The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-03-18


And where in the wide world today
can there be found so extensive COM
mnnity, where hospitality, culture, ele-
gance and true Christian virtue pre-
walls as existed under the regime which
faded away with the advent of the
Union army.
1t was necessary. in order to hold
this long stretch of conquered terrific
~, that forts and stockadeS be eSrab-
lished with garrisons of troops, and so
Adiutant General Thomas came from
Washington and Instituted the negro
regiments from the .'contlabands, or
ex-slaves, and these raw recruits or
conseripts, with some white regiments,
became the guardians of the new ''ar-
cadia. :"
In the fall of 1868 thousand of ad-
veDturers focked into the valley to be-
come lessees under the new system.
There was certain fascination about
the terms 'cotton planter" and ''sugar
grower" which brought men from all
sections of the north; some of character
and wealth, but in most cases impecu-
nious plunderers. There was a scram-
! bic for the choicest prizes, not unlike
that which swept into Oklahoma and
the Cherokee Strip. but The plantato ms
nearest the forts were the most desira-
bic.
Armed with government leases,
strangers unceremoniously took pos
session of stately mansions, appropri-
atine costly furnishings, Libraries, brlc-
a.brac, etc., and were at once ensconsed
in spacious halls, where hung ancestral
| heirlooms and where the features OF
departed generations gazed from gid
ed panels. as if IN the silent horror. on
the vandalism of the spoiler. Most
frequently the residences were plumb
cred, and tapestries. books, pianos,
paintings and carriages were shipped
away to distant homes or markets, and
today exists somewhere in evidence to
corroborate this statement.
At .Goodrich's Landing, fifty miles
north OF Vicksburg. a military post was
located. garrisoned by brigade of ne
gro troops. This was oneof the richest
sections of the "cotton belt" and near
by was the extensive plantation known
as the Judge Morgan estate" at this
time The property of kinsman-Col.
Matt johnson. G. S. A, granddaughter
of Colonel Il. Nj. Johnson, who laid
Tecumseh low. OF course, these broad
acres and the elegant mansion were
among the first pre-empted. and it was
Judge Julius Dent of ST. Louis,
brother-in-law of General Grant, COM
msnder of the Union army, who had
leased and taken up his abode in Matt
Johnson's home.
Judge Dent was genial, affable gen.
tleman. always pleasing and delighung
in being hospitable and sociabls; and
fond of good cheer, and it was not long
before his place was the resort of ofii-
GERS and CIVILIANS. who had learned
where, to linda well-plenishej sideboard
Jude Dent was always kind and oblig-
ing to the citizens, and If any OF them
got into trouble, or suffered at the
hands of tyraunicar officers. his in
fluence at headquarters seldom failed
to secure redress. In all my expert
ence, let it be said to the credit Of
Judge Dent. found him to be a gen.
erous. noble man. 1t was his first
venture in cotton planting. and mon.
led partners in St. Louis were furn-
ishing all necessary capital. The place
was literally stocked with necessary
mules and implements, and he discussed
like successful planter his prospects.
One evening, just as the genial jud re
had concluded his supper. lighted a
Havana and was pacing the long ve-
randa, stranger walked up the steps
and with "a polite bow inquired If
Jude Dent was at home.
Certainly, sir; am Judge Dent
Walk in aud be seated. What can
do for you?"
II am looking for plantation and
would like to obtain some information
and advice from you," said the visitor.
with the greatest 81 pleasure | will
give you any information can. As
you see L have very large property
here. which l have leased from the
government. The government guaran-
tees me protection as its lessee, and has
erected fort near by which is well
garrisoned with troops. Yes, sir, am
Otuttdl NtduL w III
do these plantations belong to? Well,
this belongs to Colonel Matt Johnson
of the rebel army. Oh, no, / do not
apprehend any danger from the rebels,
for they would hardly venture to come
within rage of The Notifications.
They would be intercepted by cur cav
airy
But do you pay any rent to the
government"
..Oh. no. There is the beauty of it,.
The government is anxious to give en-
ploy ment to the freedmen, and there
is cotton famine in the northern mar
ket"
What about the household property
the furniture, decoration, etc,P
Does the lessee claims ownership of
these chattlesp"
well as to that, l confess it is a
pertinent question. The government
has confscated all property of the rebels
under arms, aud hence the household
appurtenances here have passed into
the hands of the government"
Then the hospltabIe judge showed The
inquisitive visitor through. the mansion
aud explained as best he could the his
tory of the Morgan family, who had
once occupied the place, and whose
| ooztl, ,ortr,;tc in oil huno unon the