The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-06-25
The Negro.
African Rites on American
Soil.
The Vond us FIRST Night.

A rough road was counted on. but it was not
expected that the cab horses would have to liter
ally swim in slush, and bailers have to be used
to prevent an engulfment and wreck.
1t was sublime spectacle of blind confidence
in the human nature of man to see the bold
chargers promptly answer the relns and unhesl-
tatingly enter on an investigation OF lakes OF
dark muddy water, and it was entertaining to
witness the fath-the deep-seatcd faith-with
which the reins were pulled by the driver, as he
assured his cargo that . that ere horse would
take river if said so, and get through it, too.
The occupants Of the cab We're heavy real
estate hodcls, they had rather more than they
could carry under the then existing circum-
stances, when the old Spanish Fort on the bayou
was reached
Those that knew said that Marie Levaux,
The Voudon Queen,
would sit in state somewhere around this point
and search for her palace was inanSnrattd.
The dull, peculiar but not unmusical thump
thump, thump thump, of the Tom Tom was heard
away up and on the opposite side OF the bayou,
mingled now and then with a wild laugh and the
notes of wilder song.
There was an oblising gentleman Of color, who
generously offered the use of his boat and his
own invaluable assistance to take de gemmen
ober " for specified consideration.
There might have been more comfort i'll the
ride if the seats had been dryer and if the usual
allowance of water in the bottom Of the boat had
not been greatly increased, and there might
have been greater feeling of security and less
apprehension of cold water bath, if the left oar
lock had been tight. and the obliging gentleman
the contrary. However, the destination was
reached.
As II was neared, the capering forms around
the fire Swallowed forth i'll many fantastic
shapes, but suddenly, as if aware of the cOntem-
plated intrusion, the music ceased, the fire was
0uenched and the forms and shapes disappeared.
On arriving at the spot there
Was Found
Il low tumble down shantv, with rickety and
weather beaten fence III front. and ranged along
this on logs, as if holding ii up, was crowd Of
the worshippers. probably twenty-five III number,
the majority being women.
The only thing particularly noticeable about
the party was their clothing, and this was partic-
uarly noticeable i'll only that there was not much
clothing to notice.
The females serene i'll white, and the males
were utterly reckless in shirt sleeves and pants
Of all fashions and colors.
The affair denomnated
A Private Ball.
and the idea that the specimen abode before the
party was the palace of the much loved queen,
was repuliated and all knowledge Of her where
aborts denied.
1t took some time t., tind :. the Queen and
when found, it turned out that it was not Marie,
but her representative,
EsteIle.
Estelle's honors seemed to sit lightly on her,
and when first seen by her seekers, to her the
fleeing glory Of this world lost III the con-
temptation and discussion of crab, which she
was, with more haste than dignity, putting to the
use for which nature designed it.
She was dressed in a alico robe Of many cOlors,
which was new, hut had evidently been made
with view to future usefulness. The only thing
peculiar about her was her head dress, which was
wonderfully made. and fearful to behold The
privilege of close inspection was denied, and OF
what it was composed can only be surmsed.
Sine was attended by three negro women and
same way was the Queen.
E~telle graconsly allowed herself to be
Interviewed.
She said it had been her intention to inangu-
gnrate the festivities on this night, but that OH
account of the large attendance of white people
she had determined not to do it, for fear of in
terruption and that consequently, she had al
lowed no music 81 and made no demonstration
whatever that would indicate her whereabouts
She would not say whether or not she intended
to hold levee on this wednesday, evening.
Declining q btnediction, the party left.
At the Lake,
which was reached in due time, matters wer'
lively.
Tie negro was in his element-plenty OF
whisky plenty of light and a big crowd
ball room about hundred Yards from the
track, down the lake shore. was the principa
scene Of the revelry.
4 Here they We're in numbers men and womeI
drinking, and shouting and mingling together il
wild reckless dance, varied occasionally witt
slight MISUNDERSTANDING, arranged by the
police.
1t is not known to what hour the fun continued
but, at O'Clock in the morning when the journe,
! homcward over the 6 hard road to travel" com
menced they We're still at it.