Traditionally, such an occasion would call for hours of oratory. But the skies were darkening early and a nippy breeze was stirring in from the river; so comparatively short work was made of it. Appropriate words were said over the city of Lafayette, its nineteen years of life, by members of the clergy. Mayor Bouligny read the ad of incorporation into the City of New Orleans as approved by the Louisiana Legislature and signed by Governor Joseph Walker. Lafayette City thereby ceased to exist. The fourth district of the City of New Orleans was now in business, and on with the drinks, boys!
From the levee bells clanged, signalling the departure of the Bostona, Magnolia and several other popular packets at the wharves across from the Bull’s Head, the lusty tavern at the cattle landing, foot of St. Mary Street. The two John Laytons, father and son, made their way toward the soda water establishment run by Mr. M. Michell on Jackson, near Levee, where a cup of hot chocolate, sweet and tasty, would reward the youngster’s patience during the ceremony which he had but scarcely comprehended.
Michel Musson was prominent in Whig politics and served as New Orleans postmaster. He built fine mansion at Third and Plaquemine, now Coliseum. Edgar Degas was his nephew and visited Musson in the Garden District.
His father found friendly conversation inside the tiny shop, fragrant with aromas of vanilla bean and chocolate. As John blew on the steaming cup, he noticed his father chatting with a fine-looking gentleman who was followed by a liveried footman, hat in hand. Layton, Sr., called his son over.
“This is my son John, Mr. Robb. This is Mr. Robb, son.” James Robb! The name was magic to any youngster in Lafayette, especially those living in the garden section. This was the celebrated New Orleans millionaire who was, they said, going to build a real palace right in their own neighborhood. They had walked over to Washington Street one day to see the workmen clearing the space for it. It was to take up a whole square!
“Mr. Robb has kindly offered to drive us home in his carriage,” explained Layton, and the three proceeded out the door, followed by the footman who stepped nimbly ahead outside and lowered the step.
The conversation between the two men immediately jumped to a name familiar to the boy: Poultney. It was familiar because it was the subject of so much “grown-up” talk.
“I hope the Federal Supreme Court will now settle the matter once and for all time,” asserted Robb. “One’s sympathies may be with the Poultney heirs, but the magnitude of the property, so much of Lafayette City is involved, that one must consider the injustice of dispossessing the present owners who bought their small lots in good faith.”
Layton agreed, adding that should the decision be otherwise, a friend of his, Captain G. T. Beauregard, might realize a sum, as he was one of the heirs.