Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-10-23
The Approaches to New Orleans.
The Philadelphia Press says:

AhS AhAAoAClpuld EcSS Sdys.
The river at the Balize divides into four
branches, discharging themselves respec-
lively through Pass p0utre, Northeast
Pass, South Pass, and Southwest Pass.
Above, where these four outlets begin, there
are two forts, almost opposite to each 9TH
er, named jackson and St Philip. When
this rebellion broke out they were not eff
GENTLY mounted, and could easily have been
taken. What additions the traitor Twiggs
has made to their defense is not known.
If they are well mounted it would be very
difficult for feet to pass up the main body
of the river.
There are, however, three other modes
of approach by water to the city. The
one is through Lakes Borgne and Pontchar-
train, another up the Atchafalaya to Ber-
wick bay, and thence 6y bayous Torel and
Plaquemine to Iberville, one hundred miles
above New Orleans, and third by way of
Grand Pass and bayou Laforche to Dom
aldsOnville, eighty miles above the city.
By the first named route, vessels of from
fifteen to eighteen feet draught can be
brought to the lake house, located five
miles from the city. The troops landed
there can be taken up the canal by water,
or can march at once up the she'll road,
the prettiest road in America. Along it
any amount Of troops could be marched.
On either side of it or the canal, which run
parallel, the ground falls away into a
swamp, covered with dense underground,
affording magnificent covers for skirmish-
ers or riAemen. These, however, could be
easily brushed. There is not a spot along
the whole Eve miles of road upon which
there is any kind Of fortifcation save bar
rieades.
1t is along this route that heavy trade
is carried on between Mobile and the Cres-
cent City; the length of these two lakes,
including the Rigolette, is about l 0 miles
At the entrance of Borgne, the eastern
most of the two. lie three islands known
as Cat, Ship and Horse islands. Upon
the main, right opposite to them. is Mis-
sissippi City. the post said to have been
lately seized and fortified by our troops.
Recent advices indicate that earthworks
are being thrown up on Cat and Ship Is
lands. These. with batteries constructed
upon the northeastern tongue of the parish
of St Bernard, would efectually cut off all
commerce between these two cities, and
prevent the entrance and departure of any
vessel coming from or going to sea. At
least single armed vessel, in addition.
would effectually close the wide strait
where Borgne debouches into the Gulf.
The Atchafalaya affords, at the barrel
stakes, only IL feet water, but above that
any depth needed, thirty or forty miles,
Through It, and the Plaquemine, vessels Of /
that draught can pase to Iberville, into the
at any time from the lst of
December to the lst of june, when the riy-
er is full.
Vessels of ten feet draught can 60 up
The Bayou Lafourche during the same sea-
SON of the year.
Moreover, the western extremity of
Borgne comes within twelve miles Of the
,ity itself and from thence means could be
found to march troops and munitions Of
war, Notwithstanding the swampy charac-
ter of the country for the greater part of
the route.
New Orleans can easily be taken, for
The COnfederates have not the means of de-
tending all these flank approaches, as well
Is the approach by the main river.
Doubtless other modes of access, as easy
ind practicable as those pointed out, can
be found, should it become necessary.