The Constitutional [Alexandria, LA], September 15, 1860
The citizens of Rapides turned out in large numbers on Saturday last to attend upon the barbecue given by the friends of Mr. Douglas, and to listen to the eloquent Soulé who it had been announced would deliver an address on the occasion.
Preparations were made on a very extensive scale, and everything passed off creditably. The gathering was larger than any political assembly held here during the present campaign, numbering nearly a thousand persons, and must have been fully twice as large as the Breckinridge barbecue sometime since. We observed that a considerable proportion of the fair sex graced the occasion by their presence, showing that their warm hearts are now, as ever, true to the UNION.. . . .
The dinner hour having now arrived, the people crowded around the tables spread in Court House Square, and did full justice to the sumptuous repast which had been so liberally provided for their wants.
The big gun also was brought into requisition during the day, ever and anon pealing out its thundering tones.
The spirit and enthusiasm of the day was sufficient to convince all, that old Rapides is firmly opposed to the disunion schemes of the Breckinridge faction, and the friends of Mr. Douglas may justly congratulate themselves on the respectable turnout of their party.