St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-10-11
(Communicated.)

Mr.. Editor:
I note with pleasure the action of the
sugar planters and Republican conven
tons in the selection of the Hon. Cald-
we'll C. Swsyze Of this parish as the
candidate for Congress in the Sixth
District.
A ripper scholar, a more profound law
YER, q more upright, honest or conscien-
tious citizen or more worthy man could
not have been found in the twelve par.
ishps eOmpOsing this district !; and
whether MI. Swayze should be elected
ar not, let it be said to the credit of the
friends of protection. that the candi-
date Of their choice possesses III the
highest degree, the confidence, the good
oninion and the affection of every 81.
Landry creole. He was the only child
of Hon. Caleb l.. Swayze, a wealthy su-
gar planter of this pa isll, who besides
contributing to the agricultural devei-
0nment and commercial growth of the
country left behind linn at his decease
an imperishable name as a trained
lawyer and profound jurist acquired
after nearly forty years practice at the
OpelOusas bar.
Hon. C. C. Suayze was born in the
parish of st. Landry on the 9Th OF Jan
nary, 1887. His fdther began at an
early age to lay the foundation for that
education which he had promised his
son and accordingly after going
through successfully the appointed cur
ricnlum in the common schools of the
country, in Septemh Der, 1864 he matricu-
lated ut the University of North Carroll
ma. Here, under such scholars and ed
ucstOrs as DR.. MitchcE, Prof. Hubbard,
and Ex-Governor Swayne, he graduated
with distinction in June, 1868.
After this Mr.. Swayze came home and
began the practice OF law at the OpelOu-
sas bar, but hardly had ne time to make
beginning before the token of war
was sounded. To the demands of his
country he responded then as he does
nOW.s
In March 1868 be enlisted as private
in the "Opelousas Guards" afterwards
known as Co. T. 8th La. Reg. in the
| Brigade commanded by Generals Dick
Taylor, Harry Hayes, Francis I, Nj
chOlls and ZebulOl York in the order
named. He served as . private soldier
for two years and In the course of bis
service participated in the battles OF
Winchester, Cross Keys, Port Republic,
days fight afound Richmond, Sharpe
burg, Charlottesville, fight in the VIII
derness, monOcaci in Maryland, Gettys-
burg, and Cd battle of Winchester. In the
battle of Gettysburg and 2 days fight
around Richmond he received two very
severe and painful wounds, one in the
leg and the other in the breast. Mr..
SwayZe'B first promotion was his cleo
tion as one of the Lieutenants of his
Company. Having been called to this
position he soon demonstrated to his
superior officers, that owing to his ac-
tivity, his intelligence and his unas-
Stunning bravery he had been fitted by
nature not to follow but to lead men.
Accordingly promotion followed pro-
motion and he was elected Adjutan nj
of his regiment and subsequently
Adiutant General of his brigade.
In December, 1884 be, received a COM
mission and Instructions from the Wal
| Department at Richmond to cross the
Mississippi River and to gather togeth-
er the mem ers of the Army of North
ern Virginia, who had been furloughed
on account of wounds and who had
crossed the river and joined the trans
Mississippi commands.
Having been delayed at Summit
Miss, awaiting further instruction.
from headquarters and before he coulC
execute his orders or perfect any ar.
rangements looking thereto, he learned
of the surrender of Lee and Johnston.
This event marked the close of tft
war between the States and Adjutant
General Swayze repaired to the toWl
of Washington, La, and surrendered
| his sword to Col. Rice, commanding the
Federal forces at that point.
A remarkable coincidence is to bt
found in the fact that the subject o
this sketch graduated at the same
school as his competitor A. B. Irion
He has always lived in st. Landry anC
no where else. He is to the manor horI
and speaks with equal facility both th'
| English and French languages.
General Swayze, ST. Landty's favor
ite son, il rfoftctihnfst and makes ifi
I-Gt' alaa that Issue and il tbs Gtj
DisSricf Faa ~ eve to it's interest IL vii
-, T"s4ssf@-ss hy sfigis