These States nearly resemble each other, and have the same productions
with the other Southern States; and in addition, the sugar cane is
extensively cultivated. Louisiana is the most commercial of the
Southern States, having at New Orleans an excellent harbor, and many
other natural advantages.
New Orleans is the commercial capital of that richest country in the
world, through which the Mississippi and its tributaries flow. This
city is unhealthy during the warm season, but enjoys a most excellent
situation for commerce and trade. The introduction of steam boats
has contributed greatly to the growth of New Orleans, by affording
an expeditious mode of communicating with its back country. Its
inhabitants are a mixed race of French, Americans, Spaniards, and
Germans.