ESTABLISHMENTS

TYPICAL PLIGHTS OF EARLY SETTLERS:

FROM THE YEARS, 1718-1724, THE RECEPTION THAT WELCOMED the Europeans to the shores of the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico was wretched with havoc.  Many of the provisions brought from Europe and carried to the ships were intended for the soldiers stationed in the ports such as Biloxi and New Orleans. Emigrants, thinking this food was for them, found their only source of food for survival in the crabs, oysters, shrimp, and fish they were able to catch from the Gulf and surrounding bayous.  Some corn, beans, and other vegetables along with wild plants were available from the local Indians, but only in small quantity.

MANY EMIGRANTS DIED AT THE PORTS BECAUSE THEY ATE PLANTS they knew nothing about, or just died of starvation.  In the Spring of 1721, such fearful epidemics raged in Biloxi amongst the emigrants that the priests at that place, having so many functions to perform, were no longer able to keep up with the death register. (21)

GOVERNOR BIENVILLE (of the provinces) REPEATEDLY DEMANDED that these emigrants be transported up the mouth of the Mississippi River and establish new colonies/so that the mass population be decreased in the port towns.(22)

THE EARLY SETTLERS ALSO HAD TROUBLE WITH THE LOCAL INDIANS.  Tribes such as the Tchacta (Choctaw) Indians made quick attacks on the small settlements. Settlers established watches along the Mississippi River. Soon, however, the friendship of the Indians were won. Eventually, Indians were taught how to make various home items and slept in barns of friendly Germans. (23)

21 Ibid., p. 23
22 Ibid., p.22
23 Eyraud, PP- 11-12

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