Louisiana Anthology Podcast: 68. Discussion of Elizabeth Custer's Memoir, Part 2.

68. Part 2 of our discussion of Tenting on the Plains by Elizabeth Custer, the widow of General George Armstrong Custer. The Custers spent some time in Louisiana immediately after the end of the Civil War, and we discuss the portion of the book that covers their adventures in the Pelican State.

This week in Louisiana history. September 1, 1715. King Louis XIV died
This week in New Orleans history. Elks Approve First Truck Parade. September 6, 1934
Story by Buddy Stall. As early as the 19th century, people decorated carriages, wagons, milk carts and other rolling stock, donned costumes, and with liquid refreshments and food to sustain them for the day headed for the crowded streets to join fellow revelers.
The year 1933 was a bleak one for the citizens of New Orleans. Like most Americans, New Orleanians were suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, which followed the stock market crash of 1929. So the approach of Mardi Gras that year filled the city with great anticipation. Perhaps it would get people’s minds off the unpleasant conditions, if only for a day.
This week in Louisiana.
September 12-14, 2014
Shrimp Festival
The second annual fete features shrimp prepared a multitude of ways, plus other food, music, games, and sports. Admission: $2 for attendees age 12 and older. Shrimp Festival Grounds (Meraux), 2501 Archbishop Hannan Blvd., Meraux, 504.278.4296.
Battle of New Orleans September 8, 1814. NO. XI. Militia general orders, head-quarters, New Orleans, September 8th, 1814. A hope is still cherished that the pending negociation between the United States and Great Britain may eventuate in a peace honourable to both parties; but there is too much reason to apprehend that the enemy feeling power may forget right. Indeed from the information before us, we shall act wisely in preparing for the worst. At this moment a fleet of the enemy is hovering on our coast, and he is assembling a force at Apalachicola, Pensacola, and elsewhere, avowedly for the invasion of Louisiana. We must be prepared to meet him; to dispute every inch of ground; harass him on his march; make a stand at every favourable position, and finally to triumph or lose with our country, our lives. Every individual, therefore, attached to the militia will be in constant readiness for active service — officers of every grade at all times be prepared to repair to their posts, and assume the command which may be assigned them — non-commissioned officers and privates will put their arms, whether muskets, rifles, or shot-guns in the best possible condition, furnish themselves with six flints each, as much powder and ball as can conveniently be carried, and pack in their knapsacks one blanket, one shirt, and one pair of shoes, being the necessary clothing on a march. The greatest vigilance will be observed, and every precaution taken to guard against surprise. Captains and subalterns will keep their field officers advised of every occurrence which interests the public safety, and colonels or officers commanding regiments will communicate the same to the generals of their respective brigades and division, and the general officers to the commander-in-chief. Strong patroles will be ordered on every night, particularly within the city and suburbs of New Orleans and the adjacent counties.