The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-05-10
BLAxsLY. ALABAMA,l
April 10th, 1865. I

Nofsue1u stoeWvSU tuot nov PSy UosWOtn
Mobile and New Orleans, supplying the
army with nations and forage. Several
alligators were seen during our short
voyage.
The land which lies between here and
Mobile 10 almost level with the surface Of
the water and covered with . marshy
growth of weeds, and skirts of water run
in every direction through it-a forma-
tion which has been collecting for ages
from the many rivers that empty into the
bay through the Mobile and Tennesow
rivers.
HARBoR DEFRssEs.
As We neared the city We passed three
forts, situated go IS to command the APP
proaches to the city. and two iron clads,
square, floating batteries. There we're
near City guns Of heavy calibre on these
different works. The guns we're not in.
jured except being spiked. The bar
racks-houses were not burnt. even. These
forts must have cost the Coufederacy
very considerable, IS they are built upon
ground transported from the main land.
THE WHARF
Is in very dilspidated condition, and
has not been repaired, evidently. since
the commencement Of the rebellion, and
it is unsafe for footmsn, much less for
the heavy drays that used to turn upon it
THE CITY QUIET AS COUNTRY VILLAGE
There was no indication of life-no
new buildings-no volumes of smoke OF
dust enveloping the many business adver-
tisemeuts--no polite porter taking your
baggage and showing you TO the silver
mounted carriage, and in fact nothing
that displayed activity excepi the piles of
hay and oats, which are to me, and ever
will be, q proof of an army 10 near
proximity. The sun shone clear. the
steeples of the churches rose above the
silent city, aud everything seemed 70
speak the digni6ed and reserved condition
of its inhabitants. and impressed upon
the stranger the idea that it was Sab
bath day.
THE cITIzENs-rHEI DRESS AND GEN
ERAL APPEARANCE.
There were few citizens to be seen ex-
cept Of the poorer class and that covardly
set who stayed at home and pr cached war
to others, but whose chivalry never ex-
tended TO trying their steel with the TO-
vaders. Such men are the frst to take
the oath and hitch 10 the coat-sleeves Of
officers.
The dress of the men is mostly of very
good, substantial material, aud they do
not disdan to wear it threadbare. There
are some (no doubt army contractors)
VINO sport their broadcloth and fine boos.
The ladies Ohs few that met our case J
we're we'll dressed, but without hoops and
evidently disregarted any established
mode or similarity in dress, as every hue.
shade, kind and color may have been
seen. The wardrobes of their great
grandmoihers' mothers had, during the
course of events, become fashionable {? J
and we're pillaged. A great many wore
the weeds of mourning; others look cad
but try to hide it; yet their "stsr in the
East" has iogloriously set, and there is
no longer that defiant pou, of the lip and
serene and defiant comp,sure of the eye.
1t is now meditative. would-be bitter,
compromising look. The men are gener.
ally sober, careful of their expressions.
very observing, and willing TO answer
any questions. If the right spirit is shown
and moderate regard shown for their
feelings and condition. They knot to-
gether in squads, open aud shut their
mouths. cast knowing looks but say moth
ing ~ There are some that are glad,
aud It is that class of people who have
had to bear the brunt of the strife who
have had to struggle between life and
deash-they are the poorer grade Of
whites.
IMAGINATION. -
Though not so general here as 10 New
Orleans, is carried on 70 great extent.
This has been and win be the everlasting
shame and dishonor Of these chivalrous
sons of the South, who would not speak
to free negro on the street and treats
him as property in his accounts; yet CO.
habits with them in secret. We we're
promensding the street aud met lady,
(who was as white As any persou), very
neatly dressed, with her daughter who was
also fine looking young lady. b.
fore as walking along Was an old gentle
man Of the darker hue. We made iii due
preparations to take side glauoss. and out
on = white-collar-dignity and importau.
air: when our lady stopped and cow.
menced familiar chat with Uncle Bob
from whom We learned to our surprise
that she was s'cullud pusson." The
freedom Of the slaves here uipes away the
record that has formerly kept this class
distinct. Now that they arc no longer
branded they viii in time mix With soci.
ETY., and the system Of amalgamatiou they
have often accused the North Of wishing
to bring about, viii b il . state Of De :.