Shreveport daily news., 1861-04-26
Departure of the Shreveport Grays
from Shreveport.
Interesting Enthusiastically of the
North Observation-Disclosures and
Patriotism of the Ladies, sc.
To the Editors of the Picayune:
STEAMER LOUIS D. OR, April 1S, 1861.


This splendid passenger packet
has Just arrived, bringing the Shreve-
port Grays. The first gun Of Fort
Sumter aroused the patriotism of that
young city. Before a call had issued
from the Governor, or it was certain
that their services would be accepted,
this splendid company, consisting OF
III privates, under Capt. Beard. were
already on their way to respond to
the call of their country.
1t was our fortune to witness their
departure and accompany them to the
city. Our infant neighbor, Shreve-
port, was in Il blaze of excitement
aud enthusiasm. The whole popu-
lation turned out to witness the de-
parture of this company. Neverhave
we seen a more affecting sight than
the wharf OF that city presented on
this occasion. Not one Of the'assem-
bled thousands but exhibited profound
emotion; hundreds of eyes unused
to weep were heavy with tears, and
strong manhood forgot its stoicisin IN
an unrcsistable sympathy with the
occasion.
Shreveport is in a fame of militia
ry patriotism. The Grays are al
ready here, without a summons,
craving employment. The Grand
| Duke follows, with the CadGo Rifles,
under Capt. w. L. Shivers. Over
two hundred men from SO small q
city-uumbering less than twenty
five hundred population-gives token
of public sentiment there. 1t Is
usual to characterize volunteers by
the most ttattering epithets, but the
character OF the material OF the Grevs
is beyond all praise. The best citl-
zens, the very best men OF Shreve-
port-its gent!emen-make up the
tile of this company. Capt; Jainas
Ii. Beard is worthy OF his command,
and will make his mark, or nature
made Il mistake when she marked the
man. If the war lasts, we shall hear
from james II. Beard, now captain.
The three lieutenants are Geo.
Williamson, Leon ID. Mark and g..
l.. Hodge, late delegates from Cadd"
to the State convention. These
gentlemen are too we'll known to the
public to need any comment from
US.
As further evidence Of the en-
thusilSm Of the community, eight or
ten If the patriotic ladies Of Shreve-
port. together with the amiabie wife
OF Capt. johnson, of the steamer
Louis Dor, with their sewing ma
chimes, accompanied this gallant corps
to the city and worked almost day
and night in uui:or1ning the late re
cruits The ladies Were assisted in
their kind Office by W. II. Winans, Of
Shreveport, who volunteered his ser
vices to see these patriotic women
safely returned home. This gentle
man 5 talents and worth entitie him
to the high position be holds at the
Shreveport bar and IN the affections
of the people OF Caddo. He is an
honorary member ofthc Greys and vii!
always receive honorable mention at
their hands.
At Alexandra this band OF fair
and patriotic wumen was increased
by the acquisition of the most estiIn-
able wife Of our excellent Gov. NJ oorc,
who endeared herself TO all by her easy
elegance and unassnnnlng manners
The Greys will not soon forget the
uniform she honored with her ready
handicraf..
One word more, and New Orleans
may know beyond doubt that the right
spirit prevails on Red River and in
North Louisiana.
Capt. johnson, of the Lois dor,
with his characteristic magnifcence
and big hearted liberaity, rendered
his boat to the Greys free Of charge.
The Confederate Government may re-
j.