Daily national Republican., 1863-03-05
FROM GEN. BANKS DEPARTMENT..
An interesting Statement.

We are In receipt Of letter from highly
respectable gentleman who has resided in New
Orleans for twenty. two years past, from which
we make the extracts below, and which will be
found to contain peculiar Interest at this time,
in relation 70 sfIalrs in the Department Of the
Gulf, under the administration OF Maj. Gen. N.
P. Banks. The writer dates at "Ncw Orleans,
Feb. 20, 1863" He says. '.''
''The advent CT Mai. Gen. Banks
here was hailed with congratulations, and the
Union men of this city and district (of which
there are none too many have readily accorded
10 the newly appointed commander Of this do
partment their earnest and hearty support In
his measures Of reform. Gen. Banks was not
unknown TO us, and he came to occupy the inn
Portant post assigned to his charge by the Ad-
minlstration with the hearty good wishes Of
our best people. That he Is succeeding even
beyond our most sangulne hopes, there cannot
remain doubt. The improvement, under the
new regime, Is everywhere apparent In the in
crease OF business and the augmentation of
trade in our thoroughfares and along the leyee
"The harbor is now filled with shipping, as
compared with the state of affairs In that res
pect two months ago. Monopolles have been
abolished by the new military orders; the ba-
kers are required to give full weight in their
bread supplesj the pilotage system has been
reorganiZed, and former Questionable features
in this service are abandoned; rigid aceounta-
bility is now insisted on in the Quartermaster's
and Subsistence Departments; complaints from
the citizens are listened to and adjusted prompt
lyj the Interests Of the planters and the negroes
outside Of the city have been carefully looked
after; and system of remunerating the blacks
for their labor ls now concluded, which is made
acceptable TO the capitalist and satisfactory to
the plantation opera tives. The plans at length
fixed upon in this last mentioned matter by
Gen. Banks, are the result of a careful consid-
Grafton Of all the facts in the case and of the
peculiar position of affairs which the new COM
mander found existing upon assuming the
charge Ofthls department. A good deal ofiii feel
ing and concern for the future Of both planters
and negroes, in the vicinity Of New Orleans,
was current, but arrangements have been enter
ed inlo at this time on the part of the owners of
estates upon that river, upon terms finally pro-
posed by Gen. B., which satisfy all parties. and
for the present year, and In the matter of crops.
at least, will operate decidedly for the benefit
Of all concerned.
"Thc 'mlldest sway of General Banks, as
compared with tho iron rule of his predeces-
sor in command, is criticized In certain quar-
tiers, and by many Il is nor thought that he rod
Of iron Is the bet er plan for he government Of this
people here. Certain iB II, however, that the
community feels the relaxation, and equally
certain is II that, at this time, general bust
ness prosperity is rapidly returning in quarters
where, for tWelvemonth and more. a pail had
seemed to have fallen upon the prospects of
many who are now enjoying the benefits of the
new state Of affairs in the Crescent city. How
we'll the change may operate, and how long
this milder rule may continue 10 benefit us, re-
mains to be seen. In matters requiring firm
ness and prompt action, on the part Of the
Commanding General, hero, General Banks has
been found sufficiently severe to crafty the
most ultra theorist, at times But, for one,
am satisfied that his management of affairs,
generally, will prove eminently successfuli and
am sure that he is now fast winning golden
opinions from those who have the best inter
eStS Of the nation sincerely at heart, in this
rather erTatlc region.
"Col. Jonas H. Freuch from Boston, for
merly provost marshal, and more recently
chief Of police here, was a few evenings since
made the recipient of magnificent service of
silver, from the citizens, as testimonial 10 his
talents, and the honorable discharge of his du-
ties in office here. The plate cost some 81 500,
and was a handsome compliment to deserv-
ing official. Col: French has resigned his place,
and goes north to follow the fortunes Of Gen.
Butler, (Bo he stated in his speech of accept
Ance,) and will carry with him the good wishes
of thousands Offriends In this place" .
"From the activity displayed In the transfer
of troops, armament, stores, and munitions
from this point mp the river, and the recent ar
| rival anu uopaItuIe, III tnht uHoctlOnJ OF uu-
merous gunbOats and war vessels, IL Is evident
that important military movements are or the
tapis, from which you will hear reports Of In
terest, have no doubt, In a few weeks. The
remainder Of Gen. Banks expedition from the
North, is now arriving daily in Government
transports, and every body connected with the
departments here are evidently very busy, All
the indications point TO an early spring cam
paign of more than ordinary magnitude. Port
Hudson and ViCksbuTg being the points 10 bt
gained by US, for the final opening Of the Mis-
fssippi river, and the breaking up Of the rebel
4 lion In this immediate quHrter." w