Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1860-01-07
New Orleans Correspondence.
New ORLEANS, Dec. 25, Is

knew this; Greece was not un'n'ndful oil IL
al The nations that best understood the econ.
omy Of the human heart ever had fortunate
experience Of it.
Whence ON it that the noble example
wants emulators among us:-that the shades
Of our most excellent citizens wander about
without eulogium?
Praise is the natural ailmert Of genius, and
though unheeded by the Wondering ashes OF
the departed, yet it at least encourages the
imitator of their great and glorious deeds.
Th. public benefactor does not descend
wholly into the tomb, but in his noble acts
erects for himself a trophy which neither the
ravayes OF time can deface, nor the mists OF
oblivion obscure. ..f
Among the public benefactors of Louisiana,
the names and deeds OF Don Almonaster OF
Roxas, and JULIEN P~oypKAs, stand preemi-
nent there are others who deserve, and who
il is hoped will obtain most honorable notice
in the annals of your Historical Society,"" a
section Of which, should properly be devoted
to the biographical department.
JULIEN PoYpRAs was a native Of the an
cient commercial city Of Nantes situated on
the river Loire, department Of Brittany
Nantes was a Celtic town of considerable I'M
p~ortauce at the time of the Roman invasion
of Gaul under Caesar; aud in more modern
times has been rendered famous by the cele-
brated edict, bearing its name, issued by
Henry Nv, granting federation Of opinion in
all matters religious or political, and which
edict was revoked by Louis XIV.
At an early age, Mr.. PoyDRAs followed the
sea-faring life, and was a sailor in the French
fleet under command OF Count de Rocham-
baud. which cooperated SO effectualIy in that
glorious and decisive event Of the American
Revolution-the Siege of York. and capture
Of CORVALLIS and his forces.
During the siege Mr.. PoyDRAs was severe
ly wounded, and did not rejoin the fleet in
its departure. After remaining some time in
Philadelphia, he crossed over to Fort Pitt,
Pittsburgh thence descended the Ohio and
Mississippi to New Orleans, where he found
himself among strangers and without resour-
ces. By hard labor and careful saving he
managed to obtain a small quantity Of mer-
chandize. which he packed up, and placing
upon his shoulders, sailed forth to try his
fortune as dry goods pedler. =
The weather was hot recent rains had
made the roads muddy, and the soil being
tenacious and slippery when wet, travelling
on foot was very laborious.
He used to saw that this first sortie from
the city was one of the most trying and
disheartening periods Of his life, and before
he had gone six miles Of his journey, was
more than once tempted to throw himself
with his pack into the tu,bid waters OF the
Mississippi.
In this state of mind, with the burning
rays of a midday sun pouring down upon
him, at the distance of some three or four
leagues from New Orleans, he entered the
house ola planter, where he spread out his
little stock Of merchandise for examination.
They bought Of him a few tridng objects.
With a heavy heart he picked up his burden
to renew his sad and lonely journey. As he
was about to depart, the planter told him
that dinner was nearly ready, and as the
weather was threatening, he had better
proceed no further that evening. The poor
pedlar accepted the generous invitation with
much embarrassment. At the table he was |
seated beside the planter, whose kind and
fami lar treatment placed him at ease. The
fare was excellent the wine of the real old
Bordeaux brand, to which he was beautifully |
assisted. Before dinner was over the storm
approached, and the ram poured down in
torrents.
You will remain here tonight" said the
land when you have refreshed
yourself with sleep. and breakfasted, you will
proceed more cheerfully upon your route.
You must accustom yourself by degrees to
the fatigue of traveling.n
Thu young man returned thanks more by
looks than words, SO much were his feelings
overcome by such kindness and hospitality !
from a stranger. When he had retired to
his well furnished and elegant chamber, he
his feelings with tears of Joy and
"Ah!' said he, then the position Of a
pedlar does not degrade one in the estimation
of those who hold the first rank and position
in the colony. l will no longer feel my con
to be humiliating. From this time
labor and fatigue will become pleas
ant to me-"
That night he slept sweetly-tranquilly
and the next morning, thanking his generous
host, took up his pack, which seemed to have
lost its weight, and proceeded joyfuIly on his