get soused on the chain gang

[chris]

Dear Teacher:

I have difficulty understanding the bracketed clauses. Would you please do me a favor?

'Can't you get rid of that lunatic [without giving him back what he's already drunk up/]'

'Wake up and go down yourself. Call the cop and [let him get soused on the chain gang with cornbread and peas.]'

Thanks a lot.

[Marylin]

Dear Teacher:

I have difficulty understanding the bracketed clauses. Would you please do me a favor?

'Can't you get rid of that lunatic [without giving him back what he's already drunk up/]'

'Wake up and go down yourself. Call the cop and [let him get soused on the chain gang with cornbread and peas.]'

Thanks a lot.

That's atough one. Considering there is little context to work with.

That's what I get here:

to get soused means to get drunk (really drunk)
chain gang is a group of prisoners (shackled with leg irons)
cornbread and peas - I am not even familiar with cornbread and peas. I have tried Mexican cornbread before but perhaps it's something they serve in jails? Or maybe it's a Southern delicacy? Or something they feed the poor?

Again, how do you get "soused" with cornbread and peas?

Perhaps that will help you a bit. I am totally lost.