The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-06-14

Northern states were feeling the inst costa
sles Of the glorious intelligence, the city Of
New Orleans was sad and gloomy. Martial
law was vigorously maintained, business in.
terrupted, the duty Of the troops hard and
disagreable, and the mortality ut the hospi-
tails fearfully great. Brit the restraint was
felt to DO necessary, and submitted to with
out an audible murmur, until on the 10Th
OF February, the intelligence OF peace was
brought into the city by q British officer who
had received it directly from England The
city was thrown into state Of joyous ex-
element, and eagerly expected an instant re-
lessc from arduous toll and irksomo res
trint. But alas! il was merely news
paper announcement, and tho there was no
doubt OF its truth, General Jackson could
take no official step in compliance with its
tenor. He issued proclamation to this ell
feet, which inilamed the prevailing discon-
tent, and concentrated it upon himself. The
Legislature OF louisiana voted thanks to oil
the leading officers of the army excepting the
commander-in-chief. This did not tend to
conciliato the opposing parties-for there
were now too distinct partics-onc for, one
against, maintaining martial law. Various
slight but significant symptoms showed that u
single step would suffice to bring the civil
and military authorities into open collision.
That step was soon taken. Some Of the
French troops, to escape the domination OF
Gen. jackson. claimed the protection OF
their consul, NJ. Toussard. who for solne
days. presented certificates Of French citizen
ship to all applicants. Jackson's counter.
move was prompt and decisive. llo ordered
the Consul, and all Frcnchmen, not citizens
of the United States. TO leave New Orleans
within three days, and not to return within
one hundred and twenty miles OF the city
until the ratification of the treaty of peace
was officially published Every man who
had voted at the last election, was claimed
as an American citizen" and compelled to
do duty as such. This bold stroke aroused
great indignation, which burst forth in u
long and freely written article in tho Lou
siana Courier of the Sd of March. Jack
son read it, sent for the editor Of the paper,
demanded and obtained from him the name
of the author Of the communication. lilo
was member of the louisiana legislature, u
Mr.. Louaillior, who, on Sunday, the 9Th of
March, found himself arrested in tho street
by file of soldiers. Indignant at the out
rage, he called all present to witness that he
was taken away against his will by armed
men. A lawyer, Mr.. p. l.. Morel, who was
on the spot, instantly engaged to act US his
legal adviser, and fastening away to the res
idence of Dominick A. Hall, Judge of the
District Court of the United States applied
for writ Of habeas corpus in behalf Of Mr..
Louaillier. lie obtained tho writ, turna-
bic at eleven o'clock of the next day, and
wrote letter stating the fact to General
jackson. Gen. Jackson retorted by seizing
the writ, and arrcsting Judgs Hall on the
charge of " aiding, abetting and exciting
mutiny in the camp" The Judge was con-
fined in the same prison with Louallicr.
On the very day after these arrests the
courier, who, nineteen days before, had been
despatched from Washington to bring Gen.
jackson the news of peace, dashed into New
Orleans lilo had ridden night and day, at
breathless speed lest he should delay for an
instant the arrival, 80 eagerly looked for, of
his precious packet. 1t was opened at head
quarters, and found to contain only letter
Of no Importance, written months before.
The courier, in the hurry Of his departure,
had taken the wrong packet! His blank dis
may may be imagined. He bore proofs how
ever, of the genuincness OF his mission, which
would, in ordinary times, have suffced. But
under existing circumstances, jackson re-
solved to hold fast the reins of military pow
or. He was still General at the head Of
an army, and Louailier and Judge Hall were
imprisoned soldiers for five days longer.
On the 18th of March, courier bearing
the official announcement Of the peace, ar
rived in New Orleans. The joyful news
spread at once. Martial law was abrogated,
pardon for all military offences declared, and
Louaillier and Judge Hall set at liberty.
On the ODD of March, General jackson
was summoned before the United States Dis
trict Court, ON a charge Of contempt. Ed
ward Livingston appeared as his representa-
tive, but after some alteration as to the line
of defence he wished to pursue for his friend,
the court, Z" ordered the attachment to DO
sued out, '"-the process TO be rcturnable
on the 2lst of March. On that day Gen.
jackson appeared in court; but as he utter
ly refused even to listen to hcqucstious pro-
posed to him, Judge Hall pronounced the
Judgment of tho court, that Ma jOr-Gen.
Andrew Jackson pay fine Of one thousand
dollars to the United States" jackson, ON
returning to his quarters, sent back an aid
de-cimp with a check upon one of the city
banks for the money. The administration
at the same time, on learning of the occur
renee, administered mild but marked re-
buke to Gen. jackson but the full amount
Of the fine, with interest, makinga consider
able sum of money was afterwards refunded
by act OF Congress. The law-making power
thus deliberately established strong prece-
dent in favor Of sustaining military officers
in the exercise of such authority as seems to
them necessary in critical times.
Since the above article was prepared we
have received the Portland Advertiser of June
10 lS6O containing under tho cynrcssiye