84. Interview with former Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque

84.  We interview poet Darrell Bourque, the former poet laureate of Louisiana.  He served as an English professor and department head at ULL and found time to write several books of poetry.  Since his time as poet laureate, he has traveled the state of Louisiana as a public intellectual, reading his own poems and supporting the work of other poets as well.

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 28 1862 (Old) State Capitol burned by Union Soldier.
2. This week in New Orleans history. The Esplanade Avenue streetacar ran from June 1, 1861 until December 27, 1934.  It was the first streetcar line to traverse the "back-of-town" section of New Orleans, running all the way out Esplanade Ave. to Bayou St. John in its original routing. From 1901–1934 the Canal and Esplanade lines operated in a loop as the Canal-Esplanade Belt, until Esplanade Ave. went to buses in 1934.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown Make a noisemaker and paper bag party hat to wear for the countdown to noon, culminating in a balloon release and confetti toss. Admission: 2014 pricing TBA. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St, New Orleans 504.523.1357.
   
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 29, 1814. NOS. XXVI-XXVII.
   I lament that I have not the means of carrying on more offensive operations. The Kentucky troops have not arrived, and my effective force at this point, does not exceed three thousand. Theirs must be at least double; both prisoners and deserters agreeing in the statement that seven thousand landed from their boats.

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83. O. Henry's "Whistlin' Dick's Christmas Stocking"

83.  Bruce and Stephen talk about O. Henry's short story, "Whistlin' Dick's Christmas Stocking."  In this story set in the early 20th centrury, Henry takes us down the levee from New Orleans to a hobo jungle, where Boston Harry and his gang of tramps are plotting, like the Grinch, to steal Christmas.  Will Whistlin' Dick be able to foil their evil scheme?  Tune in to find out!

1. This week in Louisiana history. Dec. 20 1803 United States Commissioners W.C.C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson formally receive possession of Louisiana for the United States for $15,000,000.
2. This week in New Orleans history.  Governor James Albert Noe, born on December 21, 1890, served in World War I as a first lieutenant of the 369th Infantry in France. He was active in the Democratic party and served in the state senate from the 29th Senatorial District (Ouachita and Jackson parishes).  In 1932 he was the floor leader for Huey Long's administration and was appointed lieutenant governor in 1934. He became the Governor of Louisiana, serving from January through May 1936, following the death of Gov. O. K. Allen. He later returned to the senate until 1940. Noe made unsuccessful runs for governor in 1940 and 1959. He was active in the oil and gas industry, with operations in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, both as producer and overriding royalty owner. He owned and operated farms in Indiana and Ouachita and Tensas parishes, most notably, the Whitehall Plantation in Monroe. In 1936 Noe founded WNOE-AM and FM radio stations in New Orleans, established Monroes KNOE-AM and FM radio stations in 1944, and KNOE-TV in 1953.  In 1971 he was awarded an honorary LL. D. degree from Northeast Louisiana University.  He died died in Houston on October 18, 1976.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. 
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 28, 1814.  NOS. XXVI-XXVII.
   
   Copy of a letter from captain Henley, commanding late United States’ schooner Carolina, to commodore Patterson, dated
   New Orleans, December 28, 1814.
   Sir,
        At daylight, on the morning of the 27th, the enemy opened upon the Carolina a battery of five guns, from which they threw shells and hot shot; returned their fire with the long twelve-pounder, the only gun on board which could reach across the river, the remainder of her battery being light twelve-pound carronades.
        The air being light aid at north, rendered it impossible to get under way; the second shot fired by the enemy lodged in the schooner’s main-hold urder her cables, and in such a situation as not to be come at, and fired her, which rapidly progressed; finding that hot shot were passing through her cabin and filling room, which contained a considerable quantity of powder; her bulwarks all knocked down by the enemy’s shot, the vessel in a sinking situation, and the fire increasing, and expecting every moment that she would blow up, at a little after sunrise I reluctantly gave orders for the crew to abandon her, which was effected, with the loss of one killed and six wounded; a short time after I had succeeded in getting the crew on shore, I had the extreme mortification of seeing her blow up.

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82. Interview with poet Thomas Parrie

82.  We interview poet Thomas Parrie.  Thomas writes about life in the Native American community around Toledo Bend.

1. This week in Louisiana history. Dec. 15 1802 Pres. Jefferson, worried of French takeover of La., seeks to purchase Isle of Orleans.
2. This week in New Orleans history.   Bonnet Carré Spillway is Dedicated December 13, 1935
        Airline Highway originally was a two-lane road that ran from Prairieville to Shrewsbury (now Metairie). The first section, running between Williams Boulevard in Kenner and Shrewsbury Road, opened in June 1927. It was begun by the Jefferson Parish Police Jury as a local road and incorporated into the plan for Airline Highway during construction.
        The remainder of the highway was built between 1928 and 1933 by the Louisiana Highway Commission with federal aid, as the road would carry US 61 upon completion. The section north of the spillway was officially opened on July 4, 1933, and the section on the south side followed three weeks later. (Various sections had been temporarily opened to traffic beginning in October 1931.) Completion of the bridge over the Bonnet Carré Spillway was delayed until 1935, necessitating a detour over the Jefferson Highway (River Road) via temporary gravel roads along the spillway guide levees. The eight-lane extension into Tulane Avenue (reached by a now-demolished six-lane bridge over the former New Basin Canal) was officially opened on August 26, 1940.
        The Bonnet Carre Spillway, as well as the spillway bridge on Airline Highway,  was dedicated on December 13, 1935 as  part of the Mississippi Flood Control Project at a cost of  more than $13 million. Its construction was prompted by the devastating floods of 1927.  The spillway flood-way would route 250,000 cubic feet of water per second from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain then Lake Borgne and into the Gulf of Mexico, thus sparing the Greater New Orleans area from high-water river flooding.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. 
4. Battle of New Orleans  Dec. 14 1814 First clash with British in War of 1812 on Lake Borgne
   December 27, 1814.  NO. XXV
   Major-general Jackson to the secretary of war.
   Head-quarters, 7th military district, camp below New Orleans, 27th December, A. M.
   Sir,
        The loss of our gun-boats near the pass of the Rigolets, having given the enemy command of lake Borgne, lie was enabled to choose his point of attack. It became therefore an object of importance to obstruct the numerous bayous and canals leading from that lake to the highlands op the Mississippi. This important service was committed, in the first instance, to a detachment from the 7th regiment, afterwards to colonel Delaronde of the Louisiana militia, and lastly, to make all sure, to major-general Villeré, commanding the district between the river and the lakes, and who, being a native of the country, was presumed to be best acquainted with all those passes. Unfortunately, however, a picquet which the general had estsblished at the mouth of the bayou Bienvenu, and which, notwithstanding my orders, had been left unobstructed, was completely surprised, and the enemy penetrated through a canal leading to his farm about two leagues below the city, and succeeded in cutting off a company of militia stationed there.

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81. Interview with O'Neil De Noux about Battle Kiss.

81. We talk to O’Neil De Noux again about his Battle of New Orleans historical novel, Battle Kiss.  Since O’Neil is also an expert about the Battle of New Orleans, we talk to him about that event as well.  In anticipation of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the bicentennial of The Battle of New Orleans in 2015, New Orleans writer O’Neil De Noux spent two years researching and writing an epic historical novel set during that titanic struggle. Battle Kiss is an intense, accurate depiction of the battle, of life in New Orleans in the days and nights preceding and following the monumental event. It is a saga of love and war, of battlefield heroes, of young men and young women in love – a tale of spies and privateers, ladies and rogues, patriots and traitors, sudden passion and sudden violence as the battle unfolds in stages until the cataclysm of January 8, 1815, when a rag-tag army of Creoles, free-men of color, pirates, American backwoodsmen, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Attakapas braves, fortified by a limited number of U.S. army regulars and marines and led by a general whose only experience was fighting insurgent Creeks, stands between New Orleans and a battle-hardened army of British soldiers, led by one of the Duke of Wellington’s finest field commanders and hero of the Peninsula War against Napoleon – Major General Sir Edward Pakenham.

1. This week in Louisiana history. Dec. 6 1889 Confederate President Jefferson Davis died in New Orleans
2. This week in New Orleans history. Nearly three years after New Orleans police broke into Our Lady of Good Counsel Church to handcuff and evict parishioners trying to save it from closure, the 117-year-old church is being reopened on December 7, 2011.  The arcdiocese of New Orleans announced that the Center of Jesus the Lord, a community of charismatic Catholics, would move there from its home on North Rampart Street.
3. This week in Louisiana. Russ-Town Band
   December 12th, 2014 Dixie Center for the Arts
   212 North Vienna Street, Ruston, LA 71270
   318-255-1450
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 26, 1814. NO. XXV.   Copy of a letter from general Andrew Jackson to the secretary of war, dated
   Camp near New Orleans, 26th Decmber, 1814.
          The enemy having, by the capture of our gun-boats, obtained command of the lakes, were enabled to effect a passage to the Mississippi at a point on the side of New Orleans, and about nine miles below it. The moment I received the intelligence, I hastened to attack him in his first position. It was brought on in the night and resulted very honourably to our arms. The heavy smoke, occasioned by an excessive fire, rendered it necessary that I should draw off my troops, after a severe conflict of upwards of an hour.
          The attack was made on the night of the 23d. Since then both armies have remained near the battle-ground, making preparations for something more decisive.
          The enemy's force exceeded ours by double, and their loss was proportionably greater. The moment I can spare the time, I will forward you a detailed account. In the meantime I expect something far more important will take place. I hope to be able to sustain tho honour of our arms and to secure the safety of this country.

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80. Interview with writer Dixon Hearne.

80.  We interview writer Dixon Hearne, who teaches and writes in the American South. Much of his writing draws greatly from the rich images in his daily life growing up along the graceful river traces and bayous in West Monroe, Louisiana. After many years of university teaching and writing for research journals, his interests turned toward fiction and poetry—and the challenge of writing in a different voice. The Louisiana Anthology now has some of Dixon's stories for you to enjoy, and links to more.

1. This week in Louisiana history. November 28, 1729.  Natchez tribesmen in the Louisiana colony attack settlers and soldiers November 28, massacring more than 200 and taking several hundred women, children, and black slaves prisoner. The colonists had demanded that the Natchez give up their sacred burial ground.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Dixieland jazz pianist, clarinetist, and drummer Ollie "Dink" Johnson (October 28, 1892 – November 29, 1954) was a  was born in Biloxi, the younger brother of the bass player/bandleader William Manuel Johnson. He worked around Mississippi and New Orleans before moving out west in the early 1910s. He played in Nevada and California, often with his brother Bill. Most prominently he played with the Original Creole Orchestra (mostly on drums). He also played clarinet in Kid Ory's band. For many years he was based in Los Angeles where he led a band in the 1920s and later ran a bar called Dink's Place at 4429 Avalon Blvd. He was visited there in March 1946 by Bill Russell, who organised most of his piano and one man band recordings. Russell wrote in his diary that Dink had a room at the back for selling bootleg whisky, and kept a gun in a saucepan "because the police would never look there". He told Russell that he had "always lived outside the law." He made his first recordings in 1922 on clarinet with Kid Ory's Band. He made more recordings in the 1940s and 1950s, mostly on piano, although also doing some one-man band recordings, playing all three of his instruments through over dubbing.  Johnson's piano style was influenced by Jelly Roll Morton (his brother-in-law); his clarinet playing by Larry Shields. Johnson also wrote tunes, including "The Krooked Blues" (recorded by King Oliver) and "So Different Blues."
3. This week in Louisiana. Witches Brew Tours
   December 5th, 2012 - December 31st, 2014 Witches Brew Tours
   819 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116
   504-413-3120
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 28, 1814.  NO. XXIII-XXIV.  Letter from commodore Patterson to the secretary of the navy.
    Letter from commodore Patterson to the hon. Secretary at War.
   U. S. ship Louisiana, December 28, 1814.
   Sir,
   I have the honour to inform you that on the 23d instant, while at the bayou St. John, examining the batteries erecting there by the navy, under the superintendance of captain Henley of the Carolina, I learnt that information had been received by general Jackson that the enemy had penetrated through bayou Bienvenu with a large force, and had effected a landing at general Villeré’s plantation on the banks of the Mississippi, which upon application to the general proved to be true. The alarm was immediately given in town, and the troops put in motion; I repaired on board the United States’ schooner Carolina, with captain Henley, and after ordering the Louisiana, commanded by lieutenant-commandant C. B. Thompson, to follow me, at 4 P. M. weighed, and it being calm, dropped down with the current; at about half past six I received a request from general Jackson, through Mr. Edward Livingston, his aid-de-camp, to anchor abreast of the enemy’s camp, which he pointed out, and open afire upon them.
   I have the honour to be, &c.
   D. T. Patterson. 

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79. Interview with Erin Greenwald about Company Man, Part 2.

79.  Interview with Erin Greenwald about the book she edited, Company Man, which is a book by  Marc-Antoine Caillot translated from a manuscript covering the early days of colonial New Orleans. We talk to Erin about the author's insights into life in the new colony.  "Yet with humor and insight, Caillot documents episodes major and minor-from the Natchez Massacre to New Orleans's earliest documented Carnival celebration to his own string of pranks and romantic escapades. His words speak with immediacy across the centuries, illuminating racial and ethnic politics, environmental concerns, and the birth of New Orleans's distinctive cultural mélange" (HNOC).

1. This week in Louisiana history. Nov. 22 1886. 30 Negros killed/100 wounded by vigilanties to stop canefield strike in Thibodeaux
2. This week in New Orleans history. John William Corrington (October 28, 1932 – November 24, 1988) was an American film and television writer, novelist, poet and lawyer. He received a B.A. degree from Centenary College, in 1956 and his M.A. from Rice University in 1960, the year he took on his first teaching position in the English Department at Louisiana State University. While on leave from LSU, Corrington obtained his D.Phil. in 1965, from the University of Sussex and then moved to Loyola University New Orleans in 1966, as an Associate Professor of English, where he also served as chair of the English Department. Corrington graduated from Tulane University Law School in 1975, joined a small New Orleans personal injury law firm, Plotkin and Bradley, and spent the next three years practicing law.  During this time Corrington published four books of poetry, Where We Are (1962), The Anatomy of Love (1964), Mr. Clean (1964) and Lines to the South (1965).
3. This week in Louisiana. November 24, 1813 W.C.C. Claiborne offers $500 reward for Jean Lafitte's capture.
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 18, 1814.  NO. XXII.  An act from the legislature of Louisiana to grant delays, &c
   AN ACT
   To grant a delay in the cases therein mentioned.
         Whereas the present crisis will oblige a great number of citizens to take up arms in defence of this state, and compel them to quit their homes, and thus leave their private affairs in a state of abandonment, which may expose them to great distress, if the legislature should not, by measures adapted to the circumstances, come to their relief,
        Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the state of Louisiana in general assembly convened, That no protest on any note or bill of exchange, payable to order or bearer, or on any note, bill of exchange, or obligation for the payment of money, shall or can be legally made, until one hundred and twenty days after the promulgation of the present act.
         Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That no property, either moveable or immoveable, belonging to successions or bankrupts, or any property seized by virtue of any execution issued by the courts of justice, or justices of the peace of this state, shall be sold within one hundred and twenty days after the promulgation of the present act; Provided however, that the delay aforesaid shall not prejudice the holders or proprietors of the said notes, bills, obligations, or judgments, from demanding the interests which they would or might have legally demanded, if the said delay did not exist.

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78. Interview with Erin Greenwald about Company Man, Part 1.

78.  Interview with Erin Greenwald about the book she edited, Company Man, which is a book by  Marc-Antoine Caillot translated from a manuscript covering the early days of colonial New Orleans. We talk to Erin about the author's insights into life in the new colony.  "Yet with humor and insight, Caillot documents episodes major and minor-from the Natchez Massacre to New Orleans's earliest documented Carnival celebration to his own string of pranks and romantic escapades. His words speak with immediacy across the centuries, illuminating racial and ethnic politics, environmental concerns, and the birth of New Orleans's distinctive cultural mélange" (HNOC).

1. This week in Louisiana history. Nov. 15 1730 Gov. Perier and French defeated the Natchez Indians
2. This week in New Orleans history. The Kick Heard 'Round the World
   Saint Tom Dempsey Breaks Record.  November 8, 1970 Any New Orleanian who heard the radio broadcast of the Detroit Lions vs the Saints game on November 8, 1970 still remembers the kick.  One local sage wrote that many more people claimed to have been there that day than could possibly have fit into Tulane Stadium.  Many fans who had actually gone to the game left early, thinking that the Saints could not possibly catch up the Lions.  But in the final seconds, Tom Dempsey set a still-unbroken NFL-record 63 yard field goal to give the New Orleans Saints a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions at our home field.
3. This week in Louisiana. November 16, 1972
       Southern University students killed by police
       Two black students at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (one of the country's largest all-black colleges), were killed during a confrontation between black students and law enforcement officers. After the incident, police officials denied that their men had fired the fatal shots. Some suggested that the gunfire might have been accidental, but spokespersons for the students charged that the police had fired on purpose.
        The Louisiana state government put together a biracial committee consisting of police officers, university administrators, students, elected officials, and private citizens to investigate the shootings. Some blacks did not trust the official committee, however. They promised to assemble a group of their own to look into the incident.
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 15, 1814.  NO. XXI. MARTIAL LAW
   The following spirited order gives a sufficient account of the motives which induced general Jackson to resort to the measure of proclaiming martial law. At the same time that it served to convince the emissaries, whom the enemy might have sent among us, of the inutility of their mission, it convinced also the people of Louisiana, that the man who had come to take command of the forces, was decidedly determined to save the country, and to make use of all the means in his power to obtain that desirable end.
   New Orleans, December 15, 1814.
   To The Citizens Of New Orleans,
   The major-general commanding, has, with astonishment and regret, learned that great consternation and alarm pervade your city. It is true the enemy is on our coast and threatens an invasion of our territory, but it is equally true, with union, energy, and the approbation of Heaven, we will beat him at every point his temerity may induce him to set foot upon our soil. The general, with still greater astonishment, has heard that British emissaries have been permitted to propagate seditious reports among you, that the threatened invasion is with a view of restoring the country to Spain, from a supposition that some of you would be willing to return to your ancient government. Believe not such incredible tales — your government is at peace with Spain — it is the vital enemy of your country, the common enemy of mankind, the highway robber of the world that threatens you, and has sent his hirelings amongst you with this false report, to put you off your guard, that you may fall an easy prey to him; — then look to your liberties, your property, the chastity of your wives and daughters — take a retrospect of the conduct of the British army at Hampton and other places, where it has entered our country, and every bosom which glows with patriotism and virtue, will be inspired with indignation, and pant for the arrival of the hour when we shall meet and revenge those outrages against the laws of civilization and humanity.

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77. Interview with Dayne Sherman about his novel, Zion.

77. Interview with Dayne Sherman about the release of his new novel, Zion. It is "a gothic treatment of the American South: a hard-charging depiction of religion, family, friendship, deception, and evil. Zion is a mystery set in the rural South, the story of a war fought over the killing of hardwoods in Baxter Parish, Louisiana. The tale begins in 1964 and ends a decade later, but the Hardin family, faithful members of Little Zion Methodist Church, will carry the scars for life." Dayne is a professor of library science at Southeastern Louisiana University, and he lives with his wife and son. 
Dayne Sherman's online links:
Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com/
Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/
Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman

1. This week in Louisiana history. Nov. 8 1893 First LSU v. Tulane football game (held in N.O.)
2. This week in New Orleans history. Preservation Hall Receives the National Medal of Arts
   November 9, 2006
   The Preservation Hall Jazz Band was awarded the 2006 National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence. The award was presented to creative director of Preservation Hall, Benjamin Jaffe and co-founder of Preservation Hall, Sandra Jaffe, who accepted the award from President and Mrs. Laura Bush in an Oval Office ceremony on November 9, 2006. The citation reads: “With enormous talent and pride, this ageless ensemble has toured the world displaying the unbreakable spirit of New Orleans and sharing the joy of New Orleans jazz with us all". Established in 1961 with the purpose "to preserve, perpetuate, and protect traditional New Orleans Jazz", its musicians have done so for more than half a century in one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter, and around the world.   
   
3. This week in Louisiana.     Treme Creole Gumbo Festival A who's who of New Orleans brass bands, plus a large arts market, gumbo vendors, second lines, a dance contest, and a vegan gumbo contest. Admission: Free. Louis Armstrong Park, 801 N Rampart St, New Orleans, 504.558.6100.
4. Battle of New Orleans  December 18, 1814.  NO. XX..
   On Sunday, the 18th December, general Jackson reviewed the militia of the cily, the battalion commanded by major Plauche, and a part of the regiment of men of colour. Being drawn up on their respective parades, the following addresses were read to them by Mr. Livingston, one of his aids:
   TO THE EMBODIED MILITIA.
   Fellow citizens and soldiers!
   The general commanding in chief would not do justice to the noble ardour that has animated you in the hour of danger, he would not do justice to his own feeling, if he suffered the example you have shown to pass without public notice. Inhabitants of an opulent and commercial town, you have, by a spontaneous effort, shaken off the habits which are created by wealth, and shown that you are resolved to deserve the blessings of fortune by bravely defending them. Long strangers to the perils of war, you have embodied yourselves to face them with the cool countenance of veterans — and with motives of disunion that might operate on weak minds, you have forgotten the difference of language and the prejudices of national pride, and united with a cordiality that does honour to your understandings as well as to your patriotism. Natives of the United States! They are the oppressors of your infant political existence, with whom you are to contend — they are the men your fathers conquered whom you are to oppose. Descendants of Frenchmen! natives of France! they are English, the hereditary, the eternal enemies of your ancient country, the invaders of that you have adopted, who are your foes. Spaniards! remember the conduct of your allies at St. Sebastians, and recently at Pensacola, and rejoice that you have an opportunity of avenging the brutal injuries inflicted by men who dishonour the human race.

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76. Interview with poet Julie Kane

76.   We interviewed poet Julie Kane as we ate by the Cane River in Natchitoches. Julie is a Professor of English at Northwestern State University and was the 2011-2013 Louisiana Poet Laureate.  She has published several books of poetry, the most recent being Paper Bullets.  Enjoy the chat, and buy her books to enjoy the rest of her poetry. 

1. This week in Louisiana history. Nov. 1 1966 New Orleans Saints become 16th NFL football team
2. This week in New Orleans 
3. history. From the New Orleans Public Libary: North Claiborne at Esplanade Avenue, November 1, 1956 -- The live oak trees on the North Claiborne neutral ground were uprooted so that construction of the elevated Interstate Highway 10 could proceed. The highway project not only took away the oak trees, it also drastically changed the economic and social life of the adjacent neighborhoods. Proposals are under consideration to dismantle the Interstate and restore the surface-level Avenue to once again be the “Main Street” of black Creole New Orleans.
4. This week in Louisiana.
   Oct. 28-Nov. 2
   Yellow Rails and Rice Festival The sixth annual festival brings together birders, farmers, and spectators for field days, workshops, information booths, and more. Jennings.
5. Battle of New Orleans  December 5, 1814. NO. XVIII.  To commodore Daniel T. Patterson, New Orleans.
   Pensacola, 5th December, 1814.
   Sir,
   I feel it a duty to apprize you of a very large force of the enemy off this port, and it is generally understood New Orleans is the object of attack. It amounts at present to about eighty vessels, and more than double that number are momentarily looked for, to form a junction, when an immediate commencement of their operations will take place. I am not able to learn, how, when, or where the attack will be made; but I heard that they have vessels of all descriptions, and a large body of troops. Admiral Cochrane commands, and his ship, the Tonnant, lies at this moment just outside the bar; they certainly appear to have swept the West Indies of troops, and probably no means will be left untried to obtain their object.
   — The admiral arrived only yesterday noon. 

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75. Interview with author Tim Parrish

75.  We interview writer Tim Parrish, author of  Fear and What Follows (a memoir of bigotry and bullying in Baton Rouge),  The Jumper (a coming of age novel), and Red Stick Men (a book of short stories set in blue-collar Baton Rouge). 

1. This week in Louisiana history. October 25, 1769. "Bloody" O'Reilly executes rebels who ousted Ulloa to hang but no hangman, they were shot instead.  The Martyr Patriots by T. Wharton Collens is about this incident.
2. This week in New Orleans history. October 25, 1924.  Earl Cyril Palmer  born in New Orleans and raised in the Tremé (October 25, 1924 – September 19, 2008) was an American rock & roll and rhythm and blues drummer, and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Palmer played on many recording sessions, including Little Richard's first several albums and Tom Waits' 1978 album Blue Valentine. playing on New Orleans recording sessions, including Fats Domino's "The Fat Man", "I'm Walkin" (and all the rest of Domino's hits), "Tipitina" by Professor Longhair, "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard (and most of Richard's hits), "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" by Lloyd Price, and "I Hear You Knockin'" by Smiley Lewis.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. 
   Brudley's Wild Game Cookoff
   October 25th, 2014
   SugArena @ Acadiana Fairgrounds
   713 NW Bypass (Hwy. 3212), New Iberia, LA 70560
   337-365-7539 | 337-365-4795
   http://www.sugarena.com/
   
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 15, 1814.  NO. XIV. Address from the committee of public defence, to their fellow citizens.
   Fellow Citizens,
   Named by a numerous assembly of the citizens of New Orleans, to aid the constituted authorities in devising the most certain means of guarding against the dangers which threatened you, our first duty is to apprize you of the extent of those dangers — your open enemy is preparing to attack you from without, and by means of his vile agents dispersed through the country, endeavours to excite to insurrection a more cruel and dangerous one in the midst of you. Fellow citizens! the most perfect union is necessary among all the individuals which compose our community; all have an equal interest in yielding a free and full obedience to their magistrates and officers, and in forwarding their views for the public good — all have not only their property, but their very existence at stake; you have, through your representatives in the convention, contracted the solemn obligation of becoming an integral part of the United States of America; by this measure you secured your own sovereignty and acquired the invaluable blessing of independence. God forbid that we should believe there are any among us disposed to fail in the sacred duties required by fidelity and honour. 

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74. Interview with Lamar White, Jr., about Louisiana and Texas politics

74.  We interview Lamar White, Jr., writer and editor of the CenLamar Blog. We check back in with Lamar because of his role in a Texas political conflict he was involved in this week.  Lamar has been interested in local politics and history for many years, and his blog has a wide following.  He is currently attending the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, but he continues to report and comment on Louisiana politics on his blog.

1. This week in Louisiana history. October 19, 1803. Louisiana Purchase Treaty ratified by senate by a vote of 24 to 7.
2. This week in New Orleans history. October 18, 1939.  Lee Harvey Oswald was born in the French Hospital at 1821 Orleans Avenue in New Orleans on October 18, 1939 to Robert Edward Lee Oswald, Sr. and Marguerite Frances Claverie. Robert, Sr. died of a heart attack two months prior to Lee's birth. Oswald had two older siblings—brother Robert Edward Lee Oswald, Jr. and half-brother John Edward Pic.  In 1944, Oswald's mother moved the family from New Orleans to Dallas. Oswald entered the 1st grade in 1945 and over the next half-dozen years attended several different schools in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas through the 6th grade. As a child, Oswald was described by several people who knew him as withdrawn and temperamental. In August 1952, when Oswald was 12, his mother took him to New York City where they lived for a short time with Oswald's half-brother, John Pic. Oswald and his mother were later asked to leave after an argument in which Oswald allegedly struck his mother and threatened Pic's wife with a pocket knife.  Oswald attended the 7th grade in the Bronx, New York but was often truant, which led to a psychiatric assessment at a juvenile reformatory. The reformatory psychiatrist, Dr. Renatus Hartogs, described Oswald as immersed in a "vivid fantasy life, turning around the topics of omnipotence and power, through which [Oswald] tries to compensate for his present shortcomings and frustrations." Dr. Hartogs detected a "personality pattern disturbance with schizoid features and passive-aggressive tendencies" and recommended continued treatment.
   
3. This week in Louisiana. 
   State Fair of Louisiana
   October 23rd, 2014 - November 9th, 2014
   State Fair of Louisiana
   3701 Hudson Ave., Shreveport, LA 71109
   318-635-1361 | 318-631-4909
   http://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/
   The official State Fair of the State of Louisiana. The largest livestock show of the year, a carnival known for thrilling rides and great games on the midway along with great food, competitive exhibits, the PRCA championship rodeo, college football and much more!
   The official State Fair of the State of Louisiana. The largest livestock show of the year, a carnival known for thrilling rides and great games on the midway along with great food, competitive exhibits, the PRCA championship rodeo, college football and much more!
4. Battle of New Orleans  August 6th, 1814. NO. VIII. 
   Militia general orders, head-quarters,
   New Orleans, August 6th, 1814.
   In a letter from the honourable the secretary at war, under date of the 4th ultimo, the governor of Louisiana has received the orders of the president of the United States, to organize and hold in readiness for immediate service, a corps of a thousand militia infantry, being the quota assigned to this state, of a requisition for ninety-three thousand five hundred men, made on the executives of the several states, under the laws of the 28th February 1795, and 18th of April 1814, the governor and commander-in-chief in consequence directs, that one complete regiment, a thousand strong, to be composed of two battalions 1st and 2nd be organized and equipped for service, with the least possible delay. The first division of militia will furnish four full companies, each company to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, two second lieutenant, four serjeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and ninety privates — the whole to be apportioned among the several brigades or regiments attached to the first division by the major-general commanding the same, and under his orders to be organized on or before the 4th of September next, and due returns made to the adjutant-general.

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73. Interview with Musician Stephen Billeaud

73.  We interview Stephen Billeaud.  Writer and musician. Formerly of Royal Teeth. Resides in Lafayette, Louisiana, cher.

1. This week in Louisiana history. October 14, 1813. U.S. dragoons attacked pirate Jean Lafitte in marshes near N.O.
2. This week in New Orleans history. October 11, 1937.  In 10 parishes, 5,335 people were employed, in this "white collar" program, who sorted 59,224 case reports at Charity Hospital, thousands of volumes for the New Orleans Public Library, the archives of the Cabildo and City Hall, 15,000 veterans' grave records, and 12,923 service records. The data from 800,000 observations of atmospheric balloon flights were recorded, currents and tides were indexed.  New Orleans traffic problems were surveyed.  Workers modernized the city tax office by processing 183,687 pages of tax record books.  A toy lending center was established where workers repaired 1528 toys and created 8,825 more.  Other workers reconditioned 1,574 pieces of furniture for distribution to underprivileged homes and made clothing for persons on relief rolls at 10 different locations.  Alma S. Hammond was the state director of this Professional and Service Division.
3. This week in Louisiana.
   79th International Rice Festival
   October 15th, 2014 - October 18th, 2014
   Downtown
   Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, LA 70526
   337-783-3067
   http://www.ricefestival.com/
   
4. Battle of New Orleans  September 15 Resolutions by the citizens of New Orleans in Tremoulet's coffee-house.  NO. XIII. 
   
   At a very numerous and respectable meeting of the citizens of New Orleans and its vicinity, assembled pursuant to public notice at Tremoulet's coffee-house, on the 15th day of September, 1814, to consider of the propriety of naming a committee to co-operate with the constituted authorities of the state and general government, in suggesting measures of defence, and calling out the force of the country in the present emergency,
   Edward Livingston, Esq. was called to the chair, and Richard Relf, Esq. appointed secretary of the meeting.
   

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Poetry reading by David Middleton at Saline Library, October 16, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

SALINE BRANCH LIBRARY

Invites you to join us for a Poetry Reading by

DR. DAVID MIDDLETON

Thursday, October 16, 2014

10:00-11:00 a.m.

As a child in the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. Middleton spent many summers, weekends, and holidays in Saline visiting his maternal grandparents, Henderson Edward and Mary Emma Sudduth.  Mr. Sudduth was mayor of Saline and president of the Bank of Saline.  The old bank building has been remodeled and now serves as the Saline Branch in the Bienville Parish Library System.

For more information, please contact the library at 318.576.8990.