The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1882-07-29
Down Bayou Lafourclle.

Down Bayou Lafourche.
A Correspondent Makes Trip ON tn,
Popular Assumption.
DoNALDsoNvILLE, July l9, 1882.
DEAR CHIEF:
By invitation of Capt. Dugas, com
mander of the steamer Assumption of th,
celebrated Crescent Line, revisited tn,
splendid Lafourche country, going as fa1
as Thibodaux. On the left bank descend
ing in the lower portion of Ascension and
generally in Assumption and Lafourche
parishes most bountifal opportune rains
had fallen. In many places the roads
were flooded, especially in the vicinity
Of Thibodaux, where the welcomed intel.
ligence was gained from several leading
planters that crops were in o most
prosperous condition. The present indi-
cations favor large increase of yield in
corn, sugar and rice production, where
of course the planting regions escaped
inundation. On the borders of the right
Bayou banks, where the front lands were
not invaded by the Spring overflow Of
1882, the crops appeared to wear yell
lowish puny aspect, while on the opposite
shore as far as the eye could sweep across
the vast expanse of luxuriant broad
acres of dark green cane, golden rice and
corn, there was every evidence of vigor-
Gus, healthy, promising fruits of the
labors Of 'o2. 1t is we'll worth trip
with the amiable veteran of forty five
years in the steamboating trade, to feast
the contemplative mind OH the extended
plains embraced in some Of these princly
sugar domains as they gently nndulate
their rapidly ripening elements of COM
merce toward the blue skies.
During my brief sojourn in Thibodaux,
I had the good luck to encounter two
veteran journalists, Hon. S. T. Grisamore
Of the Sentinel, and H. H. Michelet,
quondum member Of the press. It is
idle to say that I was not fraternally
greeted by these eminent members of the
profession and deservedly esteemed rep
resentative men of Lafourche parish.
No two citizens merit more the respect,
affection, and support of their fellow
citizens than Uncle Silas aud friend
Michelet, the last named of whom, by
the way, is the popular proprietor of one
of the favorite saloons of Thibodaux, in
which occupation he has perhaps dis
covered more better pecuniary results
than in his former laborious, self-sacrifi-
cling and Improbable pursuit.
also had the pleasure of meeting Mr..
Keefe, the foundryman. He is now asso-
ciated with Mr.. Bodley of Bodley Bros,
under the firm name of Bodley & Keefe.
This foundry is one of the most extensive
and flourisliing in the State, and its
present patronage is far beyond its eapa-
city to accommodate. 1t has recently
been furnished with the best machinery
of the latest modern patterns now in use,
and is prepared to perform certain
classes of work that can not be executed
in the South. These gentlemen are so
overrun with work that they
an extension of their build !
ings, and may possibly establish a branch
of their concern in Donaldsonville. They
have the pluck, energy and capital to do !
it.
All the officers of the steamer Assum-
tion would be pleased to have you or
any member of the reportorial corps
float down with her. 1t is indeed a |
genuine treat to ride OH such an elegant |
steamer and have such clever gentlemen
as Capt. A. Dngas, F. C. Bergeron, Hippo
lite Landry, Alphonse Charlet, E. Tenn
plet (the ice water many, and others for
companions. I could furnish
you with any amount ofitems of more or
less interest to your readers, but have
his day sized the space i'll your columns
md find it limited.
The last number of the CHIEF was in
such demand that the small number you
furnished rue for distribution proved
mere drop in the bucket. l think you
will be induced to yield to the general
.equest to issue another edition. More
mon. As ever,
GUMBO.