Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-01-30
The Fortihc,tions In Louisiana.

The New Orleans Della of a recent date,
speaking of the condition of the Notifications
In that State previous to the occupation by the
State troops, says: -. .h Ia.
We have procured from very competent au-
thority important and interesting facts con-
cerning the military positions and Notifications
of Louisiana. All the fortified places are near
New Orleans, and were intended 10 command
the various approaches from seaward direc
ton to that city. As far as land works are
available for defence, they fulfill very useful
purpose. But, auxiliary to these, we need also
naval force, or at least floating batteries to
protect the mouth of the Mississippi and the
bayous and iDlets by which the city may be ap-
preached from the sea. To prevent or break
up blockade, however, en- efficient naval force
would be Indispensable
We will briefly Indicate the eituaiion and
character of the forts in our neighborhood, as
given to us by Major Blanchard, of this city,
commencing with
FORT PIKE, RGoLET5.
This Is a casemated fort situated on the
North Pass, between Lake Borgne and LAX ke
Pontchartrain, and commands most of the nav.
igation between New Orleans and the Gulf
II is In an excellent condition. The defence
will be increased by the proposed substitution
Of As columbads and rs seacoast howitzers
for vs many twenty-four pouuders. The sea
wall of. the hospital needs some extension. For
enlarging the gun platforms, re-aranging
drawbridge, and extension of aea wall, an aD
preparation will be needed.
BATTERY AVENUE, BAYOU BIEvEnUE
Tbs has no garrison, but few guns. 1t is cit.
uateu near the entrance OF the bayou into Lake
Borgne, commands an important approach to
New Orleans, and. also into two other large
bayous This work is generally in good cond-
tion, and, with the exception OF two eight inch
columbiad platforms, Is ready for its armament.
For the revetment Of interior slope of parapet,
which needs renewing, it is proposed to substi-
tute brick breast high wall.
FORT LAINosToN, GRAND TERRE ISLAND.
| large fort, unfinished. Situated at the
mouth of Barrataria bay, and commands the
approach to New Orleans BY the Bayoa Barra-
taria.
This is near the site of the celebrated For. Of
LATTE. 't ...0.
FORT MAooNs, CHEF MENTKUR.
Casemated fort. Situated on the South Pass,
between Lakes Borgne and Pontchsrtrain. No
garrison of United States troops.
This work, which isin pretty good condition,
is lready for Its original ornament, part of
which should, however, be replaced by 4-6 CO.
umbiads, and 7-S howitzers, for which plat
forms are still to be provided. The drswbridge
needs some repairs, also, the reVetmens of the
counterscarp. The revetment of the bank OF
the bayou ought to be extended.
TOWER AT PRocroR's LANDING, LAKE BoRoNE.
Unfinished. Situated at the end of the Mex.
lean Gulf Railroad. on AXE Borgne.
FORT ST. PHILIP, MISSISSIPPI RIVER. CD
Casemated fort, very strong, most of ita guns
mounted Is situated on the left (east) bank
OF the Mississippi river, opposite Fort Jackson,
and commands the navigation of the river
This is the fort which was bombarded in 1915
by the British. II was commanded by Major
Overton, the uncle of our present Governor, T.
0verton Moore. r--.....
FORT JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
Casemated fort; has nearly all its guns and
plenty Of ammunition. Situated on the right
(west) bank of the Mississippi, about seventy
miles from New Orleans, and about twenty
five miles from the head Of the passes leading
into the Gulf OF Mexico. II is strong fort,
and commands the navigation in connectio .
with Fort st. Phillip.
In addition to the above fortified works, we
have in Louisiana the following military sta
tons and buildings:
Infantry barracks, three miles below New
Orleans, on the left bank of the Mississippi; has
good quarters for about one thousand men.
Infantry barracks, at Baton Rouge, for five
hundred men.
Arsenal, at Baton Rogue, with full supply
of arms of all kinds.
h From these rough data IL is rretty evident
that Louisiana is singularly fortunate in resour-
ces of swar and preparations for defence II
would be dificnlt to point to any country of the
same extent better provided in this respect than
she is. All she needs is a navy commensurate
with her land defences and forces, to render her
formidable warlike power.