Destruction of cotton in the South.
The following is a copy of a despatch, dated Camp Mosre, La, May 8th, received in Richmond May 9: Hon. J. P. Benjamin The Governor of Louisiana directs me to inform you that all the cotton on the Mississippi river up to the month of Red river has been burnt, and all on its tributaries is ready for the torch. We issued a proclamation ordering its destruction in the event it could not be removed into the interior, but the spontaneous action of the people anticipated his order. We have traveled on the Red and Oshinski rivers since the fall of New Orleans, and find the sentiments of the people unanimous to destroy the whole crop, rather than permit a pound to fall into the hands of the enemy. The capital is fixed temporarily at Opelousas. Publish this if necessary, for the information of the people. T. C. Manning, A. D. C.
