The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-11-29

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. IA, 1850.
Tie Coast of LoIis,ana--h Ito appearance Glimpses
of the Sugar PLanfations--Neo Ortea~s-Fvst
Municipality and ats Ant,qw Appsaronce-Co''-
fusion of Tongues improvements by the Conn-
tess Cont~iba-- all Room of the 81. LOUIS
Second and Third Msnic,p aiitiss-Businsss Of
the Ctty--PWblic BnildimgS- Saloons, &c
According to my promise, commence a series
of letters from such cities Of the South as may De
able to visit, previous To commencing my journey
across the Rocky mountains.
After a short and pleasant voyage OF ten days, in
the elegant ship Caroline c. Dow, was gratifed
with the first glimpse vt the Louisiana coast, al
though seen amid dense fog, which, for several
DAYS has enveloped the many -mouthed Mississippi
and adjacent parts OF the gulf Its appearance is
striking, from the absence of any prominent fea-
ture, until the formations from the detrital matter
deposited by the nvor are passed. Then marshes,
of almost boundless extent. covered with tall grass
and reeds, begin to give variety TO the view; and,
after progressing few miles further. clusters OF
live oaks, hung with thick moss, may be seen,
giving a sombre ano funeral appearance to the
prospect. To one thrown suddenly, as the journey
by the sea makes IT seem, nom the mountainous
scenery OF the North. the contrast Is great, and
awakens new and pleAsurabie emotions; but the
scene is soon changed IN passing from the low, I'M
cultivated lands 10 the plan aons, with their low,
yet comfortable mansions, surrounded with orange
and loaded with rich gOijeu fruit The dwellings
of the planters are usually constructed with
verandah each side, ami more for the comfort
OF their occupants Than cstentation Large nelds
of green sugar cane ukuY OF and beautiful beyond
description, Do. ID duration one feels, thus
introduced 10 the "Sunny south"
New Orleans Is truly " u tast-lving" city, with
its full share OF the comforts and refined elegance
of this age and country. Each of its three NUM-
cpelities presents distinct aud characteristic ap-
pesranee. The hrst seems IKE antiquated splen-
int c,f 81. Man oF tho
old buildings, the hrs. IN gnihcence, at the incl
ptncy of the city, ale si standing, and their low,
projecting roofs, covered with heavy moss-grown
tiles, make them appear like aDtediluvian relics.
Here, too, Is strange confusion IF tongues, for il
would be difficult TO tell whether the v0lubility of
Z" the French" or the digniy of " the Spanish"
with occasional sp'clres OF English, constitute
the main features at the languages spoken In this
part OF the city Various improvements have
been made in the hrsi usicipaity, by the cree
ton of several elegant blocks of buildings on the
grounds owned by The Countess Contalba. They
are situated on The east and west sides Of the
beautiful square fronting The old cathedral, one of
the Oldest and mot Wugnlhcent buildings In the
South. might hi severed columns with incidents
given me in relatioa 60 his Cathedral, Place
D'armes, Municipal Hail, French Opera House,
and other public bni.d nls, that bear the marks of
the old French regime, bat omit them for some
future occasion
The finest massive looking building "of the
olden time" is the - Louis Hotel and Exchange.
II contains the most CANT bill room in the city,
dor Several hundred couple can occupy the floor
at the same time, aud the intricate maZes of the
dance, Tefie cted in every direction by the mirrors
which serve as walls to the room, il is said make
IL seem as il the euIce tishon of the world had
concentrated Its Iun IN this princely hall.
The Second and rhlrd cipalities appear more
like a modern city, ntd with "live Yankees"
Just passing from v,tdancy into the maturity of
''fast living F" DOripg business hours may be seen
the usual activity ard hustle OF an enterprising
commercial CITY, w,.h resources sufficient to COM
mand all the capitol 4rd euterpnse that can be ap
Piled. No one can form an estimate of the extent
OF the New Orleans market, and the large amount
Of the staple prodL CHS at tn country brought here
10 be distributed Ia every Iou IN the world As
the resources of The great western valleys and the
new States become developed, this market must
he IncreHseo-events "a sure occur that no one
dare predict the future growth and importance Of
the Southern metropolis
The new public bulldogs sre on d scale of splen-
dor and msgnihcrncs that closely rival the no
best cities OF The Norm The new custom house,
now in process 81 'rectioa, occupies a whole
square, and Is being built OF Quincy granite and
when completed viii Tee the irgest and most sub
siaDtsl building on he continent, occupied il the
collection Of the revenues ~ the cOuutry.
The Second Mun,olpslty III nearly completed,
ts built OF ltalien marble, ius stge OF architecture
unsurpassed for the trouy OF its proportions and
classic elegance II looks II built for eternity,
and even sun asses IT, external appearance ia the
coDvt nience Of lie internal arrangements. Its Sc
yeTsl court rooms are iare- aud timely ventilated,
While the public Offices and large lecture and Ii.
brary rooms are wisely sda pied 10 the wants of a
great city.
The principal hotels ~ the city are on a most
extensive scae OF m endccnce, end conducted
with great skill in p-n,iSInc for the wants OF man.
violating the poets lesson. that Re
wants bat little here below"
The St Charles and Vsr8ndsh have a world
wide reputation, and they 10th msrit all the praise
bestowed ulon tbeu.
The coffee Touus, ~r. rs they would be
called in New York. drinking saloons" are
scarcely equelled IN OImsus uns aud spcRdor. They
are extensively psJrouis,d. 100. Tor large proper
ton 81 the housapds ~ bachelors ia the city live
a. these places, AID he Very social character OF
the enufe community NV hem a support that
would bring out aua brui4 from every pulpit, were
IT. ATTEMPTED AZ the NoHh. bot Il would avail a
Puritsnicsl clergy lDt hni- O" interfere with such
habits IN this city, Hs Ihf New Orieanois are open,
pleasure LOVING. hO.ii- flr. aGd universally raise
The note GpH rIrjruf uranus.
TONRELooA.