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134
MISSISSIPPI TERRITORIAL ARCHIVES.
My proceedings to the* Bayou Batin appeared unnecessary as it is only the residence of one small family. I however put under charge of Mr. Morrison formerly of the United States Xavy a llag with instructions to hoist it at the residence of the Person at Bayou Batin and leave it under his care.
The whole population of the Parish of Viloxy from the best information I could collect may he estimated at four hundred and twenty, that of the Parish of Pas-?cagoula, three hundred and fifty principally french, and Natives of Louisiana, a people more innocent and less offending than I ever say. They seem to regard nothing hut the immediate necessaries for the support of life, and are much pleased at being attached to and protected by the United States. How sensihlv have I been impressed with the advantages that part of Louisiana which has lately be**n taken possession of) is to the l.\ States and particularly to the Inhabitants of the lower part of the Mississippi.
The. high sandy Soil covered with pine and the ljeau-tiful Bays and llivers which empty into the Sea from Lake Ponchartrain to the Bay of Mobile, seem to promise full recoinpence for.the unhealthiness of the Climate of New Orleans.? It is my Opinion in a military point of view for protection to the Country, and ensuring health to the Oflieer and the Soldier, the Pass of Christian and Mouth of Pascagoula cannot 1h* surpassed nor equalled either in the Mississippi Territory or that of Orleans.
With great resect &e &c
(sgd) William Flood
His Excellency
W. C. C. Claiborne
1 This beautiful coast country of Mississippi Is very generally used by the people of New Orleans for summer homes.