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were heard pleading for that convention which had answered sectionalism with secession.
The announcement of the passage of the ordinance of secession was received in New Orleans by the withdrawal of the Federal officers.
Hon. Theodore H. McCaleb resigned his commission as judge of the eastern district of the State; R. M. Lusher that of United States commissioner.
Baton Rouge had already saluted a new flag of Louisiana, with fifteen stars in its field.
This flag had floated over the State house.
New Orleans, with men and powder enough to do it, was later to honor it. It was not until February 13th that, pursuant to orders issued by Major-General Lewis, commanding First division, the militia assembled in force on Lafayette square for the purpose of saluting Louisiana's flag; present: the Third brigade, General Tracy; battalion of Washington artillery, Major Walton; Louisiana Guards; Montgomery Guards; Sarsfield Guards; Louisiana Legion, General Palfrey, represented by first and second companies of Louisiana Foot Rifles.
The occasion was made an outlet for enthusiasm.
The convention left the Lyceum hall to fraternize with the troops.
Its members, preceded by its president, Hon. Alexander Mouton, walking arm in arm with Lieutenant-Governor Hyams, marched into the square and formed in line to the left of the commands.
Meanwhile Mayor Monroe and Colonels Labuzan and De Choiseul had ascended to the top of the city hall.
Once there, they took their stand at the foot of the flag-staff.
At the first stroke of eleven o'clock, given from the belfry of the First Presbyterian church near by, a report was heard.
It was the first gun of the salutation, followed by twenty others.
With the last gun the Pelican flag ascended, eagerly to be unfurled to the Southern breeze.
Major Walton invited three cheers, which the troops gave in ringing measure—bravuras answered by the multitudes
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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