The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1860-01-18
Julien Poydras.

~ S0AAVA AVy IA 100
The New Orleans correspondent of the Baton
Rouge Sugar Planter, gives the annexed sketch Of
the early life Of benefactor TO the city:
JuIiES PoYDRAs was native Of the ancient
commercial city Of Nantes situated on the river
Loire, department Of Brittany. Nantes was 3
Celtic town Of considerable importance at the time
Of the Roman invasion Of Gaul under Caesar; and
in more modern times has been rendered famous
by the celebrated edict, bearing isname, issued by
Henry Nv, granting liberation Of opinion in all
matters religious or political. and which edct was
revoked by Lousis XIV.
At an early age, Mr.. Poydras followed the sea.
faring life, and was sailor in the French feet
under command Of Count de Rochambaud; which
co.operated SO enectually 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 severely
wounded and did not rejoin the feet in it's depart
ure. After remaining some time in Philadelphia,
he crossed over to Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh; thence
desceDded the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans,
where he found himseg among strangers and with
out resources. BY hard labor and careful saving
he marage,! to obtain q small quantity Of mer-
chandize, which he packed up, and placing upon
his shoulders, sailed forth to try bis fortune as
dry goods peddlar.
The weather was hot; the recent rains had made
the roads muddy, and tie soil being tenacious and
slincery when wet, travelling on foot was very
laboriops.
He used 70 say that this frst sotie from the city
Was one of the most trssag 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 turbid
waters Of the Mississippi.
In this state Of mind, with the burning rays OF
a mid day sun pouring down upon him, at the dis
lance of some. three or four leagues from New
Orleans, he entered the house Of q planter, where
he spread out his little stock Of merchandise fce
examination. They bought Of him few trifiing
objects. With heavy heart he picked up hts
burden to renew his sad and lonely journey. As
he was about to depart, the planter told him that
dinner was nearly ready, and that as the weather
was threatening, he had better proceed no further
that evening. The poor peddiar accepted the
generous invitation with much embarrassment
Al the table he Was seated beside the planter whose
kind and familiar treatment placed him at ease
The fare was excellent; the wine OF the real Ole
Bordeaux brand, to which his he was bountlfully
assisted. Before dinner was over the st0Im ap
preached, and the rain poured down in torrents.
"You will remain here tonight" said the plan
Ter, "and when you have refreshed yourself with
sleep, and breakfasted, you will proceed mere
,,cheerfully upon your route. You must accuston
yourself by degrees to the fatigue Of travelling"
/ The young man returned thanks more by look
than words so much were his feelings overcome b.
such kindness and hospitality from stranger
When he had retired to his well furnished ant
elegant chamber, he relieved his feelings with tear
Of JOY and thankfulness.
| nAh!.s said he, "then the postion OF 4 peddla
does not degrade one in the estimation Of thos
who hold the FIRST rank and position in the colony
wilno longer feel my condition to be hnniliatine
From this time forward labor and fatigue will BE-
come pleasant to me-"
That night be slept sweeay --tranqnilly, and th
next morning, thanking his generous host, too
up his pack, which seemed 70 have lost iss weigh
aud proceeded ioyfuily on bis journey Such Va
his success, that in short time HIS pack bccam
too large to carry--a horse and cart became nes
essary, afterwards two, not long afterwards b
opened store, and then ancther--purc
plantasion--then another plantation WAS electe
delegate to the Congress Of q great nation, who's
independence he had fought and blcd TO secure
passed over the same route by Petersburgh
Washington, a rich man--where but few yea1
before he had come, penniless and a strnger. q.