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MEXICAN GULF COAST ILLUSTRATED.	9
teen Canadians, ten mechanics, six masons, thirty sub-officers and soldiers.’ All vessels bound for Biloxi touched at St. Domingo. M. Souvolle -died of yellow fever July 22d, 1701, and was buried at Old Ft. Maurepas on the eastern extremity of the Bay of Biloxi. The colonists kept up frequent intercourse with St. Domingo and brought its fevers to the healthiest coast in the world. At a later period direct intercourse was opened with Africa— equally pernicious. Ignorant of the nature and treatment of yellow fever, but for the salubrity of the sea^ coast the whole colony would have perished. On the twenty-second of July, 1704, the frigate Pelican arrived from France via St. Domingo, bringing a. detachment of soldiers and supplies.”	-
In 1719 the French colony moved its headquarters and most of its. ' effects to the west side of the Bay, transferring the name with them also, and for many years the present Biloxi was the germ of French occupation in Louisiana, and the seat of colonial power. The early records were kept in the French language, and are therefore like a sealed book to the English reading public. But there is no doubt that these records are as full of varied, romantic and startling incidents as those of Jamestown and Massachusetts Bay.
Iberville returned to France soon after the permanent location of the colony was effected, and was succeeded by his brother Bienville, who was the Governor of Louisiana for nearly forty years.
What mighty events have transpired in the history of the great valley since La Salle’s discovery; and what a transformation has taken place since Iberville landed where Ocean Springs now stands! Could they visit the scene of their explorations—though doubtless they were profoundly impressed with prophetic visions of future greatness for the new empire— the reality would far exceed their wildest dreams and daze them with ■amazement.


Mexican Gulf Coast The Mexican Gulf Coast on Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound - Illustrated (08)
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