcourant le camp d'un bout à l'autre en répétant
ces mots: Roll out men, why
don't you roll out; et puis les B... G... les G... D... and why don't you
let us sleep, répété par tous les soldats à moitié endormis.
Quelle charmante musique! Cela
me fait regretter les jolis concerts qui vont être organisés bientôt, par mon
ami le Maire des Natchitoches, ou figurerout bien des jolies figures qui ne se
rappeleront point:
Qu'il y a dans les rebel-les (1)
Un rebel qui pense à elles.
(1) (Licence poétique permise à un citoyen qui a oublié sa muse et
s'est fait dupuis quelque temps seulemént un fils de Mars). . . .
Hier au soir, nous avons eu un orage terrible.
Nous avons passé une partie de notre nuit, cabrés contre les poteaux de
notre tente, sans quoi elle eut été enlevée par le vent.
Pauvres soldats, pensais-je en moi-même, vous affrontez les balles de
l'ennemi et supportez les intempéries des saisons tandis que les grands
potentats du pays,--les politiciens—qui font et defont les empires,
montent au sommet de la gloire et des honneurs sans s'occuper beaucoup de vos
fatigues, de vos misères de des sanglots et des gémissements de tant de
pauvres mères pleurant sur un fils victime de leur trames politiques.....
Veuillez agréer etc.
Natchitoches Rebels.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 14, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
De Tout un Peu.
Monsieur, me disait l'autre jour un marchand, on nous accuse à tort
d'expédier nos marchandises en ville, si nous le faisons, e'est dans l'intérêt
de l'hygienè publique. Ceci peut
vous paraître bien étrange, bien paradoxal, et cela est portant vrai.
--Voyez par exemple le café, il renferme des éléments de destruction
incalculables. lIl excite les nerfs
des femmes, leur donne des vapeurs, des goûts de luxe exagéré que le mari est
obligé de traduire en châle cachemire et robe de soie.
Ce nectar à l'âme aussi noire que sa couleur, car il donne au mari des
goûts folâtres et des pensées légères; il empêche le sommeil, ce
bienfaisant repos de la vie et en la renouvelant; en un mot boisson pernicieuse
et désorganisatrice, il a fallu des marchands dévoués comme nous le sommes
pour l'expédier dans la ville corrompue du Crossant.
--Mais la chandelle dis-je timidement, il faut, cependant y
voir.
--La chandelle, mon cher Monsieur, est une des causes perturbatrices du
genre humain, et le plus grand fléu révolutionnaire des temps modernes.
Ah! vous dites qu'il faut y
voir? Quelle aberrat on de votre
esprit! Mais voir quoi malheureux
que vous êtes: les turpitudes de la vie?
Ah! vou voudriez éclairer
les agiotages du commerce, jeter un jour sur les livres des fournisseurs de
l'armée illuminer tout-à-coup les ficelles électorales et sortir de l'ombre
les chastes ajours! Il était temps
mon cher Monsieur, que Natchitoches n'y vit plus clair.
Donc, en accaparant la chandelle et en l'expédiant à la Nouvelle Orléans
nous n'avons fait en cela qu'acte de bons citoyens et, si jamais la vertu est récompensée,
nos arrières neveus nous élèveront une statue.
--Mais les souliers articulai je tout bas.
--Voilá un raisonnement de la corruption civilisatrice.
Mais le soulier candide éditeur, a été inventé par les pédicures
afia de semer de par le monde une ample moisson de cors et de durillons.
Emprisonner son pied dans un soulier est le signe de la décadence d'un
peuple. Lorsque les Grees et les
Romains prient le cothurne, qui était le premier pas vers la création du
soulier, ce fut le commencent de la période descendant de ces grandes peuples.
Il était temps qu'on purgeat Natchitoches de cet élément corrupteur.
--Mais le jambon exclaimai-je
alors.
--Le jambon est l'absinthe salée qui excite aux boissons dangereuses et
produit les plus grandes désordres dans le corps et l'esprit.
L'acte seul, d'avoir déjamboné la paroisse, nous vaudra une médaille
d'or de la société de tempérance.
--Mais les indiennes et les étoffes de toutes
sortes?
--C'était un vain luxe dont il était temps de nous débarasser. La coquetterie des femmes grandissait tous les jours;
les mariages devenaient moins fréquents et si nous n'eussions purgé notre
ville de ces éléments de perdition, s'en était fait des bonnes mœurs.
Ah! mon cher Monsieur, la
calomnie à cherché à faire croire que nous voulions affamer le pays, c'est
une accusation mensongère. Nous
avons voulu seulement faire nos petites business, je le jure sur la tête
de Saint Blocus.
--Mais les couvertes dont les volontaires ont tant
besoin?
--Nous avons cru de notre devoir de les vendre très cher au gouvernement
de la Confédération, afin d'apprendre à la jeune nation qu'il faut éviter la
guerre le plus possible, car elle coûte toujours très cher, Si les volontaires
s'en sont passés pendant quelque temps, les privations qu'ils ont endurés
seront autant de titres à la reconnaissance publique.
--Et
l'argent?
--Ah! monsieur, ne parlez
pas de ces choses là a des pauvres diables comme nous, chargés de famille.
Cet homme m'avait convaincu et attendri.
J'inondai non mouchoir de mes larmes en m'écriant:
Le pauvre
homme!!!
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 7
Couvent
du Sacre-Cœur.
Quelques personnes ayant fait courir le bruit que nos classes ne devaient
pas s'ouvrir comme d'habitude, je donne avis aux parents qui ont toujours
encouragés cet établissement, que la rentrée aura lieu le premier lundi, 7
Octobre et que les conditions restent les mêmes.
Madame Guinand doit en continuer la direction.
A. Guinand,
Supérieure.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 21, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
A Texan Lady Murdered By an Indian.—Let those who so highly estimate
the character of Indians and sympathise with them so much, read the following
account of a horrid murder, which we copy from the Paris (Texas) Advocate of the
2nd instant:
"On Monday last a Mrs. Harris, living six miles from Paris, was
found dead in her house, with her throat cut.
The perpetrator of the deed was a Choctaw Indian, which the lady's
husband had employed on his farm. On
Monday morning Mr. Harris left home, leaving the Indian doing some work about
the house. When he returned he
found his wife lying dead on the floor of his house, with her throat cut, and
the Indian gone. A posse of men
started in pursuit of the Indian, and overhauled him on this side of Red River,
in the act of crossing. He was
brought back, acknowledged the crime, and on Wednesday was hung by the citizens
in the neighborhood of Mr. Harris. He
acknowledged having killed a Choctaw woman in the nation, previous to murder of
Mrs. Harris."
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 21, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
Salt.—The Jefferson (Texas) Gazette of the 8th instant, says
Mr. Ephraim Terry of the place, left there the previous Tuesday, for Smith
county, for the purpose of establishing saltworks upon his property there.
Mr. Terry has shown us a sample of the salt manufactured by him, which is
well grained and of the very best quality.
It is believed that Mr. Terry can make enough the present season, to
supply all eastern Texas and north Louisiana.
If some of the New Orleans salt "extortionists" don't mind,
they will be awfully bit.
There are salt springs in the lakes in the vicinity of Minden, where much
salt could be made by boiling in common kettles and pots, and we most sincerely
hope that the people in the vicinity of those salt springs will immediately turn
their attention to making salt, and forward to new Orleans a few thousand sacks
to purchase sugar—coffee and tea, we can very easily dispense with—and sugar
too, upon a 'pinch'—milk is an excellent substitute for such articles.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 21, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Drapeau.—C'est demain vendredi à 9 heures du matin que doit avoir lieu
la présentation du drapeau aux Chasseurs à pied, par le lieutenant J. C.
Janin. Tout nous fait espérer que
la compagnie sera ce jour là au complet.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 28, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
Presentation of a
Flag
to the
Chasseurs a Pied.
Last Friday at nine o'clock A. M. the "Chasseurs à pied"
assembled in full uniform at their usual place of rendezvous.
There was a threefold object in this military turn out—a flag
presentation, a religious service and the benediction of the flag.
The company was out in full force, and their appearance and bearing was
quite martial.
At a quarter past nine, the company took of the line of march, followed
by a detachment of the Natchitoches Guards, and halted opposite the dwelling of
Mad. Alexander Buard, which was the place selected for the presentation of the
flag. On their arrival, Capt. J. B.
Cloutier formed the "Chasseurs à pied", and "Natchitoches
Guards" in line of battle, and Lieutenant J. C. Janin presented the flag,
and pronounced from the balcony, the following address, which was much
applauded.
Gentlemen,
"I sincerely regret that Mad. Janin, to whose effects, we are
principally indebted for our flag, has been deprived of the pleasure of
presenting it to you in person. You
will be kind enough, gentlemen, to excuse her; her mourning as a sister is too
recent, and the wound that she has received with so much courage, is yet
bleeding.
"It was my duty to replace her and accept this service, of confiding
to the bravery of the "Chasseurs à pied" of Natchitoches, the colors
which symbolize the cause of right against force, that sacred cause, which we
are all called on to protect, even to the shedding of blood.
"Gentlemen, I am no orator, and know no rhetorick [sic] but that of
the heart, which consists more in action than word; and with my whole heart I
tell you, that all of us whether children of Louisiana by birth, or born on the
soil of France, claim to have the same blood running in our veins, the French
blood. It was the civilizing
genius of France, which patiently conquered from barbarism, the soil which now
bears us; it was the persevering industry of our fathers which rendered it
fertile, and for those frenchmen who ascend the Mississippi and the Red River,
explored by their ancestors, Louisiana is still their country.
Here, in Natchitoches, the oldest French colony in Louisiana, Frenchmen
and Creoles are equally at home.
"You understood this, gentlemen, when under creole officers, chosen
by yourselves, as more immediately representing the local interests of the
country, you spontaneously offered yourselves, to take a noble part in its
defence, and to lend your aid, and devote yourselves to the success of a cause
which is common to all.
"Born protectors of our wives, our children, our servants and our
property, armed by the State against invasion from abroad, we will even,
Gentlemen, if circumstances require it, follow our leaders, and bear our flag
with honor to any point of our territory where our independence may be
threatened, for this, we will defend everywhere against every assault, and at
any price, even to the pouring out of our blood."
Mr. Ernest Le Gendre, selected by the company to answer, expressed
himself as follows:
Lieutenant—
"Selected by the company of "Chasseurs à Pied" to answer
your address at the presentation of this flag, I feel that my mission is almost
useless, after the noble and generous words which you have just addressed to us.
What more, indeed, can I say, than to retrace those so truly french and
patriotic sentiments which you have invoked.
"In seeing these noble colors which are to serve as our standard,
they recall to us the tricolored standards which our fathers and yours rendered
illustrious on the battle fields of Europe.
History tell us, that wherever those colors were displayed, they
marshalled to the combat, the defenders of just and civilizing causes.
"If we have spontoneausly [sic] taken arms for the defence of our
domestic hearths, it is because here, everything recalls to us the memories of
our absent country, and our sympathy for Louisiana is that which exists among
the members of the same family.
"If we applaud the successes of Manassas and of Oak Hill, it is
because the colors of Austerlitz and Magenta have found twin sisters on the soil
of the American Confederation.
"Thank you, for your good words, which we rarely hear—when you
said in invoking the testimony of history; that Frenchmen and Creoles were at
home here. We will not forget these
words. But the "Chasseurs à
Pied" have no other ambition than that of receiving the hospitality of
their creole brethren, and rendering themselves worthy of it.
"We regret, sincerely, that Mad. Janin was not able to present this
flag in person, but we know that this symbol of her country in recalling a
victory to her mind, would also caused her sadly to remember the fate of a
beloved brother who fell on the field of glory and of victory.
"We comprehend well the delicate duty confided to us, of protecting
our and your own wives, children, servants and property.
To this mission, we will not be recreant, and if—but God forbid
it—the danger should increase, and the soil of Louisiana be desecrated by the
Legions of the North, we will under the aegis of these noble colors serve as a
rampart to those whose safety has been confided to us."
After these two addresses, Mr. Joseph Janin was militarily recognized, as
1st Lieutenant of the company of Chasseurs à Pied, and Mr. Jegon du
Laz as Corporal.
At ten o'clock, the Chasseurs à Pied marched to the
Cathedral Church of Natchitoches, where a military Mass was celebrated.
At the moment when the host was elevated, the command, on your knees, was
given, and executed with complete precision, which was rendered still more
impressive, by the blue uniform and shining bayonets.
Bishop Martin then spoke, and at the conclusion of his address, thanked
the "Chasseurs à pied," for the noble initiative they had taken in
the defence of our domestic hearths. Then
followed the benediction of the flag. This
is a ceremony, the institution of which, dates as far back as the ninth century.
Formerly it took place amid a demonstration of every species of military
pomps [sic]. In our day it still
preserves a character truly religious, for the flag is and always will be the
symbol of our country.
The company then left the church and marched through several streets of
the town, with the flag of the Confederation in the centre.
The flag was then conveyed to the dwelling of the Capitain [sic] where it
was placed under a true guard of honor, as it was placed under the protecting
aegis of the ladies. Let us not
forget to mention, that Major Johnson the presumptive heir of the
epaulets of Captain J. B. Cloutier, swore from the balcony that he also, would
protect the colors under which he was born.
About three o'clock, the ranks were broken and the soldier again became a
citizen.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 28, 1861, p. 1, c. 5
Cheap Blankets.—Newspaper blankets are coming into vogue. They are no joke. A
correspondent of one of our exchanges thus refers to the matter:
I have recently heard much about the value of newspapers as a substitute
for blankets, and have considered the statement to be apocryphal. But last evening I was induced to make the experiment.
I took four full-sized newspapers and pasted them together at the edges,
making one large sheet the size of a blanket.
I then removed the blankets from my bed, and placed the newspaper sheet
between the one remaining blanket and the counterpane.
The result was a comfortable night's sleep, without any feeling of cold.
I pledge my word to you, gentlemen, that this is literally true; and my
object in making the communication is that, through the medium of your paper,
the fact may be generally circulated; for it is no trifling matter to the poor
to know that for an outlay of a few pennies they can supply themselves with a
comfortable bed covering through the winter.
One of the printers connected with the Advocate office has also
made a trial of the matter, and says it works like a charm.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 28, 1861, p. 1, c. 5
Traitors in Arkansas.—The Fort Smith Times says that the
telegraph wire has been cut several times between Van Buren and Fayetteville by
some Lincolnite. The citizens of
Van Buren have offered a reward for the villain, and we hope he may be arrested
and get his reward. It is also
stated that some abolition scoundrel has been attaching wire to the telegraph
line between Van Buren and Fayetteville, running one end and Major Clarke and
Montgomery's messages into the ground, thus destroying all communication between
the two termini.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 28, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Summary: French
version of Presentation du Drapeau aux Chasseurs a Pied.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 28, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Concert
au Profit des
Blesses.
C'est le 5 du mois prochain que doit avoir lieu le concert au profit des
blessés de notre brave armée. Il
est organisé par Mr. Félix Métoyer président de la société Philharmonique,
et Mr. J. Norès, son habile chef d'orchestre.
Hatons nous d'ajouter, que l'élite de nous musiciennes de Natchitoches,
a bien voulu prêter son concours à cette œuvre généreuse et patriotique. Le programme sera très varié:
Duos de chant, de flûte et piano, morceau à quatre mains, orchestre,
romances pleines d'actualité; tout en un mot concourt à donner a cette œuvre
patriotique, tout l'éclat possible. Que
la population de notre paroisse n'oublie donc pas que c'est le 5 décembre que
doit avoir lieu le concert au profit des blessés et que chacun vienne apporter
son offrande pour ceux qui souffrent et combattent pour nous.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, November 28, 1861, p. 2, c. 4
Les Femmes et la Guerre.
Une raison pour laquelle il est si difficile de plaire à une femme,
c'est qu'elle sait rarement elle-même ce qu'elle veut.
Presque toujours il est aussi impossible de satisfaire une femme qu'il le
serait de contenter un capitaine qui vous ordonnerait de gouverner son navire,
sans vous dire ou il veut aller. Quoi
que vous fassiez, les femmes ne seront jamais contentes....surtout en matière
de guerre.
Ainsi votre femme, votre mère, votre sœur, la femme quelconque qui vous
possède aujourdhui, refuse d'être satisfaite, quelque parti que vous preniez.
Si vous n'etez pas membre d'une compagnie militaire, elle fait la mine,
insinue que vous êtreun poltron et manifeste ironiquement le regret de ne pas
être un homme. Si vous vous enrolez dans ces compagnies, elle crie à la dépense
se plaint du temps perdu, gémit quand vous allez à l'exercise—bien qu'en
grommelant elle mette de côté et garde pour le moment de votre retour le
meilleur morceau du diner.
La première fois quelle vous voit en uniforme elle se moque de vous et
vous traite de singe habillé; mais aussitôt que vous être dehors, elle court
chez une amie lui dire combien son mari fait un superbe soldat.
Si votre compagnie reçoit l'ordre de partir pour la guerre, vous prétextez
des affaires pour rester au logis, le feu brille dans son regard; elle vous
reproche de reculer au moment critique, d'être un soldat pour rire.
"Ah! si elle était
homme, elle montrerait aux gens à se battre!"
Enfin, quand vous étes décidé à partir, elle répand de chaudes
larmes. "Vous devriez avoir
honte d'abandonner ainsi votre famille. Vous
n'avez souci ni de votre pauvre femme, ni de vos malheureux enfants.
Vous vous trouvez bien partout ailleurs que chez vous.
Ah! si elle était un homme,
elle dirait son fait au président qui arrache ainsi les hommes à leur famille.
Le jour de votre dé part, elle jure quelle ne vous reparlera de sa vie,
si vous persistez.
Mais si vous tirez de votre poche un congé du capitaine ou une dispense
de service, elle se couvre la tête de son voile et éclate en sanglots:
"Quelle houte d'avoir pour mari un homme qui a peur d'aller à la
guerre!" Vous lui dites que
c'est une plaisanterie, que vous n'avez point de congé.
Alors la source des pleurs se rouvre; elle a recours à toutes les
ressources de la tactique feminine et conjugale:
elle rit et pleure, menace de retourner chez sa mère, supplie et finit
presque tourjours par s'evanonir dans vos bras.
A l'instant suprême, au moment du départ, elle court vous jeter les
bras au cou, vous murmure à l'oreille que vous êtes celui qu'elle aime par
dessus tout, qu'elle aura bien soin des enfants, qu'elle vous écrira tous les
jours; elle répète que vous êtes son bien le plus précieux et son plus cher
trêsor.
Et c'est ainsi qu'elles sont toutes; la forme peut différer selon les
tempéraments, le fond est le même; chez toutes, vous trouverez le légitime
orgueil de l'uniforme.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 5, 1861, p. 1, c. 4-5
Grand
Concert
For the benefit of
our Sick
and Wounded
Volunteers.
Given by the Philharmonic Society of Natchitoches under the leadership of Prof. Jules Norès and assisted by several Ladies Musicians of the Parish.
To day at St.
Denis Str. Ball Room.
Programme.
Part 1st.|
Overture:
1. Potpourri
from Norma
by
Phi. Society.
2. O dolee
Concento, Duet 4 hands on the Piano.
3. La veillee
sur le rempart, Martial duet.
4. Potpourri
from Masaniello. Duet, Flute,
and Piano.
5. Lucia di
Lammermoor, Solo Piano.
6. Woodman
spare that Tree by
Phi. Society.
7. La Mere du
Soldat. Patriotic song.
8. Philharmonic
Society Quick Step by
Phi. Society.
(Recess of ten
Minutes.)
Part 2nd.
1. Chorus from
Ernani
by Phi. Society.
2. Norma, duet
(4 hands) Piano.
3. Gloire et
Douleur, a patriotique song; the words by
Mr. Ernest Le Gendre, music by Profl. J.
Norès.
4. Stiegh
Mazurka, duet (4 hands) Piano.
5. Les
Clochettes, Gallopade. Piano.
6. Vocal, duet
from Norma.
7. The Roses
of Natchitoches.
by Phil. Society.
The Concert will commence at precisely 7½ o'clock P. M.
Admittance $1.00.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 5, 1861, p. 1, c. 4-5
"Gloire et Doleur" will be engraved at New Orleans for the
benefit of the Sick and Wounded of the 3rd Regiment of Louisiana
Volunteers. Subscriptions received at Mayor Office.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 5, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Société
Militaire
Des Dames de
Natchitoches.
Qu'on ne pense pas, avec un titre aussi belliqueux, voir sortir du sein
du notre communanté un charmant bataillon féminin pour être prêt au combat.
Le but de cette société est tout au contraire de soulagement, de paix
et de raiséricorde. Si les hommes combattent, les femmes consolent; si les hommes
souffrent, les femmes guérissent.
Un meeting a donc en lien le 16 Novembre dernier.
Il a été appelé à l'ordre par Mrs. Michael Boyce Présidente et Miss
June Campbell Secrétaire. Les
nominations permanentes ont été faites ensuite de la manière suivante:
Mrs. Michel Boyce, Présidente
Mrs. Suzette Huppé,
Vice-Présidente
Miss Mary Hunter,
Secrétaire.
Mrs. Ida Buard,
Trésorier.
Plusieurs Comités ont ensuite été nominés pour recueillir des
souscriptions, du linge pour panser les blessures et des effets à usage. Le tout pour être consacré à nos volontaires.
Nous ne saurions trop applaudir et signaler des actes aussi patriotiques,
qui montrent que l'élite de notre population féminine, sait s'associer aux
souffrances de ceux qui combattent pour la Conféderation, et cherche à
soulager de nobles infortunes en prenant généreusement une initiative, qui
sera féconde en heureux résultats.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 12, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Results of the Concert given
by the Philharmonic Society of Natchitoches, for the benefit of the sick and
wounded Volunteers.
Receipts
$125.50
Incidental expenses.
___7.50
$118.00
F. Metoyer.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 12, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
No Abolition Talk.—Some of the officers of the First Virginia, at
Romney, are boarding with the wife of an editor who published a paper there, but
who left with the rest of the secesh. The
lady told the officers that every thing about the house was secesh, from the tom
cat up, and if they boarded with her, there must be no Abolition talk.
The officers willingly accepted the conditions, and were getting along
finely.—Wheeling Intelligencer.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Concert
Au Profit des
Blesses.
Jeudi dernier a eu lieu le concert au profit des blesses. L'assemblée était nombreuse, et malgré la tristesse, qui règne
depuis long temps parmi nous, une grande partie de notre population a répondu
à l'appel qui lui avait été fait.
A sept heures, le concert débutait par un morceau d'orchestre de la
societé Philharmonique des Natchitoches. Le
morceau à quatre mains qui a suivi a été bien executé.
Le Veillée sur le rempart avec ses differents contrastes, a en
d'excellentes interprétes. Le
morceau de la Muelle, avec ses notes pleines de grâce de fraicheur et de
jennessee, a été parfaitment vendu et, nous sommes heureux de constater qu'en
toutes choses, le Maire de notre ville sait apperter beaucoup d'harmonie. Le solo de Lucie a été rendu comme tout le mende s'y
attendait: c'est à dire avec le
talent bien connu de l'éxecutante. La
romance de La Mére du Soldat, est venue nous rappeler le dévoûment de
ceux qui ont quitté le foyer domestique pour courir au combat; on ne pouvait
choisir un interpréte plus intelligent, que celle qui a chanté romance.
La deuxieme partie du concert a commence par le chorus d'Ernani
executé par l'orchestre avec beaucoup d'ensemble.
Puis est [?] venu le morceau à quatre mains de la Norma.
Le chant patriotique de Gloire et Douleur a été interprèté
avec un véritable talent l'artiste, on sentait le souffle de l'ame qui
vivifiait les paroles. en musique,
il ne suffit pas de savoir, mais de sentir. Mlle C*** reunit à un haut degré, ces deux, qualités qui
caractèrisent la veritable musicienne. Les
paroles ont été bien comprises et la musique de Mr. J. Nores parfaitement
interprètée dans ses dramatiques contrastes.
Le public a rendu un hommage mérité à la jeune artiste, par ses
applaudissements réiterés. Les deux autres morceaux de piano ont eu du succès et la
galoppade des Clochettes [illegible] a fait entendre de joyes ses
harmonies qui jaillssaient en gerbes raintes des doigts agiles et gracieux de
l'habile musicienne. Le concert
s'est terminé par Les Roses des Natchitoches morceu exécuté par
l'or5chestre. Constatons en passant
qu'il y avait peu de dames dans la salle; mais si les Roses étaient
rares, elies étaient bien choisies.
Terminons maintenant par le côte positif, c'est à dire par le
résultat:
La recette s'est elevée à
$125.50
Frais[ink blot]v[ink blot]s
___7.50_
Total net
$118.00
C'est la un chiffre assez satisfaisant pour les moments critiques que
nous traversons.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 4-5
Gloire et Douleur
Chant Dramatique.
Paroles de M.
Ernest Le Gendre, Musique de M. J. Norès
Dédié au 3é
Regiment Louisianais.
1er Couplet.
Debout enfants! il faut courir aux armes,
Le Nord sur nous dirige ses Légions.
Que le tocsin sonne le cri d'alarme
Et que le sang rougisse les sillons.
Mais au milieu de tous ces chantes de guerre,
La voix de Dieu nous murmure tout bas:
Tout mes enfants ne sont-ils donc pas frères,
O! Sainte Paix, viens désarmer leurs bras. (Bis.)
2e Couplet.
Mais le combat et ses luttes sanglantes
Ont commencé, partout des cris de mort
Viennent rougir les plaines verdoyautes,
Malheur aux faibles et gloire pour le fot.
Mais au milieu des haines de la guerre,
La voix de Dieu nous murmure tout bas:
Tous mes enfants ne sont-ils donc pa frères,
O! Sainte
Paix, viens désarmer leurs bras. (Bis.)
3e Couplet.
Arrive enfin le jour ou la victoire,
A consacré la Confédération.
Tous ces lauriers cueillis par notre gloire,
Sont des trophées pour la jeune nation.
Mais à la fin des luttes de la guerre,
Combien hélas! seront
restés la-bas
Combien d'enfants manqueront á leur mère
Combien d'amis frappes dans le combat.
(Bis.)
La Mere du Soldat
Paroles de M.
Ernest Le Gendre, Music de M. Abadie
1er Couplet.
Il va partir le fils que j'idolâtre,
Il va partir, hélas! reviendra-t-il.
Pour son pays avide de combattre
Son bras bientôt s'armera da fusil.
Combat mon fils, pense à ta pauvre mère,
Dieu bénira tes courageux efforts:
Que ton drapeau s'illustre en cette guerre,
(Bis.)
Le droit toujours sera puissant et fort.
2e Couplet.
Va la patrie est une bonne mère.
Ayant toujours de nouvelles faveurs.
En nous dotant d'une féconde terre
Nous primes part au banquet du honeur.
Marche O! mon fils, qu'une vaillance altière
Sache braver les combats et la mort:
Que ton drapeau si'illustre en cette guerre,
(Bis.)
Le droit toujours sera puissant et fort.
3e Couplet.
Le volontaire après un an d'absence,
Revint un jiour triomphant et vainqueur,
En conservant la bien douce espérance
De rétrouver tous ceux chers à son cœur.
Il vit bientôt, sa mère qui l'adore
Bien fière alors de ses noble efforts.
En l'embrassant elle disait encore:
(Bis.)
Le droit toujours sera puissant et fort.
Natchitoches
5 Décembre 1861
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 19, 1861, p. 1, c. 1
Grand Tombola,
By the Ladies of
the Military
Aid Society.
At the New Court
House
on Thursday, the 26th instant, the Tombola
prepared for the purpose of raising funds in aid of this enterprise will take
place. Every ticket will win a
prize. Price of a ticket fifty
cents. Persons can put their names
down for a chance up to the time of drawing.
Entrance fee. Come one.
Come all.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 19, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
How to Make Good Candles.—A correspondent sends us the following
receipt, which, in our present condition, will be universally useful.
Oil of every kind is very scarce, in fact can hardly be obtained at all,
and candles are too high priced for free use.
Let every family provide its own light, which can be done if this receipt
is observed, at a greatly reduced expense:
To Harden Suet, Tallow or Lard for Candles.—Take a half pound of alum
and saltpetre, pulverize coarsely, pour on it a quart of boiling water—take
from twelve to twenty pounds of tallow, according to its firmness. The former quantity for the oily tallow we get from the fat
beef in the summer, or for lard, and the latter for tallow that will stand in a
cake; put it in an iron vessel near the fire, and when melted, stir in the
dissolved alum and saltpetre, and boil until the water is expelled from the
tallow. Have wicks made rather
smaller and of finer thread than usual for home made candles—and when
perfectly dry mould the candles in the usual way.
If any one, after giving this receipt a trial, goes in darkness, it is
because their deeds are evil.—Petersburg Express.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 19, 1861, p. 1, c. 4
How Far Cannon May be Heard.—The last Eufaula Spirit of the South
claims that the cannon at Pensacola were distinctly heard in that place by
several persons. In the county,
negroes heard the reports, and called the attention of their masters to the
sound. The distance from Eufaula to
Pensacola, as the crow flies, must be at least 130 miles.
Passengers from the South report that the guns at Port Royal were heard
at Jacksonville and Pilatka, in Florida, the latter place being, in an air line,
about 200 miles distant.—Savannah Republican.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 19, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Grande Tombola
par la Societe
Militaire des
Dames de
Natchitoches.
Le Jeudi 26 décembre sura lieu à la nouvelle Maison de Cour le tirage
d'une grande tombola dont les fonds sont consacrés à venir en aide à cette
société. Le prix de chaque ticket
est de cinquante cents. Les
personnes pouvent inscrire leur nom jusqu'au moment du tirage.
L'entrée est libre. Le
public est prié de vouloir bien répondre à l'appel qui lui est fait pour une
entreprise dont le bénéfice reviendra à nos volontaires.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 19, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
Crismas, Etrennes.—Nous appelons l'attention du public
sur l-annonce publice aujourd'hui dans nos colonnes par M. G. Hommonet.
Cette maison vient de recevoir un assortiment complet de bonbons,
cornets, boites, articles de fantasie du meilleur goût, jouets de toutes
sortes, fire crackers, poupées etc, etc. Nous
recommandons sourtout l'excellent choix de dragées et de bonbons assortis.
Même en temps de révolution il est toujours bon, à cette époque de
l'année, de prendre les gens par la douceur.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 1
Grand Tombola,
By the Ladies of
the Military Aid Society.
At New Court House
on Thursday, the 26th instant, the Tombola
prepared for the purpose of raising funds for the aid of this enterprise will
take place. Every ticket will win a
prize. Price of a ticket fifty
cents. Persons can put their names
down for a chance up to the time of drawing.
Entrance free. Come one.
Come all.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 2
Firemen's Celebration.
The Firemen's celebration took place on Thursday last. At ten o'clock the procession took the line of march, with
the "Chasseurs à Pied" at the head.
The line appeared splendid, and the Engine decorated with much taste, was
crowned with a charming garland of artificial flowers, said to be the work of
feminine fingers. After marching
down Front Street, the procession halted before the new Engine house, which,
thanks to the devoted assistance of M. Matthew Backen has been completed by his
enterprising efforts in these hard times. There,
the "Chasseurs à Pied" stacked their arms, and were invited to
refreshments in the hall. All this
passed off very courteously, between the firemen and the soldiers invited by
them. The procession then
recommenced its march, and passed through the different quarters of the town,
and returned again to the Engine house, where a lunch had been prepared.
The honor of commencing was again tendered to the "Chasseurs à
Pied," although, frankly, we would have preferred fraternising at the table
with the firemen, with whom we had fraternised in their procession.
In effect, the "Chasseurs à Pied" count among their company
about fifteen firemen, and the other members having promised to attend all the
fires, have never failed in this duty. We
would then have been pleased to have fraternised in every thing, with a company
which merits the esteem of our whole community.
One feels pleased in marching with men who have spontaneously offered
themselves at their own expense, to preserve our town from every disaster, and
that is why the Chasseurs are grateful, for the honor which was done to them, by
inviting them to this ceremony.
A number of toasts were drank by each company, alternately, such as, to
the Firemen and "Chasseurs à Pied."
It would be too tedious to enumerate the others.
Suffice it to say that this ceremony passed off admirably, in every
respect. It is in grouping men
together, and causing them to fraternise, that we attain thonor [sic] and that esprit
de corps which gives the citizen more dignity and inspires him with more
emulation in the performance of his duties.
After another march, and after returning the flag of the "Chasseurs
à Pied" to the dwelling of the Capitain [sic], the two companies returned
to the corner of St. Denis and Front streets where they cordially separated
after presenting arms to the Firemen.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 2-3
Burial of a Volunteer.
On Friday last, at four o'clock P. M. the companies of "Chasseurs à
Pied" and "Natchitoches Guards," met before the Hotel of Mr.
Giannoni. In this house had lately
expired a brave volunteer named Samuel Schooler, belonging to the 5th
Texas Regiment, now in Virginia. This
man, one of the soldiers of our Independence—was about 54 years of age, and
the paper found in his baggage, prove clearly that he was a brave and worthy
soldier. Stricken with disease, he
was obliged to quit the ranks of the army, and return to his home.
Death overtook him on his route in a town, which he had visited probably
for the first time.
The two military companies of Natchitoches did not forget that every
soldier was a brother, and they accompanied this veteran volunteer to his last
home.
After the funeral services, which took place in the Protestant Church,
and a discourse pronounced by the officiating minister, who rendered these last
duties to the citizen soldier, the procession took its route to the graveyard
accompanied by the military. The
dark and gloomy weather, the sad and plaintive roll of the muffled drum; the
solemn attitude of the soldiers, in a word, every thing contributed to render
this ceremony affecting.
After the body had been consigned to the grave, twenty shots were fired,
and the two companies returned to the place of their departure, after having
rendered a deserved homage the [sic] him whom the rugged fatigues of war had
conducted to the tomb.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 3
Projet [sic] of a
Furniture Manu-
factory at
Natchitoches.
Evry [sic] since the blockade has serrendered [sic] with its iron circle,
and that we have been thrown on our own resources, for all our necessary
articles, the spirit of industry has at length arisen among us.
Every body now understands, that we must not only be producers, but
manufacturers also. We have looked
around and asked with astonishment why we have still remained tributaries to the
Northern manufacturers; and the consequence is, that in many portions of the
Confederacy, Manufactories of every kind have suddenly sprang into existence.
This industrial movement, has unfortunately been too feeble, and it is
with difficulty that the various workshops of the South, supply the very limited
consumption.
Why should we not here in Natchitoches initiate a system which would make
our town a little industrial centre. Already,
Alexandria possesses a beef packery, to which is annexed a soap and Candle
manufactory; the whole population of that town has encouraged this enterprise,
because by accumulating a number of workmen in a small compass, circulation and
business is produced.
At Natchitoches, according to the information furnished to us, a
Furniture manufactory might be easily established—We possess in our
neighborhood all the different kinds of wood proper for such fabrics such as
white and black walnut, cherry, maple, piquant d'amourette, lilac, cotton wood,
white and red oak, sycamore, plane and other woods, with which beautiful and
good furniture might be manufactured at the same price as at the North.
We say nothing as yet of foreign wood; the blockade hinders us from
obtaining any such at present, but which after a while can be obtained to
furnish articles of luxury.
The man who offers to direct a workshop of this description, Mr. Dudoit
possesses every capacity for intelligent by directing a manufactory of this
kind. Himself an excellent workman,
laborious and enterprising, having been well tried in the best workshops of
Paris, he would give to this enterprise an impulse, which would probably make
Natchitoches the furniture storehouse of Louisiana by having a depot in New
Orleans.
In order to establish such a manufactory, with all the instruments
necessary for the work, by economising time, a capital of $30,000 is required,
divided into shares of $250 each. Many
shares have already been subscribed. The
workshop should have a steam engine of fifteen or twenty horse power, driving
three saws and as many turning lathes. The
persons engaged in this shops [sic] sould [sic] be thus composed:
twenty five cabinet makers, four chair makers, three carvers besides the
men employed about the machinery, in all about fifty workmen.
The success of such an entreprize [sic] would give to our town a new
start in the way of prosperity. Although
the disposition of shares, at the present crisis might be difficult, yet it
would be money well layed out. By
having several families of workmen among us, our monied circulation could be
greater, and the product of the sales of all the furniture manufactured here
would serve to enrich our community. Let
us not forget that a reconstruction of the Union is now impossible, and that it
is industry which must rank in the South as the best speculation and as a true
service rendered this country.
We shall again recur to this subject.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 4-5
We have always regarded the provision of the Constitution for the
publication of the laws of the State in French as well as in English as wise and
beneficent, nor do we consider it proper to dispense with the publication in
both languages of those documents on which legislation is based.
It is well known that a large, influential and intelligent portion of the
citizens of Louisiana speak and read French. The publication of numerous journals in that language in
Louisiana and its general and almost exclusive use by many thousands of our
inhabitants, prove sufficiently the necessity and propriety of printing public
documents as well as laws in their own cherished, beautiful and cultivated
vernacular tongue. When the French
Creoles (then a majority) combined with other races in erecting what was once a
French colony into a sovereign State, it was no part of the bargain that the
language of their households, their churches and their schools should be
proscribed and gradually extinguished. Their
baptismal benedictions are pronounced in French.
Their devotional services are uttered in French.
They have given their marriage vows in the tongue their mothers taught
them in childhood and heard in that language the solemn burial service of
parents and kindred. It seems
invidious, illiberal and unjust to compel them to read public documents, printed
in part at their expense, in a language often difficult and oftener uncongenial.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 1
Summary: French
version of Firemen's Celebration
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 2
Summary: French
version of Project of a Furniture Manufactory in Natchitoches
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, December 26, 1861, p. 2, c. 3
Augustin Guards.
Nous avons eu le plaisir d'assister Dimanche dernier aux manœvres exécutées
par l'escadron de cavalerie des Augustine Guards, et par la compagnie
d'infantrie. Ces deux corps
militaires sont exclusivement composés d'hommes de couleur libres.
Comme nous l'avons dit il y a quelques mois, c'est Mr. Henry Hertzog qui
a pris l'initiative pour organiser des gens qui servent loyalement et utilement
le pays.
Rendues sur le champs de manœuvre, les deux compagnies ont commencé
leurs évolutions. L'escadron de
cavalerie, si habilement instruit par le Dr. Burdin, a été admirable
d'ensemble et de précision. Le
commandement ferme et bien cadencé du capitaine, ainsi que des officiers; le zèle
intelligent apporté par tous les soldats; les excellents chevaux montés par l'éscadron;
tout contribuait à étonner le public qui était venu assister à ces manœuvres.
Pour nous, qui avons souvent assisté en Europe à des manœuvres de
cavalerie, nous admirions comment, en aussi peu de temps, ces hommes avaient pu
parvenir à ce degré de perfection.
La compagnie d'infanterie, noubellement formée a besoin d'étudier, mais
nous sommes convaincu qu'avant peu, leurs manœuvres s'exécuteront avec autant
de précision que dans la cavalerie.
Hatons-nous d'ajouter, avant de finir, que cavalerie et infanterie font
d'excellentes patrouilles à la côte, et contribuent a maintenir la tranquillité
publique. Ce titre suffirait
seulement pour féliciter ces deux compagnies de leur utile organisation.
NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, January 2, 1862, p. 1, c. 3-4
Fireman's Invitation.
'Tis given to man, in many ways
To serve the common weal;
The pen, plane, plough, the counsel sage,
As eke the burnished steel,
Are, in his hands, each one and all,
A mighty means to fame,
To benefit his countrymen,
And earn a great good name.
Who writes the declarations terse
Of Independence loved,
"Ordinances of secession";
Lately as well approved,
Who hurls in the proud tyrant's face
Defiance and the glove,
Should be respected by good men,
Admired, and beloved.
And he who builds our palaces,
Our cottages and halls,
Our temples grand, to worship in,
Salons, for fetes and balls,
Who builds our mighty ships, to sail
Across the angry wave,
Who makes our rail-roads, telegraphs,
And life and labor saves,
Should be by all full well esteemed,
From all deserving much,
A benefactor of his race,
He merits praise as such.
Who fells the trees, and makes the soil
To wave with golden grain,
Or branch with royal cotton-bolls,
Or grown with sugar-cane,
Befriends the rich and poor alike,
In peace, all else maintains,
And in the hour of bloody strife,
His country's strength sustains.
And he, to whom his country's call
Is like the voice of Good,
Who goes to win her cause, (when just,)
Or loose [sic] his life's last blood,
Nor grudges it, but cheerfully
Engages in the fray,
And with his last breath speaks the hope
That "we may win the day,"
Deserves, and gets his meed of praise,
Fair maids and aged men,
And matrons staid and children sweet
Repeat his name again;
His deeds are sung in poet's verse,
They brighten hist'ry's page,
Living, all try to comfort him;
Dying, his griefs assuage.
But,--there are many humbler ways
To serve our human kind,
And one, from 'mongst that many, now,
I fain would bring to mind.
There is in all our cities great,
A body of good men,
Gathered from all the honest trades
Within our mortal ken,
Who, without any