The Constitutional [Alexandria, LA], November 10, 1860
Monday night last was announced for the Bell and Everett torchlight procession, but owing to the wretchedness of the weather, the turnout was but small in comparison to their previous magnificent demonstrations. After the Bell and Everett procession disbanded, the “Whangdoodles,” some twenty in number, “turned out,” dressed in comic costumes, and disguised with hideous masks, paraded the principal streets of the town. Their rather comical appearance was quite amusing to all lookers-on. The “Whandoodles’ is the title of a new order in this town, and is withal quite a unique concern.
Tuesday dawned clear and pleasant. The election passed off quietly; less excitement was manifested than perhaps at any Presidential election ever before held in the parish. The utmost order prevailed throughout the day.
The town presents quite a lively and flourishing appearance. The “dengue” (an unpleasant visitant) has, we believe, totally disappeared from our midst; navigation is fairly resumed; our planters are busy harvesting their crops, which we regret to say are comparatively small; business of all kinds is getting brisk; money market is unchanged, and politics is slightly on the decline.