The Opelousas courier., 1867-11-16

fifty miles, upon carts made without particle
Of iron entering into their construction and sold
or exchanged for corn to planters in the fertile
districts. After enjoying the kind hospitality OF
Mr.. Cottrell and his lady, for several days, spend
ing most of the daylight hours ON the bank of
the river in front of his house, pulling out pearch
almost as fast as we could put in the hook and
line, we moved up to the upper ferry for the
purpose of taking trip to Lake Charles, the
parish seat of Calcasieu. This ferry is kept by q
colored man named Isaac Alexander, formerly,
with his neat handed wife, belonging to Mr..
Corse, who owned the large saw mills on Lake
Arthur, and if all the freedmen equalled or even
i in any degree approached this respectable couple
in energy, thrift and respectful demeanor to-
| wards those whom most of their race have been
| taught to look upon with malice and distrust, r
much brighter prospect woud be looming before
| us all. In their masters life time, Daniel and
| his wife were allowed many privileges, tas was
! generally the case with all slaves who actually
deserved them) one, and the most profitable of
which, was keeping public house for their own
profit, on their masters property, which was on
road considerably travelled. Taking care Of
what they made, when their freedom came,
were able to buy the right of the ferry, and the
improvements upon its site, Daniel devoting
himself principally to the split lumber business
employing a good many hands, whilst his wife
keeps everything about home in the neatest and
trimmest order, and is most certainly one of the
best cooks and house keepers we ever came
across. They, in region where corn bread and
jerked beef is the rule and anything else the
exception, have everything that good managers
have any where else, except field crops. Plenty
of vegetables, plenty of poultry, and plenty of
milk and butter. We give this sketch of these
people not from any particular interest it has
per Sc, but merely to show that we can appreei-
ate industry, energy and respectability, no mat
ter what may be the color of those who exhibit
them. aaH #tsss.8 x5
By-theby, Daniel gave US his experience Of
confidence man of his own complexion, which
may perhaps be a warning to others of his class.
Some time ago gentleman of color made his
appearance ON the Mermenteau, representing
himself as missionary sent from New Orleans
to that benighted neighborhood, who soon gain
ed the complete confidence of Mr.. and Mrs. Alex
ander. They had some orphan grandchildren
whom they were anxious to educate, and there
being no schools in the countrys the Reverend
Philanthropist offered to take them to New Or
leans, where they could receive the heneft of the
public schools, Daniel of course advancing the
funds for their journey and board, at very
moderate price for quarter or two. ALI neces-
sary preparations were made, and the pastor
and his protegees started off, the former on a
horse belonging to the confding Daniel, and
the latter in a carriage or wagon. The parson
was to keep company with the children and |
their driver, and pilot them to Washington,
where they were to take boat for New Orleans,
but the SECOND or third day the vehicle returned
and reported that their guide had disappeared.
Smelling mice when too late, Daniel started in
pursuit and arrived in Washington in time to
indout that his black sheep had just left, after
selling his horse, saddle and bride, and two |
watches he had been trusted with, to have re-
paired in New Orleans, and so he returned holae,
sadder and wiser man. 51
From Daniels, we started to go to the Grand
Marais, In Calcasieu parish, some ten miles from
lie river, where, as we were informed, pheasants
ind ducks abounded, but finding petit nlarais
IN the route which satisfied, or at any rate,
'ooled down our sporting aspirations, we re-
,urHcu tuc Sallite AFTERNOON TO our comfortable
quarters at the ferry. az@ zE-
Remaining there day or two longer we re-
raced our steps to Plaquemine and from thence
o Point aux Loups Springs, situated in the
Western portion Of this parish, where the same Ii
Inahty OF Land is found and which is inhabited /
y pretty much the same kind of population as |
IN the Merlnenteau; Bayou Canine, which is near
he Springs, being of the tributaries of that
iver. At this place, formerly one of consider
ble resort, we found several Opelousians and a
ew other refugees from the lower parishes, and
atef remaining about a week we got home-siek
nd turned our face homewards, getting back ,
Eeek or two before the most Of the absentees,
nd as anxious to get back into harness as we
ad been to get out of it. The western portion
st. Landry particularly that part Immediately
ordering upon the Mermenteau and its tributa- !
les, is beautiful country, and though the land /
generally much inferior to the pfairies in other
ections of the parish, with little industry and 8
it would produce every necessity, /,
nd with its unexcelled stock range, so near the
ew Orleans market, it presents a fair field to 4
ny one intending to embark largely in the cat
g, horse, Or sheep raising business. 1