The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1866-05-23


caused the abandonment of his profession
Having married lady Of wealth at an ear
y age, he gave up his profession for the
purpose Of devoting himself 70 agricol-
ture.
Formed for social pleasures we can well
imagine the intensity Of the happiness of
our friend in the marriage relation; and the
magnitude of his grief at the loss of the
partner of his youth within year of the
celebration Of his nuptials. His devotion
to his carly love was proved by the fact
that, Notwithstanding his admiration for
the beauty, the goodness and the lowell
mess Of the fair eek, he never could be in
ducid to form o second matrimonial con-
nection.
I While Mr.. Allen resided in the State of
Mississippi much excitement was caused
about the year 1912 by encroachments Of
the Mexcans on the territory Of the Re.
public of Texas, which had SO glorious'y
gained her independence six years before.
Mr.. Allen raised a company among his
neighbors, marched to the seat of war. and
offered himself to the people Of Texas in
the emergency which was likely to call
forth their heroism in another war for the
maintenance Of their newly purchased lib
critics. 1t was for this act of disinterest-
edness that the Texans to this day revere
the memory of Captain Allen, and ex-
pressed their willingness during the late
war to do anything for him that he should
desire of them. While q member of the
Legislature Of Louisiana he procured the
passage Of resolution donating to the
State of Texas two cannon in the posses
sion of the authorities of our State, called
the Irwin sisters" which had been cap
tured by the Texans at the battle Of San
Jacinto on the 10th of April, 1886.
Some time about the year 1850, If we
remember rightly, Captain Allen removed
from Mississippi and settled in the Parish
Of West Baton Rouge as sugar planter
isy means of energy, industry and integrity
he soon amassed fortune and was living
in the ease and retirement which character
lied so many Of our planters at the COM
mencement of the late unfortunate war;
His splendid mansion was destroyed by
the Federals on the occupation Of the
country, his fine shade trees cut dowt, and
the Robertson creyasse," of which we
hear so much in the papers, is now desola-
ting those beautiful fields, which. under
his culture, we're as blooming as the rose
In the year 1857 Captain Allen was
nominated by the American party and ell
ected to tie House of Representatives
from the Parish of West Baton Rouge
He Immediately took high stand as a
debater and an influential member. Before
his second session the disintenation Of his
own party had thrown him into the ranks
Of the Democracy, when he became as
much leader of the Democratic party as
he had before led his own party-so form
ed for leadership by nature was he.
We have now traced the life of Henry
W. Allen down to the commencement OF
the present war--a contest which was to
develop his greatness and exhibit him to
the world in the character which best suit.
ed his noble nature. As matter Of course
he was an ardent supporter Of the rights Of
the South, and an earnest advocate of the
right and duty of Louisiana to sever her
connection with the Federal Government
As soon as war had been resolved on he
volunteered for the defense Of his State.
and was chosen Lieutenant Colonel Of the
| Fourth Regiment OF Louisiana Infantry
For year this noble regiment was in a
state of inactivity on Ship Island--an in
activity which was CALLING to man of the
nervous activity of Colonel Allen. 1t was
released. however, in time to participate in
the bloody battle of Shiloh on the 9Th Of
April, 1862, by which time Lieutenant
Colonel Allen had been promoted to the
Colonelcy to fill a vacancy. In that battle
| Colonel Allen and his Regiment were con-
spicuous for gallantry, and during it's pro-
gress our heroic friend was painfully wound
! ed in the face.
| Not long after this event the Fourth
Regiment was attached to command
which operated in Southern Mississippi
and Louisiana, and formed part of the
force which, under the command Of General
John G. Breckenridge, fought the memora-
bic battle OF Baton Rouge on the 9th OF
August, 1862. In that battle Colonel Al.
len commanded division, and was in the
hottest part of the contest, in that portion
of the line Immediately commanded by the
gallant General Williams in person. In
the midst of the fray the noble Allen fell!
with both legs broken, and his horse killed
under him but he rose on his shattered
limbs and cheered on his men until the en-.
envy had fled from the field. From these
wounds Colonel Allen never recovered
they doubtless were the proSimate cause Of
his death.
For many long months he lay in pain
near his Regiment in the trenches at Por,
Hudson. As soon as he had partially re-
covered he was appointed Major-General OIL
! thn Touisiopa Militia ny ofI,oa r,h;oh he