Year: 1868




Below will be found letter to Gen. Han
cock signed by residents Of our city, of North
ern and Western birth, who have deemed this
a proper occasion to express their confidence
in him, and their admiration of his adminis-
tration of the military and civil affairs Of this
district 1t is only necessary to look over this
list to see that it comprises many Of the best
merchants and most active and energetic busi-
ness men Of the city-not politicians or office
seekers, but men who are as much interested
in our political security, and the stability of our
public affairs, as in the material prosperity of
our city and State. When such men speak,
their voices should be heard-especially in
the North and West whence they came, and
where it seems SO difficult for the people to
appreciate our real situation. The ISLANDERS
that have been circulated in regard to Gen.
Hancock by unknown, and therefore name
less adventurers, but who evidently belong
TO that carpet-bag fraternity who are endea-
voring to rob the people of Louisiana of their
rights, their liberties and theirproperty are pro-
perly repelled by this voluntary tribute to our
military commander, coming as it does from
gentlemen of the highest character, who
mean every word that they say. If Gen.
Hancock has been defeated in his attempt to
restore a certain degree of prosperity to our
people, and confidence in our future, and to
administer justice to those over whom he has
been placed in command, he can at least re-
fer to this generous testimonial that he has
met the expectations and desires of SO large a
number of our people-not Southerners nor
''rebels," but gentlemen of Northern birth
and extraction residing in our city who feel
as keenly as any the distresses, political and
commercial under which our people are now
suffering and groaning:


NEW ORLEANS, March IA, 1868.
Msjer Gen Winfield Scott Hancock. Commanding Fifth


Generdl-We, the undersigned, being Northern
and Western men by birth, now residing and do
ing business in New Orleans, without regard TO
party political questions Of any kind, but feel
ing the deepest interest in the welfare OF our COM
mon country, have perceived with deep regret the
necessary countermanding Of your previous
orders, as expressed In your special order o.
"A. consequent upon the demand of superior
officer at Washington. We desire to assure you
that we have regarded your course here. while in
command Of the Fifth Military District, as actu-
ated by the sole desire TO perform your duty to
your county in rict conformity with its Consti-
tuition and its laws, in truly conservative manner.
Firmness and moderation have ever characterized
your course, and while maintaining strict obedi-
ence and order. you have protected and fostered
the judiciary in the performance Of its duties.
Our object in now addressing you is to make
manifest the approval OF the Northern and West.
ern born citizens of this place, Of the course pur
sued by you officially while here, and that this
communication may assure the people in the
North and West that your official course has been
grossly misrepresented before the country by q
few psrtisans Of extreme views, or Office seekers
for selfinterest. As citizens, originally from
other sections Of this country, we feel that these
expressions will be received by our country
men as being uninfiuenced by any sectional pre-
judces.


With expressions of sincere respect, and oul
most heartfelt wishes for your success In the
truly honorable and patriotic course you have pur-
sued