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Louisiana Anthology

John Sibley.
“An Account of Louisiana.”

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AN ACCOUNT OF LOUISIANA, Abstract of Documents, OFFICES DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, THE TREASURY. Dunne.

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AN ACCOUNT OF LOUISIANA.

The object of the following pages is to consolidate the information respecting the present state of Louisiana, furnished to the Executive by several individuals among the best informed upon that subject.

Of the province of Louisiana, no general map, sufficiently correct to be depended upon, has been published, nor has any been yet procured from a private source. It is indeed probable that surveys have never been made upon so extensive a scale as to afford the means of laying down the various regions of a country, which, in some of its parts, appears to have been but imperfectly explored.

BOUNDARIES.

The precise boundaries of Louisiana, westwardly of the Mississippi, though very extensive, are at present involved in some obscurity. Data are equally wanting to assign with precision its northern extent. From the source of the Mississippi, it is bounded eastwardly by the middle of the channel of that river to the thirty-first degree of latitude: thence, it is asserted upon very strong grounds, that according to its limits, when formerly possessed by France, it stretches to the east, as far, at least, as the river Perdido.

The rapidity of the current in the spring seasons especially, when the waters of all the rivers are high, facilitates the descent, so that the same voyage by water, which requires three or four months to perform from the capital, may be made to it in twelve to sixteen days. The principal settlements in Louisiana are on the Mississippi, which begins tobe cultivated about twenty leagues from the sea, where the plantations are yet thin, and owned by the poorest people. Ascending, you see them improve on each side, till you reach the city, which is situated on the east bank, on a bend of the river, 35 leagues from the sea.

CHAPITOULAS, FIRST AND SECOND GERMAN COASTS. — CATAHANOSE. — FOURCKE AND IBERVILLE.

The best and most approved are above the city, and comprehend, what is there known by the Paroisse de Chapitoulas, Premier, and Second Cote des Allemands, and extends 16 leagues. Above this begins the parish of Catahanose, or the first Acadian settlement, extending eight leagues on the river. Adjoining it and still ascending is the second Acadian settlement parish of the Fourche, which extends about six leagues. The parish of Iberville then commences and is bounded on the east side by the river of the same name, which though dry a great part of the year except when the Mississippi is raised. It communicates with the Lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain and through them with the sea and forms what is called the island of New Orleans. Except on the point just below the Iberville, the country from New Orleans is settled the whole way along the river, and presents a scene of uninterrupted plantations in sight of each other. These fronts to the Mississippi are all cleared and occupy on that river from 5 to 25 acres with a depth of 40. The plantation of 5 acres in front contains 200. A few sugar plantations are formed in the parish of Catahanose, but the remainder is devoted to cotton and provisions, and the whole is an excellent soil incapable of being exhausted. The plantations are but one deep on the island of New Orleans, and on the opposite side of the river as far as the mouth of the Iberville, which is 35 leagues above New Orleans.

BAYOU DE LA FOURCHE. — ATACAPAS7 AND OPELOUSAS.

About 25 leagues from the last-mentioned place on the west side of the Mississippi, the creek or Bayou of the Fourche, called in old maps La Riviere des Chitamaches, flows from the Mississippi and communicates with the sea to the west of the Balise. The entrance of the Mississippi is navigable only at high water, but will then admit from 60 to 70 tons burthen. On both banks of this creek are settlements, one plantation deep, for nearly 15 leagues, and they are divided into two parishes. The settlers are numerous, though poor, and the culture is universally cotton. On all creeks making from the Mississippi, the soil is the same as on the bank of the river, and the border is the highest part of it and descends gradually to the swamp. In no place on the low lands is there depth more than suffices for one plantation before you come to the low grounds incapable of cultivation. This creek affords one of the communications to the two populous and rich settlements of Atacapas and Opelousas formed on and near the small rivers Teche and Vermilion which flow into the bay of Mexico. But the principal and swiftest communication is by the Bayou or creek of Plaquemines, whose entrance into the Mississippi is leagues higher up on the same side, and 32 above New Orleans. These settlements abound in cattle and horses, have a large quantity of good land in their vicinity, and may be made of great importance. A part of their produce is sent by sea to New Orleans, but the greater part is carried in batteaux by the creeks above mentioned.

BATON ROUGE AND ITS DEPENDENCIES.

Immediately above the Iberville and on both sides of the Mississippi lies the parish of Manchac that extends four leagues on the river and is well cultivated. Above it commences the settlement of Baton Rouge, extending about nine leagues. It is remarkable as being the first place, where the high land is contiguous to the river, and here it forms a bluff from 30 to 40 feet above the greatest rise of the river. Here the settlements extend a considerable way back on the east side, and this parish has that of Thompson's creek and Bayou Sara subordinate to it. The mouth of the first of these creeks is about 49 leagues from New Orleans, and that of the latter 2 or 3 leagues higher up. They run from northeast to southwest, and their headwaters are north of the 31st degree of latitude. Their banks have the best soil, the greatest number of good cotton plantations of any part of Louisiana, and are allowed to be the garden of it.

POINTE COUPEE FAUSSE RIVIERE.

Above Baton Rouge, at the distance of 50 leagues from New Orleans and on the west side of the Mississippi is Pointe Coupee, a populous and rich settlement, extending 8 leagues along the river. Its produce is cotton. Behind it, on an old bed of the river, now a lake, whose outlets are closed up, is the settlement of Fausse Riviere that is well cultivated.

In the space now described from the sea as high as, and including the last mentioned settlement, is contained three-fourths of the population, and seven-eighths of the riches of Louisiana. From the settlement of Point Coupee on the Mississippi, to Cape Girardeau above the mouth of Ohio, there is no land on the west side that is not overflowed in the spring, to the distance of 8 or 10 leagues from the river, with from 2 to 12 feet of water, except a small spot near New Madrid; There is no possibility of forming a considerable settlement contiguous to the river on that side. The eastern bank has in this respect a decided advantage over the western. On it are many situations that effectually command the river.

RED RIVER AND ITS SETTLEMENTS.

On the west side of the Mississippi, 70 leagues from New Orleans, is the mouth of the Red River, on whose, banks and vicinity are the settlements of Rapide, Avoyelles and Natchitoches, all of them thriving and populous. The latter is situate 75 leagues up the Red River. On the north side of the Red River a few leagues from its junction with the Mississippi is the Black River, on one of whose branches, a considerable way up, is the infant settlement of Ouachita, which from the richness of the soil may be made a place of importance. Cotton is the chief produce of these settlements, but they have likewise a considerable Indian trade. The River Rouge, or Red River, is used to communicate with the frontiers of New Mexico.

CONCORD — ARKANSAS — ST. CHARLES AND ST. ANDREW, &c.

There is no other settlement on the Mississippi except the small one called Concord, opposite to the Natchez, till you come to the Arkansas River, whose mouth is 250 leagues above New Orleans. Here there are but a few families more attached to the Indian trade (by which chiefly they live) than to cultivation. There is no settlement from this place to New Madrid, which is itself inconsiderable. Ascending the river, you come to Cape Girardeau, St. Genevieve, and St. Louis, where, though the inhabitants are numerous, they raise little for exportation, and content themselves with trading with the Indians and working a few lead mines. This country is very fertile, especially on the banks of Missouri, where two settlements have been formed called St. Charles and St. Andrew mainly by emigrants from Kentucky. The peltry procured in Illinois is the test sent to the Atlantic market, and the quantity is very considerable. Lead is to be had with ease and in such quantities, as to supply all Europe, if the population were sufficient to work the numerous mines to be found within two or three feet from the surface in various parts of the country. The settlements about Illinois were first made by the Canadians, and their inhabitants still resemble them in their aversion to labor, and love of a wandering life. They contain but few negroes, compared to the number of the whites, and it maybe taken for a general rule, that in proportion to the distance from the capital, the number of blacks diminish below that of the whites; the former abounding most on the rich plantations in its vicinity.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF UPPER LOUISIANA.

When compared with the Indiana territory, the face of the country in Upper Louisiana is rather more broken, though the soil is equally fertile. It is a fact not to be contested that the west side of the river possesses some advantages, not generally incident to those regions. It is elevated and healthy and well watered with a variety of large rapid streams, calculated for mills and other water works. From cape Girardeau, above the mouth of the Ohio, to the Missouri, the land on the east side of the Mississippi is low and flat, and occasionally exposed to inundations that, on the Louisiana side, continguous to the river, is generally much higher and in many places very rocky on the shore. Some of the heights exhibit a scene truly picturesque. They rise to a height of at least 300 feet, faced with perpendicular lime and free-stone, carved into various shapes and figures by the hand of nature, and afford the appearance of a multitude of antique towers. From the tops of these elevations, the land gradually slopes back from the river, without gravel or rock, and is covered with valuable timber. It may be said with truth that, for fertility of soil, no part of the world exceeds the borders of the Mississippi. The land yields an abundance of all the necessaries of life, and almost spontaneously, very little labor is required in the cultivation of the earth. That part of Upper Louisiana, which borders on North Mexico, is one immense prairie; it produces nothing but grass. It is filled with buffalo, deer, and other kinds of game. the land is represented as too rich for the growth of forest trees.

It is pretended that Upper Louisiana contains in its bowels many silver and copper mines, and various specimens of both are exhibited. Several trials have been made to ascertain the fact, but the want of skill in the artists has here by left the subject undecided.

The salt works are also pretty numerous. Some belong to individuals and others to the public. They already yield an abundant supply for the consumption of the country, and if properly managed, might become an article of more general exportation. The usual price per bushel is 150 cents in cash at the works. This price will be lower as soon as the manufacture of the salt is assumed by government or patronised by men who have large capitals to employ in the business. One extraordinary fact relative to salt must not be omitted. There exists about 1000 miles up the Missouri, and not far from that river, a Salt Mountain! The existence of such a mountain might well be questioned, were it not for the testimony of several respectable and enterprising traders, who have visited it, and who have exhibited several bushels of the salt to the curiosity of the people of St. Louis, where some of it still remains. A specimen of the same salt has been sent to Marietta. This mountain is said to be 180 miles long and 45 in width and composed of solid rock salt without any trees or even shrubs on it. Salt springs are very numerous beneath the surface of the mountain, and they flow through the fissures and cavities of it. Caves of salt-petre are found in upper Louisiana, though at some distance from the settlements. Four men, on a trading voyage, lately discovered one several hundred miles up the Missouri. They spent 5 or 6 weeks in the manufacture of this article and returned to St. Louis with 400 weight of it. It proved to be good, and they sold it for a high price.

The geography of the Mississippi and Missouri, and their contiguity for a great length of way, are but little known. The traders assert that 100 miles above their junction, a man may walk from one to the other in a day; it is also asserted that 700 miles higher up, the portage may be crossed in four or five days. This portage is frequented by traders, who carry on a considerable trade with some of the Missouri Indians. Their general route is through Green Bay, which is an arm of Lake Michigan; they then pass into a small lake connected with it that communicates with the Fox river. They then cross over a short portage into the Ouisconsing river that unites with the Mississippi some distance below the falls of St. Anthony. It is also said that the traders communicate with the Mississippi above these falls, through Lake Superior, but their trade in that quarter is much less considerable.

CANAL OF CARONDELET.

Behind New Orleans is a canal miles long that communicates with a creek called the Bayou St. Jean. It flows into Lake Ponchartrain at the mouth of it. Leagues from the city is a small fort called St. Jean, which commands the entrance from the Lake. By this creek the communication is kept up through the lake and the Rigolets to Mobile and the settlements in West Florida. Craft drawing from 6 to 8 feet water can navigate to the mouth of the creek, except in particular swells of the lake that cannot pass the bar without being lightened.

St. BERNARDO.

On the East side of the Mississippi, about five leagues below New Orleans and at the head of the English bend, is a settlement known by the name of the Poblacion de St. Bernardo, or the Terre aux Bceufs, extending on both sides of a creek or drain, whose head is contiguous to the Mississippi. Anci which flowing eastward, after a course of 18 leagues and dividing itself into two branches, falls into the sea and lake Borgne. This settlement consists of two parishes, almost all the inhabitants are Spaniards from the Canaries, who content themselves with raising fowls, corn, and garden stuff for the market at New Orleans. The lands cannot be cultivated to any great distance from the banks of the creek, on account of the vicinity of the marsh behind them, but the place is susceptible to great improvement and to affording another communication to small craft of from 8 to 10 feet draught, between the sea and the Mississippi.

SETTLEMENTS BELOW THE ENGLISH TURN.

At the distance of 16 leagues below New Orleans, the settlements on both banks of the river are of but small account. Between these and the fort of Plaquemines, the country is overflowed in the spring and in many places is incapable of cultivation at any time, being a morass almost impassible by man or beast. This small tongue of land extends considerably into the sea, which is visible on both sides of the Mississippi from a ship's mast.

COUNTRY FROM PLAQUEMINES TO THE SEA AND EFFECT OF THE HURRICANES.

From Plaquemines to the sea is 12 or 13 leagues. The country is low, swampy, chiefly covered with reeds, having little or no timber and no settlement whatever. It may be necessary to mention here, that the whole lower part of the country from the English Turn downward is subject to overflowing in hurricanes, either by the recoiling of the river or reflux from the sea on each side, and on more than one occasion it has been covered from the depth of 2 to 10 feet, according to the descent of the river, whereby many lives were lost, horses and cattle swept away, and a scene of destruction laid. The last calamity of this kind happened in 1794, but, fortunately, they are not frequent. In the preceding year, the engineer who superintended the erection of the Fort of Plaquemines ws drowned in his house near the fort, and the workmen and garrison escaped only by taking refuge on an elevated spot in the fort, on which there were not withstanding 2 or 3 feet of water. These hurricanes have generally been felt in the month of August. Their greatest fury lasts about 12 hours. They commence in the south east, veer about to all points of the compass, are felt most severely below and seldom extend more than a few leagues above New Orleans. In their whole course they are marked with ruin and desolation. Until 1793, there had been none felt since the year 1780.

PASSES OR MOUTHS OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

About eight leagues below Plaquemines, the Mississippi divides itself into three channels, which are called the passes of the river viz, the East, South, and Southwest passes. Their course is from 5 to 6 leagues to the sea. Space between is a marsh with little or no timber on it, but from its situation, it may be rendered of importance. The East pass, which is on the left hand going down the river, is divided into two branches about two leagues below, viz. The Pass alaLoutre, and that known to mariners by the name of the Balize, at which there is a small blockhouse and some huts of the pilots, who reside only here. The first of these secondary channels contains at present but 8 feet of water; the latter from 14 to 16 according to the seasons. The South pass, which is directly in front of the Mississippi, has always been considered as entirely choaked up but has 10 feet of water. The South West pass, which is on the right, is the longest and narrowest of all the passes, and a few years ago had 18 feet water, and was that by which the large ships always entered and sailed from the Mississippi. It has now, but 8 feet water and will probably remain so for some time. In speaking of the quantity of water in the passes, it must be understood of what is on the bar of each pass; for immediately after passing the bar, which is very narrow, there are from 5 to 7 fathoms at all seasons.

COUNTRY EAST OF LAKE PONCHARTRAIN.

The country on the east side of Lake Ponchartrain to Mobile, and including the whole extent between the American line, the Mississippi above New Orleans and the lakes (with the exception of a tract of about 30 miles on the Mississippi, and as much square, contiguous to the line, and comprehending the waters of Thompson's Creek, Bayou Sara and the Ametj is poor thin soil, overgrown with pine, and contains no good land whatever, unless on the banks of a few small rivers. It would, however afford abundant supplies of pitch, tar, and pine lumber, and would feed large herds of cattle.

THE INHABITANTS AND THEIR ORIGIN.

The inhabitants of Louisiana are chiefly the descendants of the French and Canadians. There are a considerable number of English and Americans in New Orleans. The two German coasts are peopled by the descendants of settlers from Germany and a few French mixed with them. The three succeeding settlements up to Baton Rouge contains mostly Acadians, banished from Nova Scotia by the English and their descendants. The government of Baton Rouge, especially the east side, which includes all the country between the Iberville and the American line, is composed partly of Acadians, a very few French, and of a great majority of Americans. On the west side, they are mostly Acadians. At Point Coupee and Fausset river, they are French and Acadians. Of the population of the Atacapas and Opelousas, a a considerable part is American. Natchitoches, on the Red River contains but a few Americans, and the remainder of the inhabitants are French, but the former are more numerous in the other settlements on that river, viz. Avoyelles, Rapide, and Ouachita. At Arkansas, they are mostly French, and at New Madrid, Americans. At least this, if not a greater proportion of all the settlers on the Spanish side of the Mississippi, in Illinois country, are likewise supposed to be Americans. Below New Orleans, the population is altogether French, and the descendants of Frenchmen.

NEW ORLEANS.

By recurring to the maps and examining the position of Louisiana, it will appear that the lower part projects considerably into the sea. It has, in all probability, been formed by the sediment brought down by the current and deposited on the flat coast. There is, therefore, on the east side but a very narrow slip along the bank of the river, from the sea to the Iberville. The land is not generally susceptible to cultivation more than a mile in depth from the river. The rest is low and swampy to the lakes and the sea, but in general, abounds with cypress timber, which is sawed by mills, which are worked by artificial streams from the Mississippi in the time of freshes. They generally run five months in the year. What has been said of the east equally applies to the west side of the river. The soil and situation are nearly the same. After leaving the bank of the river, there is an immense swamp, intersected by creeks and lakes, extending to the high lands of Atacapas and occupying a space of thirty or forty leagues.

The city of New Orleans, which is regularly laid out on the east side of the Mississippi, in lat. 30, N. and long. 90, W. extends nearly a mile along the river, from the gate of France on the south to that of Chapitoulas above, and a little more than the id of a mile in breadth, from the river to the rampart, but it has an extensive suburb on the upper side. The houses in front of the town and for a square or two backward are mostly of brick, covered with slate or tile, and many of two stories. The remainder is of wood, covered With shingles. The streets cross each other at right angles and are 32 French feet wide. The squares between the intersections of the streets have a front of 300 French feet. There is in the middle of the front of the city a place d'armes facing which the church aid townhouse is built. There are from 12 to 1400 houses in the city and suburbs. The population may be estimated at 10,000, including the seamen and garrison. It was fortified in 1793, but the works were originally defective, could not have been defended, and are now in ruins. The powder magazine is on the opposite bank of the river.

The public buildings and other public property in New Orleans, are as follows:

Two very extensive brick stores, from 160 to 180 feet in length, and about 30 in breadth. They are one story high and covered with shingles.

A government house, stables and garden, occupying a front of about 220 feet on the river, in the middle of the town, and extending 336 feet back to the next street.

A military hospital, An ill built custom house of wood, almost in ruins, in the upper part of the city, near the river.

An extensive barrack in the lower part of the city, fronting on the river, and calculated to lodge 12 or 1400 men.

A large lot adjoining the king's stores, with a few sheds in it. It serves as a park for artillery.

A prison, town house, market house, assembly room, some ground rents, and the common about the town.

A public school for the rudiments of the Spanish language.

A Cathedral church unfinished, and some houses belonging to it.

A charitable hospital, with some houses belonging to it, and a revenue of 1500 dollars annually, endowed by an individual lately deceased.

The canal de Carondelet has been already described.

NUMBER OF INHABITANTS.

According to the annexed census, No. 2, of Louisiana, including Pensacola and the Natchez, as made in 1785, the whole number of inhabitants amounted to 32,062, of which 14,215 were free whites, 1,303 free people of color, and 16,544 slaves.

The statement, No. 3, from the latest documents, makes the whole number 42,375 — the free whites, 21,244 — the free people of color, 1,768 and the slaves, 12,920.

A particular statement respecting the population, &c. of Upper Louisiana, and another containing the census of New Orleans, in this year, are numbered 4 and 5 in the appendix.

These papers certainly exhibit a smaller number than the real population of the country. From an official document, made in July last, and received from Atacapas since the statement, No. 3, was formed, it appears that it contained 2,270 whites, 210 free people of color, 1,266 slaves, in all 3,746 souls, instead of 1,447, as therein stated. It is highly probable that the return for the neighboring district of Opelousas, is in the same proportion underrated.

A conjectural estimation made by a gentleman of great respectability and correct information, residing at Natchez, raises the number of whites in the island of New Orleans, on the west side of the river, and some settlements on the east side, j to 50,150, and the number of blacks to 39,820. His statement is also subjoined, No, 6.

It is at all times difficult to obtain the full census of a country, and the impediments are encreased in this from its scattered population. The actual enumeration may therefore fall short of the true numbers.

MILITIA.

There is a militia in Louisiana. The following is the return of it, made to the Court of Spain, by the Baron of Carondelet.

From Balize to the city; volunteers Militia. of the Mississippi — 4 companies of 100 men each — complete, 400

City — Battalion of the city, 5 companies, 500 Artillery company, with supernumeraries, 120 Carabineers, or privileged companies of horse, 2 companies of 70 each — incomplete, 100 Mulattoes, 2 companies ; negroes, 1 do, 300 Mixed legion of the Mississippi, comprehending Galveztown, Baton Rogue, Pointe Coupee, Atacapas, and Opelousas, viz. 2 companies of grenadiers, 8 do. of fusileers, 4 do. of dragoons, 2 do. lately added from Bayou Sara, 16 companies of 100 men each, 1600 Avoyelles, 1 company of infantry, 100 Oucheta, 1 do. of cavalry, 100 Natchitoches, 1 do. of infantry and 1 of cavalry, 200 Arkansas, 1 do. of infantry and cavalry, 100 Illinois, 4 do. of cavalry, 4 do of infantry, I piiment. Provincial regiment of Germans and Acadians, from the 1st German coast to Iberville, 10 companies, viz. 2 of grenadiers, 8 of fusileers, 5 Mobille and the country East of Lake Ponchartrain, 2 companies of horse and foot in complete, ... 120 5,440 The same gentleman alluded to, page 18, makes the number of the militia amount to 10,340 men within the same limits to which his estimate of the population applies. He distributes them in the several settlements, as follows :

1. The island of New Orleans, with the opposite margin and the adjacent settlements, 5,000

2. The west margin from Manchac, including Pointe Coupee, and extending to the Red river, 800

3. Atacapas, along the coast, between the Delta of the Mississippi and the river Sabine, 350

4. Opelousas, 750

5. Red river, including Bayou Boeuf, Avoyelles, Rapide, and Natchitoches, 1,000

6. Ouachita, 300

7. Concord, 40

8. Arkansas, 150

9. New Madrid and its vicinity, 350

10. Illinois and Missouri, 1,000

11. The settlements on the east side of the Mississippi, from the American line to the Iberville, and some other settlements, 600

It is to be observed, that none of these statements include the country beyond the river Sabine, nor even all those which lie eastwardly of it. Data are also wanting to give them.

FORTIFICATIONS.

St. Louis has a lieutenant colonel to command in it, and but few troops. Baton Rouge is an ill constructed fort, and has about 50 men. In describing the canal of Carondelet, the small fort of St. Jean has been mentioned, as has the block house at the Balizc in its proper place. The fortifications of New-Orleans, noticed before, consist of five ill constructed redoubts, with a covered way, palisade and ditch. The whole is going fast to decay, and it is supposed they would be of but little service, in case of an attack. Though the powder magazine is on the opposite side of the river, there is no sufficient provision made for its removal to the city, in case of need.

The fort of Plaquemines, which is about twelve or thirteen leagues from the sea, is an ill constructed, irregular brick work, on the eastern side of the Mississippi, with a ditch in front of the river, and protected on the lower side by a deep creek, flowing from the river to the sea. It is, however, imperfectly closed behind, and almost without defence there; too much reliance having been placed on the swampiness of the ground, which hardens daily. It might be taken, perhaps, by escalade, without difficulty. It is in a degree ruinous. The principal front is meant to defend the approach from the sea, and can oppose, at most, but eight heavy guns. It is built at a turn in the river, where ships in general must anchor, as the wind which brings them up so far is contrary in the next reach which they mostly work through ; and they would therefore be exposed to the fire of the fort. On the opposite bank are the ruins of a small closed redoubt, called Fort Bourbon, usually garrisoned by a Serjeant's command. Its fire was intended to Hank that of the Fort of Plaquemines, and prevent shipping and craft from ascending or descending on that side. When a vessel appears, a signal is made on one side, and answered on the other. Should she attempt to pass, without sending a boat on shore, she would be immediately fired upon.

INDIANS.

The Indian nations within the limits of Louisiana are as far known as follows, and consist of the numbers hereafter specified. On the eastern bank of the Mississippi, about 25 leagues above Orleans, the remains of the nation of Houmas, or Red Men, which do not exceed 60 persons. There are no other Indians settled on this side of the river either in Louisiana or West Florida, though they are at times frequented by parties of wandering Choctaws. On the west side of the Mississippi are the remains of the Tounicas settled near, and above Pointe Coupee on the river, consisting of fifty or sixty persons.

In the Atacapas. On the lower parts of the Bayou Teche at about eleven or twelve leagues from the sea are two villages of Chitimachas consisting of about hundred souls. The Atacapas, properly so called, dispersed throughout the district, and chiefly on the Bayou or creek of Vermilion, about one hundred souls. Wanderers of the tribes of Bilexis and Choctaws on Bayou Crocodile, which empties into the Teche, about fifty souls.

In the Opelousas to the JV. W. of Atacapas. Two villages of Alibamas in the centre of the district near the church, consisting of one hundred persons. Conchates dispersed through the country as far West as the river Sabinas and its neighborhood, about three hundred and fifty persons.

On the River Rouge. At Avoyelles, nineteen leagues from the Mississippi, is a village of the Biloni nation, and another on the lake of the Avoyelles, the whole about sixty souls. At the Rapide twenty-six leagues from the Mississippi is a village of Choctaws of one hundred souls, and another of Biloxes, about two leagues from it, of about one hundred more: About eight or nine leagues higher up the Red River is a village of about fifty souls. All these are occasion- ally employed by the settlers in their neighborhood as boatmen. About eighty leagues above Natchitoches on the Red River is the nation of the Cadoquies, called by abbreviation Cados; they can raise from three to four hundred warriors, are the friends of the whites and are esteemed the bravest and most generous of all the nations in this vast country; they are rapidly decreasing, owing to intemperance and the numbers annually destroyed by the Osages and Choctaws. There are, besides the foregoing, at least four to five hundred families of Choctaws, who are dispersed on the west side of the Mississippi, on the Ouacheta and Red Rivers, as far west as Natchitoches, and the whole nation would have emigrated across the Mississippi had it not been for the opposition of the Spaniards and the Indians on that side who had suffered by their aggressions.

On the River Arkansas, & Between the Red River and the Arkanzas there are but a few Indians the remains of tribes almost extinct. On this last river is the nation of the same name, consisting of about two hundred and sixty warriors, they are brave yet peaceable and well disposed, and have always been attached to the French and espoused their cause in their wars with the Chickasaws, whom they have always resisted with success. They live in three villages, the first is at eighteen leagues from the Mississippi on the Arkanzas river, and the others are at three and six leagues from the first. A scarcity of game on the eastern side of the Mississippi has lately induced a number of Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, & to frequent the neighborhood of Arkansas, where game is still in abundance: they have contracted marriages with the Arkansas, and seem inclined to make a permanent settlement and incorporate themselves with that nation. The number is unknown, but is considerable and is every day increasing. On the river St. Francis, in the neighborhood of New-Madrid, Cape Girardeau, Reviere a la Pomme, and the environs, are settled a number of vagabonds, emigrants from the Delawares, Shaw-nese, Miamis, Chickasaws, Cherokees, Piorias, and supposed to consist in all of five hundred families ; they are at times troublesome to the boats descending the river, and have even plundered some of them and committed a few murders. They are attached to liquor, seldom remain long in any place, many of them speak English, all understand it, and there are some who even read and write it. At St. Genevieve in the settlement among the whites are about thirty Piorias, Kaskaskias, and Ilinois, who seldom hunt for fear of the other Indians ; they are the remains of a nation which fifty sears ago could bring into the field one thousand two hundred warriors.

On the Missouri. On the Missouri and its waters are many and numerous nations, the best known of which are : The Osages, situated on the river of same name on the right bank of the Missouri at about eighty leagues from its confluence with it: they consist of one thousand Warriors, who live in two settlements at no great distance from each other. They are of a gigantic stature and well proportioned, are enemies of the whites and of all other Indian nations and commit depredations from the Ilinois to the Arkanzas. The trade of this nation is said to be under an exclusive grant. They are a cruel and ferocious race, and are hated and feared by all the other Indians. The confluence of the Osage river with the Missouri is about eight leagues from the Mississippi. Sixty leagues higher up the Missouri, and on the same bank, is the river Kansas, and on it the nation of the same name, but at about seventy or eighty leagues from its mouth. It consists of about two hundred and fifty warriors, who are as fierce and cruel as the Osages, and often molest and ill treat those who go to trade among them. Sixty leagues above the river Kanzas, and at abouttwohundred from the mouth of the Missouri, still on the right bank, is the Ri°oierre Platte, or Shallow River, remarkable for its quick-sands and bad navigation ; and near its confluence with the Missouri dwells the nation of Octolactos, commonly called Otos, consisting of about two hundred warriors, among whom are twenty-five or thirty of the nation of Missouri, who took refuge among them about twenty-five years since. Forty leagues up the River Platte you come to the nation of the Panis, composed of about seven hundred warriors in four neighboring villages ; they hunt but little, and are ill provided with fire arms : they often make war on the Spaniards in the neighborhood of Santa Fe, from which they are not far distant. At three hundred leagues from the Mississippi and one hundred from the Rher Platte on the same bank, are situated the villages of the Mahas. They consisted in 1799 of five hundred warriors, but are said to have been almost cut off last year by the small pox. At fifty leagues above the Mahas and on the left bank of the Missouri dwell the Poncas,to the number of two hundred and fifty warriors, possessing in common with the Mahas their language, ferocity, and vices. Their trade has never been of much value, and those engaged in it are exposed to pillage and ill treatment. At the distance of 450 leagues from the Mississippi, and on the right bank of the Missouri, dwell the Aricaras, to the number of 700 warriors, and 60 leagues above them, the Mandane nation consisting of about 700 warriors likewise. — These two last nations are well disposed to the whites, but have been the victims of the Sioux, or Nandowessies, who being themselves well provided with fire arms, have taken advantage of the defenceless situation of the others, and have on all occasions murdered them without mercy. No discoveries on the Missouri, beyond the Mandane nation, have been accurately detailed, though the traders have been informed, that many large navigable rivers discharge their waters into it, far above it, and that there are many numerous nations settled on them. The Sioux, or Mandowessies, who frequent the country between the north bank of the Missouri and Mississippi, are a great impediment to trade and navigation. They endeavor to prevent all communication with the nations dwelling high up the Missouri, to deprive them of ammunition and arms, and thus keep them subservient to themselves. In the winter they are chiefly on the banks of the Missouri and massacre all who fall into their hands. There are a number of nations at a distance from the banks of the Missouri, to the north and south, concerning whom but little information has been received. Returningtothe Mississippi and ascending it from the Missouri, about 75 leagues above the mouth of the latter, the River Moingona or Riviere de Moine enters the Mississippi on the west side, and on it are situated the Ayoas, a nation originally from the Missouri, speaking the language of the Otachatas : it consisted of 200 warriors, before the small pox lately raged among them. The Saes and Renards dwell on the Mississippi, about 300 leagues above St. Louis, and frequent ly trade with it — they live together, and consisted of 500 warriors — their chief trade is with Michilimakinac, and they have always been peaceable and friendly. The other nations on the Mississippi higher up, are but little known to us. The nations of the Missouri, though cruel, treacherous, and insolent, may doubtless be kept in order by the United Ststes, if proper regulations are adopted with respect to them. It is said that no treaties have been entered into by Spain with the Indian nations westward of the Mississippi, and that its treaties with the Creeks, Choctaws, &c. are in effect superceded by our treaty with that power of the 27th October, 1795.

OF LANDS AND TITLES.

The lands are held in some instances by grants from the crown, but mostly from the Colonial government. Perhaps not one quarter part of the lands granted in Louisiana are held by complete titles; and of the remainder a considerable part depends upon a written permission of a commandant. Not a small proportion is held by occupancy with a single verbal permission of the officer last mentioned. This practise has always been countenanced by the Spanish government, in order that poor men, when they found themselves a little at ease, might at their own conveniency apply for and obtain complete titles. In the mean time such imperfect rights were suffered by the government to descend by inheritance, and even to be transferred by private contract. When requisite, they have been seized by judicial authority, and sold for the payment of debts.

Until within a few years, the governor of Upper Louisiana was authorised to make surveys of any extent. In the exercise of this discretionary power, some abuses were committed; a few small monopolies were created. About three years ago, he was restricted in this branch of his duty; since which he has been only authorised to make surveys to emigrants in the following manner: Two hundred acres for each man and wife, fifty acres for each child, and twenty acres for each slave. Hence the quantity of land allowed to settlers depended on the number in each family; and for this quantity of land they paid no more than the expense of survey. These surveys were necessary to entitle the settlers to grants; and the governor, and after him the Intendant at New-Orleans, was alone authorised to execute grants on the receipt of the surveys from the settlers. The administration of the land office is at present under the care of the Intendant of the province. There are no feudal rights nor noblesse. It is impossible to ascertain the quantity of lands granted, without calling on the claimants to exhibit their titles; the registry being incomplete and the maps made by the different surveyors general having been burnt in the fires of New-Orleans of 1788 and 1794. No estimate has been obtained.

All the lands on both sides of the Mississippi, from the distance of sixteen leagues below New-Orleans to Baton Rouge, are granted to the depth of forty acres, or near half a league, which is the usual depth of all grants. Some have double and triple grants, — that is to say, they have twice or thrice forty acres in depth; and others have grants extending from the Mississippi to the sea or the lakes behind them. In other parts of the country the people, being generally settled on the banks of creeks or rivers, have a front of from six to forty acres, and the grant almost invariably expresses a depth of forty acres. All the lands ungranted in the island of New Orleans or on the opposite bank of the Mississippi, are sunken, inundated, and at present unfit for cultivation; but may, in part, be reclaimed at a future day by efforts of the rich and enterprizing.

CULTIVATION OF SUGAR.

The sugar-cane may be cultivated between the river Iberville and the city, on both sides of the river, and as far back as the swamps. Below the city, however, the lands decline so rapidly that beyond fifteen miles the soil is not well adapted to it. Above the Iberville the cane would be affected by the cold, and its produce would therefore be uncertain. Within these limits the best planters admit that one quarter of the cultivated lands of any considerable plantation may be planted in cane, one quarter left in pasture, and the remaining half employed for provisions, &. and a reserve for a change of crops. One Parisian Arpent of one hundred and eighty feet square may be expected to produce, on an average, twelve hundred weight of sugar, and fifty gallons of rum.

From the above data, admitting that both sides of the river are planted for ninety miles in extent and about three-fourths of a mile in depth, it will result that the annual product may amount in round numbers, to twenty-five thousand hogsheads of sugar, with twelve thousand puncheons of rum. Enterprising young planters say that one-third, or even one-half of the arable land might be planted in cane. It may also be remarked that a regular supply of provisions from above, at a moderate price, would enable the planter to give his attention to a greater body of land cultivated with cane. The whole of these lands, as may be supposed, are granted; but in the Atacapas country, there is undoubtedly a portion, parallel to the sea coast, fit for the culture of the sugar cane. There vacant lands are to be found, but the proportion is at present unknown.

In the above remarks the lands at Terre aux boeuf, on the Fourche, Bayou St. Jean and other inlets of the Mississippi, south of the latitude supposed to divide those which are fit, from those which are unfit, for the cultivation of the cane, have been entirely kept out of view. Including these and taking one-third instead of one-fourth of the lands fit for sugar, the produce of the whole would be fifty thousand, instead of twenty-five thousand hogsheads of sugar. The following quantities of sugar, brown, clayed and refined, have been imported into the United States, from Louisiana and the Floridas, viz.

In 1799 - - 773,542 lb. 1800 - - 1,560,865 1801 - - 967,619 1802 - - 1,576,935

STOPPED HERE Above OF THE LAWS p.32

OF THE LAWS.

When the country was first ceded to Spain, she preserved many of the French regulations, but by almost imperceptible degrees they have disappeared, and at present the province is governed entirely by the laws of Spain, and the ordinances formed expressly for the colony. Various ordinances promulgated by general O'Reilly, its first governor under Spain, as well as some other laws, are translated, and annexed in the appendix, No. 1.

COURTS OF JUSTICE.

The governor's court has a civil and military jurisdiction throughout the province. That of the lieutenant governor has the same extent in civil cases only. There are two alcaldes, whose jurisdiction, civil and criminal, extends through the city of New-Orleans and 5 leagues around it, where the parties have no fuero militar or military privilege; those who have can transfer their causes to the governor. The tribunal of the Intendant has cognizance of admiralty and fiscal causes, and such suits as are brought for the recovery of money in the king's name or against him. The tribunal of the Alcalde Provincial has cognizance of criminal causes, where offences are committed in the country, or when the criminal takes refuge there, and in other specified cases. The ecclesiastical tribunal has jurisdiction in all matters respecting the church. The governor, lieutenant governor, Alcaldes, Intendant, Provincial Alcalde, and the Provisor in ecclesiastical causes, are respectively sole judges. All sentences affecting the life of the culprit, except those of the Alcalde Provincial, must be ratified by the superior tribunal, or captain general, according to the nature of the cause, before they are carried into execution. The governor has not the power of pardoning criminals. An auditor and an assessor, who are doctors of law, are appointed to give counsel to those judges ; but for some time past there has been no assessor. If the judges do not consult those officers or do not follow their opinions, they make themselves responsible for their decisions. The commandants of districts have also a species of judicial power. They hear and determine all pecuniary causes not exceeding the value of one hundred dollars. When the suit is for a larger sum, they commence the process, collect the proofs and remit the whole to the governor, to be decided by the proper tribunal. They can inflict no corporal punishment except upon slaves; but they have the power of arresting and imprisoning when they think it necessary; advice of which and their reasons must be transmitted to the governor.

Small suits are determined in a summary way by hearing both parties viva voce ; but in suits of greater magnitude the proceedings are carried on by petition and reply, replication and rejoinder, reiterated until the auditor thinks they have nothing new to say. Then all the proofs either party chooses to adduce are taken before the keeper of the records of the court, who is always a notary public.

The parties have now an opportunity of making their remarks upon the evidence by way of petition, and of bringing forward opposing proofs. When the auditor considers the cause as mature, he issues his decree, which receives its binding force from the governor's signature, where the cause depends before him.

There is an appeal to Havanna, if applied for within five days after the date of the decree, in causes above a certain value. An ulterior appeal lies to the Audience which formerly sat at St. Domingo, but which is now removed to some part of Cuba, and from thence to the council of the Indies in Spain.

Suits are of various durations. In pecuniary matters the laws encourage summary proceedings. An execution may be had on a bond in four days and in the same space on a note of hand after the party acknowleges it, or after his signature is proved. Moveable property is sold after giving nine days warning, provided it be three times publicly cried in that interval. Landed property must be likewise cried three times, with an interval of nine days between each, and it may then be sold. All property taken in execution must be appraised and sold for at least half of the appraisement. In pecuniary matters the governors decide verbally without appeal, when the sum does not exceed one hundred dollars. The Alcades have the same privilege when the amount is not above twenty dollars.

In addition to these courts, fours years ago there were established four Alcades de Barrio, or petty magistrates, one for each of the four quarters of the city, with a view to improve its police. They hear and decide all demands not exceeding ten dollars, exercise the power of committing to prison, and in case of robbery, riot, or assassination, they can, by calling on a notary, take cognizance of the affair ; but when this is done they are bound to remit the proceedings to some of the other judges, and in all caes whatever, to give them information when they have committed any person to prison.

Most of the suits are on personal contracts, rights to dower, inheritances, and titles to land. Those arising from personal quarrels are generally decided in a summary way. The inhabitants are said not to be litigious.

AWYERS AND COSTS OF THE COURTS AND THEIR OFFICERS.

The number of lawyers is small, not exceeding three or four attornies. Their fees are small. Suits are carried on in writings called escritos, which may be drawn up by the parties themselves, if they lease,but they must be presented by the escribano or notary who is the keeper of the records of the court.

The fees of the judges are twenty-five cents for every half signature or flourish (which is usually affixed on common occasions,) fifty cents for every whole signature, and two dollars and three fourths for every attendance, as at a sale or the taking of evidence. The fees of the Abogado, or person consulted by the judges on law points, are twelve and a half cents for every leaf of which the process consists, and four dollars for every point of law cited. Those of the attorney, when employed, are sixty- two and a half cents for a simple petition or escrito, but if it should be necessary to read a process in order to form his petition, and it should require much time and labor, he is compensated in proportion, besides twelve and a half cents per leaf for perusing the papers. For attendance on any business he is allowed one dollar and fifty cents for the Assistance of two and an half hours. The notary has fifty cents for each decree or order of the judge, twenty-five cents for a notification in his office, and fifty cents for one out of it, but within the city ; one dollar and seven-eighths for every attendance of two and an half hours on business, and twenty-five cents additional for every leaf of paper written by him.

A councellor or two have sometimes resided at New Orleans, butbeing generally found obnoxious to the officers of the government, they have not continued there. The counsellor values his own services and in general exacts large sums. The attorney generally receives from the party who employs him, more than is allowed by law.

In cases of petty crimes, the cognizance of the proper court may be said to be final and without appeal ; and most commonly such causes are decided in a summary way. With respect to crimes of deeper dye more solemnity is used. A person skilled in the laws is always nominated by the court to defend the accused. The trial is not public ; but examinations and depositions in writing are taken privately by the auditor at the time most convenient to himself, at which nevertheless the counsel of the accused is admitted to be present. He has also every kind of privilege granted to him in making his defence. Such suits

Crimes of great atrocity are very rare. Murder by stabbing seems to be confined to the Spanish soldiers and sailors. The terror of the magistrate's power restrains assaults, batteries, riots, &c.

Punishments are generally mild. They mostly consist of imprisonment and payment of costs, sometimes the stocks. White men, not military, are rarely, perhaps never degraded by whipping ; and in no case do any fines go into the public treasury. Murder, arson and aggravated robbery of the king's treasury or effects, are punished with death. Robbery of private persons to any amount is never punished with death, but by restitution, imprisonment, and sometimes enormous costs. — Crimes against the king's revenue, such as contraband trade, are punished with hard labor for life, or a term of years, on board the gallies, in the mines, or on the public works.

LEARNING.

There are no colleges, and but one public school, which is at New Orleans. The masters of this are paid by the king. They teach the Spanish language only. There are a few private schools for children. Not more than half of the inhabitants are supposed to be able to read and write, of whom not more than two hundred perhaps are able to do it well. In general the learning of the inhabitants does not extend beyond those two arts ; though they seem to be endowed with a good natural genius, and an uncommon facility of learning whatever they undertake.

THE CHURCH.

The clergy consists of a bishop, who does not reside in the province, and whose salary of four thousand dollars is charged on the revenue of certain bishopricks in Mexico and Cuba ; two canons having each a salary of six hundred dollars, and twenty-five curates, five for the city of New-Orleans, and twenty for as many country parishes, who receive each from three hundred and sixty to four hundred and eighty dollars a year. Those salaries, except that of the bishop, together with an allowance for sacristans and chapel expenses, are paid by the treasury at New Orleans, and amount annually to thirteen thousand dollars.

There is also at that place a convent of Ursulines to which is attached about a thousand acres of land, rented out in three plantations. The nuns are now in number not more than ten or twelve, and are all French. There were formerly about the same number of Spanish ladies belonging to the order ; but they retired to Havanna during the period when it was expected that the province would be transferred to France. The remaining nuns receive young ladies as boarders and instruct them in reading, writing, and needle-work. They have always acted with great propriety, and are generally respected and beloved throughout the province. With the assistance of an annual allowance of six hundred dollars from the treasury, they always support and educate twelve female orphans.

OF THE OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT.

The officers who are merely judicial, have been already mentioned, and therefore some of them will be altogether omitted in this place. The executive officers appointed by the governor, for each division of the province, and called Commandants, are generally taken from the army, or the militia. When the settlement is small, some respectable character is appointed to the civil command, and the militia officer has the direction of military matters. Where there is a garrison, the commandant is sub-delegate of the Intendant, and draws upon him for all expenses incurred. In that case he has the charge of all matters relating to the revenue within his district.

The duty of commandants is to superintend the police, preserve the peace of the district, examine the passports of travellers, and to suffer no strangers to settle within the limits of their command, without regular leave obtained from government. They are to prevent smuggling, to certify that all lands, petitioned for by the inhabitants, are vacant before they are granted, and when required, put the owner in possession. They are besides notaries public, and in their offices it is necessary to register all sales of lands and slaves and even to make the contracts for those purposes, before them. They act as sheriffs, levy executions on property, attend and certify the sale, and collect the proceeds. They also take inventories of the property of intestates. By an ordnance of baron Carondelet, Syndics are established every three leagues, who are subordinate to the commandant, decide small causes, and have the police of roads, levies, travellers, and negroes.

The officers of the general government are the following : Beside his judicial power, the Governor is chief of the army and militia, and the head of the civil government. He is also president of the Cabildo, or Provincial Council. He appoints and removes at pleasure the commandants of districts. He appoints the officers of the militia, who are nevertheless commissioned by the king, and he recommends military officers for preferment. He is superintendant of Indian affairs. He promulgates ordinances for the good government and improvement of the province; but he has no power to assess taxes upon the inhabitants without their consent. Until the year 1798 he possessed the sole power of granting lands, but it then passed into the hands of the Intendant.

The Cabildo is an hereditary council of twelve, chosen originally from the most wealthy and respectable families. The governor presides over their meetings. Their office is very honorable, but it is acquired by purchase. They have a right to repre- sent, and even remonstrate to the governor, in respect to the interior government of the Province. The police of the city is under their control and direction. In it they regulate the admission of physicians and surgeons to practice. Two members of the Cabildo serve by turn monthly, and take upon themselves the immediate superintendance of markets, bakers, streets, bridges, and the general police of the city. This council distributes among its members several important offices, such as Alguazil Mayor, or High Sheriff, Alcalde Provincial, Procureur General, &c. The last mentioned is a very important charge. The person who holds it is not merely the king's attorney, but an officer peculiar to the civil law. He does not always prosecute ; but alter conviction he indicates the punishment annexed by law to the crime, and which may be, and is mitigated by the court. Like the chancellor in the English system, he is the curator and protector of orphans, &c. and finally, he is the expounder of the the defender of the priviledges belonging to town, province or colony, and the accuser of every public officer that infringes them.

The Cabildo is also vested with a species of judicial authority, for which, and for a further elucidation of its constitution, and the functions of the officers springing from it, see the Appendix No. I.

The Intendant is chief of the departments of finance and commerce, and exercises the judicial powers already mentioned. He is entirely independent of the governor, and no public monies can be issued without his express order. The land office is under his direction.

The Contador, Treasurer and Interventor, are officers subordinate to the Intendant. The first has four clerks under him, and keeps all accounts and documents respecting the receipt and expenditure of the revenue, and is therefore a check upon the Intendant. The treasurer is properly no more than a cashier, and is allowed one clerk. The Interventor superintends all public purchases, and bargains. The Administrador is also subordinate to the Intendant, and with a number of inferior officers, manages every thing respecting the custom house. Every clerk in these offices receives his commission from the king. The Auditor is the king's counsel, who is to furnish the governor with legal advice in all cases of judicial proceedings, whether civil or military. The Assessor's functions are similar to those of the Auditor, and are properly applicable to the Intendant' s department. Both of the officers last mentioned are also the counsellors of some of the other tribunals, as before intimated. A Secretary of the government and another of the Intendency. A Surveyor General. A Harbor Master. A Store Keeper, who takes charge of all public moveable property. An Interpreter of the French and Spanish languages, and a number of other inferior officers. All appointments in the province with a salary of more than thirty dollars per month are made by the king, and most of those with a lower salary by the Governor or Intendant as belongs to their respective departments. There are no officers chosen by the people. The salaries and perquisites of the principal offi- cers are as follow : Governor annually, 6,000 p. salary 2,000 p. perquisites Intendant, 4,000 none Auditor, 2,000 2,000 Contador, 2,000 none Assessor, 1,200 1,000 Treasurer, 1,200 none Administrador, 1,200 none Secretary of government, 600 2,000 The commandants of districts receive each 100 dollars from the king annually, unless they are possessed of a military employment or pension.

TAXES AND DUTIES.

Instead of paying local taxes, each inhabitant is bound to make and repair roads, bridges, and embankments through his own land. A duty of six per cent, is payable at the custom house, on the transfer of shipping. It is ascertained upon the sum, the buyer and seller declare to be the real consideration. As no oath is required from either, they seldom report more than half the price. The following taxes are also payable in the Province. Two per cent, on legacies and inheritances, coming from collaterals and exceeding 2,000 dollars. Four per cent, on legacies, given to persons who are not relatives of the testator. A tax on civil employments, the salaries of which exceed 300 dollars annually, called media annata, amounting to half of the first year's salary. By certain officers, it is to be paid in two annual instalments, and by others in four. The first person appointed to a newly created office pays nothing, but the tax is levied on all who succeed him. Seven dollars is deducted from the sum of 20 paid as pilotage by every vessel entering or leaving the Mississippi ; but the treasury provides the boats, and pays the salary of the pilots and sailors employed at the Balize. The remainder of the 20 dollars is thus distributed: — To the head pilot 4 — to the pilot who is in the vessel 4, and 5 to the crew of the row boat, that goes out to put the pilot on board, or take him ashore. A tax of 40 dollars per annum for licences to sell liquors. A tax on certain places when sold, such as those of Regidor, Notary, Attorney, &c. But the principal tax is that of 6 per cent, levied on all imports and exports, according to a low Tariff. The proceeds of which nett about 120.000 dollars, whilst all the other taxes are said not to yield more than 5 or 6 thousand dollars annually.

EXPENSES AND DEBT.

The expenses of the present government, comprehending the pay and support of the regiment of Louisiana, part ot a battalion of the regiment of Mexico, a company of dragoons, and one of artillery, which form the garrison of the country, including Mobille; the repairs of public buildings and fortifications ; the maintenance of a few gallies to convey troops and stores throughout the province; Indian presents and salaries of officers, clergy, and persons employed for public purposes, amount to about 650,000 dollars. A sum in specie, which does not generally exceed 400,000 dollars, is annually sent from Vera Cruz ; but this, together with the amount of duties and taxes collected in the province, leaves usually a deficiency of one hundred or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, for which certificates are issued to the persons who may have furnished supplies, or to officers and workmen for their salaries. Hence a debt has accumulated, which it is uaid, amounts at present to about 450,000 dollars. It bears no interest, and is now depreciated 3 ) per cent. The latter circumstance has taken place not from want of confidence in the eventual payment of the certificates ; but from the uncertainty of the time when, and the want and general value of specie. The whole of this debt is said to be due to the inhabitants, and to American residents. It would have been long since paid oif, but for a diversion of the funds, destined for that purpose, to different and external objects.

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.

The productions of Louisiana are — sugar, cotton, indigo, rice, furs, and peltry, lumber, tar, pitch, lead, flour, horses, and cattle. Population alone is wanting to multiply them to an astonishing degree. The soil is fertile, the climate salubrious, and the means of communication between most parts of the province certain, and by water. The following has been received as a sketch of the present exports of Louisiana, viz. Dollars. 20,000 bales of cotton, } of 3 cwt. each, at 20 > 1,344,000 increasing. cents per lb. ) 45,000 casks of sugar, } 10 cwt. each, at 6 V 302,400 ditto. cents per lb. } 800 do. molasses, 100 7 gallons each. $ 32 > 000 dltto ' Indigo, i. - 100,000 ? diminishing & 5 rapidly. Peltry, - - 200,000 Lumber, - - 80,000 Lead, corn, horses, and cattle, uncertain, All other articles, suppose 100,000 2,158,000 According to official returns in the Treasury of the United States, there were imported into our territory from Louisiana and the Floridas, merchandise to the following amounts, in the several years prefixed : Dollars. In 1799 to the value of 507,132 1800 - - 904,322 1801 - - 956,635 1802 - - 1,006,214 According to the same authority, which makes the total of the exports to amount to 2,158,000 dollars, the imports, in merchandise, plantation utensils, slaves, he. amount to two and an half millions, the difference being made up by the mo- ney introduced by the government, to pay the expenses of governing and protecting the colony. According to the returns in the Treasury of the United States, exports have been made to Loui- siana and the Floridas, to the following amount in the years prefixed : In 1799 to the value of 3,056,268 in foreign articles. 447,824 in domestic do. Dollars, 3,504,092 \ 1,795,127 in foreign articles, 240,662 in domestic do. Dollars, 2,035,789 T irhi C 1,770.794 in foreign articles. In 1801 - < j 37^204 in domestic do. Dollars, 1,907,998 T qao S 1j054,600 in foreign articles. in 180^2 - £ 170,110 in domestic do. Dollars, 1,224,710

It is to be observed that if the total of the imports and exports into and from these provinces of which the two Floridas are but a very unimportant part, with respect to both) be as above supposed, viz. Imports, - 2,500,000 dollars Exports, - 2,158,000 Making together - 4,658,000 The duty of six per cent, ought alone to produce the gross sum of two hundred seventy-nine thou- sand four hundred and eighty dollars, and that the difference between that sum and its actual nett produce, arises partly from the imperfect tariff by which the value of merchandise is ascer- tained, but principally from the smuggling, which is openly countenanced by most of the revenue officers.

MANUFACTURES.

There are but few domestic manufactures. The Acadians manufacture a little cotton into quilts and cottonades ; and in the remote parts of the pro. vince, the poorer planters spin and weave some negro cloths of cotton and wool mixed. There is one machine for spinning cotton in the parish of Iberville, and another in the Opelousas ; but they do little or nothing. In the city, besides the trades which are absolutely necessary, there is a consi- derable manufacture of cordage, and some small ones of shot and hair powder. There are likewise in, and within a few leagues of the town, twelve distilleries for making taffia, which are said to distil annually a very considerable quantity ; and one sugar refinery, said to make about 200,000 lbs. of loaf sugar.

NAVIGATION EMPLOYED IN THE TRADE OF THE PROVINCE.

In the year 1802 there entered the Mississippi two hundred and sixty-eight vessels of all descriptions, eighteen of which were public armed vessels, and the remainder merchantmen, as follows: viz, French, American, and Spanish Ships. 48 14 Brigs, 63 17 Polacres, - 4 Schooners, 50 61 Sloops, 9 1 Total, 170 97 Of the number of American vessels, twenty- three ships, twenty-five brigs, nineteen schooners, and five sloops came in ballast, the remainder were wholly, or in part laden. Five Spanish ships and seven schooners came m ballast. The united tonnage of all the shipping.

Notes

  1. Capuchin A Catholic friar.


Text prepared by:



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Source

Cable, George Washington. "Posson Jone'" and Père Raphaël: With a New Word Setting Forth How and Why the Two Tales Are One. Illus. Stanley M. Arthurs. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1909. Google Books. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://books. google.com/books?id=bzhLAAAAIAAJ>.

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