The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-23
SPEECHES OF PIERRE SOULE
AND GEN. LOWELL.
General Appearance Of the City as De-
scribed Big its Press.
INSULT TO OUR GALLANT NAVY AND
WHAT RESULTED FROM 1T.
The European Brigade Pre-
serving Order.
PROVISIONS SCARCE AND STARVA-
TON IMPENDING.
From the New Orleans Delta, April 26.

From the New Orleans Delta, April 20.
OUR GREAT DISASTER AND HUMILIATION.
Yesterday New Orleans was subjected
to the most terrible humiliation and degree
dation which have ever fallen upon brave
and true people, After valiant defense
by our forts below the city-after exhaust
ing all our resources and skill-the greater
resources On water OF the enemy enabled
them to pass our exterior Notifications with
their large fleet, and they approached the
city with E. squadron of fifteen of their
largest vessels, all steamships, gunboats or
mortar vessels. There was large force Of
land troops in the city; but of what avail
were they against the ships and gunboats of
the enemy? At the moment it was an-
nounced that the ships had passed the forts
it became evident to all rejecting persons
that the city was defenceless. Steps were
then taken TO render it barren conquest.
By order Of the Governor and military au.
thorities, all the government munitions and
stores were sent away. Such material of
war as could net be removed was destroyed.
Orders were also Issued to destroy all the
cotton in this city. This was also done.
The troops under General Lowell were
marching to the interior lines Of the city
"a few miles belOW--these lines would
have been formidable against any army 3D..
yancing by land; but the batteries near
the river were quite weak and Ineffective
against the ships especially in tie present
stage OF the river--the high surface of the
water enabling them completely to command
the surrounding country. In the condition
&c "a, ~ quito phricus hat
my's fleet would meet with no serious ChSsas
Gle in passing up the river. Accordingly
it was announced at an earl hour that they
were coming. Their vessels came up slow
iy as if feeling their way-the Hartford,
the flag ship of Commodore Farragut,
leading. Then followed the Richmond, and
nine other ships, big and little. AS these
ships approached the batteries, about six
or seven miles below the city, our artilerists
opened upon them from both sides CT the
river bat as the guns were only twenty
fours, they produced but little effect. The
ships replied with several broadsdes, which
showed that they completely commanded
our batteries. The batteries, though man.
led by unpractised guuneEs, kept up the
FIRE for some time but with 10 effect, and
under such discouraging circumstances as
to render it an obvious policy to withdraw
the gunpers and troops. The batteries
were abandoned and the troops marched
to the jackson Railroad. In the meantime
the hostile squadron steamed up the river.
A terrible and melancholy spectacle was
presented TO the victorious ships. The
whole levee for miles was wrapped in smoke
from the burning cotton and gun carriages
which the authorities had ordered to be
consumed, La tie river were many hulls
of burning ships, the debris OF our feet and
Of the merchant vessels and steamers which
contained cotton.
The squadron proceeding up the river, the
great multitude clustered ca the leVee look
ing on in disgust and horror at the dismal
spectacle. As they passed few shot were
fred by some of Our soldiers, but without
orders. The ships did not reply, but pro
ceeded slowly along our leyee. A feeble
cheer was raised on board cl one Of the
boats which was responded 20 by something
like a cheer from a few persons III the
crowd. The cheers. whether intended as
such or rot, drew upon the parties who %ere
suspected OF giving them, some dozen or SO
of pistol shots, by which several persons
we're wounded, The squadron being ad
vanced, the foremost ship. as fer as the
Fourth district, came TO an auchor--the
ships to the EuInber oil thirteen, taking up
positions in front OF the city, 50 as to COM
nan0 the several streets. Alter remaining
in this position halt al hour, a boat came
ashore with two officers from Captain Bay
leis, second in command OF the squadron,
Captain Farragut being flag officer, and a
lieutenant. These officers were greeted
on touching the shore with the most up
rcaricus bUzzas for "Jeif Davis AID the
South" and with the most Threatening de-
monstrations. They had neglected 10 hang
flag OF truce and it was proof of the
good sense OF even en- inuriated multitude
that they were allowed to land. They,
however, proceeded under the protection OF
some gentlemen who undertook to convey
them to the Mayors Office, in drenching
rain, followed by IA furious and excited mob.
Though 30 violence vas olfsred to the clIis
GERS, certain persons who were suspected of
fayoring their flag and cause, were set upon
with great fury and roughly handled. On
arriving at the City Hail, it required the
Intervention of several citizens TO prevent
violence being offered to the rash ambassa-
doris Of an execrated dynasty and govern.
ment.
The Mayor received The federal officers in
his Office, with proper dignity. Captain
Bayleis stated the purport of bis mission.
He had been sent by Captain Farragut to
demand the surrender of the city and the
elevation of the flag of the United States
over the Custom House, the Post Office and
the City Hall. The Mayor replied that he