The Constitutional
(Alexandria, LA)
April 20, 1861
On Sunday night last this place was visited by a severe storm which blowed down the fine Market House lately erected in our city, and otherwise damaging property all over the parish to a considerable amount. On the same night the building in the Pinewoods known as Parker’s Institute, and at the time occupied by J. S. Calhoun, Esq., as a manufactory for negro clothing, was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire. By this disaster we learn that Mr. Calhoun sustains a great loss. The weather since the storm has been characteristic of high winds but at present it is greatly modified and has become quite pleasant.
The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter by Major Anderson was received in this city with intense delight. The old cannon was brought into requisition and seven “blank cartridges” were fired in honor of the event, and the patriotism (!) of the “intense” was more intense than ever.