Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-04-03
DEPARTURE OF CONFEDERATES FROM NEW
ORLEANS


A writer In the Jackson appeal furnishes the sub
Joined graphic description Of and incidents at
tending the departure Of paroed Confederate prisoners
from New Orleans:
The day has risen which to all in city, Is day
most memorable-one which, when even thought OF,
will make the blood OF every Southerner-oi every
m,p-bound more quiokly-of one the events which
would alone raise barrier between the North and
Souh; which even stirred the sluggish blood in the
coward veins Of those of LOusiauas sons who have
bascy STAYED az home, hoping to profit by and enjoy
the liberties their noble brethren will win. Friday the
10Th Of February one Of louisiana sweetest days
viii venture to say that the subject discussed at every
brcakiast-tabe that day the great event all had
bfcn looking forward to-the departure OF paroed
prisoners All were enjoying the idea that though but
Tor few brief hours, should ENJOY the sight OF the
dear grew uniform again our streets. The humblc-t
tina, wore it-no matter how rough the materia!-was
looked upon az a hero; followed by the loving eyes
of all; was bud God-speed by tho lips Of the old, tie
Young the beautiful Nine o'clock came. Our streets
commenced 10 ill. Al eleven there was not gallery,
window house-top from Canal stree. far the eye
g,pd reach that was not crowded. 4 little later the
l,yre from the rivers bank to the sidewalk, was impas-
,ibe The boat on which boys were to leave, lay
near the loot OF Canal street. 10 was to leave az one
o'clock The deck was already filling fast with the
rrisouers and at each fresh arrival the crowd would
cheer wave their handkerchets and little tag' sud
d,plv We we're addressed from the top OF barrel 10y
lule sucahipg Yankee who, in voice tremuious from
rlr said "Ths crowd Is ordered to dispense; thirty
minutes is given TO it," No move followed. Suddenly
a company OF infantry appeared upon the scene;
marched rapidly through the crowd to the river brink
formed in a long line, and when ordered to charge,
deliberately and boldly walked forward, bIyoncts hNed
upon the crowd OF women and children, who moved
slowly before them most of the Indies wnyng their
h,pdjcrccf over their shoulders del1nuy in the face
of the Yankee scamps As soon rs they were pressed
on to the pavement the ladies, instead of retreatns
cody hauked the line of soldiers and returned TO their
most This was constantly repeated. Suddenly, along
numbered three companies Of cavalry and artillery
One noble woman nothing daunted, went further up
the river and our evee for the rest OF Friday was lined
with the crowd to Carrolton At about eight in the
evening we heard the prisoners would not leave TIL the
next day The crowd on the streets then disappeared
| Many a husband then went home, expecting to find
wife or child there for whom be had been hunting all
| day and many disappointed Many father that
night nursed motherleSs babe, and probably learned
| to appreciate more fully the value OF wife. Whom
driven of the levee many ladies got on the steamer
| Laurel Hill She is under Yankee control. They were
ordered ashore, but refused TO 60 The captain then
put out into the stream Instead Of frightening the Ia
dies the act only reused them and the boat from the
number OF handkerches waving, looked though COW
cred with cloud never heard such cheering. They
were carried past the prisoners boat and down to Eng
sh turn where they were kept all day. AT about SIX
in the evening they wore brought back TO the city
Upon coming to the wharf, instead OF landing IN SUD
missve silence they struck up the Bonny blue nag
file of soldiers then taken on board and the boat
put of again. The ladies were kept on board all night
without any place to sleep or SIT upon, and nothing 10
eat but few musty biscuits They landed at IL
o'clock on Saturday morning OF course as there were
obout four hundred on board there was large crowd
friends and relatives on the lcvee to them land,
| which they were not allowed TO DO until the
crowd was again ordered to dispense Our brave
foes even went into the houses and drove the ladies
from the windows and galleries. In one house,
where there was large party of friends, they went in
and ordered them to leave The ladies started to do So
and the Yankees left No sooner had they turned their
backs than the ladies returned their places waving
and calling out once more Goodbye. dear Contede-
ra,esm Again the Yankees returned This was re-
peated three times until they drove the ladies out
Amusing incidents were so plentiful that day that
could I'll your paper with their recital and then not re
count one-halC But, one must mention. It was that
of an old French lady, Who when the Yankees attempt
ed to drive her at the point of the bayone placed her
self behind big fat darkey, and told the Yankees
Won try to stick you will have to do it through you
dearest friend and sister," She maintained her post
They we're insulted that day in every manner. l san
one lady break her umbrella a soldiers head. The
scene beggars description If there one, there wa
concourse of thirty thousand negvo girl said
"We if I've got to be to the forts it shall be io
somethng-hurrR for jeff Davis hurra for Beaure
gard /" Just then soldier made kind of unge
her. and over she rolled; she picked herself up and go
off still hurrahing Many ladies arrested for waVn
flags, but were merCifuy and generously dismissed th
day.