Journal of Julia LeGrand.

January 10th [1863]. A long train of artillery has just passed. The news is kept from us as much as possible, but it is thought that the men are on their way to attack Port Hudson. The mortar boats have been brought from Mobile and are now lying here, some think, to shell this place in case of attack by Confederates, but for the Port Hudson attack, I think. Many rumors are afloat as to our recognition by France; some think the matter already settled, that Slidell was received by Louis Napoleon on 1st January. We look eagerly for news; we are prepared to fight our own battles, yet recognition is longed for. Once, how the thought of foreign interference would have fired our blood! I can scarcely comprehend my own feelings. I do hate those bloody wretches who have made war upon us, and I glory in our Southern chivalry, but I feel towards the Government of the United States as if it had been seized by usurpers. I feel that we should have retained the old flag, as we alone held fast to the Constitution. The Yankees have no right to it; they have been persecutors and meddlers even from the witch-burning time until now. I wish that we may part with them forever, yet I cannot look at an old map of our country, magical word, without a strange thrill at my heart. Mr. Roselius passed by just now—sneered at our Confederate victories. Says we ‘ll get back New Orleans when the “geese have teeth.” I was informed by a friend later in the day that geese have splendid rows of very sharp teeth. I sent Mr. Roselius a teasing message on the subject. In truth, though, the taking back of the city which involves the misery of so many is no subject for jesting.