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14
NEW ORLEANS ILLUSTRATE1).
populous, and ever steadily progressive in the march of improvement and greatness. In it was the germ of a colossal enterprise that lias developed all the utilitarian greatness of this wonderful century of incomparable excellence in mechanical arts and contrivances. We wonder now if the perfection of human genius has culminated, as much as those astonished people did when they saw the first steamer.
General Andrew Jackson arrived in New Orleans, December 1st, 1812, and immediately began preparation for the defense; of the city. On the 8th of January the famous battle of New Orleans was fought, culminating in a victory which gave undying glory to the name of the. sturdy old hero. On the 23d of January, 1815, the success of the Americans was solemnized by a period of thanksgiving in the Cathedral. The most gorgeous and impressive ceremonies of the church, added to the grand military display, made the occasion one of the most memorable celebrations ever known in New Orleans.
General Lafayette visited New Orleans in 1825. The demonstrations of welcome and kindly gratitude expressed by the people to the famous patriot and soldier, who generously espoused the cause of our country in its severest moment of trial, were one of the most brilliant character, and fully in consonance with the princely hospitality and refined culture of the brave and generous people of this section.
In 1828, General Jackson made a short stay in our city, and was the recipient of the most lavish attention from citizens of all classes—every one striving to do him honor. The old hero visited the field of Chalmette, rendered famous in song and story by his own skill and the bravery of his troops. Flis visit was one grand ovation, alike due to his high merit as a soldier and statesman, and the people’s own feeling of love and gratitude.
New Orleans owes much to the energy, courage and perseverance of James II. Caldwell, whose name for a long period of years was connected with every enterprise for the advancement and improvement of the place.
In 1823-4, Mr. Caldwell erected the American Theatre, on Camp street, which was for a long time approachable only over flatboat gunwales. This building was subsequently known as the Armory Ilall, and is still in a good state of preservation, being at the present time in use as an auction mart. Mr. Caldwell’s venture was regarded as a very rediculous move, but others followed his example, and the immediate neighborhood of his theatre soon became the most prosperous part of the city.
Speaking of this improvement, and the upward growth of the city, Norman in his Guide Look, issued in 1S45, relates the following anecdote:
“Some of the old Frenchmen in the city proper, who have rarely trusted themselves three squares beyond their favorite cabarat, are very incredulous of the reported progress and improvement in the Faubourg St. Mary. A few years since, a gentleman of the second municipality, asked the old cabaret keeper, who has made himself illustrious and wealthy by vending to the habitues of the lower market, a drink of his own compounding, called “ Pig and Whistle,'' why he did not come up into the Faubourg St. Mary, and see the buildings ? At the same time describing the St. Charles Exchange, the Theatie, tin* Verandah, Bank’s Arcade, the magnificient stores, etc. The old Frenchman listened in doubting wonder for some time; at last, however, his faith and his gravity both gave way and he burst into a laugh, exclaiming “ Oh monsieur B. <lat is too much! You von varry funny fellow—I no believe vat you say—its only one grand—vat you call it—vere de mud, de alligator, and the bull frog live. Von giand—grand—mud swamp, vere you say is one grand city, 1 no believe it!”
Gas was introduced into New Orleans by Air. Caldwell in 1834, he having lighted his theatre with it several years previous. The works are, we believe, the best arranged in the United States.
The growth of the city progressed favorably for many years, but little of interest occurring, beyond the gradual widening of the limits of brick and mortar, the increase of our imports and exports, and the consequent additional wealth of our citizens. The fearful panic of 1837 exerted for a time a baleful influence, but recovering from this, enterprise and prosperity went hand in hand again.