The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1874-09-25
Preparing for war.
ITO the Cincinnati Commercially

H~AoHINU1ONs ~. S.S sept. 1O.-Ai1 tuk
troops that n be spared from garrison
duty in the country east of the Missis.
slppl River, from the Canada border tx
the Gulf of Mexico, were ordered to pro,
coed forthwith to New Orleansin fullpre.
paratlOn for active service. Government
officials estimate that there are, at this
writing, at least five thousand troops
comprising infantry, cavalry, artillery
and marines, already IN route for the
scene of disturbance. The large force
of marines at Pensacola have been util-
lied for this purpose.
Orders have been issued to troops in
other localities to hold themselves in
readiness for active service at a mo-
ment's notice. Gen. Sheridan has not
been telegraphed to proceed to New Or
leans, but he has been ordered to be
ready to go there at any moment.
Washington, Sept. 17.-AdditiOnal
evidences of the earnestness of the Gov
ernment in dealing with affairs in Louis
ana are apparent to-day in the formal
ordering Of the 22d Infantry to New Or
leans. These troops are scattered in
various places, including Detroit, Fort
Porter n Fort GratiOt. Some days
may elapse before they can be on route
for this city.
Orders have also been issued for the
troops at Fortress Monroe to hold them
selves in readiness for q movement
thither. Gen. McDOwellis now engaged
IN gathering up such forces as can be
spared from his Department for service
IN Louisiana. Should the exigencies re-
qulre it is supposed that about 5000
troops can be concentrated in Louisiana
within a week or ten days, including
those already there or in the vicinity.
The President to-day also ordered
three vessels of war to be sent to New
Orleans. They have not yet been Sc
lected, but may be in the course of to-
day. They will be such its a cross
the bar with safety, and will be gun
boats of heavy calibre.
The President sent for Admiral Rey-
nOlds this morning, with whom he had a
long conference on the subject.
A dispatch from Secretary Belknap,
dated Columbus, Ohio, says that the off
GERS composing the Society of the Army
OF the Cumberland heartily endorse the
Presldents action concerning Louisiana.
A New York merchant writes to the
Attorney General that large quantities
or arms and ammunition have been
sold there for organized bodies in the
Southern States.
Washington, Sept. ia good deal of
business was transacted at the Adiutant
Generals office and by Admiral Rey-
n0lds, at the Navy Department, to-day,
concerning the movement of troops and
vessels. The President was at his office
four or five hours also, engaged on Louis
lana affairs. But few visitors were adj
mitted. Arrangements have now been
completed for carrying into full effect
the purpose of the proclamation, and
the course indicated in the dispatch to
General Emory, that within five days
from the date Of the proclamation to
the insurgents such action will be taken
as he emergency may require.
No vessels by name have been ordered
to New Orleans, but Admiral Mullaney
beeh instructed to send such vessels
there as may be most conveniently dis
patched and a pass over the bar.
A telegram from New Orleans to an
OF the Government, says that one
gunbOat would be of more use at New
Orleans than ten thousand men.
The President will not return to Long |
Branch, having given directions to have |
ms personal effects brought to Washing
The u. s. iron steamer Gettysburg,
Richie, which has been used as
special dispatch boat between several
navy yards on the Atlantic coast, leaves |
here tomorrow for Key West, to report
to Rear Admiral Mullaney, and, it is
said, she will be then ordered to New
Orleans.