SONS OF LOUISIANA,
ARE YOU SLAVES?

IS your subjugation complete? Have you none of the grand old glorious spirit of resistance to usurpation and tyranny left in your bosoms? After your hereclean labors during the last six months, to redeem by peaceable means your beloved State from the horde of plunderers, who have robbed and degraded her, will you lie supinely and allow the infamous and usurping PINCHBACK, with his band of robbers, to defeat the will of this people, expressed by 12,000 majority at the Ballot-Box. Will you surrender to the domination of your enemies without a blow?

Will you allow these usurpers to install over you Officers to rule and govern you who are not of your selection, and who have no shadow of a right to legislate as your Representatives, or to sit in judg-ment on your life, liberty and property! They have no regard for law or right, and their only aim is to plunder without punishment.

Four more years of this rule, and your property is gone valueless; your commerce gone; your produce gone; your liberties gone; and, if life remains, nothing will be left to you but to abandon your once fair homes and firesides to the fetichism of Africa! and the foul orgies of a mongrel race of slaves, who abandoned all law, and can only be ruled by force. MERCHANTS! your capital—energy—business—property, are in eminent danger. PROPERTY OWNERS! already taxed beyond endurance, your taxes will be doubled—quadrupled, and business being gone, it will be tenantless. Those who respect not the sacred rights of the people, in selecting their rulers, have no respect for the property or liberty of their fellow citizens. If you would have a Government of Law, let every man assist to enforce the highest law in a republic—the will of the people—and yield no obidence or respect to this usurping Legislature or Government, or to the one that will endeavor to force itself upon you in January. The members of the Police are at heart with you. The Militia are with you; and the handful of Federal troops can scarcely be compelled, and will not be ordered, to assist to force this usurped domination on this people if they show themselves determined to resist it.

Let every man stand for his rights under the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, and of this State, and be prepared for every emergency in THOROUGH ORGANIZATION. Let all MERCHANTS, PROPERTY OWNERS, and CITIZENS, meet at

on _________ day of December, at _________ o'clock, _________ M., and pledge

themselves to each other and to their legally elected Representatives, to pay NO TAXES to the usurpers, and not to recognize and support them in any way whatever: To buy at no tax-sales, nor attend any such sales. To buy no property sold under a writ from their bogus Courts. To buy no warrants, bonds, or other paper issued by the usurping Government. Let such Meeting organize Committees to carry out its objects, and to canvass every part of the City to get signatures to these pledges, and to have them circulated throughout the State. Let every person pledge himself to support, by every means in his power, the LEGALLY elected and constituted Legislature, to meet in this city, at the CITY HALL, on the first Monday of January.

Use every means, both active and passive, to rid yourselves of tyranny and degradation, to prevent utter and hopeless ruin—the destruction of the last vestige of LAW, and LIBERTY in our State. If we are to be utterly enslaved, let it be by an actual and overpowering force that cannot be resisted. Let us have a single despotic ruler, upheld by soldiery, which we cannot overcome; but let us not be degraded, humiliated, and plundered to hopeless beggary by the ignorant and shameless assemblage, pretending to be a Legislature, without an effort, and without a blow! If our fair State and proud City MUST perish, let it be nobly! AROUSE CITIZENS—COUNTRYMEN! all that you hold dear—all that makes life desirable—is at stake! Trust not to others to relieve you; but believe the citizens of the NORTHERN STATES, will not assist to degrade you. Assemble at the place and hour named and determine your united action.

F. PINCKARD.

C. J. MEYER

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New Orleans May 8th. 1894

My Dear MR. Ficklen

To attempt to give any thing like an accurate account of the early days of the so called "White League" of New Orleans. I find very difficult at this late date; it now being twenty odd years since its formation, and having no authentic data at hand, I must trust to my memory entirely.

The original organization out of which the "White League" grew, was organized in the summer of 1868, during the Seymour and Blaine canvass, and was called "The Crescent City Democratic Club" and was composed almost exclusively of young gentlemen living in the Fourth municipal district commonly called "up town".

Of this organization Fred. N. Ogden, was president; W. J. Behan, W. T. Vaudry, R. B. Pleasants, S. B. Newman Jr., John N. Payne, Morgan Harrod, and others whose names I can not now recall were prominent in the organization, and all of them, afterwards became officers when the organization was transformed into a quasi-military body, which took place in the early autumn in 1868, which change being made because of the inefficient character of the police, and the growing insolence of the negro population; many clubs having been formed by them, and in their parades on the streets, many acts of violence were committed by them. The Crescent City Democratic Club

built a club room at the north east corner of Jackson and Prytania street, and numbered about three hundred men, among whom were nearly all of the young men of the most prominent families living above Felicity Street. The Seymour Legion was a similar organization of young men living principally in the First Municipal district, and when the police utterly failed in October 1868,

and the outrages by the negroes led by the carpet bag element of those days, grew unbearable, the Crescent City Democratic Club assumed charge of the City from Thalia street to Napoleon Ave.; some detachments having been sent as far as Carrollton. This was the first Military duty performed by the organization.

The Seymour Legion performed the same kind of service in that part of the city from Thalia street to Canal street and other campaign clubs below Canal street undertook to protect that part of the City but there was not at that time any general organization, each club patrolling in its own territory, but their was an agreement among the commanding officers of the various organizations to unite their forces in case of need by signal arranged on receipt of which the various clubs were to rendezvous at Lafayette square. Heavy patrolling parties were thrown out at night and many alarms were had but for the exception of a few outbreaks by negro clubs on the streets which were promptly suppressed, no severe fighting occurred, and when the campaign was closed the club disbanded,

W. F. PINCKARD.

C. J. MEYER.

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but the men having been so welde d together by the dan gers of the
preseding mo nths that although no regular organization was
maintained they were at any time to respond to the call of the
officers for any service. During the campaign just passed the
club had never carried any long arms the men when on duty only
carrying pistols and generally a stout walking stick. The uniform
of the club was a white kepi with red band hearing in gilt lettrrs
the name of the club; a white cape or short mantle bound with red,
a black sack coat, white duck trousers . The club carried a white
banner with a device of a gilt crescent emerging from bank of
cloud and the lison above in gilt letters " Through trials to
triumph". After the dissolution of the club in the early winter
of 1868(December) they were not called together again until the
summer of 1872, during the Presidential campaign when Mr. Greely
was nominated for the presidency by the combination made by the
Democrats and the moderate Republicans. This hybrid combination
aroused little interest and no enthusiasm in the South. Local
affairs being quiet in New Orleans the club was merely called to-
gether for the purpose of organization and took no active part in
the campaign - W. T. Vaudry was made president and all the old
officers generally, and many of the men became honorary members,
for the purpose of keeping the organization alive because although
matters were then quiet there was beginning to be felt an undertone
of uneasiness in regard to the intention of carpet bag element
as they were becoming bolder in their depredations through legis-
lative enactments robbing the state of millions of dollars and
saddling iniquitous bonded obligations on her which they funded
in a general loan in order to hide the original rascalities for
which various issues of bonds were made. This feeling of alarm
among our people was growing stronger all during the winter of 1873
and was accentuated by the passage by the so called legislature;
composed of negroes and carpet baggers; of a bill authorizing
the formation of a brigade of Metropolitan police of which the
Go vernor; Kellogg; had absolute control. The city police was
dismissed as a separate body and the Metropolitan brigade took
possession of the city and under the law passed by the Legislature
the Governor could send these troops to any part of the state for
service under officers appointed by him. This brigade was armed
and equipped as a military body, the infantry division being provi-
ded with Winchester rifles and bayonets and there was full
battery of artillery consisting of two twelve pound Napoleons
two six pounders and two Gatling guns. There was also a squadron
of cavalry and when this brigade with feild officers mounted
on gaily caparisoned barbs, loaded with cold lace and brass buttons,
with a military band of music and colors flying it was a sight the

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that made mens blood boil. This brigade was composed of the scum
of the earth and was officered by outcastybf all nationalities
To transport this body of armed miscreants to such parts of the st
state as it might be deemed prudent to dragoon one or two boats
were arranged as gun boats and transports. A further force of
troops were raised consisting to the best of my recolection of
two rregiments- one of negros commanded by one general Barber
who had been prominent among the negro politicians himself
negro of immense size and of truly ludicrous appearance as he sat
fearfully on hor se back on parades keeping a sharp look out for
sudden contributions of egge of remote vintage and felines all
of whose nine lives had some time since departed. I do not recall.
the fellow who commanded the white regiment which they called
"The first regiment Louisiana Infantry "This regiment had a
large stock of very fine letter paper with a gorgeous lithographed
heading all of which fell in my possession when the state house
was taken 1877 (April) and I distributed among the various companies
of our First Louisiana Infantry commonly called the White
League. All these outrageous preformances during the spring and
summer of 1873 enraged the people very deeply and some of our
people ; politicians and some others of substance and prominence
evolved a quixotic scheme they called "unification" thinking
by bringing about a fusion of the better element of the Republican
with the Democratic party and by a proportional division of offices
to appease every body and affect a cessation of the dangers which
were threatening. I can not exactly fix the date, when it was,
either from memory or from any obtainable data, but I think it
was early in the autumn of 1873, that Fred Ogden called a meeting
of a few of the old officers and men of the pratically defunct C.
C. D. C. and in his usual positive manner denounced the proposed
unification movement as dangerous in the extreme- as the scheme
of a few well meaning dreamers on our side and a large number of
unprincipalled politicians on the oth r side who we are ready to
sacrifice anyhting in the hope of office. Ogden proposed that the
old members be called to meeting for the purpose of forming an
organization in opposition to the unification folly and almost to
man they responded and all of ourpeople who had been deceived by
the unification trick except General Longstreet, saw the error of
their ways and returned to the fold of pure Democracy. Of such
were General Beauregard and Judge Chas.E. Fenner. General Long
street bulled headed soldier that he was having gone into the unifi
cation movement with great enthusiasm,honestly thinking with his
limited intellect, that it was for the best, did not see how to turn
back, and soon finding himself entirely deserted by respectable
followers he kept on, finally landing in the camp of the enemy.
Had the unification scheme prevailed this state would be to day
under the domination of a mixed party the Negro and carpet bag

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element protected by the treaty sought to be made with the demo-
crats. Fred Ogden was the first man of prominence to raise his
voice against this proposed Co venant with Hell and those who
remember him can readily picture in their minds his violent
explosive and convincing eloquence. He called a meeting at Eagle
Hall on the corner of Prytania and Felicity street and not having
actually organized although they were the recognized heirs of
what property there was of that organization, as the new club was
composed almost entirely of me mbers of the old club. With property
thus inherited was the white ba nner previously described. A reg-
ular organization was now formed and in vehement protest against
political miscegnation it was called "the White League" and this
was the first White Leagu e in Louisiana. At the first there was
no intention of forming a regular military organization and to
avoid that semblance the companies were called sections and their com-
marshals. No arms were provided , but the character of the men
who joined the organization, was such that it was plainly evident
that they would defend the principles they expressed ,and as they
continued to be brought toGETHER, their determination solidified
under the guidance of Fred Ogden. The unification farce was
soon played, and the curtain dropped on it with a thud. Instantly
the mongrel crew with Kellogg at their head threw off the mask
and with no further pretence at pacification, began to organize
more negro clubs , and put in charge of them the most violent
adventurers they could find, They began to harass the citizens
in every way possible. -People were imprisoned, property was seized
and every indignity and outrage conceivable was heaped upon the
people for the purpose of causing an outbreak, hoping in the
confusion that would follow, to reap a harvest of booty. The
White League exercised the greatest care to avoid a disturbance, but
went steadily on preparing for the inevitable. The organization
was transformed into a regular military body, officers were elected,
no longer called marshals president etc. but a regiment was
formed. Ogden had been president of the White League became Colonel
of the first regiment of Louisiana Infantry-and companies were
called A. B. C. D. and etc. and their officers were captains and
lieutenants. We had no arms but revolvers, and we began to cast
about for muskets or rifles . Money was collected, and a good many
old Belgian rifles were bought - many at as cheap a price as 2dols
each and were cleaned up and made ready. Company E under captain
R. B. Pleasants collected money enough to equip themselves with
Remington rifles, but that was the only company havin' breech load-
ers. Many individuals in the ranks furnished their own rifles and
ammunition, but they were scattering. Drill was continually going
on, though with no uniforms , or accoutriments, and great inequality
of

who. joined the organization, was such that it was plainly evident
that they would defend the principles they expressed, and as they
continued to be brought toGETHER, their determination solidified
under the guidance of Fred Ogden. The unification farce was
soon played, and the curtain dropped on it with a thud. Instantly
the mongrel crew with Kellogg at their head threw off the mask
and with no further pretence at pacification, began to organize
more negro clubs, and put in charge of them the most violent
adventurers they could find, They began to harass the citizens
in every way possible. -People were imprisoned, property was seized
and every indignity and outrage conceivable was heaped upon the
people for the purpose of causing an outbreak, hoping in the
confusion that would follow, to reap a harvest of booty. The
White League exercised the greatest care to avoid a disturbance, but
went steadily on preparing for the inevitable. The organization
was transformed into a regular military body, officers were elected,
no longer called marshals president etc. but a regiment was
formed. Ogden had been president of the White League became Colonel
of the first regiment of Louisiana Infantry-and companies were
called A. B. C. D. and etc. and their officers were captains and
lieutenants. We had no arms but revolvers, and we began to cast
about for muskets or rifles. Money was collected, and a good many
old Belgian rifles were bought - many at as cheap a price as 2dols
each and were cleaned up and made ready. Company E under captain
R. B. Pleasants collected money enough to equip themselves with
Remington rifles, but that was the only company havin' breech load-
ers. Many individuals in the ranks furnished their own rifles and
ammunition, but they were scattering. Drill was continually going
on, though with no uniforms, or accoutriments, and great inequality
of

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arms, they do not seem to have impressed the carpet baggers with
much terror - and many jibes were indulged in by the news papers
then published under the patroglage of the carpet bag government
called "The Republican"Mean while.Cол Ogden was preparing
quietly for the emergency. He was opperating so far entirely alone.
Our regiment rapidly filled up, and more arms were wanted.Money
was sent to New York and a large lot of Belgian rifles was bought
Some were brought here by the Jackson R. R., and stored in Leeds
foundry, on the corner of Delord and front street, unknown to the
Republicans. Another lot was shipped from New York on the Steam
Ship Mississippi, for this port, but the Republicans found this out
before the ship left New York, and now seeing that our people
were in earnest, they began to take violent and outrageous measu-
res. Houses were searched for arms, boys going hunting were robbed
of their fobbling peices on the streets. -The negro clubs were were
again incited to insolence and vilonce. Street cars in the suburbs
were fired on, and men killed in them, and despite all these outr-
ages, I say of my own knowledge, that not one drop of negro blood
was shed by the White League, or any of its members, from the
formation of the organization, until the dissolution of its successor
the first regiment La. Infty; except such negros as were in
the metropolitan brigade in the fight on the fourteenth of Sept.
1874 and fell under our fire that day. I say to this to dispose
of the malicious stories told throughout the north of the muderous
brutality of the White League to the negros. The name of White
League was assumed as a protest against the unification humbug
and when that fraud died of inanition shortly after its birth
the name of White League entirely lost its significance and the
organization became a military body to defend our people of the
depression of the Republicans. This brings us now to Sunday
Sept. 13 1874. That night the arms stored at Leeds foundry were
distributed to the men with the arms already on hand this gave the
regiment 224 armed men. The Steam Ship *Muskogee* arrived from New York and
was moored to the wharf at the river side in front of Jackson Sq
Square directly opposite the head quarters of the Metropolitan
Black And Tan Brigade, they having taken possession of the old
arsenal on St. Peters street and the Supreme court building
They knew the arms for our troops were on the ship but they feared
to seize the vessel so they determined to prevent our people from
getting them. Ogden knowing this ordered the regiment to assemble
at Head quarters on the Morning of Monday Sept. 14th 1874 at 8 o'clock
determing to go to the ship and get the arms which we bought and
paid for. During the Summer just preceding, several military
organization had been formed; Angel's regiment The Stone Wall
batallion The La. Feild A rt. Washington White League Roman rifles

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St. John White League and other detachments those names I, can
not now recall; all splendid material and though indifferently
armed were well officered and did excellent service in the events
that followed. Up to this time, Monday morning, the only command which
had combined with the White League was the Art'sy Under Cap. Glynn,
an understanding having been arrahod a few days previously and
on Monday Capt. Glynn reported to Col. Ogden with his command.
He had on iron gun which had formerly been a shi ps carronade
which he bought from a junk shop and had mounted on the body of a
dray at Leeds foundry. The fury of the citizens was now roused
to the highest pitch. A mass meeting was assembled at Clay's
statue and impassioned addresses were made by the immortal Bruns,
that marvel of nervous energy Brickell; and sturdy Cornelius Beard,
and after passing resolutions demanding the abdication of the usurp-
ing Kellogg the meeting was dismissed and the people were told to
go their homes arm themselves with what weapons they could provide
and return prepared for action. Ogden had held a regiment in quart-
ers all day perfecting arrangements for cooperation with the other
bodies of troops and as soon as he learned the action of the mass
meeting he began his march down Prytania Street intending to march
to the Steam Ship Mississippi and get the arms belonging to us.
General Longstreet had begun his advance massed his force in front
of the arsenal extending his line out towards the river in such
position as to intercept Gen. Ogden. Longstreet had about 600 infan-
ty.

try 4 peices of Art. and a troop of mounted men - a total force,
thoroughly armed and equiped of about 800 men. When Ogden arrived
at Poydras street learning that the Metropolitans had advanced up
the levee towards Canal street, deployed to the right, the extremp
righth; company E. resting on the river front and the extreme left
posted at Magazine street the line of battle being formed on
Poydras street. At this juncture other companies and commands
KEGGEL, K. A. P., and others, of the Art'sy, under Cap. T. R. K., of
began to come forward to Ogden's support-Angell's Regt. was as-
signed to a supporting position on Camp and St Charles Streets
and the Washington, protector, and St John White Leagues, Roman Ri-
fles and The Stonewall Battallion, were placed on the outskirts
to cover the flanks. Glynn's Artillery was posted near the cent
of Ogden's line on the levee. Lieutenant Governor D B Penn,
acting in the absence of Governor John McEnery, now arrived on
the scene, and he appointed Ogden, Commander of all the forces,
and headquarters were established on Camp street, just above Poydras
Gen'l Ogden, appointed Cap't Glynn to command the artillery, and W.
W. J. Behan was made Brigadier Gen'l; W T Vaudry was made Colonel
of the First Regiment of Louisiana Infantry (White League), and

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At 10 minutes before four o'clock P.M., the Metropolitan brigade was seen advancing up Front Street, on the east side of the Castom house-at the request of Col. Vaudry, whose staff I had just been appointed, I took a squad of men and advanced to the corner of Gravier and South Peters street, to ascertain the movements of the enemy-I reached the shelter of the building at that corner without being observed by the enemy, just in time to see them debouch by company right wheel into Canal street. I counted the lines, and the Artillery, and mounted force as they deployed and having orders not to fire, nor to provoke fire, I moved my squad east-ward down Gravier to Fulton, and as I reached that corner, Gen. Longstreet, and Gen. Badger, with a party of mounted men, in all 8 men, came into full view, riding towards our line, and passed within twenty yards of my party. It was with the greatest difficulty that I prevented the men from firing particularly on Longstreet, but my orders were positive, and as soon as the party saw us, they rode hurriedly back to their line- which was now drawn up on Canal Street, their left resting on the Louisville & Nashville rail road office,- their center behind and protected by the iron building which then stood where our monument now is, their right running down towards the Custom-house. I started at a double quick for our line to report to Col. Vaudry, but before we had advanced to the doorways of the iron works on the levee between Poydras and Gravier the Metropolitan line opened, and with both Artillery and infantry. Our line immediately replied, but as very few of our troops had arms of long range but few Metropolitans were hit-Our line looked a little ragged for a moment, and as I realized the vastly inferior number we had in action, and the poor arms of our men, I felt doubtful, but after three irregular volleys by our men, before the orders were well shouted by the officers, our men charged as one instinct, delivering their fire as they advanced as they got closer the shot guns and hard kicking Belgians began to tell uopn the Metropolitan line. Glynn's gun failed to answer to the friction primer and with a yell of rage his men rushed forward with Vaudry's line. As our men had not had any drill in evolutions the charge was almost ludicrous each man seemed bent on getting at the enemy first. The fire of the Metropolitans was delivered rapidly but the aim was wild; their artillery did no execution, the gunner of the Gattling peice forgot in his excitement to depress the gun and but one of our men was hit by a Gattling projectile. Richard Lindsey of E. company - a very tall man climbed up on some freight on the levee and standing at full height on this elevation in order to get a good shot at the enemy was struck in the head and was instantly killed by one of the Gattling balls. Never having Gattling projectile before the old soldiers among our

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NEW ORLEANS,

troops

troops were much impressed by the whir of the balls as they passed over us. Their sound is entirely different from the a minie bullet or a cannon ball and coming close to gether they sounded very much like the fight of a covey of partridges. I believe that this was the first time that a Gattling gun was used on this in action on this continent. The fire of our men in their rapid advance was naturally very irregular but was singularly well delivered as regards aim as shown by the extraordinary disproportion in losses. Our forces in the charge but were 224 men of the infantry and Capt. Glynn's artillery about forty yet the loss on the Metropolitan side was 102 killed and wounded our loss being thirty nine killed and wounded. When our charging troops reached the plank walk which at that time projected across the levee from the foot of Common street they went overit with a rush

and as they passed over it the Metropolitan line broke and the men fled in all directions a few parties rallying about the corners and some of the depot buildings but they were quickly driven off many being killed in this close hand fighting in which they were no match for our men. The gunner of the Gattling peice deserted his gun, he was the last man at the peice, when our line went over the plank walk referred to but after reaching a few steps he seemed to take fresh courage and started back to the gun.

The chap he barely reached the trail of the peice before he was pierced by a half dozen bullets and he fell dead. We took all the artillery but one peice which escaped down the levee to the Metropolitan headquarters on St. Peters street whither a large part of their men fled, though many took refuge in the Coustom-house from which a dropping fire was kept up on our men who had occupied the feild of battle and several ofour men fellunder this cowardly fire which we could not return as we did not wish to violate United States property. As the Metropolitan fled down Coustom House street they were attacked by our men posted on that flank and a shrp fight was maintained for a few minutes ending in the total route and wild flight of the remanent of the Metropolitans after severe loss on theirside. The companies engaged in this flank attack also lost severalmen killed and wounded. With this the fight ended. Next morning our troops took possession of the State House, Arsenal and all other State and city buildings. Kellogg and his chief supporters seeking protection of the United States officials at the Coustom House. By night fall we were in quiet possession of the city and the news was known allover the State and in fact all over the country. Claveston and Mobile telegraphed us offers of assistance also many offers of men came from the towns and parishes of our own state but all offer were gratefully declined as we now had ample forces, and arms which we had captured from the Metropolitans. Throughout the State the Carpet baggers were expelled from the offices they had usurped.

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and for a few days we breathed the air of freedom, and happiness every where prevailed, but on Thursday came the premonitory symptoms of President Grant's determination to reinstate Kellogg's fraudulent Government and soon the streets of New Orleans swarmed with United States troops and more shops of war were anchored in the river in front of the City than any administration had ever sent to any foreign country, to protect respectable Americans in pursuit of their legitimate interests. 22 Men of War and 2 brigades of infantry a regiment of Calvary and several batteries of artillery were sent to protect as villainous a lot of theiving rascals as was ever gathered together. The thrashing these rascals got, taught them a lesson that they kept well in mind and while they remained power until April 1877 protected by the United States troops they forebore to irritate the citizens and confined their ravages to speculations in office. After the battle of Sept. 14 1874 our military force was reorganized the infantry was brigaded the artillery was formed into regular batteries all under command of Maj. Gen. Ogden. Our organizations were kept quiet but the knowledge of their existence restored confidence and when the election was held for Gov. and State officers in 1876 our men policed every pole in New Orleans and the Democratic party carried the state and city by an overwhelming majority. Then followed the long state of seige- The disputed election of Tilden and the desperate attempt to steal the state government of Louisiana by the Republicans as they had stolen the presidency. Nicholas had been elected Gov. over Packard - a carpet bagger- and he was inaugurated in Odd Fellows hall on the first Monday in January 1877- a wet cold miserable day. Our troops were disposed in the neighborhood to be at hand in the case of need, one company being concealed in a marble yard just above Odd Fellows Hall on Camp street and behind each tomb stone of which there was a large collection in the yard, lay, not a dead man but a live wet and hungry White Leaguer praying for orders to come that they might be relieved from the wet and monotony, and while away the weary hours in selecting epitaphs from the hundreds already engraved on the tomb stones.
---
Now came the delicate question of forcible taking possession of the Supreme Court and adjacent arsenal which had been restored to the Carpet Baggers by the United States troops in Sept. 1874. These buildings had been strengthened with barricades and were heavily garrisoned with Infantry and Artillery. They did not dare meet us again in the feild. Packard was under protection of the United States troops and he was loading the telegraph wires with continual appeals to Washington to have the Federal troops to drive us away. Of course our policy was to avoid any conflict with the United States troops and had we not known that their sympathy was with us it would have been difficult to restrain the impatience.

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NEW ORLEANS,

10

of Ogden and his men. Ogden's head quarters were established at #18 Union Street in the building now occupied by the Southern Express Co. and their officers reported hour by hour expecting orders. On the night of the eight of January 1877 I was on duty at these head quarters with Col. Vaudry and at midnight it was proposed to go to the Gov. Headquarters where Gen. Ogden had some time pressed to learn if any orders were likely to be received that night. When the party consisting of Col. Vaudry Lt. Col. Huger and several staff officers were invited into a circular room on the first floor where Gen. Ogden's staff officers were standing with very serious faces - in a few minutes a small door at the right opened and Ogden's voice was heard saying, "I do not care what the consequences may be I am going to take the court buildings to-morrow if I have to carry them by storm and who ever stands in the way must do so at his peril." In a few minutes Gen. Ogden came out and in a voice that all could hear addressed his adjutant, directing him to order to all the troops to assemble at Lafayette square at eight o'clock next morning prepared for active service. By orders of Col. Vaudry I at once reported to Ogden's Adj. and accepted verbally, the orders for our regiment and in less than one minute Col. Vaudry and our party were on route for head quarters as fast as we could move, leaving Col. Huger whose lamination prevented him from moving rapidly to follow with written official orders. When we reached head quarters it was 2 o'clock A.M. and immediately the orders were dispatched to the ten captains of the regiment and as we had a most efficient corps of couriers these orders were delivered to the Captains in person within an hour and at six o'clock next morning; two hours before the appointed hour, moving, the first regiment was in line in Lafayette square 982 strong. Not a man missing except those sick or absent from the city on leave. It was a freezing morning but it was bright and beautiful and the spirits of the men were high. They had long chafed at rest, rain they were under and they longed for a chance at the rascals and many of the men who had not been in the fight in 1874 were anxious to receive their baptism in fire. At 8 o'clock the troops got under arms and the line was put in motion marching down Camp Str. filing into Canal and crossing that street at N. Peters' marching directly by the Codatom House which was filled by the United States troops who gave us rousing cheers as we marched by. These cheers were very agreeable music assuring us of their neutrality in the coming conflict. Arriving at Jackson Square we found the courtbuildings strongly barricaded and heavily garrisoned. We had now two pieces of artillery which we posted at the corner of St. Peter's and the levee training them on the courtbuildings. We occupied the Pontalba buildings on St. Peter's street with a picket party of rifle men to act as sharpshooters and throwing

C. J. MEYER

CABLE ADDRESS: "PINKMEYE,"

NEW ORLEANS,

11

forward E Company into the square as skirmishers we summoned the post to surrender. The lanyards of the Artillery were lighted and a quietof determination fell upon the line, as we expected desperate resistance, D company not having been in action on the 14 of Sept. 1874 demanded the right to form the forlorn hope under command of their sturdy old patriot Capt. Archibald Mitchell. Many of the men of this company were armed only with heavy sledge hammers with which they proposed to break down the barricades. They knew well how to handle these formidable weapons as they were nearly all employees of Leeds foundry. Their anxiety to assault was so great that even pending the parley following our summons to surrender, it was with difficulty that their officers held them back and when in a few minutes the Metropolitans surrendered the disapPOINTMENT of these men was amusing.

Without firing a shot where we had expected a determined and prolonged resistance the court building and arsenal were surrendered to ust together with all other arms artillery and accoutrements and we immediately occupied the position. Then came the long weary months of tiresome watching and anxiety. We maintained a heavy guard in these buildings. The Metropolitans now held only one position; the St. Louis Hotel or State House. This position we kept constantly under surveillance, and finally the latter part of April it became evident that the Government would no longer support the carpet bag usurpation we prepared to drive them from this last strong hold. I can not recall the exact date but it was about the 23 or 24th of April 1877 noticed reached head quarters from the pickets that something was going on unusual in the State House, that men were seen sliding down the iron post supporting the galleries during the night and surmising the garrison was deserring H. company under Capt. Selick which had been on guard all night at the Supreme court buildings, was hurried to the Royal Street entrance Capt. J. O. Nixon Jr. of Gen. Behan's staff and I representing col. Vaudry arriving at the same time we immediately forced the door demanding immediate surrender of the building which was promptly accorded under the convincing argument of cocked pistols and fixed bayonets. Entering the main building we found but a hand full of the garrison, remaining under the command of a Capt. the rest of the garrison having deserted during the night. It being rumored that buildings was prepared with combustibles for firing we made a hurried examination and found these reports unfouled. Capt. James aide de camp to Gen. Behan having arrived and being mounted he was at once dispatched to head quarters to announce the surrender, and at eleven o'clock the Gov. and the Legislature entered building and the military leaving a small guard withdrew and this ended the military services of the White League. The State now being in complete possession of our people our troops were every

C. J. MEYER.

ADDRESS: "PINKMEYE."

NEW ORLEANS,

12

where with drawn being replaced by the civil authorities.
On the twenty eighth of April Gen. Ogden issued his famous farewell
address to the troops of which document I have been fortunate
enough to secure a copy. It is as follows :
"Head Quarters Louisiana State Militia
New Orleans April 28th. 1877
General orders #15

The Major general commanding takes pride in a acknowledging to the citizen soldiers of Louisiana his cordial approval of their conduct during the tying events of the last four months. On the 9th. January at the summons of oyulawful governor you placed the executive of the people's choice in possession of the public offices of the state without firing a shot. Such a triumph bloodlessly won should be doubly dear to every true American citizen. Under your voluntary and unrecompensed gurdianship maintained by night and by day at the sacrifice of every private interest the peace of this great city through months of anarchy has been perfectly preserved, nor has any man, however justly odious, suffered in body or state for political opinions. You have given during proof that a well ordered militia is the best security of free states and justified the wisdom of our fathers in securing to the people forever the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Your steadfast loyalty and uncompromising firmness, your courage constancy and discipline have been a bulwark against the encroachment of tyranny and impregnable safe guard to whole community. You will carry to your homes and bear with you through life the grateful remembrance of a ransomed State and a consciousness of having exhibited in a rare degree those civic virtues upon which alone the hopes of Republican institutions rest.
In the name of all of the people of the State of Louisiana the Maj Gen. commanding returns you his heart felt thanks. Signed Fred N Ogden Maj. Gen.

Only once more was the White League ever assembled under arms, this last occasion was on the 14 Sept. 1877 when in deference to the great popular demand to see the men who had served so long and had accomplished so much, it was determined to have a parade of thevet pans before the command scattered and in obedience to this public wish the following official order which ever assembled the famous command under arms was issued.

Head Quarters White League Div.

New Orleans Sept. 13th/1877

Special Order #3

PINCKARD & MEYER,
COMMISSION MERCHANTS,
No. 49 UNION STREET,

C. J. MEYER.

ADDRESS: "PINKMEYE."

NEW ORLEANS,

13

1. This division comprising the commands not in uniform is assigned to position in the center of the parade on 14th. inst. and will form south side of Canal Str. with rightresting on &amp;amp; Str. at 2, 30 P.M. sharp.

2. Officers of the division are urged to have their commands in line punctually at the appointed hour as the column will move promptly at the time fixed upon.

3. The division staff will assemble promptly at 2, 30P.M at the designated rendezvous.

By order of

W. T. Vaudry

Col. commanding

D. A. S. Vaught

Actg ASgt. Adjutant Genl.

After this parade the regular malita having been formed the White League disbanded and ceased to be a military organization.

The survivors have only once since been called together and that was on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the monument at the head of Canal Street Sept. 14 1891. This monument was erected in honor of those who fell in the fight on the 14th of Sept. 1874 and was completed and dedicated Nov. 1st 1891.

This finishes a story of the original White League. You will observe that I have confined my reminiscences to the first regiment as I have only recited those facts of which I had personal knowledge.

The various other commands that served through those trying times are entitled to equal credit but as my service was confined entirely to the first regiment, I am not able to tell of the work of the other commands with accuracy, at this distant date. As I said at the outset I have been compelled to entirely rely on my memory. I have consulted some of the old officers of the regiment but have been unable to find any body who kept any records or documents.

Of course in all of these busy years many things must have passed out of my recollections but of those things that I have recorded

I am absolutely certain. Many bits of uncertain or not perfectly clear recollection I have omitted, preferring not to include anything not perfectly sure of. I have also purposely abstained from making personal references except in the case of our matchless leader, because where all served so creditably it would be invidious to make any distinctions. All served with conspicuous gallantry and devotion. My object is to deliver a round unvarnished tale. I have made an effort to give it any literary polish or to construct rounded periods. My wish being to furnish you with the crude materials from which you can select such as you may find useful for your purposes and with a hope that at least some of it may be of service.

Prof. Jno. R. Ficklen.
New Orleans, La.

New Iberia, Feb. 28th., 1903.

Dear Sir:-

Interested in every thing connected with the South,
of course your letter in the Times Democrat of the 8th. ins't. in which you
ask for data that would throw light on the conduct of slaves during the
Civil War and reconstruction, was not passed unnoticed. Afterwards my atten-
tion was called to it by a former slave of ours, Harry Mahoney, who request-
ed me to write you a few words of commendation regarding his character,
which if you find worthy of mention in your History, will be most gratifying
to him, as well as having given me pleasure to pen them. His object in de-
siring this notice, is that his children and friends on whom he has ever
endeavored to impress that the Southern people were their best friends,
could read and see for themselves how when faithful, their former owners
esteem them. Harry was not a family servant as is usually so accepted, that
is, he was not raised by us, coming to us a stranger, when fully grown:
we bought him in New Orleans, where he was sold to cancel a debt of honor.
He proved himself faithful; a trusted servant and friend, never having for-
feited the confidence reposed in him. He served through the campaigns west
of the Mississippi with Maj. Wyche, as body servant, was frequently sent on
important errands, which trust was never betrayed, though opportunity offer-
ed, and during the trying period after the war, when at times left as pro-
tector of the family, never wavered in his duty. As proof of Mr. Wyche's at-
tachment to him, he once risked his life to rescue him from drowning in
Bayou Vermillion, for which Harry always seemed to feel he owed an especial
debt of gratitude. He then begun studying to educate himself, and afterwards
located in Plaquemine Parish, his present home, from which place he was sent
as Representative by his constituents, where his political record is a mat-
ter of history. An occasional letter informs us of his continued interest

CHIEF JUSTICE:
FRANCIS T. NICHOLLS.

ASSOCIATES:
JOSEPH A. BREAUX,
NEWTON C. BLANCHARD,
FRANK A. MONROE,
OLIVIER O. PROVOSTY.

CLERK OF COURT:
THOMAS McG. HYMAN.

Supreme Court
Of the State of Louisiana,

New Orleans, Feby. 9, 1903.

Prof. Jno. R. Ficklen,
Tulane University,
City.

My Dear Sir:-

I was glad to learn from the papers of yesterday you are writing a history of Reconstruction in Louisiana.

North Louisiana was the scene of the most stirring events of that eventful period. This was true, especially, in all the large negro parishes - Caddo, Bossier, Red River, Ouachita, Tensas and others.

In Caddo (my home parish) there were 5000 negro voters to about 1800 white voters. I was a young man in those days, but active in Democratic politics, having been made chairman of the Dem. Parish Committee of Caddo in 1876 and holding the leadership as such for years and until after I became a member of Congress.

Caddo was the leading parish of North-west La. and was looked to to set the example for other parishes.

The great leaders of the white people of North-west La., in the struggle for the preservation of the civilization of the Caucasian, were James H. Hollingsworth and James H. Foster, both of Shreveport.

No history of that period in La. would be complete that did not record their deeds. Hollingsworth, up to the time of his death about 10 years ago, was, in my opinion, the greatest

CLERK OF COURT:
THOMAS McC. HYMAN

New Orleans,

Prof. Ficklen No. 2.

leader of the Democracy of the State. It was his letter that brought Nicholls into the field for Governor the last time he became a candidate. He was a born leader of men. Able in counsel and to plan; tremendous in execution. Not a speaker, but a man of action.

The same is true of Foster, also now dead. They were men cast in the same mold.

The Shreveport Times, from 1870 to 1880, was the really leading Democratic paper of the State. It set the pace. It was then under the editorship of Maj. Henry J. Hearsey, the ablest political writer in the State.

The files of the Shreveport Times from and inclusive of 1870 on down to (say) 1880, would be valuable to you in the preparation of your history.

The utterances of Hearsey in the columns of that paper were regarded as political classics. They set the State afire. Hearsey deserves large mention in your history. He afterwards became editor of the States in this City.

U. S. soldiers in the reconstruction period were stationed at Shreveport. They "dragooned" the white people of North La. - their purpose being to uphold the carpet-bag government.

Hearsey's editorials were phillipics against this policy of the Federal Government.

The Shreveport Times is now owned by my friend W. B. Hamilton of Shreveport. He has all the back files of the paper and would,

Prof. Ficklen No. 3.

New Orleans,

I doubt not, he glad to place same at your disposal.

In Ouachita, W. T. Theobolds was the great leader in those
times of the white people. F. P. Stubbs was another. The latter
is still living. From him much data could be had.

The election of 1878 in La. for State Treasurer, members of
Congress and local parochial tickets marked the final overthrow
of the Republican party in La. In 1876 we had elected Nicholls
Governor with a State ticket, but it took 1878 to finish the
work.

I was Chairman of the Caddo Committee in that year and with
Hollingsworth and Foster had charge of the campaign in Caddo.
So complete was the overthrow of the Radical-Republican-Negro party
in Caddo at that election that from that time to this it has
never been able to elect a constable, even, in the parish.

Before that time the negroes, scalawags and carpetbaggers
were in full control. A black negro, Caesar C. Antoine, of Caddo,
was Lieutenant Governor of the State; William Harper, another big,
burly black negro, was Senator from Caddo, and two negroes with
A. H. Leonard, a white man, sandwiched between them, had represented
Caddo in the Legislature.

Leonard, in 1878, had become U. S. District Attorney of the
District of Louisiana. The State was then one Federal District.
Afterwards it was subdivided into two Districts.

While Leonard's headquarters were in New Orleans, he left
there to come to Caddo in order to lead the negroes in the campaign.