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JOTTINGS OF LOUISIANA
ILLUSTRATED HISTORICAL SKETCH
OF THE
MOST ILLUvSTRIOUS LANDMARKS
OF
NEW ORLEANS,
And the Only Remaining Buildings of Colonial Days.
"They do not only form part of the History of the
rnitcd States, l)ut also of Frame an«l Spain."
BY
WILLIS J. ROUSSEL
New Orleans, I.a.
(t'opyriKhlcd .laiuiary 3rd, 190-5.)
Price, 5U Cents.
1905.
Mendola Bros. Publishers,
new orleans, la.
POETICAL JOTTINGS OF THE HISTORY OF LOUISIANA.
— -f -f —
BY CH ARLES GAY A R W K
The following cjuotaticns are taken from the History of Louisiana
b} Charles Gayarre, the eminent writer and historian, and wall
no doubt prove to be a very aj^propriate preface to this work, as
il will auniit a basis of comparison for "Louisiana as it is to-day."
Alter a masterly and graceful preliminary the learned historian
said :
"I am willing to apply that criterion to Louisiana, considered
both physically and historically; I am willing that my native
State, which is but a fragrant of what Louisiana formerly was,
should stand and fall by that test, and do not fear to a])))roach
with her the seat of juilgment. 1 am prepared to show that her
history is full of poetry of the highest order, and of the most varied
nature. I have studied the subject "con amore," and with such
reverential enthusiasm, and I may say with such filial piety, that
it has grown upon my heart as well as upon my mind. To support
the assertion that the history of Louisiana is eminently poetical,
it will be sufficient to give you short graphical descriptions of those
interesting events which constitute the annals. Bright gems
they are, enriching her l)row. diadem-like, antl worthy of that star
which has sprung from her forehead to enrich the American con-
stellation in the firmament of Liberty."
HERNANDO De SOTO.
"On the olst. of May. L539. the Bay of Santa Spiritu, j)resented
a curious si)ectacle. Eleven vessels of quaint shape bearing the
broad l)anner of Spain, were moored close to the shore; one
thousand men of infantry and three hundretl and fifty men ol
cavalry, fully equipped, were landing in proud array under the
conmiand of Hernando De Soto, one of the most illustrious
companions of Pizarro in the concpiest of Peru, and reported one
of the best lancers of Spain.''
"Among his followers are gentlemen of the best blood of Spain
and of Portugal."
"Now he is encamped in the territory of tlie Chickesaws, the
most ferocious of the liuhan tribes. And lucky was it that De
Soto was as prudent as he was brave, and slept equally i)re))ared
for the defence an<l for the attack. Hark! in the dead of a
Winter's night, when the cold wind of the North, in the month of
January, 1541, was howHng through the leafless trees, a simul-
taneous howl was heard, more hideous far than the voice of the
tempest. The Indians rushed impetuously with firebrands, and
the thatched roofs which sheltered the Spaniards are soon on fire,
threatening them with immediate destruction. The horses rear-
ing and i)lunging in wild affright, and breaking loose their liga-
ments, the undaunted Spaniards, half naked, struggling against
the devouring element and the uns])aring foe; the deep-toned
shouts of "St. Jago and Spain" to the rescue; the demon-like
shrieks of the red warriors; the final overthrow of the Indit.ns.
the hot pursuit by the light of the flaming village, form a picture
highly exciting to the imagination; and cold, indeed, must be he
who does not take dehght in the strange contrast of the heroic
warfare of chivalry on one side, and of the untutored courage of
myn in his savage state on the other."
"It would be too long to follow DeSoto in his peregrinations
during two years through part of Alabama, Mississippi and
Tennessee. At last he stands on the banks of the Mississippi,
near the spot where now flourishes the Egyptian named city of
Memphis. He crosses the mighty river, and onward he goes, up
to the White River, while roaming over the territory of Arkansas.
Meeting with alternate hospitality and hostihty on the part of the
Indians, he arrives at the mouth of Red River, within the present
limits of the State of Louisiana. There he was fated to close his
adventurous career."
FATHER MARQUETTE AND JOLIET.
"One hundred and thirty years had passed away since the
apparition of DeSoto on the soil of Louisiana, without any further
attempt of the white race to penetrate into the fair region, when,
on the 7th. of July, 1673. a small band of Europeans and Canadians
reached the Mississippi, which they had come to seek from the
distant city of Quebec. That band had two leaders, Father
Marquette, a monk, and Joliet, a merchant, the prototype of two
great sources of power, religion and commerce, which, in the course
of time, were destined to exercise such influence on the civilization
of the Western territory, traversed by the mighty river which
they had discovered. That humble monkish gown of Father
Marquette concealed a hero's heart, and in the merchant's breast
there dwelt a soul that would have disgraced no belted knight.
ROBERT CAVALIER De La SALLE.
"Seven years since the expedition of Marquette and Joliet had
rolled bv when Robert Cavalier de La Salle, in the month of
January. 1682. feasted his eyes \vith tlie far famed Mississippi.
For his companions he had forty soldiers three monks, and the
ChevaHer de Tonti."
"Brought into contact with Count Fontenac, who was the
Governor of Canada, he communicated to him his views and
projects for the aggrancUzement of France, and suggested to him
the gigantic phm of connecting the St. Lawrence with the .Missis-
sipppi by an uninterrupted chain of Forts."
"On the loth of September. 1678. proud and erect with the
consciousness of success. La Salle stood again in the walls of
Quebec, and stimulated by the cheers of the whole jjopulation.
he immediately entered into the execution of his ))rojects. Four
years after. 1682. he was at the mouth of the Mississippi, and in
the name, (as apjiears by a Notarial Act still extant) of the 'most
puissant, most high, most invincible and victorious Prince, Louis
the Great. King of France, took jwssession of all the country
which he had discovered."
"To relate all of the heart thrilling adventures which occurred
to La Salle during the four years which elapsetl .between the
oj:)ening and conclusion of that expedition, would be to go beyond
the limits which are allotted to me. Sufhce it to say. that at this
day. to overcome the one-hundredth jiart of the difficulties which
he had to encounter, would immortalize a man."
IBERVILLE A\D BIENVILLE.
"A few years after tlie death of La Salle, which occurrta iii
1687, by the hands of brutal com]nuiions. within the limits of
Texas, a French Ship of 42 guns, the Pelican, conmuuuled by
Iberville, after sinking an English vessel of 52 guns in a naval
battle, on the coa.st of New England, and whipping two other
vessels of 42 guns each in the same fight, in the begimiing of .March,
1699. entered the Mississippi, accompanied by his brother, Bien-
ville, and Father Anastase. the former companion of La Salle
in his expedition down the river in 1(582. "
"In 1703 war iiad broken out l)etween Great Britain. France
and Spain, and Iberville, a distinguished officer of the French
Navy, was engaged in exjieditions that kept him away from the
colony. It did not cease, however, to occui)y his thoughts, and
had become clothed, in his eye. with a sort of family interest.
Louisiana was then left for some time to her scanty resources;
but. weak as she was. she gave early proofs of that generou.s spirit
which has since animated her."
■' Iberville sent hisbrother. Chateaf^ue to the colony, aceompanieil
l)y seventeen persons, as immitjrants to the new colony."
"The excitement of this new arrival had hardly subsided when
it was revived by the apj^earance of another shij), and it became
intense when the inhabitants saw a procession of twenty females,
with veiled faces, proceeding; arm in arm. and two by two, to the
house of the o;overnor, who received them in State and j^rovided
them with suitable^ lodo;in{j;s. Hut the next mornintr. v.liich was
Sunday, the mystery was cleared u|) by the officiatiiifi piiost read-
in<i from the i)iUj)it of the mass the followiiijr connuunication from
the Minister Bienville :
"His Majesty sends twenty girl>. to be marricil to the Canadians,
and to the other inhabitants of Mobile, in order to consolidate the
colony. All the.se f!;irls are industrious, and have received a pious
and virtuous education. J-5eneficial results to the colony are ex-
pected from their teaching; their useful attainments to the Indian
females. In order that none be sent except tho.se of known
virtue and unspotted reputation. His .Majesty dirl intrust the
F/ishot) of (Quebec with the mission of taking those girls from such
establishments, as from their very nature and character, would
put them above all suspicions of corrujition. You will take care
to settle them in life as well as may be in your power, and to marry
them to such men as are capable of providing them with a commo-
dious home."
:■; :;;;•; ^ ^ •:,: -^^ if. 'Jf. if
CONDENSED ITEMS OF INTEREST OF THE EARLY HISTORY.
Samolle was the first Clovernor of Louisiana. He die(l in 1701.
and was succeeded by Bienville, the second (iovernor.
Iberville went to France in 1701. and remained al)S("nt from
Louisiana four years.
Thirty-five colonists diecl of star\atif)n in 1705.
In 1700. the French girls brought tf) the colony were indignant
at being fed on corn bread, and threatened to leave the colony
on the first opportunity. This is called the "petticoat insurrec-
tion."
The three most imi)ortant personages in tlic ('otiiuioiiwcalth of
Louisiana at that time were Bienville, the governor, who wielded
the sword, and was the great executive mover of all; La Salle, the
intendant commissary of the crown, who had. therefore, might be
called the controlling power; and the Curate de la \'ente. who
was not satisfied with mere spiritual influence. The commi^sary
iii a letter of the 7th o'' Decmber. 1706, accusetl Iberville, Bien-
ville and Chateague. the three brothers, of being guilty of every
sort of malfeasances and dela])idations. The curate hackerl La^
Salle.
6
After an existance of nine years; the population of the cokjuy
did not exceed 279 persons. Its principal wealth consisted in
50 cows, 40 calves, 4 l^ulls. 8 oxen, 1400 hogs and 200 hens.
In 1709 famine re-a]jpeared in the colony, and tlif» iidiabitants
were reduced to live on acorns.
The scarcity of provisions had l)ecome such, that in 1710.
Bienville informeil his government that he had scattered the
greatest nart of his men aaiong the Indians, upon whom he had
quartered them for food.
In 1712, Anthony Crozat obtained from the King of France the
exclusive jn-ivilege. for fifteen years, of trading in all that immense
territory which, with its undefined limits, France claimed as her
own under the name of Louisiana. The charter of concessions
virtually matle Crozat the Suju'eme Lord and blaster of Louisiana.
In 17LS Cadillac is made governor of Louisiana.
The famous banking company of the Indies, with John Law
at its head, was started in 1717. .John Law was born in Edin-
burgh. Scotland, in 1671.
Bienville was ap])ointed governor of Louisiana, the second time,
in 1718, and foimded the city of New Orleans, the same year.
In 1724 the white population of New Orleans amounted to 1700
souls, and the black population to 3300. In Xew Orleans, there
were about lOOO souls including ti'oops, and the jK'rsons employed
by the government.
In the beginning of 1727. the spot where now stands Xew
Orleans, not being protected by a levee, was subject to annual
inundation, and presented no l">etter aspect than that of a vast
sink or sewer.
Mosipiitoes buzzed, and ent)rmous frogs croaked incessantly in
concert with other indescribable sounds; tall reeds, and grass
of every variety gn^w in the street, and in the yards, so as to
interrupt cominunication. and offered a safe retreat, and places
of concealment to venomous reptiles, wild beasts, and malefactors.
who. prot(H'ted by these impenetral)le jungles, committed with
imj)unity all sorts of e^•il deeds.
In 1729 the French at Xatch(>z were massacred by \hc ln(hans.
The Indians captured and spared about 300 women and children
whom they intended to make slaves of.
In 1733 the French Colony in Louisiana was scourged by snudl
pox and famine. .\ companion of F.ienxiUe wrote: "Our planters
and nuM'hanics are dying of hunger. The colony is on the eve of
being depopulated. The colony is in such a stat(> of indigence
that, last year, the people were obliged, for more than three
months, to ViYv on the seeds and grains of ree(ls."
On the lotli. of Api-il. 17.v"). I^icinilk" wrote on tlie state of the
colony :
"One hundred thousand pounds of tobacco are made at Pointe
Coupee; two women raise silk worms for amusement and succeed
very Avell; eggs should be sent by the government to the Ursulines,
who would teach this industry to the orphans whose education
is entrusted to them. The cultivation of cotton is advantageous,
but the planters experience great difficulty in cleaning it from
the seeds. Pitch and tar are made in some abundance."
In 1736 the colony turned its attention to the cultivation of
indigo. But little was made from silk through ignorance of the
business.
The Balize Pass, in 1728, had sixteen feet and a half, and which
Bienville represents as filling up rapidly, is known in our days as
Southeast Pass.
The Marcjuis de \'audreuil was api)ointed governor of Louisiana
in place of Bienville, in 1743.
De VaudreuiL in 1744, commanded the ])lanters to have their
levee made under penalty of forfeiting their lands to the crown.
The Mar(}uis de N'audreuil marked the l)egiiining of his admin-
istration by following the old and nefarious custom of granting
monopolies.
In 1744 the white population of New Orleans was 800 souls,
not including 500 soldiers, and the women and children. A few
^f the houses were brick, and the greater portion were wooden
Iiuildings, or were bricked up between posts. There were 25
inhabitants whose property were worth from one hundred thous-
and to three hundred thousand livres. Almost all the colonists
were married. The most considerable one of them was Mr.
Dubreuil, who owned 500 negroes, several plantations, l)rick-
kilns and silk factories. At the German coast, there were 100
white inhabitants, and 200 negroes. Occupations, gardening and
grazing. Pointe Coupee, 200 whites and 400 negroes. Occupa-
tion, the cultivation of tobacco and the raising of provisions.
Natchitoches, 60 whites and 200 ])lacks. Productions, cattle, rice,
corn and tobacco.
The available force for defending Louisiana in 1746 was 400
white men, 500 to 600 Indians, and from 200 to 300 negroes.
A terrible hurricane in 1746, like that of 1740, destroyed the
crops of the colony, and would have reduced the inhabitants
nearly to starvation had it not been for the boats from Illinois
that annually supphed them with Flour.
8
In 1751 the Jesuits sent some sugar-canes from Hispaniola to
the Jesuits of Louisiana, and some negroes who were used to the
cultivation of this plant. The experiment was abortive, and
though cane continued to be cultivated successfully, it was only
in 1795 that the manufacture of sugar was successful.
On boartl the same ships which brought the first sugar-cane,
sixty girls were transported to Louisiana at the expense of the
King. The girls were married to such soldiers as had distinguished
themselves for good conduct, and who, in consideration of their
marriage, were discharged from service. Such is the humble
origin of many of our most respectable and wealthy families.
On the 23rd. of September, 1752, the Intendant Commissary,
JMichael de la Roubillere, made a favorable report on the state
of agriculture in Louisiana. "The Cultivation of the wax-tree,"
says he, "has succeeded admirably. Mr. Dubreuil alone has made
six thousand pounds of wax. Some went to the seashore where
the wax tree grows wild, in order to use it in its natural state.
It is the only luminary used here by the inhabitants, and it is
exported to other parts of America, and to France. In the last
three years forty five brick houses were erected in New Orleans
and several fine new plantations were established."
In 1753 Kerlerec took possession of the government of Louisiana.
In 1755 the Acadian settlement at Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, was
broken up by the English, under command of General Winslow,
and the inhabitants, 1923 persons were taken prisoners, and most
of them transported to different states. Their houses and barns
were burned by the English, and their property confiscated to
the crown.
On \hv 3r(l. of November, 1762, Louisiana was ceded to Spain.
In 17()5. there was a considerable immigration to Louisiana
from the Alabamons and Illinois districts, which had been ceded
to the I^nglish, antl from the province of Acadia and Nova Scotia.
About 650 Acadians arrived at New Orleans, and they were
sent to form settlements in Attakapas and Opclousas, under the
command of Andry.
riloa, the new Spanish Governor, arrived in New Orleans on the
5th. of March, 1766, and in Fel)ruary of the same year 216 Aca-
dians arrived.
riloa at once ordered the census of the whole population of
Louisiana to be taken, and tiie result was found to l)e: 1,893 men
able to carry arms; L944 women, married or unmarried; 1,240
female children; 1,375 male children; total 6,452. The blacks
were about as numerous as the whites. But the poi)ulation was
somewhat reduced by an epidemic closely resembling yellow fever.
A conspiracy was formed against the Spanish Govornment of
Louisiana in 1768 and a general insurrection followed.
O'Reilly's administration under Sjianish domination, contiiuied
orte vear to 1769. I'nzaga's administration from 1770 to 1776;
Galvez's 1777 to 1784; Miro's 1785 to 1789; Carondelet's, 1789 to
1792; Gavoso's, 1793 to 1797; Ca.sacalvo's. 1798 to 1799, Salcedo's,
1801 to i803.
A century has now glided over the ocean of time, since Louisiana
was tran.sferred to the United States, and the American flag was
first unfurled before the large assembly of people which had
congregated at the Place D'Armes, (Jackson Square) on the 20th.
of December. 1803.
The Treaty with France was consummated by Robert R.
Li\dngston and James Monroe, representing the United States,
upon the 30th. of April, 1803. when the entire Louisiana possessions
became the ))ropertv of the United States, for the modest sum of
$15,000,000.00.
^S^
10
THE ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL.
Xamecl in honor of Louis XI\', King of France. A brick and
adobe structure was erected upon the space of ground reserved
by Jean Baptiste Lemoyne de Bienville, the founder of Xew
Orleans and governor of the French Colony, for the erection of a
Roman Catholic Church of which in 1721 there remained but a
shed — in 1723, a wooden church, which was replaced by a brick
structure, in 1725 — in 1793 a handsome Cathedral was built
which still remains up to the present day. The latter edifice was
the gift of the great ])hilanthropist, Don Andres Almonaster y
Roxas.
This brief statement covers a period of over 75 years and illus-
trates the several periods of construction, destruction and recon-
struction of the Roman Catholic Church, now known as the 8t.
Louis Pathedral. which has been a silent witness of countless
calamities, ages of famines, pestilence, fire and flood experienced
l)y the colonists until the present da}'. And its chimes nestling
in the lofty steeples of brick and stucco, have never ceased to sing
out in sweet metallic tones the victories gained by the christian
colonists of the old colonial days.
The site where stands the present edifice was consecrated to the
service of God nearly two centuries ago. Upon this space
numerous churches have succeeded one another. The first struc-
ture was in 1723 destroyed by a hurricane, the second was entirely
consumed by a conflagration in 1788 which almost comj)letely
devastated the city. This entire edifice was destroyed with
numerous valuable records. The last structure which is the St.
Louis Cathedral of to-dav was begun in 1792 and completed in
1 794.
How much historical importance can be attacluMl to this solemn
edifice which has witnessed the lapse of ages since its construction,
up to the present time, the reader can naturally conceive.
Don Andres AlmonasttM- y Roxas who was the founder of the
St. Louis Cathedral, whicli he had erected at his own expense,
was an Andalusian of noble t)ii-th. who came to Louisiana when it
was under the Si)anish liule. He filled many imjiortant pul)lic
positions. He succeeded by judicious ventures in ama.ssing a
very large fortune*, of which he made very liberal u.se; for besides
the St. Louis Cathedral he also caused the erection of a Charity
Hospital then located in Rampart Avenue, and the buildings on
each side of the Cathedral, one being known as the Cabildo,
now the Su|)reme Court of Louisiana, and the other the Presbytery
of the Catliedral, now the Civil District Courts. He also had
constructcij th(> Chapel of Lazarists and th(> Frsulines Conv(>nt.
11
Don Almonaster y Roxas was married in 1787 to Miss Louise
de Laronde, daughter of Pierre Denis Delaronde, from which
vmion was ])orn on the 6th., of November, 1795 an only child,
Micaela Leonarda Antonia, who married Joseph Xavier Celestin
Delfau de Pontall)a, in iSll. and she became the Baroness dc
Pontallja.
This notable event which took place at the St. Louis Cathedral
was attended by the most distinguished personages of the Colony.
Col. Bernard Marigny de Mandeville stood sponsor for the bride,
and Chevalier de Macarty; Lasalle de St. Avid. Ignacio Delmo de
Chalmet, and Mme. De Verges St. Laiu'ent. signed the marriage
records as witnesses.
This union recalls a bit of romantic histoiy in which a young
Scotch-Irish youth was made to feel the humble origin of his
birth.
John McDonogli. whose memory is revered by every Orleanian,
had not like the lovely Micaela Almonaster inherited a title of
nobility from his ancestors, nevertheless, he loved and wooed this
charming maiden. He was a gentleman of wealth and nol)ility
of character with a grandeur of heart, and justly felt that this was
sufhcient to tleserve the hand of the daughter of the proud Don
Almonaster. He sought the privilege to ask her hand in marriage
from her father, but the proud old Spanish nobleman indignantly
rejected the suit, exclaiming: "That a daughter of his noble race
would never be allied to a poor plel)ian tradesman."
McDonogh was stung to the heart with grief and mortification,
and swore, "he would labor until he would accunudate more wealth
than all the Almonasters put together: and his name would live to
posterity when their proud titles would be cast into oblivion."
John McDonogh was of Scotch-Irish Ijirth, and a native of
Baltimore. He was well educated. And in 1800 he came to
Xew Orleans where he engaged in commercial pursuits. At the
time of his sentimental aspirations he was a gay young man, and
a favorite in social circles. He lived at the corner of Chartres and
Toulouse streets, where he was surrounrled by luxuries, and
attended by a retinue of slaves. After the failure of his suit to
wed the lovely Micaela, he at once determined to change his mode
of living and habits. In his anger he sold the contents of his
magnificent residence, and moved to a small house on his planta-
tion in McDonoghville on the opposite side of the river, where
for half a century he led the life of a measley, coldhearted miser,
whose only ambition in life was the amassing of large wealth.
Wherever he passed he was pointed out as an old miser. He died
in 1850, leaving his entire fortune to be divided share and share
alike, between the cities of New Orleans and Baltimore. This
princely legacy whicli has been exclusively devoted to the building
and repair of public schools, amounts now, with accumulated
interests, to a fund of over a million dollars.
As to his prophecy it certainly fulfilled his fondest wishes.
Over thirty school buildings constructed from this fund are scat-
tered in almost every district of the city, and all bear the simple
inscription of his name "McDonogh."
No condition was attachetl to the legacy, except that the little
children of the public schools should come once a year and strew
his grave with flowers. However, his remains have been removed
to his native city, Baltimore, according to his desire; but "Mc-
Donogh Day" has been sacredly kept throughout all the public
schools, where the children annually participate in memorial
exercises in his honor, while the handsome statue erected in the
park, opposite the City Hall, from the mite contributions of the
school children, as well as the various bust statues of the great
philanthropist, to be found in every jnil^lic school are decorated
with handsome floral offerings.
Don Almonaster's titles of nobility and name have vanished,
but the virtues and name of "^IcDonogh," will live forever.
Don Andres Almonaster y Roxas died in New Orleans, on the
26., of April, 1798, at the age of 73 years. He was interred within
a crypt, to the right of the Cathedral, directly in front of the altar
of St. Anthonv. Over his last resting place appears an imposing
marble slab upon which is inscribed his Coat of Arms, and in
Spanish the record of his life, titles and services, which translated
reads as follows:
HKRE LIE THE REMAINS
of
DON ANDRP:S ALMONASTER y ROXAS.
A Native of M arena.
In the Kingdom of Andalusia.
He Died in the City of New Orleans.
On the 26th. day 'of April, 1798.
Being 73 years of age.
A Knight of the Roval and Distinguished Order of Carlos III.
Colonel of the Militia of this Dei)artment.
Alderman and Royal LicMitenant of this Corporation.
Founder and Donor of this Holy Cathedral.
Founder of the 1-loyal Hospital of St. Charles and of its Clnu'ch,
Founder of the Hospital for Lepers.
Founder of the School for the Education of Ciirls.
Founder of the Court House.
All of which he hafl built at his own expense in this Citj'.
Requiescat in Pace.
13
To the left side of the church are also buried under the marble
floor before the altar of "Lady of Lourdes," three illustrious
Knifihts of the old repme.
{'\)un the marble slab covering; their remains is inscribed in
French the following epitaphs which translated reads:
FRANCOIS PHILIPPE de MARIGXY de MANDKVILLE.
A Knight of the Royal and Military Order of Ht. Louis, and Port
Commandant of New Orleans. Born at Hayeux in
Normandy, died in this City. Nov. 1. 172S.
ANTOINF PHILIPPE de MARKLW de .MA\DE\ILLE.
A Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, and
Captain of Infantry in the service of France. Porn in
Mobile. February 28th.. 1752. died in New
Orleans. November 6. 1770.
PIERRE PHILIPPE de MARIGNY de MANDEVILLE,
A Knight of the Royal and .Military Order of St. Louis. Captain
of Infantry under the Spanish Government. P>orn
in this City on June 18. 1757. and died in IsOO.
The Marignys de Mandeville were very wealthy and influential
< luring l)oth the French and Spanish regime.
In the center aisle, at the foot of the stairway leading to the
main altar designatefl by a large cross of slate colored marlile
slabs imljeded in the flooring: also beyond the railing in the center
of the sanctuary, at the foot of the central altar, are subterranean
vaults in which have been buried the most deserving dignitaries
of the Chiu'ch. such as bishops, archbishops, etc. The last to be
interred there was Reverend Archbishop Francis Jansens. He
was buried in the vault situated in the sanctuary.
The archives of the St. Louis Cathedral which are kept in a
large fire-proof vault, located on the ground floor of the Rectory
in St. Anthony Alley, also presents curios in docmiientary specie.
Some of them are so old that they are crumbling with age. We
find therein that the first marriage performed within its sacred
walls was that of Pierre Sinton to Nicole Daulunay. which occurred
on July 1st.. 1720. and the first Christening tliat of Catherine
DePerrier on January 1st. 1731.
The interior of the St. Lcuis Catheilral is ornamented with Ijeau-
tiful fresco paintings by the eminent artist Casanova, whose name
has been handed down to posterity, and the artistic execution has
caused this work to be classed as masteri)ieces. which with the
flight of time have been .sacredly preserved up to this present day.
14
Some few figures, however, were replaced by new subjects more in
keeping with the ideas of the nineteenth century, while others
were retouched by the artist Erasme Huml)recht. the colors
having become faint with age.
Among the most interesting pictures ornamenting the walls of
this edifice is the tableau just above the central altar, representing
"St. Louis announcing the Crusade."
Over the center of the main aisle is "St. Peter receiving the
Shepherd's Staff from Our Lord."
There are four medallions in which are painted the Evangelists.
St. John. St. Mark, St. Luke and St. Matthew, while between
each of the twelve arches are one of the Apostles, ^^
Over the choir appears the "Archangel Michael," while at the
other extremity is pictured "The Holy Family." Over the sanc-
tuary is pictured "The Sacrifice of the Divine Lamb." While
symbolic figures of the old and new testament appear in the
arched vault.
Another very impressive pictiu'e. is that over the altar of the
Sacred Heart representing "The agony of Our Lord" — while over
the altar of "Our Lady of Lourdes" situated upon the left is rep-
resented the "Annunciation." There the Mrgin and Angel Cnibriel,
are shown in the most natural manner and the expression depicted
upon the angel's lips seem to inspire the respectful salutation
"Ave Maria, gratia plena. Dominus tecum, etc."
The altar of "Our Lady of Lourdes is also a masterpiece of
construction and coloring. There is found a true and life-like
representation of the apparition of the Holy \'irgin to the little
j)easant Bernatlette, who is kneeling upon the rocky i)ath in rev-
erence and jirayer, while the limjiid waters from the spring which
had spontaneously emerged from the rocks trickle down: and its
murmurings mingle in unison with whisperings of the sinners, as
they kneel in prayer for the salvation of their souls.
Another very impressive tableau which confronts the visitor
as he is about to retire is a painting of St. Cecilia, the jiatron
saint of Music. She appears floating upon a canopy of clouds, and
in her flight she is followed by angels which are scatteretl around
licr. This i)ainting is situated right over the organ.
The coloring of walls, arches and colonnades are also artistically
matched, and the entire work is fully deserving the highest of
jn-aise.
15
THE CABILDO.
There is not a structure which stands tc)-(hxy upon the American
Continent from the Pacific Slope to the Alleghenies, and from the
Athmtic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico, which offers more attraction
to the World at large, than this e<lifice, variously known as "The
Cabildo," or Capitol, or Casa Curial.
Its majestic walls which have stood the i-avages of the elements,
during a period of more than a century appear to-day in almost
the same garb with which it was adorned when erected, in 1794.
It should be conceded that this illustrious structure does not
simply belong to. our history, but to that of France and Spain,
both nations being intimately associated in the History of the'
Louisiana Colony, for both countries have taken an active part
in the government and development of this territory; by the
purchase of which the United States of America gained added
power with vast commercial and territorial expansion.
Shifting from the subject, and gleaning from the history of the
Louisiana Purchase, we find that the region comprised in the
cessation by France included all the country west of the Missis-
sippi, not occupied by Spain, as far north as British Territory,
comprising the whole or part of the present States of Arkan-
sas, Colorado, Dakota, Iowa, Idaho. Kansas, Louisiana, Mon-
tana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington,
W'yoming, Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory.
By an Act of Congress dated March 26, 1804, the territory was
divided into two governments, that of Orleans including the
present State of Louisiana west of the Mississippi, and a portion
east of that river, and that of Louisiana comprising the country
north and west of it.
In April, 1812, the Territory of Orleans was admitted in the
Union under the title of the State of Louisiana, and in June, 1812
the Territory till then known as Louisiana had its designation
altered to ^lissouri.
W^e also learn that from this vast extent of virgin prairies,
swamps and woodlands west of the Mississippi arose nurnerous
States and Territories, but a wilderness then of the Louisiana
Possession, which to-day has great commercial and social impor-
tance. Depict to yourself the marvelous achievements of our
forefathers, who by the opening of the gates to the great Northwest
developed this vast territory to the Pacific Slope, and added to
the Union new riches that lay hidden within the soil of these
virgin states. Think of the vast resources of the south and west,
as they stand unfolded to us at this present age of progress and
civilization. The Red Skin has almost vanished while his arrows
16
and tomahawks are entomljed. A more genteel and civilized
racial order, more progressive and enlightened now rules, and
from its management new fields of commerce and industry are
daily explored. To this purchase is due the riches of our country,
and the independence of our people, which has caused the admira-
tion and astonishment of every nation of the world. The United
States of America of to-day is no longer a settlement, Init a
country commanding the respect of every nation.
Returning to the old historical landmark which has been the
main and silent witness of the days of reconstruction, secession,
conquest and reconquest, we find a massive edifice erected by the
liberality of Don Almonaster y Roxas. a Spanish gentleman of
noble birth, who immigrated to this country when Louisiana
was under Spanish Rule.
The Cabildo is of an ancient S])anish architectural style, and in
a))pearance distinct from any modern l)uikHngs. It stands facing
the Jackson Square, and is bounded by Chartres. Exchange
Place. Orleans Alley and St. Peter street. The structure is of
brick with stucco finish. Its facade is ornamented with deep,
low arches supported by classic columns and broad arched win-
dows. The uj:)per floors are reached by a wintling stairway of
solid marble leading from the large iron front door up to a lobby,
from which entrance is gained to every department in the i)uilding.
The large hall to the right of the lobi)y is now. and has l)een for
a number of years, used by the Supreme Court of Louisiana. It
is there where the Chief Justice and his four Associate Justices sit
in final judgment over the judicial proceedings originating from
all the lower courts of the State. The hall is spacious and im-
posing, while its massive walls are adorned with oil paintings of
the great jurists of this State that once presided, but ha\e sub-
mittetl to the inevitable conclusion of life.
As you I'cach the head of the stairway you face the entrance
which leads to the justices' private consulting room, to wliich no
one is granted access, and where all decisions after due deUbera-
tions are reached and finally agreed ui:)on. To the left of the
lob])y is the entrance to the Clerk's Oflice. and Record Room.
In the upper floors are stored old records covered with the dust of
a century. The lower floor at the corner of St. Peter street is the
Second City Criminal Court, while the corner of Orleans Alley
is a Police Station.
At the left, upon tlie other side of the Cathedral, is another
structure which was first designed as a Presbytery of the Church;
this is an imitation of the Cabildo. it was liuilt in 1813. during the
.\meri('an rule and is now called the Civil District Court liuilding.
In general ai)pearance it resembles the old Cabildo nearly twenty
17
years its senior, hut in workniunsliip and construction is very
much inferior. The I'ronch mansard roof and cupolas were added
to looth buildino;s in ISoO. I'pon the cornice of the C'abildo alsf>
appears the American Kajjle. ornamented with cannon l)alls.
When this alteraticjn was made there is no record, hut it was un-
douhtedly effected (hiring tlie period f)f American rec(jnstruction,
and intended to rephice onuiments that were interposed at the
time of the Spanish rule.
We find by referrinf;- to the early history of tiiis country, that
the inception of the Spanisli lulc was in 1762. Carlos III. tlicn
King of Spain, despatched (Jen. Don Alessandro O'Reilly with
3600 picked Spanish troops, who took forcible jjossession of
Louisiana then tmder the French rule. O'Reilly upon his arrixal
abolished the old Freiu-h Suj)erior Council and estal)lished instead
the Sjianish Cabildo. The French Council had been foundecl
in 1712, b\' Louis Xl\\ for the government of his young colony:
which had by this time grown inde;)endent and powerful, and by
a desperate attempt at self-government had made a bold act in
resenting the King's cession of Louisiana to his Spanish cousin.
Ulloa, the first rej)resentative sent over In' S])ain. I'lloa was
ignominously overpowered and returned back to S])ain. The
six leaders of this revolt against the Spanish dynasty, were,
however, promptly executed by th(^ orders of O'Reilly,
who thus began his reign and ciHhvi the Supci'ioi- Council, in
bloodshed.
It was then tluit O'lvcillw who had by this act incited the
hatred of the people, established the Cal)ildo. It was presided
over by the Sjjanish Ciovernor of Louisiana, aided by his excril)ano.
or clerk; four elective officers, two alcades ordinarios; a sindico
])rocura<lo general; a majordomo de j)roprios; and six jierijetiuil
regidors. First among the regidors stood the Alferez Real or
Royal Standard Hearer, which title was actpiired by Don Almon-
aster y Roxas, and which jjosition he held during his lifetime.
The Cabildo met e\-ery Friday, in the large hall now occupied
by the Sui)reme Court. The Spanish language was exclusively
used in all governmental affairs, and it is not unconnnon when in
search of old records, to find them written entirely in the Spanisli
language.
The surroundings of the Cabildo differed .somewhat from its
present aspect. The Plaza de Armas was very much different
from the Jack.son Square of to-day. with its beds of flowers and
verdant shrubberies. Up to fifty years ago, it was still known
as the Place D'Armes, the original name given to it in 1718, when
Xew Orleans was founded under the direction of Sieur Jean
Baptiste Lemoyne de Bienville. Cpon each side of the sfpuire
18
were two rows of one story brick buildings, put up l)y Don AI-
monaster in the last century. These buildings were used as shops
and retail stores. This was then the center of the fashional)le
quarter. However, in 1850, the Raronness de Pontall^a, the only
child and heiress of Don Almonaster, had these shops torn down
and replaced them with the tall Ijrick structures known as the
Pontalba Buildings. The Place D'Arnies was also modernized,
antl wide walks and flower beds substituted for the old elms which
grew in abimdance. Later came the erection of the statue of
General Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans in 1815,
which caused the alteration of the name of Place D'Armes to
Jackson Square, and which name it bears to-day.
The Cabildo is certainly the most interesting landmark in all
the history and development of Xew Orleans. It has witnessed
the dim candle lighted town gradually succeeded l:)y the street
lamp, while the lamp lighted streets gave way to gas and electric-
ity. It has withstood the decay of the first few factories which
have been forgotten, ami were supersedetl l:)y the hundreds of
great factories which exist to-day. The lieautiful senoritas with
their heads T^rettily dressed with mantillas, and with their short
skirts, walking to balls, followed by slaves bearing their slip[)ers.
has made place for more Parisian elegance of dress and equipage.
The almost nightly duels are things of the past, and also the roar
of the evening cannon shot, that commantled the sailors, soldiers
and tilack slaves to be indoors for the night. The old night
watchman no longer sing out the hours of night and condition of
the weather: "Ten o'clock and Cloudy." '"Twelve o'clock and the
weather Pair." All these customs have vanished, yet this silent
witness has gazed down ujion all of Louisiana's changes of rule.
ri)on the change of dynasty, when in 1803. the flag of the
Si^aniards was lowered and that of Prance replaced once more
ui:)on the Place D'Armes. this however, but for a short duration of
twenty days, as the French colors were sujierseded by those of
the American j^urchaser. Thence fifty eight years latcM- when
Louisiana swore allegiance to the flag of the ConfcMleracy ; and her
agony came when amid the roar of cannon and at the point of
bayonets the stars and stripes were once more hoisted. Again,
it has witnessed the complete fraternal reconstruction of ti.(> North
and South, when under the same colors they fought si(I(> by side
to free the Island of Cuba from Spanish rule. Within tlu> vast
hall of the Cabildo. Louisiana was transferred by Spain to l"i-auc(\
;:nd suljsecpiently l)y France to the I'nited Stat(^s.
It was from the windows of this edifice that t!;e I'i'ench. and
then the American rule was jirodaimed to the as.sembl(>d p(>ople.
The Ca))ildo also witnessed the ceremonials accorded to .Andrew
1'.^
.lackson in isl."). for his x-ictory over the British, in the Place
D'Armos, where he was crowned with hiurels l^y pretty maidens.
In 182f) it served as the residence of the Marquis de Lafayette,
who was the guest of Louisiana during his tour of the United
States of America. And he was granted a reception almost
the equal of that of Gen. Jackson. France was a friendly nation
and the sale of Louisiana to the United States for 80,000,000
francs by Napoleon Bonaparte was not only a boon to the Ameri-
can people, but served as a retaliatory measure of France towards
England. We, who are living to-day, can now fully appreciate
the value of the proi)hecy of Bonaparte which has proven true.
He said, at the time of the transfer:
"This accession of territory strengthens forever the power of
"the United States; and I have just given to England a maritime
"rival that will sooner or later humble her pride* *****
"The day may come when the cession of Louisiana to the United
"States, shall render the Americans too powerful for the continent
of Europe."
20
Jastlet Provost)
Interior Hen Supreme Court of Louisiana Showlns tiie File Justices
Chlet Justice Breaux Justice NIcliolls Justice Honroe
GUBERNATORIAL STAFF OF LOUISIANA.
GOVERNORS OF LOUISIANA UNDER FRENCH RULE.
Marqui« ile Sau voile 1619-1700.
Jean Lemoyne de Bienville 1701-1712.
Lamothe Cadillac 1713-1715.
I) L'Epinay 1716-1717.
Jean Lemoyne de BieiivilL' 1718-1721
J^oisbriant (Ad interim) 1724.
Perier 1725-1731.
Jean Lemoyne de Bienville 17-32-1741.
Marquis de Vautreuil 1742-1752.
Baron de Kerlerec 1753-1762.
D'Abadie 1763-176().
(;OVERNORS UNDER SPANLSH RULE.
Antonio de Ulloa 1767-1768.
Alexander O'Reilly. . 1768-1769.
Luis de I'nzaga 1770-1776.
Bernardo de Galvez 1777-1784.
Estevan Miro 1785-1789.
Francisco Luis Horter, Baron de Carondelet. 1789-1792.
Gayoso de Lemos 1793-1797.
Sebastian y Cassa Calvo v O'rarrill 1798-1799.
Juan Manuel v de Salcedo 1801-1803.
GOVERNOR OF THE TERRITORY OF ORLEANS.
W. C. C. Claiborne 1S")4-1S12.
•:i
GOVERNORS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA.
W C. C. Claiborne 1812-1816.
Jacques Villoro 1816-1820.
Thomas Bolinji- Rul)eitsoii (Resigned),, .... .1820-1822.
Henry S. Thibodeaux, President of the
Senate. Actinji Ooverncr 1822-1824.
Henrv Johnson 1824-1828.
Pierre Derbigny (Died in Office) 1828-1829.
A. Beauvais, President of the Senate^ Acting
Governor. 1829-1830.
Jacques Dnpre 1830-1831.
Andre Bienvenue Roman ... 1831-1835.
Edward White 1835-1839.
Anth-e Bienvenue Roman 1839-1843.
Alexander Mouton 1843-1846.
Isaac Johnson 1846-1850.
Joseph Walker 1850-1853.
Paul O. Hebert 1853-1856.
Robert Charles Wickliffe 1856-1860.
Thomas Overton Moore 1860-1864.
Gen. C. F. Shipley, :\IiHtary Governor 1862-1864.
Henry Watkins Allen. Under Confederate
Government 1864.
Michael Hahn. Under Federal (iovernmcnt .1864.
James Madison Wells. President of the
Senate, Acting Governor 1864-1866.
James Madison Wells 1866-1867.
Benjamin F. Flanders, Under Militarv
Authority ' 1867-1868.
Joshua Baker, Under .Militarv Authoi-ily. . .1868.
Henry Clay Warmoth .' 1868-1873.
John McEnerv (Counted out bv the Return-
ing Board)." ". 1873.
P. B. S. Pinch) )ack, Lieutenant (ioverno;,
Acting Governor . 1873.
William Pitt Kellogg, Go\'ernor de .Iiu'e. . . ,1873-1877
Francis T. Nicholls'. 1877-1879.
Louis Alfred Wiltz, (Died in Ofhce) 1880-1881.
Samuel Douglas McEnery, Lieutenant Go\ •
ernor. Succeeded him as Governor 1881-1884.
Samuel Douglas McEnerv 1884-1888.
Francis T. Nicholls. . . . ." 1888-1892.
Murphv J. Foster 1892-1900.
W. W.' Heard 1900-1904.
Newton C. Blanchard 1 904-1 <H)8.
22
UCSB 118«»1W