Daily Advocate [Baton Rouge, LA], September 11, 1860
De Soto Parish, Aug. 27th, 1860.
Dear Advocate: According to previous notice, a large number of the Democracy of De Soto parish assembled in Mansfield, on Saturday the 25th inst., to ratify the nominations made by the conservative element of the Democratic party for President and Vice President of the United States.
At least five hundred of our most intelligent citizens were present and participated in the proceedings. The meeting was organized by appointing Gen. H. Phillips President, and the following gentlemen as the Vice Presidents; Messrs. Blackshear, De Soto, Dickson, Edwards, Fortson, Lewis, McCraw, Tomkies, Wagner, etc., and Messrs. Ashton, Cunningham, Gibbs and Jenkins, Secretaries. . . .
After this [speeches] the meeting adjourned, when the assembled multitude partook of an excellent collation, got up in the old fashion barbecue style.
Be assured that the Democracy of De Soto has always been, and is right now, and will remain so when the crisis comes in November next.
Santa Claus.