The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1880-02-19
LETTER FROM NEW Or
LEANS.
New ORLEANS, Feb. II, 1879

-
the Crescent City would not be who.
ly uninteresting to the readers of th'
EXCHANGE, / will endeavor to give
you a few lines. describing triE
through the sunny South, or what the
editor of the Lemars (Iowa) Sentinel
would say, ''The dismal swamps and
miasmatic canebrakes of the treason
breeding Southland" On our way
down we met several persons, amorg
them the family of Hon. G. w. Ew-
ing, of Pulaski, Tenn, whose little
daughter, Marietta, owing to her wit
and beauty, was the pet of all the pas
sengers. Not much of interest was
seen until we arrived in the pine for
ests of Mississippi, whose majestic
forms tower high in the air. Sawmills
are seen in the greatest abundance for
saving up the valuable timber. On
arriving in the swamps, a magnificent
scene was presented; the most beauti-
ful moss was hanging in long graceful
folds from every tree, showing how su-
perbly beautiful nature will some
times decorate herself, surprising al
most any production of art. This
dense forest extends for thirty or for
ty miles, making scene that is grand
to behold. Under these moss-covered
trees is seen the broad-leafed palm,
growing 50 thick that the miry,
swampy earth covered by water can
scarcely be seen. To Tennesseean
it may be a wonder why palm leaf
fans should be so cheap, but after
passing TIN ough the swamp it Is no
longer SO, for there seems to be enough
to supply the world for a century.
Lake Pontchartrain comes into view
and a strong wind is blowing, feeling
SO fresh and invigorating as to pro-
duce a marked exhilerating effect up
on the tired passengers. A small sail
boat seen lin the distance under a
stiff breeze is gliding rapidly through
the broad expanse Of water that reach
es farther than the eve can see. This
lake with its banks lined with water
lilies presents magnificent appear
ance and must be seen to be apprecia-
ted. The inhabitants, however, are
rude in the extreme; living for the
most part in rude huts, built on posts
sci ir the edge of the water; some of
them with no way of entrance, except
by boat. In one, an old negro wo-
man was sitting in the door, calmly
surveying the passing train, while on
the roof sat four buzzards, apparently
engaged in the same pursuit. We saw
an eagle flying over with a fish in his
talons. Onward we sped towards the
city, and as we approached near the
green vegetation was very attractive,
orange trees laden with their luscious
fruit greeted the eye. Arriving at
the city, every place was crowded with
people; though it was Sunday, one
could see nothing to remind them of
the fact, for very little attention is
paid to the Sabbath in New Orleans.
On the following day, His Royal
highness, the King of the Carnival ar
rived in the city in the midst of firing
,annons and many other demonstra
ions. The city was gaily decorated
IN honor of his coming. New Orleans,
ike all other cities of its size has many
attractions for strangers; none is more
20 than the wharf with its long line of
boats of all sizes, from large ocean
steamers down, reaching as far as the
,ye can see, both up and down the
liver. The Louisiana, the largest and
inest steamer that ever came to New
Orleans, was lying in port, it being
Ter first trip. 1t was finished in mag
,ifcent style on the inside, with the
inest carpets, most elegant staterooms,
arge mirrors, and in fact everything
hat could be desired. On the day
was the great day for which
uch elaborate preparations had been
made. The procession was said to be
he grandest and costliest that was
'ver witnessed in the city. The night
procession was especially grand and
/ will not attempt de-
for it would take too much
Taluable space in your paper, but will
imply say to those who never saw it,
20 by all means. l will close after
my very best wishes for
he EXCHANGE. Very Resp'y,
j. r. II.