Primary tabs

1

Translation Of Manuscript.

BY FLORENCE E. PETERSON TYPED BY LILLIAN ORDES
LOUISIANA WRITERS PROJECT
JANUARY 1940.

2

JEAN BAPTISTE FERCHAUD

Born October 14, 1816 — Died December 10, 1893.

Member of the "SOCIÉ TÉ DES NOTAIRES DE ST. JACQUES."

(Original name was Jean Baptiste de Ferchault).

Name was changed on the entrance of his father in Louisiana, from the Fine-Champagne District of France.

No record of the date of his marriage but he was the father of twenty-one children, nine of whom lived.

Before the Civil War, he owned what was then the "Maison Magnolia", a plantation of some 11,500 acres, situated in St. James parish some seven miles from Donaldsonville and nearly eight miles from the town of St. James.

The main products of the plantation were rice, sugarcane and Perique tobacco. The "Maison Magnolia" was one of three plantations in St. James who raised Perique tobacco for sale in the open market. Also included in the plantation was a huge cypress swamp. The logs were cut roughly into boards and shipped to New Orleans

After the Civil War he owned only the section of his former plantation which was called "Elina", some 2200 acres. Here his main product was sugar cane. This cane was ground and made into sugar by the open method (boiled in kettles) and shipped to New Orleans and sold. He was considered to be an authority on flowers and fruit trees. This hobby constituted not a small part of his income. The books on this business were kept separate from the books of the plantation. His closest friend, M. Bauvais, owner of the "Habitation de Beauvais", remained

3

until his death the foremost planter of Perique in the world.

The laborers on the plantation were paid a salary of 40c a day and the house servants were paid 60c a day. All the workman bought their necessities from the commissary of the plantation and were allowed credit up to $2. 50 a week if the family had but one worker, $5. 50 if there were two workers and so on, using a sliding scale.

The extra allowance of credit for a larger family worked on the principal that it was harder to move a large family than to move a small one. It encouraged the larger families to stay.

Mrs. James Ferchaud Morel, — Hammond, La. Grand-daughter of J.B. Ferchaud.

4

January 1858.

FRIDAY 1.

No rain, roads still bad. Before noon it was warm 6 ˝ o'clock P. M. North wind, indication of rain. I am greatly bothered today.

They already speak of planting spoiled cane — Mine, in the mattresses is excellent — The moon has been full for 4 days.

SATURDAY 2.

Brought 28-˝ bbls. and 13 bbls. molasses to the river, to be shipped aboard the Str. Dr. Batey tomorrow.

Weather very bad, it has rained a little and there is a strong indication of rain; weather warm and heavy, Fog. There is a dancing party at John B. Ory's tonight — Sowed 40 to 50 day peas — The negroes are not doing anything much, they are carting wood from the river.

SUNDAY 3.

Rained last night until 9 o'clock — Shipped aboard the Dr. Batey, 28-˝ bbls. and 13 bbls. molasses — Sold Arsene Gourdain 2-˝ bbls. molasses —.Weather fair enough, cold north wind, weather cloudy and indication of sleet — Ball at John B. Ory's last night, enough people, 4 were made Kings.

MONDAY 4.

It has rained all day, at 4 o'clock P. M., the wind

5

changed to the west and weather appeared fair for the moment. 6 o'clock it rained, very thick fog, no indication of changing. The negroes did nothing today; killed an ox. Cé lestin is sick.

TUESDAY 5.

Weather fair today; north wind and cold — The negroes began to clear the first field in front, and weeded out various plants of Piquante Amouretus. Bienvenue made some rakes this afternoon.

There probably will be frost tonight.

WEDNESDAY 6.

Fine weather today, fog this morning, sun very warm — the negroes have begun to clear some land. 6 ˝ o'clock P. M. Wind from the south, I fear rain, now to 24 hours.

Change of the moon tonight, last quarter.

Célestin came back today. He went to get my ploughs at Adam Gaudet's.

THURSDAY 7.

Rather fair today, the negroes cleared the land, Bienvenue put my ploughs in condition this afternoon and I thought I could begin ploughing tomorrow but there is a (6 ˝ o'clock P. M.) strong indication of rain.

Tomorrow January 8th review of inspection and luncheon given by the captain at the Courthouse.

6

FRIDAY 8.

It rained a part of last night until 8 o'clock A. M. Today, fair weather afterward, a large military review at Mr. Forstall's, followed by a magnificent banquet, given by the Captain at the Courthouse. —

The weather is cloudy tonight, N. E. wind and indications of rain —

Party at John B. Ory's tonight.

The negroes are clearing the land.

SATURDAY 9.

Weather fair enough today, heavy fog this morning, the negroes always clearing the land. I went with Clémence Chastant to visit the Priestly plantation. The party at John B. Ory's last night was splendid. lots of people — Indication of rain tonight, Northeast wind.

SUNDAY 10.

Strong south wind with indication of all day rain, the wind still continues, 7 ˝ o'clock P. M. and I think it will rain hard when the wind subsides. Madame 01. Chastant gave birth to a girl this morning.

Ursin Le Bouef had a piece of land ploughed here to sow in oats.

MONDAY 11.

Heavy Fog this morning, fair a part of the day, weather getting cloudy; the negroes cut down the oak tree

7

from the piece by the Bayou, and split up the remainder of the pecan trees in the field — 7 ˝ o'clock P. M. I am afraid it will rain from now to tomorrow. It rained a little last night.

TUESDAY 12.

Strong indication of rain, a few drops fell; I have begun to plough the first piece in front, three ploughs are working and ploughed a little more than three arpents, the negroes continue to clear the piece in front of the Bayou — 8 o'clock P.M. The weather is not so bad, perhaps it will not rain.

WEDNESDAY 13.

Heavy rain lasting all night. 9 o'clock A. M. still raining with strong indications of continuing — The negroes are at store — My horse by Mister Jack badly hurt one of his hind legs in the stable. It has rained all day and is still raining — I exchanged with a client, 3 bbls. molasses, for some flour, meat, biscuits, etc.

THURSDAY 14.

It rained a part of last night, heavy fog this morning, fair weather today, the negroes transplanted the fig trees and cut down three catalpas in the yard. I went to Madame Malancon's to renew her deed of partnership with F. M.: South wind tonight — New moon today. —

8

FRIDAY 15.

It is dreary today, a torrential rain — The wind turned to the north for awhile this afternoon, but returned to the south tonight, weather cloudy and still indication of rain — The negroes did not do much, cleaned the ditches of the last cane field — I dined at Apolinain Melancon's —

SATURDAY 16.

Fair today, the wind is to the north and there is an indication that it will be fair weather for some time. The negroes have begun today, to dig the lengthwise ditch on the woods side of the meadow; they brought a bbl. of sugar from the sugarhouse. Silvanie Braud dined here, and I spent part of the morning with Madame Ursin.

SUNDAY 17.

Fair weather, white frost this morning. Villavaso and Ludzer dined here and we played Maroq, I won $1. 22.

The wind is to the north tonight, and I think we shall have a white frost again.

MONDAY 18.

Fog this morning, fair and cold. Three ploughs have begun ploughing the back piece replacing potatoes for corn, the other negroes are clearing the piece back of the

9

Bayou. I am afraid it will rain tomorrow, the weather is cloudy tonight — White frost this morning.

TUESDAY 19.

Fair weather, N. E. wind a part of the day and cold — ˝ of the front piece is ploughed, also ˝ of the one in back of the potatoes.

The negroes are still clearing the piece in back of the Bayou — 12 arpents of land ploughed tonight — The weather is not so fair tonight, but there is no indication of rain.

WEDNESDAY 20.

Fair weather, cold N. E. wind; the piece in front 12-˝ arpents will be ploughed tomorrow morning — The negroes are still clearing the piece behind the Bayou — The three ploughs are working — White frost this morning.

THURSDAY 21.

The weather is fair, the piece in front is ploughed, the ploughs are on the piece behind the potatoes, it will be ploughed before noon tomorrow; the Garden was ploughed this afternoon. The negroes cleared the crosswise ditches in the first front piece. I went to the Convent today, I dined at Emile Jacob's.

Received a Bbl. of Whiskey from the city last night.

10

FRIDAY 22.

Fair weather, the piece in front is ploughed, and the ploughs are on the piece of the Bayou (for corn) The negroes are clearing the land and ditches — N. E. wind part of the day and indication of wind change.

Total 26 arpents of land ploughed — 12 ˝ for cane, and 13 ˝ for corn.

SATURDAY 23.

Wind went N. E. and S. E. at intervals today, and indication of rain tonight. Carted to the river 6 Hogsheads sugar, 4 Bbls and 10 ˝ Bbls. molasses which will be put aboard the Steamer Dr. Batey.

Sunday 24.

Began to rain at daybreak this morning and it has rained all day, still raining — indication of bad weather for tonight. — Played Maroq all day with Villavasco and Ledzer, S. E. wind tonight.

The sugar and molasses were shipped on the Dr. Batey.

MONDAY 25.

Rained a little last night, ploughed a part of the day; heavy rain at noon — The negroes are working on the ditches of the field — I make an inventory of the property in the Priestly Succession.

11

TUESDAY 26.

Rained a part of last night and all day today — The negroes made the ditches of the road in front of the house before noon, worked on the ditches of the field this afternoon. The moon is quite beautiful tonight, indication of fair weather, the wind has not yet turned to the north — Fog —

WEDNESDAY 27.

Fair enough weather today, but warm — The negroes made ditches in the field and in the Garden — Transplanted a large plum tree given me by John B. Ory. The weather is about fair tonight and it is cooler —

THURSDAY 28.

Weather fair, north wind — Transplanted 14 peach trees, 2 graftings, 3 peach mignonnettes, and 2 chinese quince trees — The negroes worked on the ditches in the field — I examined the mattressed cane today — the canes are very bad — Some have the knots rotten and others have sprouted; am thinking of beginning to plant tomorrow. Killed a hog today.

Fair tonight and a little cold.

FRIDAY 29.

Fair, North wind — Began planting this morning —

12

White frost — Full moon today.

The canes are So So.

The weather is cold, there will be a heavy white frost tonight and probably ice — 6 o'clock P. M.

8 ˝ o'clock P. M. the weather is cloudy and indication of rain.

SATURDAY 30.

Weather rainy, cold N. E. wind, indication of rain or sleet — we are planting — a few drops of rain fell and there is a strong indication that it will continue — I dined at Clemens Chastant's.

7 ˝ o'clock P. M. it is raining.

SUNDAY 31

It has rained all day, a little fine rain that soaked the land well — Played Marocq with Ludzer and Chevet who dined here —

Still raining a bit tonight, but the weather seems to want to change, cold North wind — The sunset was clear.

13

February.

MONDAY 1.

Weather fair, very cold, the negroes are working on the ditches — There will be ice tonight.

TUESDAY 2.

Weather fair, this morning the negroes worked on the ditches, there was ice — indication of change in the weather; it will rain tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY 3.

Rain poured all day, the negroes shucked corn. 7 ˝ o'clock P. M. Rain has stopped, it is very dark and the stars have not come out yet.

THURSDAY 4.

Rain a part of the day — The negroes are working on the cross-wise ditches of the first front piece — The length-wise center ditch is completed.

North wind, excessively cold. Indication of fair weather.

FRIDAY 5.

Weather fair, cold wind, a little ice this morning — The negroes are on the ditches — N. E. wind tonight and very cold —

Last quarter of the moon today.

14

SATURDAY 6.

White frost this morning, fair a part of the day, two ploughs ploughed the strip between Villavaso and me — the other negroes cleaned the ditches. N. E. wind tonight, weather cloudy and indications of rain.

SUNDAY 7.

North east wind — Weather cloudy and indication of rain.

MONAU 8.

Heavy white frost this morning — Fog — Weather fair — strong east wind for a part of the day — Planted cane this afternoon, nearly 4 rows, front piece —

Ursin Le Boeuf Jr. is getting married tonight.

Old Cé lestin died this morning.

TUESDAY 9.

Fair weather a part of the day. Warm south wind — weather cloudy — planted cane — rained a little this afternoon and rained tonight.

Opened a new mattress today, and canes are good, little sprouted.

WEDNESDAY 10.

Weather fair, very cold north wind after a few drops of rain this morning — Planted, 6 ˝ arpents planted tonight.

15

THURSDAY 11.

Weather cloudy, very cold east wind — planted today. 8 o'clock, it is beginning to rain, weather cloudy, very dark and the stars are not out.

FRIDAY 12.

Rained very little last night, very strong south wind today, excesively warm, continued to plant, indication of rain for tonight.

8 o'clock P. M. it is raining.

SATURDAY 13.

Rained last night, heavy for this morning and cold — weather fair, continued planting — about 11 arpents planted — party tonight at Madame Matarches.

New moon today.

South west wind part of the day, indication of fair weather — Bought some meat for the negroes —

SUNDAY 14.

White frost, this morning, magnificent weather all day —

Evariste suffered greatly from an attack of asthma last night.

I went to see Elodie this afternoon.

North wind tonight and a little cold.

16

MONDAY 15.

Weather fair, fog this morning — planted cane, the piece in front, 12 ˝ arpents is planted, burned the brush on the piece in front of the Bayou, which we will begin to refill tomorrow —

The new mattress opened today is good.

Vieux Temps is in town — 1st concert tonight.

TUESDAY 16.

Magnificent weather, a little ice this morning and white frost. Began to fill with cane the piece before the one on the Bayou, 14 rows planted with single cane, the white end standing —

I pained my office — B. J.

Mardi Gras

(B. J.)

WEDNESDAY 17.

White frost, weather fair, North wind, first piece of stubble is filled, 4 arpents.

Ash Wednesday, Mimi dined here. Samba is painting the office which had been done by M. D. Gaudet's mulatto.

THURSDAY 18.

Heavy fog this morning, weather fair; replacing canes (bayou piece) Began the last mattress, the canes are a little sprouted but good.

17

THURSDAY 18.

The weather is cloudy tonight but I do not think it will rain.

FRIDAY 19.

Strong indication of rain this morning but the wind changed to the north and the weather is magnificent. The negroes replanting the stubbles in the Bayou piece, and I think they will be finished by tomorrow.

SATURDAY 20.

(All canes are planted)

White frost this morning, north wind and weather magnificent, all the canes are planted. I went to Donaldsonville to serve as godfather for Elodie's little girl — The roads are very fine.

First quarter of the moon.

SUNDAY 21.

Strong south wind and indication of rain, weather warm and heavy.

7 o'clock P. M. raining a little.

MONDAY 22.

Cold north wind, rained a little last night and raining still — The negroes were in the field early, came back at the breakfast hour, they made hills for potatoes,

18

which had been planted with sticks — planted potatoes for vines — Transplanted lilas (chinaberry trees).

Excessively cold tonight and still raining a little — think there will be ice tonight.

TUESDAY 23.

Ice, white frost —

Heavy ice last night, weather fair, ploughing the corn field in back of the Bayou — The land ploughs up perfectly — The other negroes are clearing the back corn field — Amé lie went to Celine's.

Weather magnificent, a heavy white frost, ice this morning — North wind, very cold — The ploughs are still on the back piece of the Bayou and the negroes are clearing the back cornfield.

I breakfasted at Victor J. Forstall's.

THURSDAY 25.

Ice, white frost.

Weather fair, north wind, heavy white frost, a little ice this morning — The ploughs completed this morning the piece begun and have started to plough the last corn field. The negroes are cleaning the ditches to the bottom.

19

Amé lie returns today from below.

FRIDAY 26.

White frost this morning, weather fair, cornfields ploughed, began to plough in the stubbles, the other negroes cleaning and digging the cross-wise ditches.

Adam Gaudet took Solangou's canes that I had given him.

SATURDAY 27.

White frost, south wind, weather fair, piece in back with stubbles is ploughed and the ploughs are in the Bayou piece, which is quite advanced. The negroes continue to clean the ditches behind the ploughs.

Full moon.

SUNDAY 28.

Weather a little cloudy, calm and warm, at noon strong south wind, at times southeast, we will have a little rain and some cold.

7 o'clock P. M. It is raining and the wind is towards the west.

20

March.

MONDAY 1.

Rained a little last night, strong northwest wind, excessively cold, weather fair. Stubbles all ploughed, other negroes are cleaning and digging ditches — Will begin to plant corn tomorrow. Transplanted 12 peach trees which came from Jr. Adam Gaudet.

There will be ice tomorrow night.

TUESDAY 2.

Heavy ice and white frost. Cold north wind. Began to plant corn in the piece back of the oats — The negroes are cleaning the ditches.

Weather fair.

WEDNESDAY 3.

Frost, little ice.

Weather fair, white frost, planting corn, 14 arpents planted — 11 ˝ arpents planted back of the oats and 2 ˝ arpents planted in the front cane field.

The other negroes are cleaning the ditches.

THURSDAY 4.

White frost.

Weather fair, white frost this morning, the negroes are taking down the fence line between Ory and me, and the oxen-drawn ploughs are carting it to the front.

21

Planted beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and transplanted the lettuce.

FRIDAY 5.

Weather fair, N.E. wind. The negroes are hewing pines for the garden fence.

Planted small white beans.

The sun has been excessively warm.

SATURDAY 6.

Weather fair, the negroes are still hewing pines and making ditches for the garden fence.

Last quarter of the moon.

7 o'clock P. M. indication of rain.

SUNDAY 7.

Rain fell heavily for about an hour and a half.

I went to mass and bought a pew, $50.

MONDAY 8.

North wind, excessively cold, weather fair, the negroes are working on the garden fence.

There will be ice and frost this coming night, because the weather is clear and fair.

22

TUESDAY 9.

White frost, Ice.

Heavy white frost and a little ice, weather fair, cold N. E. wind — The negroes are still working on the fence back of the garden. The facade of one part of the boundary line below, is bad.

Planted 40 day corn, and watermelons. Transplanted some cabbages.

WEDNESDAY 10.

White frost.

The negroes are still working on the back fence, weather fair. Transplanted some cauliflower plants and other species of cabbages brought from Eupheman Roman.

THURSDAY 11.

Weather fair and mild, the garden fence was completed today.

Planted okra and artichoke seeds given me by Eupheman Roman.

FRIDAY 12.

Heavy fog this morning and sun very warm at noon. The negroes made the corral back of the stable.

SATURDAY 13.

Fog and warm weather — The negroes are taking

23

down the fence on the upper boundary and replacing the posts.

Mr. Melancon arrived yesterday from Pointe Coupé e and brought me some fruit trees which I transplanted.

SUNDAY 14.

Cold wind and indication of rain, a few drops fell. Constant Melancon and Ernest Less dined here and we played Marocq.

MONDAY 15.

We planted corn on the strip and in the stubbles, 2 rows of corn. Strong south wind, indication of rain, new moon today. Half the negroes are hoeing in the stubbles. New moon.

TUESDAY 16.

Strong south wind, at times indication of rain, weather warm. The corn is sprouting in the field back of the Bayou — Two negroes are hoeing and uncovering the sprouts. Planted canteloupe seeds of various species.

WEDNESDAY 17.

Strong south wind, weather warm and cloudy at

24

times. Planting corn again, two negroes in the stubbles.

The cane plants are beginning to grow and the stubbles, too.

THURSDAY 18.

Strong south wind and indication of rain, continuing to plant corn, two negroes in the stubble — The vegetation is strong, everything is growing in the garden, the beans are well up, and the potatoes also.

FRIDAY 19.

Weather fair, the negroes are hoeing the stubbles, I am to go to Iberville tonight on board the Capitol.

SATURDAY 20.

Weather fair, the negroes are still hoeing in the stubbles — I went to Plaquemine today to visit the plantation of Clé ment Chastant.

SUNDAY 21.

Magnificent weather, fog this morning and excessively warm. Dined at Emile Blanin passing Iberville.

MONDAY 22.

Fair weather part of the day, a few drops of

25

rain in the afternoon. Came back from Iberville tonight with Adam Gaudet, weather heavy and very warm.

Began to plough and hoe the cane plants in front.

First quarter of the moon.

TUESDAY 23.

Weather getting cooler, cool north wind. Ploughing and hoeing the field in front.

WEDNESDAY 24.

Wind a little cold, began to hoe the front field. All the piece is ploughed.

THURSDAY 25.

Weather cool, the cane field is completed, the negroes are in the garden making hills for the potatoes.

Weather fair.

FRIDAY 26.

Cool, fair weather — the negroes are in the garden making hills for the potatoes. Bienvenu is ploughing the garden road —

Planted the famous corn from Peabody.

Transplanted tomatoes and eggplants.

26

SATURDAY 27.

Fair weather, very warm, the negroes are working in the garden — Planted corn in the garden.

Put up poles for the beans which are excellent.

Malvina arrived from the city.

SUNDAY 28.

Heavy fog this morning, the canes are growing very well, especially the stubbles.

MONDAY 29.

Fog and weather cloudy — We are now working the corn which is well sprouted.

Strong indication of rain.

Full moon.

TUESDAY 30.

Raining since last night — A heavy rain fell which will do much good — The wind is cold and I am afraid this will hurt the garden.

The negroes are planting potatoes. (Margots)

23 days without rain, that is to say since March 7th.

WEDNESDAY 31.

It will be fair weather this morning and a little cold, the negroes are in the ditches. Rain has fallen since noon and still continues.

27

April.

THURSDAY 1.

Weather cloudy, and it is cold enough to have heat. I am afraid we will have frost tonight if the weather does not clear.

The negroes are making ditches.

FRIDAY 2.

Good Friday, the negroes are not working today — There has been no frost — weather fair.

SATURDAY 3.

Weather fair, the negroes are hoeing the corn and ploughing, weather is much milder.

SUNDAY 4.

Fair weather, south wind.

Leaving for the city this morning.

MONDAY 5.

Weather fair, fog, ploughing and hoeing the corn.

The cane is growing rapidly.

Warm.

TUESDAY 6.

Fair weather, south wind, still in the corn — Fog this morning, arrived from the city tonight at 11 o'clock.

28

WEDNESDAY 7.

Fair weather, strong south wind. The negroes ploughing and hoeing the cane.

THURSDAY 8.

Weather cloudy and windy.

Same work in the fields.

Indication of rain.

FRIDAY 9.

Strong south wind, ploughing and hoeing corn.

SATURDAY 10.

Strong south wind, warm and indication of rain.

Ploughing and hoeing corn.

SUNDAY 11.

Heavy rain this morning lasting tow hours. sun very warm.

The river has risen considerably since last night.

MONDAY 12.

Strong, north west wind all day and cold, planted potatoes before noon, ploughed and hoed corn in the afternoon.

29

TUESDAY 13.

Very cold north wind — ploughing and hoeing corn — the ploughs are in the back piece and the harrows are in the field back of the Bayou.

New moon.

This morning we buried the young son of D. Furemie.

WEDNESDAY 14.

Weather fair, south wind, finished hoeing the corn, we are now ploughing in the stubbles.

THURSDAY 15.

Strong south wind this afternoon, ploughing the hoeing in the stubbles, planted pumpkins in the corn —

FRIDAY 16.

Strong south wind, ploughing and hoeing in the stubbles.

Need of rain.

SATURDAY 17.

Strong south wind, weather fair, plenty of dust, the negroes are still in the stubbles.

That poor Major Cantrelle died last night and was buried this afternoon. The cavalry was out, many at the funeral.

30

SUNDAY 18.

West wind, dry.

Need of rain.

MONDAY 19.

Finished ploughing the stubbles and the ploughs are in the vineyard — the stubbles are also hoed and the harrows are in the vineyard —

West wind, dry.

TUESDAY 20.

Strong south wind, hoeing and ploughing the vineyard, which is magnificent. A few drops of rain this morning.

The corn and cane are promising.

WEDNESDAY 21.

Weather calm and fair, Sale of the Mericq Succession — Dined at A Terry's with Dr. Lafon and others; they are good cooks.

The negroes are again in the vineyard. .

THURSDAY 22.

Weather fair, the negroes are in the rear of the piece of stubbles.

31

FRIDAY 23.

Weather fair, cold north wind, the negroes are still in the rear of the piece of stubbles.

SATURDAY 24.

North wind so cold we have heat, the piece of stubbles is completed.

All the cane has had two weedings and the corn has been ploughed and hoed.

The negroes put poles for the beans this afternoon.

I dined at Mr. Forstall's.

SUNDAY 25.

Weather fair, cold north wind.

I prepared some deeds today.

MONDAY 26.

Weather fair, cold north wind.

The negroes are in the woods cutting shingles for roofing.

TUESDAY 27.

White frost.

Fair weather, cold, white frost this morning, which did no harm.

32

The negroes are working in the woods making shingles.

WEDNESDAY 28.

Strong north east wind. Light white frost this morning.

The negroes are still in the woods.

THURSDAY 29.

Weather fair, south wind.

Same work.

FRIDAY 30

Weather fair, strong south wind.

Same work.

33

May.

SATURDAY 1.

Weather fair, windy, indication of rain this morning but fair tonight.

There are 2,000 shingles of 3 feet.

There are 1,950 shingles of 4 feet made.

We are in great need of rain.

SUNDAY 2.

Weather heavy and warm, indication of rain.

Malvina left for the city today.

MONDAY 3.

A hard rain fell last night and a heavy rain this morning until 9 o'clock. Hoed the potatoes and worked on the levee.

The river has risen today.

3 ˝ inches above the highest water mark of 1851.

TUESDAY 4.

The negroes trimmed off the corn sprouts before noon and ploughed in the afternoon, the piece sowed in front. Four ploughs working.

Weather very warm.

WEDNESDAY 5.

The cane field in front is ploughed —

Morning cool but day quite warm.

34

THURSDAY 6.

Began to sow beans in the cornfield back of the oats and plough the corn, then a hail storm.

FRIDAY 7.

Finished ploughing the corn field of 11 ˝ arpents and sowing beans — Weather fair.

SATURDAY 8.

Ploughed today, the piece of stubbles to the end, and the other negroes cleared the ditches behind the ploughs.

Weather fair.

SUNDAY 9.

Indication of rain, the weather is cloudy and the wind is to the south.

MONDAY 10.

Hard rain last night, today fair weather with strong northwest wind — Negroes cutting corn sprouts.

The river is higher today than it has been all season — It has reached the highest 1851 mark.

I cut the levees in front.

TUESDAY 11.

Weather fair and cool, north wind — the negroes

35

are ploughing the corn on the strip and the small piece in back.

The river rose last night, about 2 inches, we worked on the levee of C. P. Melancon & Co..

WEDNESDAY 12.

Weather fair, we sowed beans in the corn field back of the Bayou piece.

All the corn is worked and stored.

The river has already risen about 4 or 5 inches.

THURSDAY 13.

Weather fair, ploughing the stubbles — The back of the levee is nearly dry.

FRIDAY 14.

Weather fair and warm.

Ploughing the stubbles.

SATURDAY

Finished ploughing the stubbles this morning and the negroes are in the garden. —

SUNDAY 16.

Fair and warm weather.

36

MONDAY 17.

Fair weather, Fog this morning —

Hoeing the stubbles.

TUESDAY 18.

Same as yesterday.

WEDNESDAY 19.

Weather fair, hoeing the stubbles.

THURSDAY 20.

Weather fair, very warm.

Hoeing the stubbles and we have begun to hoe the field.

FRIDAY 21.

Weather fair, warm and need of rain.

Cutting oats, the field is hoed. And we made hills for potatoes this afternoon.

SATURDAY 22.

Brought in the oats and cut the tall grass on the strip.

Funeral for Widow J. B. Armant, who died yesterday.

Amé lie is sick.

37

SUNDAY 23.

Strong south wind and strong indication of rain.

2 o'clock P. M. a little rain fell today.

Amé lie has been quite ill.

MONDAY 24.

Strong indication of rain this morning, the negroes carried manure into the garden.

Rained a little today.

TUESDAY 25.

Negroes are cutting wood — It rained a little today.

WEDNESDAY 26.

Weather cloudy — The negroes are cutting wood.

THURSDAY 27.

Negroes cutting wood. A little rain fell today —

Amé lie is still suffering.

FRIDAY 28.

Weather fair, very warm, the negroes are cutting wood.

SATURDAY 29.

Same work, weather fair and warm, put manure on the garden potatoes today. Amé lie is very ill tonight.

38

SUNDAY 30.

Weather fair, heavy and warm.

MONDAY 31.

Weather fair, negroes are cutting wood.

39

June.

TUESDAY 1.

Weather fair and excessively warm, the negroes are cutting wood.

Today brought in building wood from George Moore.

Amé lie is a little better.

WEDNESDAY 2.

Fair weather, very warm.

The negroes are cutting wood, began to bring the roofing shingles out of the woods.

THURSDDAY 3.

Weather fair and a good breeze.

The shingles are out, the negroes are cutting wood —

Amélie is feeling better, ate some Gumbo filé.

FRIDAY 4.

Still cutting wood, weather fair.

SATURDAY 5.

Rained a little today, the negroes are still cutting wood.

SUNDAY 6.

Weather fair and very warm.

40

MONDAY 7.

Began to put the cane aside, piece in the front field.

Rained before noon, planted potatoes this afternoon and made hills.

TUESDAY 8.

Made hills for the potatoes today.

WEDNESDAY 9.

Ploughing the canes in the front planted piece.

THURSDAY 10.

The front piece is finished and we have begun in the stubbles of the last piece in the rear.

Rained at noon and we planted potatoes this afternoon.

FRIDAY 11.

Did the remainder of the potato hills today which were immediately planted. Rained hard this morning at 3 o'clock — a heavy rain this afternoon at 3 ˝ o'clock.

SATURDAY 12.

Weather cloudy, indication of rain, the negroes cut the tall weeds by the ditches and in the cross roads

41

before noon.

Fair weather in the afternoon, cool north wind —

The negroes are weeding the potatoes in the garden.

SUNDAY 13.

Weather fair, north wind — Very cool last night.

MONDAY 14.

Weather fair, north wind — Very cool this morning — The negroes are ploughing the stubbles to put them aside, the rear piece is completed.

TUESDAY 15.

Weather fair, the wind is still to the north. The ploughs are in the stubbles of the piece before the one of the Bayou.

WEDNESDAY 16.

Weather fair, finished the stubbles of the piece before the one of the Bayou, have begun the Bayou piece.

THURSDAY 17.

At noon today finished ploughing the canes — Began to hoe in the piece planted in the front.

42

FRIDAY 18.

Finished before noon the piece planted in canes, began in the piece of stubbles in front of the Bayou.

SATURDAY 19.

The piece of stubbles in front of the Bayou is finished and we began on the one of the Bayou —

A hard rain fell this afternoon.

Water of the La Branche crevasse is at 75 arpents in back — I do not think it will come to the field.

SUNDAY 20.

Weather fair and warm.

MONDAY 21.

Weather heavy and warm.

A hard rain fell this morning at 11 o'clock from Laprie to Tapin — Here, hardly anything.

Water from the La Branche crevasse is at 70 arpents —

The negroes are in the stubbles of the Bayou piece.

TUESDAY 22.

This morning, warm and cloudy.

A heavy rain fell at 2 o'clock P.M..

The negroes are still in the stubbles of the Bayou piece.

43

WEDNESDAY 23.

Heavy rain today, the negroes finished at noon the stubble piece of the Bayou — They made grits this afternoon.

The beans are beginning to climb.

THURSDAY 24.

Strong indication of rain today — but only a few drops fell.

The negroes began the last piece of stubbles in the rear —

The white corn is a little burned — I do not think it will do much.

FRIDAY 25.

Today a heavy rain fell in front —

The negroes are still in the stubbles of the last piece.

Water from the La Branche crevasse still advances.

SATURDAY 26.

Weather heavy and excessively warm — The negroes have finished putting earth on the canes.

All the canes are put aside.

SUNDAY 27.

Weather fair, sun very warm.

44

The river is slowly getting lower.

MONDAY 28.

Fair weather this morning, sun very warm; A few drops of rain fell this afternoon here, but it rained considerably from the Laprie plantation to V. Aime.

The canes, small white beans and a part of the potatoes are hoed.

TUESDAY 29.

Heavy fog this morning, sun very warm and a strong indication of rain.

I made blood sausage at Madame B. Armant's today.

Poor Edmond Tré pagnier drowned tonight at 7 ˝ o'clock between the two leeves in front of his father's house.

The negroes are at Ory's making his cross levee.

WEDNESDAY 30.

Raining since 4 o'clock this morning, continued to rain until 9 o'clock A. M.

The negroes cut the tall grass before noon and they returned to Ory's this afternoon.

July.

THURSDAY 1.

Weather heavy and warm — The negroes are still at Ory's.

45

It did not rain today.

Water from the La Branche crevasse is 56 arpents from the river back of here.

FRIDAY 2.

Strong indication of rain. Much rain fell from 10 o'clock to 2 ˝ o'clock P. M.

The negroes returned from Ory's at 2 o'clock — His levee will be of no value — the water will come in from the Goirrier side.

SATURDAY 3.

Weather very warm and a little cloudy — a little rain fell this afternoon — the negroes are weeding the potatoes.

Water from La Branche crevasse is at 47 arpents — The river is lowering very slowly.

SUNDAY 4.

July 4th — Big review, Weather very warm and heavy — no rain.

MONDAY 5.

Weather fair enough, very heavy and warm, Grand ball tonight at John Ory's, given by the officers of the

46

Company.

Began to shuck the corn in the piece of Canes in front.

TUESDAY 6.

The ball last night was magnificent. About 40 dances.

The negroes are still shucking the corn. A little rain fell this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 7.

Brought in about 2 ˝ arpents of corn shucks this morning.

A heavy rain fell from noon until 7 o'clock.

The river is rising.

THURSDAY 8.

(Sad). A deluge from 2 o'closk until 7 this morning — The field is entirely inundated — The rain water and that from the crevasse have joined — 6 o'clock P. M. water rapidly draining and a strong current is drawing it back.

The river has risen 5 inches in 2 days.

FRIDAY 9.

No rain — the negroes are husking the corn — The

47

river has fallen a little last night. The shed (carthouse) begun and finished and we covered over one of the store's galleries.

SATURDAY 10.

New moon today and a little rain between 11 o'clock and noon — hardly anything.

Still bending the corn, Tom was occupied with trimming the fig trees in the yard — Bienvenu is making a shed for the pigs. Very warm.

The river is falling quite slowly.

SUNDAY 11.

A heavy rain fell between 10 and 11 o'clock this morning.

MONDAY 12.

Rained this morning from 6 o'clock to 10 o'clock.

The negroes are bending the corn and Bienvenu is making a shed for the pigs.

Brought the animals from Armant Bros. They left the oxen here. The river is falling.

TUESDAY I3.

Bent corn before noon and began to shuck this afternoon.

Very warm and fair weather. The river is falling.

48

WEDNESDAY 14.

Weather fair, very warm, shucking in the piece before the corn. The river is falling.

THURSDAY 15.

Weather fair, excessively warm.

Shucking — Began this afternoon on the piece of corn back of the Bayou.

Begin to see the cane joints. Bienvenu brought a cane 3 ft. long.

The river is falling about one inch every 24 hours.

FRIDAY 16.

Very warm and fair weather, still shucking.

Tonight, have shucks stored from 5 ˝ arpents of corn.

The weather, 8 o'clock P. M. is cloudy, I am afraid we shall have rain before long.

River falling same amount.

SATURDAY 17.

Weather fair, still shucking.

Brought in two cart loads today.

SUNDAY 18.

Weather a little cloudy, a few drops of rain fell here today — but from Gauthreaus to Madame M. Bergeron's a

49

hard rain fell.

The river is falling.

MONDAY 19.

Weather heavy and very warm — Rain fell from 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock P. M., drizzling the rest of the afternoon — The negroes brought down the corn which was in the attic of the store and baled the corn shucks.

The river rises in the night and falls in the morning.

TUESDAY 20.

The negroes are bending the rest of the corn, everything is done, no more shucks — all the corn is husked and we are weeding the potatoes.

Weather fair and very warm.

WEDNESDAY 21.

Rained in spots today but very little fell here — The negroes have finished weeding the potatoes and came to work in the garden this afternoon.

Went to Donalson with Sylvanie Beauve, the weather is very warm.

The river rises and falls.

50

THURSDAY 22.

Weather excessively heavy and warm — A hard rain fell today from 9 ˝ o'clock to 10 ˝ A. M. The negroes are still in the garden.

Dr. James G. Bingny came here today.

FRIDAY 23.

Weather fair, very warm, the negroes are working in the garden.

SATURDAY 24.

Weather heavy and warm — The negroes are in the garden —

A hard rain fell at 5 o'clock P. M..

Made a bench to put on the levee.

SUNDAY 25.

Weather fair, warm.

MONDAY 26.

Weather heavy and very warm this morning. A heavy rain fell at 3 ˝ o'clock this afternoon.

The negroes are weeding the garden and remaking the roads.

This morning at 2 o'clock I went to Madame Aug. Bertaut's who is very sick.

51

C. P. Melancon was assassinated at 3 o'clock P. M..

TUESDAY 27.

Weather heavy and warm — Funeral for C. P. Melancon at noon — Many people —

The negroes are in the garden.

The river is falling.

WEDNESDAY 28.

Fair weather this morning, very warm.

A little rain fell.

The negroes are clearing the ditches in the field.

The river is falling.

Water from the crevasse here is at 41 arpents from the river.

THURSDAY 29.

Weather heavy and very warm — I went to Elodie's —

The negroes are still in the ditches.

Some rain fell this afternoon.

The river is falling and the water from the crevasse is rising —

FRIDAY 30.

Weather fair, north and west wind.

The negroes are still working on the ditches.

52

The river is falling at the rate of 1 inch every 24 hours.

SATURDAY 31.

Weather heavy, indication of rain, heavy fog this morning —

The negroes will finish clearing the ditches today.

Amé lie went to see Elodie.

The river is falling.

53

August.

SUNDAY 1.

Weather heavy and warm.

The river is falling.

MONDAY 2.

Weather fair and very warm.

Began to take out the wood by barge.

TUESDAY 3.

Weather fair, very warm.

Same work.

The river is failing.

The Vigilantes committee paid a visit to Madame Perrin, Paul Le Blanc and the disorderly boat, and ordered Madame P. and P. L. to leave the parish.

WEDNESDAY

Weather fair — Warm — The river still falls.

Still bringing out wood.

THURSDAY 5.

Weather fair and very warm — The river still falls.

Still bringing out wood.

FRIDAY 6.

Weather fair — We put the rest of the wood on the canal bank.

54

The Vigilantes committee tarred and feathered Adolphe Arceneaux and Rome and forced them to leave the parish.

Jerry died at 3 ˝ o'clock P. M.

Rome and Adolphe were tarred and feathered this morning.

SATURDAY 7.

Fair weather, warm — The negroes buried Jerry this morning and corded wood this afternoon.

Anatole and Malvina arrived from town.

SUNDAY 8.

Weather warm and heavy this morning. Heavy rain this afternoon, accompanied by wind.

The stubbles are a little bent by the wind —

The canes are very thick, 4 and 5 feet tall.

MONDAY 9.

Weather fair and very warm.

The negroes have finished cording the wood.

Michel D. Gaudet's negro began my skiff today.

TUESDAY 10.

Weather heavy, warm and stormy — Negroes are chopping wood. A little rain fell this afternoon.

55

The river is falling.

THURSDAY 12.

Weather heavy and cloudy.

A little rain fell this afternoon.

The negroes are chopping wood.

My skiff is finished.

Widow Bertaut was buried today.

FRIDAY 13.

North wind, Autumn weather.

A little rain fell this afternoon. Heavy thunder.

The negroes are chopping wood.

The river is falling rapidly and the waters of the crevasse are receding slowly.

SATURDAY 14.

Weather warm and stormy this morning — a little rain at noon, with wind and thunder.

The negroes are chopping wood.

Killed an ox today.

SUNDAY 15.

A little rain fell today.

Dined at Villavaso's with Anatole, played Euchre.

56

MONDAY 16.

The negroes are chopping wood, a little rain fell today.

Marcelin has begun to saw.

The river has fallen 4 to 5 ft.

TUESDAY 17.

The negroes are sawing —

It has rained all day.

Vacation at the Convent. I went and got Zulma.

Anatole leaves tomorrow on board of the Dr. Batey.

WEDNESDAY 18.

It rained all last night and at intervals today.

The negroes are sawing.

Anatole and Malvina left at 7 o'clock this morning aboard the Dr. Batey.

The canes here are very large, striped to 4 and 5 feet.

THURSDAY 19.

Weather fair, the sun is excessively warm.

The negroes are sawing.

FRIDAY 20.

Fair weather, unbearable heat, calm.

The negroes are hewing.

57

Amélie is sick since last Tuesday, had a miscarriage last night.

SATURDAY 21.

Weather fair, excessively warm.

The negroes are hewing, both Toms have the fever.

There is about 60 cords of wood in the back of the field and 47 cords in the woods.

SUNDAY 22.

Weather fair and very warm until noon, weather getting cloudy, there is a slight indication of rain.

Amé lie had fever today.

At 6 ˝ o'clock tonight a heavy rain of short duration accompanied by wind.

MONDAY 23.

Weather warm until 2 o'clock P. M. then breezy and stormy, only a few drops of rain. —

The two Toms are still in the cabin, Cé lestin the eldest is sick — The others are chopping.

The Vigilantes committee in search of Paul Le Blanc Jr. but they did not find him.

Amé lie is better.

58

TUESDAY 24.

Weather changeable — Amé lie spent a bad night and has fever this morning —

The Toms and Cé lestin are still at the Cape — the others are chopping wood —

WEDNESDAY 25.

Weather fair, very warm.

The negroes Tom and Cé lestin are still sick.

Bienvenu and Janvier are chopping.

Amé lie has not had any fever today.

THURSDAY 26.

Weather warm this morning — Afternoon, strong southern breeze. — a few drops of rain.

Amé lie had a little fever this morning — a few chills —

The negroes are all convalescing.

Bienvenu and Janvier are chopping.

FRIDAY 27.

Fair weather, warm this morning but cool this afternoon, south wind.

Amé lie had a good day.

Tom and Cé lestin are chopping with the others today.

Tom Godey is in the yard convalescing.

59

Madame Taney's little mulatto girl, Marie had a high fever with convulsions.

SATURDAY 28.

Fair weather this morning. I drew a half barrel of wine —

The negroes are chopping.

A hard rain fell at 4 o'clock P. M.

Amé lie has not had fever today and is improving.

SUNDAY 29.

Amé lie spent a good night.

Truly an Autumn day today, cool north wind, fair weather.

The plaqeimines are beginning to ripen, we have found a few.

MONDAY 30.

Magnificent weather, north wind and very cool, we used covers last night.

Began to make hay today.

Amé lie is well, got up at noon.

TUESDAY 31.

Weather fair, north wind, cool — Began to cut the bean vines for fodder.

60

September.

WEDNESDAY 1

Weather fair, very warm this afternoon —

Still making hay —

Villavaso has bought a poor raft.

TUESDAY 2.

Weather fair, sun very warm —

Mr. C. Millaudon arrived from town last night and I completed the sale of my cane this morning, $50 an arpent.

Still making hay, sold 4 wagonloads this afternoon —

FRIDAY 3.

Weather heavy and strong.

The negroes have cut the bean vines —

Brought in one wagonload of fodder.

A heavy rain at 3 o'clock P. M.

Old Jenny died at 3 o'clock P. M.

SATURDAY 4.

Weather heavy and stormy, the negroes put hay on the cornstalks this morning and worked on the store this afternoon.

A little rain fell.

Funeral for old Jenny.

SUNDAY 5.

61

SUNDAY 5

Fair weather until 3 o'clock P. M.

Brought in four wagonloads of bean vines.

It rained a little this afternoon.

MONDAY 6.

Cloudy weather, rain between 9 and 10 o'clock A. M. Brought in a wagonload of hay.

Cut bean vines in the afternoon.

Cé lestin and Tom are sick.

TUESDAY 7.

Fair weather until 3 o'clock P. M. Brought in three wagonloads of hay. Cleaned up the store this afternoon —

Tom and Cé lestin are still sick.

WEDNESDAY 8.

Very little rain today.

Breaking the corn, brought in 4 wagonloads.

Tom and Cé lestin are convalescing.

Transplanted this morning, 200 hundred cabbage plants.

THURSDAY 9.

Weather heavy and cloudy, breaking corn — brought in 3 wagonloads. Cé lestin and Tom did not come out.

62

FRIDAY 10.

Weather fair and very warm until noon — Rain in the afternoon.

Brought in one wagonload of bean vines and three wagonloads of corn —

Dined at Elodie's.

Made inventory for the succession of Madame Victor Chantepie —

Today the Vigilantes' committee ran out Alex. Piton &Co. of the other side.

SATURDAY 11.

Weather fair, cutting bean vines for fodder —

Cé lestin is still in the cabin.

I sowed turnips and white bean seeds.

SUNDAY 12.

Magnificent weather, north wind. Autumn Day.

MONDAY 13.

Magnificent weather, north wind, autumn day until 3 o'clock P. M.

3 o'clock P. M., the wind changed, weather getting cloudy —

7 o'clock P. M., weather cloudy, indication of rain — making hay, brought in one wagonload today.

63

TUESDAY 14.

A few drops of rain are falling since last night — Brought in 2 wagonloads of bean fodder — Began to rain at 9 o'clock. Regular equinoxial weather, no thunder —

The negroes are at the store.

17 wagonloads of fodder brought in.

WEDNESDAY 15.

Weather fair, cutting hay, brought in today one wagonload of corn and 3 wagonloads of hay —

Amé lie is ill.

The children have a kind of chicken-pox.

THURSDAY 16.

Magnificent weather, north wind, cutting hay — Brought in one wagonload of corn and two wagonloads of hay.

Amé lie had chills.

Mr. Gorche got married last night with Miss Camille Duntlet —

FRIDAY 17.

Weather fair, cutting fodder, brought in two wagonloads of corn and two wagonloads of bean fodder —

The children have chicken-pox.

SATURDAY 18.

Still fair weather but I think it will change,

64

wind is southeast.

Brought in four wagonloads of hay.

28 wagonloads hay brought in.

14 wagonloads corn brought in.

SUNDAY 19

Fair weather, northeast wind.

MONDAY 20.

Magnificent weather, northeast wind, brought in two wagonloads hay and knocked down cornstalks.

TUESDAY 21.

Fair weather, north wind and cool this morning. Brought in 3 wagonloads corn and same amount hay.

Court is in cession since yesterday.

Haying finished, 35 wagonloads.

WEDNESDAY 22.

Weather fair, bringing in corn, three wagonloads.

First piece of corn 11 ˝ arpents.

20 wagonloads, 17 Bbls. each.

Total 340 Bbls.

65

THURSDAY 23.

Magnificent weather, bringing in corn, piece back of the Bayou 7 ˝ arpents.

Brought in 4 wagonloads.

Court had a cession.

FRIDAY 24.

Weather fair and warm, bringing in corn, five wagonloads —

Made Widow Bertaut's inventory.

Fog this morning.

SATURDAY 25.

Fog this morning, fair &warm weather, breaking corn, six wagonloads today.

The 7 ˝ arpent pieces produced 15 wagonloads and 17 bbls.

Total 255 bbls.

SUNDAY 26.

Magnificent weather, very warm.

MONDAY 27.

Fair and warm weather.

Breaking corn, stubble piece, 2 rows of canes, 2 rows corn. Brought in 5 wagonloads.

66

TUESDAY 28.

Weather fair, fog this morning, very warm. The negroes shucked old corn today.

I went to Donaldsonville with Ursin Le Bouef and Evariste Villavaso.

WEDNESDAY 29.

Fair weather, warm; breaking corn on the strip —

Brought in five wagonloads today.

The stubbles piece 2 rows corn and two rows cane produced 6 ⅓ wagonloads a 17 Bbls.

Total 105 Bbls.

THURSDAY 30.

Magnificent weather, finished bringing in the corn on the strip; broke the white corn and the thin corn of the back piece.

Brought in three wagonloads.

The strip brought 4 ˝ wagonloads.

4 ˝ wagonloads a 17 Bbls.

Total 74 ˝ Bbls.

67

October.

FRIDAY 1.

Weather fair, warm, finished breaking the thin corn, and white corn. Brought in two and one half wagonloads.

Wallpapered the office yesterday.

The small back piece brought 5 ˝ wagonloads a 17 Bbls.

SATURDAY 2.

Magnificent weather, brought in remaining four wagonloads of corn —

The corn in the piece planted in front brought in 4 wagonloads at 17 Bbls.

Total 64 Bbls.

1858 CORN CROP TOTAL 933 ⅓ BBLS.

SUNDAY 3.

Weather fair, warm —

Constantin repaired my two-wheeled horse cart.

MONDAY 4.

Fog this morning, indication of rain — a little rain fell today — Began to cart out wood — one wagonload before noon and two after noon.

Mr. Maureau and Camille Matascher got married tonight.

TUESDAY 5.

Fog this morning, warm — indication of rain — The

68

negroes are carting out the cord wood — It rained at 11 ˝ o'clock, in front, but nothing in back.

WEDNESDAY 6.

Weather bad, heavy and warn; Much rain fell today at different times.

Finished bringing out the wood —

THURSDAY 7.

Fog this morning, weather heavy, very warm and appearance of rain, the negroes are cording the wood. Rain fell today.

FRIDAY 8.

Weather fair, cool north wind. The negroes gathered a wagonload of beans at Ursin Le Boeuf's.

I made an inventory of C..P. Melancon's succession and property of the partnership.

SATURDAY 9.

Weather was cloudy this morning, wind to the east, but it is fair weather now — Began to dig the potatoes.

Orsin Le Boeuf has begun to grind.

SUNDAY 10.

Weather fair, warm until noon.

Afternoon rain.

69

MONDAY 11.

Heavy rain this morning until 8 o'clock, weather fair afterwards, North wind — Cut the levee at Villavaso's and began to make the road.

TUESDAY 12.

Indication of rain before noon, weather fair afterwards, very warm. Finished making the road early and hoed in the garden the rest of the afternoon.

Sent for Elodie's bed.

WEDNESDAY 13.

Weather fair, digging potatoes.

Mr. L.. Millaudon's barges arrived at 1 o'clock P. M. to get the cane — Began to cut the front piece.

THURSDAY 14.

Weather fair, north wind —

Cutting and carting the canes —

Finished digging the potatoes in the field, about 100 Bbls..

FRIDAY 15.

North wind, very cool this morning —

Still occupied with delivering the canes, digging the garden potatoes —

70

SATURDAY 16.

South wind, very cold and indication of rain, a few drops even fell — There is about 7 arpents of canes carted.

Began to cut the Bayou piece.

Put 718 ft. of lumber aboard Mr. Millaudon's Steamboat.

SUNDAY

South wind, excessively strong and indication of rain, warm. Still occupied with the cane delivery.

MONDAY 18.

Weather warm, strong wind south and east at intervals —

Same work, finished loading one barge, about 9 arpents.

Pierre Poché came here this morning and completed the sale of his cane to Mr. Millaudon at the rate of $50 an arpent.

TUESDAY 19.

Same weather, warm south wind.

Began this morning to load the second barge.

Began yesterday to cut cane for grinding at Villavaso's.

WEDNESDAY 20.

Same weather, warm south wind — Same work —

71

THURSDAY 21.

Weather cool this morning but excessively warm after noon.

FRIDAY 22.

Weather cloudy this morning and strong indication of rain — Began to rain at 11 o'clock A. M. and continued to rain until 9 o'clock P. M. Small fine rain.

Mr. Millaudon's boat and two barges left at 10 o'clock P. M.

SATURDAY 23.

Grinding — Fair enough warm weather — Mr. Millaudon left fifteen slaves who are occupied in cutting cane and carrying it to the river.

Villavaso began to grind this morning.

My negroes went there this morning.

SUNDAY 24.

A heavy rain fell for two hours, the wagons are halted and all the negroes are cutting cane.

Gathered l ˝ pecans, knocked down by the wind.

Adam Gaudet has begun to mattress the cane.

MONDAY 25.

Fair weather this morning, excessively warm, plenty of cane, the wagons are carting the canes —

72

Heavy fog.

Mr. S. Fagut is very ill.

TUESDAY 26.

Heavy fog, weather very warm and calm.

The cane delivery continues on.

WEDNESDAY 27.

A torrential rain fell last night; fair today, the wagons did not carry loads before noon.

The wind is always to the South, I think it will change about tonight. Sold 6 Bbls. pecans for $59. 50.

THURSDAY 28.

Weather fair, north wind and cool.

The wagons are working, much mud on the field road.

Began to mattress cane at Ory's.

They say there was a light white frost this morning, but I do not believe it.

FRIDAY 29.

Fair weather, cool —

Same work, cane delivery still continues and quite slowly, three of Millaudon's negroes are sick since several days.

73

SATURDAY 30.

Fair weather, warm — The wind is still to the south. I think it will rain before long.

Still carting the cane of the back piece.

SUNDAY 31.

Rained a little today, wind is always from the south —

Mr.. Millaudon's boat arrived this afternoon to take the remainder of the cane —

Villavaso began to mattress cane laft Friday.

74

November.

MONDAY 1.

Raining a little this morning, the wind changed to the west after having blown very hard from the southeast — finished carting the cane from in back and cutting the remainder.

6 ˝ o'clock P. M. North wind and cool, the weather is magnificent —

Mr. S. Fagot was buried today.

TUESDAY 2.

Strong southeast wind a part of the day, tonight cool and to the north.

Still carting the cane.

WEDNESDAY 3.

Frost, cool fair weather, white frost this morning —

Same work.

THURSDAY 4.

Cold this morning and indication of rain, still occupied with carting the cane.

Raining since 1 o'clock this afternoon, and still continuing, it is cold.

FRIDAY 5.

Rained last night until 9 o'clock, today fair and very cold.

Finished carting the cane at 11 o'clock A. M. and

75

the boat is leaving tomorrow morning with the lugger and barge carrying the remainder of the cane.

SATURDAY 6.

Ice, white frost — Mr. L. Millaudon's barge sank last night with about 8 arpents of cane. The boat left this morning about nine o'clock with the lugger.

New moon yesterday.

There was ice this morning with heavy white frost.

SUNDAY 7.

A few drops of rain fell towards noon — North wind tonight and fair weather.

Evariste Y and Madame Ursin are ill.

MONDAY 8.

Ice, white frost.

Weather fair, very cold.

Ice and white frost this morning.

TUESDAY 9.

Ice, white frost.

Weather very cold. Ice and white frost this morning.

North wind, weather fair.

WEDNESDAY 10.

76

WEDNESDAY 10

Weather gloomy, excessively cold —

The heaviest ice of the year this morning — white frost — began to cut cane at Ory's and Villavaso's.

A few drops of rain fell.

THURSDAY 11.

Heavy fog this morning —

Fair weather tonight, north wind and cold —

Millaudon's boat arrived at noon to take the cane from the sunken barge but was afraid to continue and left tonight.

Wl. Chapman died this morning.

FRIDAY 12.

Heavy white frost and ice. Weather fair.

Funeral for W. Chapman this morning.

Madame Ursin is very ill.

SATURDAY 13.

Fair, cold —

Madame P. Ursin died last night at 10 o'clock and was buried today at 4 o'clock P. M.

First quarter.

SUNDAY 14.

Weather cloudy and very heavy — We will soon have rain.

77

MONDAY 15.

Rain fell this morning before dawn, and the weather stayed cloudy all day, it is cold tonight.

TUESDAY 16.

Weather gloomy, north wind and excessively cold —

I think we shall have a heavy freeze this coming night.

WEDNESDAY 17.

Weather fair, north wind, cold —

Dined at Brugny's and visited sugarhouse of Madame Charleviler Blouin.

THURSDAY 18.

Fair, quite cold — I went to Donaldsonville with J. K. Gaudet to see about the note due Widow I.. Melancon by her sons — The amount is 15,000, $5,000 payable now and $10,000 payable in March 1862.

The cabin of Millaudon's boat broke away in back today.

FRIDAY 19.

Weather fair, north wind, east — I went to dine at Emile Jacob's, where I gave a counter order for the lumber for Elodie's house.

78

SATURDAY 20.

Full moon — Weather cloudy, a heavy rain fell last night with much wind, Mr.. Millaudon's boat listed a lot and the greater part of the cane which was on deck fell into the water.

SUNDAY 21.

Weather cloudy excessively cold — Rained last night and still raining at intervals —

The winds alternately change from southeast to west —

MONDAY 22.

Weather gloomy, very cold —

Elodie is here since last Saturday —

TUESDAY 23.

Weather fair until 3 o'clock P. M. very cold — Heavy fog this morning, indication of rain tonight —

I expect to leave for N. Orleans tomorrow morning.

Jos.. Adelaid Braud died last night.

WEDNESDAY 24.

Weather fair, north wind, left for the city aboard the C. D. Jr.

79

THURSDAY 25.

Heavy ice and white frost this morning, weather fair —

Made arrangements with Mr. Millaudon about my cane also that of Pierre Poché.

Deposited with the Citizens Bank $1550 for myself and $1750 for P. Poché.

FRIDAY 26.

Weather fair and cold, returned from New Orleans aboard the Dr. Batey.

SATURDAY 27.

Quite fair, but warm, a few drops of rain fell this afternoon.

Madame Houette lost her negress, Clé mence.

SUNDAY 28.

Fog this morning and warm weather, which will do harm to the cane if it continues.

MONDAY 29.

Heavy rain last night, raining again this morning.

Went to church with Adam Gaudet.

Lazet has begun to chop his wood by the river.

80

TUESDAY 30.

Weather fair, north wind and cold.

81

December.

WEDNESDAY 1.

Weather cloudy and it will rain before long —

The Jubilee has begun since Sunday.

THURSDAY 2.

Weather cloudy, northeast wind, it has begun to rain.

FRIDAY 3.

Fog and heavy weather, strong indication of rain —

Mrs. Perché is here since Sunday for the Jubilee.

SATURDAY 4.

Heavy rain last night, strong south wind today and weather excessively warm. A blanket is not even bearable tonight.

SUNDAY 5.

Rain this morning, at the moment the wind has changed to the north —

A torrential rain fell at 3 o'clock P. M.

The belongings of Mrs. Chs. Fé don was disembarked by the Dr. Batey at 11 o'clock.

MONDAY 6.

Weather quite fair today — plenty of mud.

Wind is still from the south and it is very warm.

Mr. C. Fé don arrived last night.

82

TUESDAY 7.

No rain, still warm south wind.

Made the inventory today of Widow Ursin's succession.

8 o'clock P. M. indication of rain, weather cloudy.

WEDNESDAY 8.

Heavy rain this morning before dawn. The wind has changed to the north and it is very cold.

Went to Mr. Amant for inventory —

THURSDAY 9.

Weather fair, excessively cold —

I finished for today my inventory at Miss Amant's.

Returned at 7 o'clock P. M.

FRIDAY 10.

Heavy ice this morning north wind and cold —

I discharged Mr. Fé don as instructor.

Killed a cow and a pig.

SATURDAY 11.

A little rain fell this morning and the weather is heavy and warm.

Made the testament of Widow L. Leroy this afternoon — She is very ill tonight.

83

SUNDAY 12.

Heavy fog, weather heavy and warm.

Plenty of mud.

MONDAY 13.

Weather fair, still warm.

TUESDAY 14.

Rain fell this morning.

Weather is not fair, still warm.

WEDNESDAY 15.

Fair, sun, the weather is not warm.

Plenty of mud.

THURSDAY 16.

Fair, cool, sunshine —

I think it will be fair for two or three days.

FRIDAY 17.

Fair, cool, sunshine —

SATURDAY 18.

Fair, cool, I made the marriage contract of Mr. C. J. C. de Langré Fitz Gerald who married today Miss Josephine Lapieu.

84

SUNDAY 19.

Weather cloudy, indication of rain; Madame Edouard Braud Jr.. is very ill. —

MONDAY 20.

Rained last night, fair enough today, cool north wind.

TUESDAY 21.

Weather fair, cool north wind.

I must go down tomorrow to make the inventories, Simon and Thé ovide Bourgeois.

WEDNESDAY 22.

Fair, heavy white frost and ice this morning —

Northeast wind part of the day.

THURSDAY 23.

Weather cloudy, indication of rain, strong south wind.

FRIDAY 24.

Rained a little last night, strong south wind and indication of rain.

Ory finished grinding last night at 11 o'clock — Dined at their sugarhouse today — they made 242 hogsheads.

85

SATURDAY 25.

Heavy rain last night which still continues at ___________.

Truly a deluge, all the field is covered with water.

SUNDAY 26.

Rain this morning, weather warm.

Spent the day in Ory's sugarhouse — Negroes dinner —

Crozet left for the city.

MONDAY 27.

Weather cloudy, still warm, no rain —

TUESDAY 28.

Rained last night.

Weather still warm and cloudy, plenty of rain —

WEDNESDAY 29.

Cloudy and quite warm, no rain today —

Leopold Armant arrived from the city tonight.

THURSDAY 30.

Rained last night — Heavy fog this morning — Took inventory at J. Duhon & Co. today.

6 o'clock P. M., raining, and I think the wind will change to the north.

86

FRIDAY 31.

Cold, rained a little this morning, fair the rest of the day — Will be fair tomorrow, I think, weather is fair tonight.

87

Memoranda.

Bienvenu Tassin began to work December 31, 1857 and worked to October 16, 1858.

9 months & 17 days.

248 days at 75c per day — $186.00

January 26   June 26
February 24   July 27
March 27   August 26
April 26   September 26
May 26   October 14
  129 248 Days   119

Cé lestin, negro, belonging to Madame Houette returned January 2, 1858, at the rate of 50c per day.

Was sick the 3. 4. &5. January

Was sick the 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. &29 May —

Was sick the 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11 &12 September

Was sick the 28. 29. 30. September
&1. 2. October —
Cé lestin worked here to October 22.
226 — days at 50c per day — $113. 00

88

Memoranda.

Louis, free mulatto began to work February 10, 1858.

Lezin Bourgeois began to work here June 21, 1858 at the rate of $1. 25 per day.

Worked 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 28. 29. — June

1st 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9.

13 ˝

$16. 90 paid July 31, 1858 —

J. B. F.

89

MEMORANDA

Corn 1858

20 wagons Piece in back potatoes 11 ˝ arp. 340 Bbls.
15 " the Bayou 7 ˝ 255 "
6 ⅓ " in the stubbles 4 105 "
4 ˝ " in the front canes 2 . 76 ˝ "
5 ˝ " white corn &light corn 3 93 "
4 " in the strip 2 . 64
    31 Arp. 933 ˝ Bbls.

Corn light 51 Bbls.
" white 42 "
" American 340 "
" Red 500 ˝
  933 ˝

90

MEMORANDA

Cé lestin, Tom & Janvier went to Villavaso's for the grinding on October 29, 1958.

Janvier was sick Nov. 9 & 10.

Tom was sick October 27

Returned January 26, 1859. —

91

CASH ACCOUNT. — JANUARY

Date   Received Paid
1858        
6. From S. Braud & others $15. 00   Pd.
11. " F. Melancon & Co. 2. 00   "
14. " " " " 19. 50   "
15. " Charles Bodin 10. 50   "
18. " Lucien Shexnaydre 1. --   "
19. " Couvent & L. Poirrier 12. 50 due  
20 " J. Trepagnier & E. Triche 10. " "  
21. " Widow L. Roussel 20. " "  
22 " M. Wasson 5. 50 "  
23. " U. Le Boeuf 5. " "  
25. " Estate Priestly Inventory 75. " " P.
26. " " " Copies 14. " " "
27 " Magny & Many 6. 50   "
" " V. Choppin 1. " "  
30 " John Chastant 5.     "
" " Rocordings 15.   "  
    217. 50    
  Cash — 59. 50    
  Credit — 158. 00    
           

92

CASH ACCOUNT. — FEBRUARY

Date   Received Paid
1st. From M. Wasson, mortgage — $18.   Due  
4. " J. A. Gaudet sale from Mrs. Tete — 10   "  
8. " Estate of Mrs. P. Melancon, Inventory 12. 50   P
" A. Ducatel, Recording 2. 50 " "
10. " Eugene Matherne 5. " " "
12. " Estate Andrew Hodge Jr. 25. " " "
15. " F. Shexnaydre & others 13. "   Pd.
17. " C. M. Shepherd 1. 50 "  
18. " Ludzer Peytasin 5. "   "
19. " A. L. Depoortes 5. " " "
26. " Marianne Arcenaux 25. " "  
27. " Estate of Mme. Giles Le Blanc 15. " "  
  Cash and Credit — $137. 50    
  Cash $18. "    
  Credit $119. 50    
    $137, 50    

93

CASH ACCOUNT. — MARCH

Date   Received Paid
1st. Estate of Mrs. Priestly, certificate $50. " Due Pd
" From M. Perilloux Copy 2. 50   "
2. " Estate M. D. Bringier (Inventory) 50. " "  
" " Henry Shepherd, Jr., Recording 7. 50 " "
3. " Estate Louis Faucheux, Inventory 15. " " "
" " Tré pagnier brothers. 5. " "  
5. " G. Dugan, Copy 2. 50 "  
" " Jas. Lear, recording 4. "   "
8 " Elph Hé bert 2 certificates 3. " "  
10 " Ludzer Guidry 7. 50   "
" " Estate C. B. Menig f. y m g. 10. "   "
11. " Murville Landry 6. 50 " "
12. " A. E. Crane, certificate 1. 50 "  
13. " Cé ade Le Boeuf 5. "   "
15. " Melancon Bros. certificate 1. 50 "  
" " A. Ferry Recording 20. " "  
16. " Est. Mme. Arceneaux Inv. 17. 50 "  
19. " Crane & Bazerque 3 " 1. 50 "
22. " Clé ment Chastant 100 . " 0 "
24. " 2 erazures of mortgages 2. "   "
25 " A. Ferry 20. " "  
26 " A. Ferry erazure mortge. 1. " "  
" " Made. Perrin 5. "   "
29. " Dislatus & others 9. "   "
30. " M. D. Gaudet & Ann Shannon 10. " "  
" " Dr. Bazerque 4. 50 "  
    $318 50    

94

CASH ACCOUNT. — APRIL

Date   Received   Paid Due
1st From Leon Arceneaux $5. " Paid  
3 " Crane 10. "   "
" " Mrs. Matascher 9. "   "
" " Cancelling Mortgages 3. " "  
" " L. Peytasin 6. "   "
7 " Shexnayder & others 16. " "  
9 " Clement Chastant 5. "   "
13 " " " 5. "   "
" " Widow Etienne Dugas 5. " "  
" " Phlé pi Melancon 5. "   "
14 " Inez Langué 5. " "  
15 " Edmond Tré pagnier 10. "   "
16 " Estate of Mrs. Sneed, Inventory 20. " " "
21 " Alexis Ferry, Procuration 7. 50   "
" " Recording & " 31. 50    
22 " H. Darrode 5. " "  
23 " A. Ferry — Sale from Baudxt 5. "   "
" " Labillebeuvre " " Pl. LeBlanc 7. 50   "
26 " Mrs. A. Pering 5. "   "
" Depousher & Ed. Blouin, Erazures 2. " " "
" Camille & Elph. Mire 25. "   "
" Widow P. Guidry 5. " "  
27 Oné zime Le Blanc 48. "   "
30 Erazures & recording 6. 50    
    252. 00    
  Cash — $46        
  Credit — 206 252. "    

95

CASH ACCOUNT. — MAY

Date   Received   Paid
3 From F. Melancon 2.     "
5. " Estate Desptangny 15. " Due  
" " I. Lacaze (sale from Arceneaux) 10. " "  
7 " Jean Faucheux & Co. (partition) 7 50 "  
" " Constant Gravais (_____, mortgage) 1   "  
10 " Irma Roman, family meeting 10   " P.
12 " Aug. Becnie & others 25     "
" " Jean Faucheux & others, Tutors 17 50   P.
14 " Dr. Bazergin, Sale, les & Rec. 5 - "  
16 " Widow R. St. Pierre 5 -   "
19 " Widow H. Landreaux (procuration) 6 50 "  
20 " Minors Outri 11 50   "
24 " Recording judgments 6 - "  
27 " Welham & Goldberg 22 50 "  
31 " Ludzer Guidry 5 -   "
    149. 50    
  Cash — 56        
  Credit — 93. 50 149. 50    

96

CASH ACCOUNT. — MAY

Date   Received   Paid
2 From Peytasin & Thibodeaux 6 50 Due "
" " Some body - Copy 2 50   "
" " Jas. Riggin, Recording 7 50 "  
7 " Louis Chauvet 5 " " "
" " S. M. Rutledge 7 50 " "
9 " Octave Colomb (Sale) 5 " "  
14 " Florian Jacob 7 " "  
" " Madame P. Claverie (Sale) 5 " "  
18 " J. C. Chastant ( " ) 5 " "  
21 " Estate Widow Sneed (____) 10 " " "
" " " " " Inv. 10 "   "
25 " G. Minvielle 5 "   "
    $76. 50    
29 " Estate Mrs. J. B. Armant (Inventory) 100. "    
    176. 50    
  Cash — $26. 50        
  Credit — 150. " $176. 50    

97

CASH ACCOUNT. — JULY

Date   Received   Paid
6. From Mrs. Armant Bourgeois 5. " Due  
24 " J. C. Chastant 5 " "  
26 " A. P. Bertaut (Sale) 10 " "  
" " Mrs. Alexis Le Blanc " 10 " "  
" " Interdict Mr. Conway (f y m g) 10 " "  
" " Pl. Le Blanc (Sale) 6 50 "  
28 " Estate Mrs. V. Chantepu (f Y M G) 10 " "  
30 " Jean Leche 5 " " "
" " Certificate 1 50    
    63. 00    
  Cash — $11. 50        
  Credit — 51. 50        
    63. 00    

98

CASH ACCOUNT. — AUGUST

Date   Received   Paid
2 Estate Mevicq (partition) 50. " due   Paid
4 Recd. J. S. Armant 10 " "    
6 " Fulgime Bourgeois 5 "     "
9 " V. J. Forstall 7 50 "   "
12 " Widow Mc Clouatre 5 "     "
" " Ed. Braud Jr. 7 50      
13 " P. M. Nice 5 "     "
21 " Dr. Peruzine Le Blanc 10 " "    
23 " Eugene Chenet 5 " "    
30 " Adam Hymel 5 "     "
30 " Widow Pierre Loup 10 " "    
    $120. 00      
  Cash — $77. 50          
  Credit — 42. 50          
    120. 00      

99

CASH ACCOUNT. — SEPTEMBER

Date   Received Paid
3. From Wood & Robinson $7. 50 Due  
" " Widow J. J. Bourgeois 5. " " "
10. " Suc. of late Dr. Champie 25 " "  
15. " L. y. Pasche 20 " " "
24. " Suc. Dr. Chantepie 10 " "  
" " " " " 10 " "  
" " Suc. Widow Aug. Bertaur 100 "    
" " Louis Duhon 5 " " "
27 " Minors, Boutigny 15 " "  
29 " Estate G. Gaiennié 10 " "  
" " Simon Richard 5 "   "
    $212 "    
  Cash — $35. 00      
  177. 50 212.    

100

CASH ACCOUNT. — NOVEMBER

Date   Received Due Paid
13. Reed. Estate Widow P. Ursin      
  Suc. — $,6. 00      
  Invy. — 25. 00 $31. 00    
4. Pierre Letulle — 5. 00   "
13. Est. Widow P. Ursin — 3. 00 "  
    $8. 00    
    7. 50    
    $15 . 50    
  Cash — $5. 00      
  Credit — 10. 50      
    15. 50    
5. D. Tureaud      
  Procuration — $6. --      
  Certificate no mortgage 1. 50      
  $7. 50 due      

101

CASH ACCOUNT. — OCTOBER

Date   Reveived Due Paid
8 Reed. C. P. Melancon & Co. Inv. 25. 00 "  
25. " J. B. Ory 5. "   "
27. " Jacob Dupermier & Co. 15. " "  
    $45.    
  Cash — $5. 00      
  Credit — 40. 00 $45. 00    

102

Date   Received Due Paid
1st. Rd. Est. Widow P. Ursin, Inventory $25. 00 "  
8. " Armant Brothers 300. --    
11. " Dr. Loroy Testament 10 "  
16. " Madame W. Chapman 9. " "  
18. " Mr. C. J. C. de Langpré 25. " "  
21. " Inventory, Chapman 25. " "  
22. " " Michel Simon 45. -- "  
22. " " Thé ovide Bourgeois 25. -- "  
" " Widow Jean Bourgeois 5. "   "
28. " A. Ferry 5. "  
30. " S. Duhon & Co. Inventory 50. "  
    $524. --    
  Cash — $5.      
  Credit — 519. $524.    

103

RECAPITULATION —

JANUARY $217. 50 JULY $63. "
FEBRUARY 137. 50 AUGUST 120. 00
MARCH 318. 50 SEPTEMBER 212. 50
APRIL 252. 00 OCTOBER 45. "
MAY 149. 50 NOVEMBER 15. 50
JUNE 176. 50 DECEMBER 542. "
      $980. "
  TOTAL $2,231. 50  

104

RECEIVABLE

Office $2,231. 50
Cane 1,575. 00
Corn, 400 Bbls. for sale 300. 00
Wood 200. 00
Rental of negroes (about) 150. 00
  $4,456. 50

nts

Notes.

1. Sic.

Share