The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1869-10-10
LETTER FROM NEW 1BERIA
NEW IBER1A, Oct. q. lao I.

New IBERIA, Oct 6, 1859
Editors Morning Star and Catholic Messenger,
To one whom close attention to lns,aZ
has confined within city limits during tie
n visit to the rural districts during this da'
lightful season cannot fail to afford a greet
deal of pleasure, and particularly to one ill.,
me, of much pastoral taste, and almost an an
tire stranger to Southern rural scenery Aft
much reflection as to which direction to tako
and o few postponefnents of the time of nv d. e'
parture, at last made my way, across the Mis-
sissippi and was soon aboard of n Moroan
train, on my way to the ''Teche country snf
which have heard many speak so extrava-
gantly. After moving rapidly along throueb
the rear of villages that skirt the right bank
opposite New Orleans, and through q few plan,
tations adjacent thereto, we emerged into
forest of rank willows and almost as ran%
grass, stretching either hand nearly as far
as eye could. reach, while directly ahead wac
clearly visible u forest of still larger growth
which we soon entered and found it to be an
immense growth of cypress trees, with their
long naked branches covered with pendanf
moss, and thick underground of small trees
and other vegetation, the names even of which
are unknown to me. By-and-by we passed
through some more plantations, with patches
of withered corn here patches of stunted COT
ton there, but with large tracts of lnxuriant
cane in other places Many negroes, with
awkward scythes, were engaged moving grass
which seemed to have grown best whers
the ground subject to cultivation. We
continued through more forests, another plan
tation, forests again, and on, to the end of
this part of the chapter, which was reached at
Brashear, the present terminus of the Louis
lana and Texas Railroad. Altogether this
part of Louisiana, between New. Orleans and
Brashear, has no attraction for strangers
Much of it seems to be an irrcclaimable swamp
lying below the ordinary water level This
seems to be especially true of the tract west of
Lafourchc, in which there is much water
stagnant, black and repulsive, like the stygian
waters of fable. There are, however, along
this road several rather pleasant looking vii.
lagos, and many extensive sugar plantations,
which cane appears in excellent condition
Brashear is small towa eighty miles from
New Orleans, and at the head of Berwicks
Bay. 1t seems to be supported chiefly by the
portage trade of the: Teehe parishes and Nor
gan's Texas steamers. Skirting the town are
several old earth works, seemingly constructed
for military defense. Having made the circuit
of the town for n little exercise, went aboard
the Attakapas packet Annie E., on which are
to be found courteous officers and good table,
both requisite to the comfort of travellers. In
a short time we were on our way up the Teche
placid little stream, the banks of which are
lined with tlourishing sugar farms. From the
boat visible many fine sugar works and
comfortable looking dwellings, but darkness
soon shut ont the prospect and the dawn of
next day found us here, at about the head of
steamboat navigation, and about which shall
have something to say hereafter. NJ.