The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1876-03-31
A VALUABLE RELIC OF 1912.

The near approach Of the Centennial, and
the passion for relics it seems to have so
strangely engendered, has stirred up the dust
Of many an old lumber room to good purpose.
Everywhere reminders of early history are
being dragged into light, all Of which are
more or less interesting on account of the as
sccia,ions they revive.
Louisiana has been somewhat tardy in catch
ing the prevailing fever, but that she does not
intend to be left behindhand in the way of
contributions is proven by the very interest
ing relic of 1915 recently shown to US by our
esteemed townsman, Mr.. Aristide Flangeac,
late of st. Landry parish, who is about for
wsrding it to the managers of the Centennial
for exhibition in the Hall of Relics. This is
no less than one of the veritable holster pistols
used by Gen. Andrew Jackson through the
Indian war, and lastly at the battle of New
Orleans. The history Of this weapon and the
manner in which it came into MIR. Flangesc's
possession is full Of interest.
It seems that the grandfather Of the present
possessor was Capt. Garrigues Flangeac, an
old French merchant Of New Orleans, who
lived for many years subsequent to 1915 on
his plantation, situated upon the river bank
about mile this side of Chalmette, where the
battle took place. Gen. Jackson, on the
morning and evening Of January 9Th, going
and returning from the field of battle, made
Flangeac's house his temporary headquarters
Flangeac himself WAS in command Of bat
terry of brass carronades which did splendid
service during the action in repelling the
main attack Of the enemy upon the front.
Gen. Jackson, before leaving Flangesc's
house for the city, complimented him highly
upon the gallantry he had displayed and pre-
sented him with his holsters. At that time
they contained two pistols, somewhat re-
markable at the time, as being the first per-
cussion look pistols ever seen in this country.
They were of French manufacture and had
been presented to Albert G Allatin, then Sec
rotary of War, by Gaspard de Lafayette, son
Of the illustrious Marquis of Revolutionary
fame. Mr.. Gallatin afterwards sent them to
Gen. Jackson for gallantry displayed in his
Iadian conflicts.
as a valuable heirloom in the Flangeac family,
but during the War, being compelled to move
hastily to st. Landry. upon the occupation of
the city by Gen. Butler. the holsters contain
ing them were lost. Oaly one has since been
accidentally discovered in negro cabin on
the Benston estate in 81. Landry, by nephew
of Mr.. Fiangeac, and this he now intends for
warding to the Centennial.
As might be supposed, this venerable fire.
arm is very antique and clumsy affair. The
ramrod has disappeared. It weighs two
pounds six and -tenths ounces. Its total
length is fifteen inches, with the butt strongly
cased in iron. The length Of barrel is nins
and one-tenth inches, with bore of three
fourths of Jan inch-almost young cannon.
It is brown and rusty with age, but still for
midable weapon.
There is not the slightest doubt about its
eenuineness, as its appearance is thoroughly
familiar to Mr.. Flangeac, who has handled it
hundreds of times when a child. Besides
this. the initials "a. j." are rudely carved
upon the stock, most probably by the hand of
Old Hickory himself It is to be hoped that
this relic Of the days that tried mems souls will
be placed on exhibition somewhere in this city
by Mr.. Flangeac, before transmitting it to
Philadelphia. It can not fail to excite intense
interest among our old citizens, who revere
the heroic past, fraught, as it is, with its many
olorious mem cries.