New Orleans daily crescent., 1866-02-02
New ORLEANS DAILY Grestent,
State of Affairs In Mississippi

From the VcksJurg IIerald.l
We have just returned from trip to the north,
ern portion of the State; and thinking that fair
and truthful account Of the condition Of affairs in
that section will interest our readers we propose
in this issue to give it. In passing, few remarks
concerning the railroads of the State may not be |
deemed inappropriate. The Southern road in
spite of the difficulties and seeming mpossibity of
its reconstruction, is now in fine running order
from this city to Meridian with the exception of
the bridge at Big Black. This, we understand is |
in process Of construction and will soon be com
pleted The efficient and courteous officers
of the road, with commendable forethought for
the comfort of passengers, have line of fine
ambulances running between the gap, short as it
is For safety, comfort and regularity of schedule,
this road is not to be surpassed. We had the
pleasure of meeting, during our absence, General
West, the President, and Mr.. Frost, the Superinl-
tendent of the Mississippi Central. Their road,
which was perfect wreck, is now in good order,
save fifty miles of the Northern terminus.
The bridges are all rebuilt and the Superintendent
informed US that daily trains would commence
running through to Jackson by the lst of March.
At present they are tr weekly from Grand juno
ton to Canton. The Jackson and New Orleans
Railroad also runs three passenger trains week,
connecting with the Mississippi Central at Canton
and the Southern Railroad at Jackson.
The Mobile and Ohio railroad is running daily
passenger trains, and not having been so badly
damaged during the war is in better condition than
any road in this section of country. The towns and
villages along the roads as general thing nave
all been destroyed. Jackson, Brandon, Grenada
and Oxford, particularly. The latter place is a
perfect wreck, owing to the prompt and efhclent
manner in which General Smith (the Prince of In
Cendares) discharged the duties devolVed upon
triumphant conqueror. He evinced no partallty,
but destroyed public and private buildings alike,
the rich and poor being involved in one common
ruin. We do not think that this portion OF the
State is sufficiently reconstructed to permit the
burning General to dwell among its people unless
he came backed by armed legions with which to
guard his sacred and patriotic person.
All these places rapidly improving, and new
buildings are going up if by magic. Owing to
the unremtting efforts Of Northern phanthropists,
many Of the freedmen have emigrated to that
blessed Utopia, where they get white bread and
dollar day; but those remaining are dong well.
Old planters toldu that they expected as general
thing to make good crop, and all hopeful.
The State University, located atOxford, is in opera
ton and has at the present writing one hundred
and sixty odd students. DR.. Waddel, the ChanCe
lor informed us that daily accessions being
to this number. The faculty are men of ability
and experience and we feel assured that glorious
future lies before the old University. On our trip
weme many old and valued friends and comrades in
arms. Gen. Lowry, of the late army of Tennessee; !;
Coils. Jayne and Phipps, of the 4Sth and 18th Col.
Shelby, of the 9Th Colr Duncan, of the 10th, the
boy hero of Fort Gregg. Few would recognize
in these quiet and sedate gentlemen the dashing
soldiers, whose voices have often rung out o'er
the wild thunder Of the battle field, and who poured
out their blood like water upon the atars of their
country God speed you, gallant gentlemen.
Though the flag you followed so long is forever
furled, and the cause you fought for lost in the
hearts of a grateful people the memory OF your
sacrifices and deeds will dwell forever.
Through the length and breadth of the State,
peace is planting her flowers in the footsteps OF
war. The people have realized the situation, and
gone to work with earnest hearts to build the
country up, and the day is not far distant, we SIN
cerey believe, when Mississippi, emerging from
sorrow and desolation, will move grandIy on to
prosperous future.