[16] For a full account of the early period of reconstruction in this State see Ficklen, _History of Reconstruction in Louisiana_. As evidence that election disorders were not wholly a result of reconstruction, it might not be amiss to call attention to the governor’s valedictory message of 1856. Society in Louisiana before the war, while polite and even more--brilliant, had been far from law-abiding with its frequent encounters under the duelling oaks, the Plaquemines frauds of 1844, and the riot of 1855. See Gayarré, IV., 679. [17] For an account of the conflicting testimony on these outrages see House Misc., Doc., 41 Cong., 1 Sess., No. 13. [18] Based on House Repts., 42 Cong., 2 Sess., No. 92, 24-5. See also _National Cyclopedia of American Biography_. Carpenter’s sketch of him to the Senate may be quoted: “There is in Louisiana a very remarkable young man, dignified in mien, of elegant presence, and agreeable conversation; a man full of resources, political and social,--gallant, daring, and with a genius for politics; such a man as would rise to power in any great civil disturbance, embodying in himself the elements of revolution, and delighting in the exercise of his natural gifts in the midst of political excitement.” _Globe_, 42 Cong., 3 Sess., Appendix, 200. [19] _Annual Cyclopedia_, 1868, 434. [20] Nordhoff tells of the rise of a young New Yorker who returned from acting as supervisor in an up-country parish to present returns which proved him the unanimous choice of that parish. Though not the nominee, two years later, his name appeared, strangely enough, on the tickets and, although not elected, the returning-board seated him. Nordhoff, _The Cotton States_, 48. [21] The writer has been unable to get exact figures. The _Commercial Bulletin_ of Feb. 22, 1869, enumerates seven Senators; while a negro in debate stated that there were forty-two of his brethren in the House. House Deb., 1870, 281. [22] A negro Justice of the Peace issued a warrant which is a rare curiosity for bad spelling and grammar: “This is to cite, fy that i. the underseind, Justis. of. the. Peace O Pint. and in Pour. John. A. Stars. to. A-rest the Body. of Henre Evens and Bring. Hit, be four, me John Fields.” Copied from _St. Mary’s Banner_, a parish paper. [23] It was not uncommon for a legislator to sign his name with a mark.--_Crescent_, Jan. 13, 1869. [24] New Orleans, _Commercial Bulletin_, Nov. 17, 1869. [25] At this time the legislature was convening in the Banque de la Louisiane. [26] Jan. 13, 1869.