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Y} 


•HUNT- 
LIBRSRY 


CARNEGIE   INSTITUTE 

OF   TECHNOLOGY 

HUNT   LIBRARY 


PRESENTED   BY 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 

CORRESPONDENCE   OF 

GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 
CORRESPONDENCE    OF 

GEN.    BENJAMIN    F.    BUTLER 

DURING  THE  PERIOD 
OF   THE  CIVIL  WAR 


IN  FIVE  VOLUMES 

VOLUME  II 
June,  1862  — February,  1863 


PRIVATELY   ISSUED 
1917 


COPYKIGHT,    IQI? 
BY  JESSIE  AMES  MARSHALL 


THE'PLIMPTON'PRESS 
NOaWOOD'MASS'U'S'A 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 

CORRESPONDENCE    OF 

GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 
CORRESPONDENCE   OF 

GEN.    BENJAMIN   F.    BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  %5tht  1862 

Mesdames  SLOCUMB  and  URQUHART 

ME&DAMES:  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  my 
necessities  which  caused  the  request  for  permission  to  use 
your  house  during  your  absence  this  summer  have  been 
relieved.  I  have  taken  the  house  of  General  Twiggs,  late  of 
the  United  States  Army,  for  quarters. 

Inclined  never  on  slight  causes  to  use  the  power  entrusted 
to  me  to  grieve  even  sentiments  only  entitled  to  respect  from 
the  courage  and  lady-like  propriety  of  manner  in  which  they 
are  averred,  it  is  gratifying  to  be  enabled  to  yield  to  the  appeal 
you  made  for  favor  and  protection  by  the  United  States. 

Yours  shall  be  the  solitary  exception  to  the  General  Rule 
adopted  —  that  they  who  ask  protection  must  take  upon 
themselves  corresponding  obligations  or  do  an  equal  favor  to 
the  Government. 

I  have  an  aged  mother  at  home,  who,  like  you,  might  request 
the  inviolability  of  hearthstone  and  roof-tree  from  the  pres- 
ence of  a  stranger.  For  her  sake  you  shall  have  the  pass  you 
ask,  which  is  sent  herewith. 

As  I  did  myself  the  honor  to  say  personally,  you  may  leave 
the  city  with  no  fear  that  your  house  will  be  interfered  with 
by  any  exercise  of  military  right,  but  will  be  safe  under  the 
laws  of  the  United  States. 

Trusting  that  the  inexorable  logic  of  events  will  convict 
you  of  wrong  toward  your  country  when  all  else  has  failed.  I 

remain'  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Comdg. 


VOL.    II — I 


2     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  24, 1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Mr.  H.  M.  PALFREY 

SIR:  You  will  please  pay  all  bills  that  are  necessary  and 
proper  for  fitting  up  Gen.  Twiggs'  house  for  Maj.  Gen.  Butler's 
occupancy,  and  when  it  is  all  finished  present  the  vouchers  at 
these  Head  Quarters  and  the  account  will  be  settled. 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER, 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  H.  W.  Palfrey 

Palfrey  &  Go's  Real  Estate,  Stock,  Auction  &  Mortgage  Loan  Office, 

No,  43  Carondelet  Streett  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  28,  1862 
CNot  in  chronological  order] 

A.  J.  BUTLER,  Esq. 

SIR:  I  have  just  received  your  note  of  this  date.  My  instruc- 
tions from  General  Butler  are  to  collect  some  rent  and  notes 
due  to  General  Twiggs,  and  to  pay  some  bills  of  furniture  for 
General  Twiggs'  House  in  Prystania  Street,  after  said  bills 
are  approved  and  signed  by  him  or  by  his  orders. 

I  have  nothing  to  do  with  purchasing  any  furniture.  I  expect 
to  collect  $500  or  $1000  for  General  Twiggs  on  Monday  or 
Tuesday,  but  may  be  disappointed.  I  have  already  paid 
$212  out  of  my  private  funds  for  matting. 

Your  obedient  servant,  H.  W.  PALFREY 

P.S.    I  send  you  copy  of  General  Butler's  orders. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  26,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  138 

H.  W,  PALFREY,  the  former  agent  of  the  estate  and  property 
of  Gen.  D.  E.  Twiggs,  is  hereby  appointed  custodian  of  said 
property,  and  will  hold  rent  and  take  care  of  the  same  till 
further  orders.  He  will  pay  the  necessary  bills  of  expenses  of 
fitting  up  said  Twiggs  houses  in  Prystania  Str.,  upon  approval 
of  the  bills  at  these  Headquarters,  and  appropriate  thereto 
such  sums  or  personal  property  as  may  be  sufficient  for  that 

purpose*  By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt  A.  A.  A.  G. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER     8 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  26,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  46 

ALL  the  property  in  New  Orleans  belonging  to  Gen.  D.  E. 
Twiggs,  and  of  his  minor  son  the  income  of  which  he  has 
received  under  the  charge  of  his  agent,  H.  W.  Palfrey,  Esq., 
consisting  of  real  estate,  bonds,  notes  of  hand,  Treasury  notes 
of  the  United  States,  slaves,  household  furniture,  etc.,  is  hereby 
sequestered,  to  be  held  to  await  the  action  of  the  United  States 

overnmen  .      ^  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  "A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  a  Union  Man 

NEW  ORLEANS,  June  26*A,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER 

SIR:  Please  accept  the  accompanying  case  of  pistols  in 
token  of  the  gratitude  I  feel  for  your  coming  here,  and  the 
re-establishment  of  Federal  rule  in  place  of  the  tyranny  prac- 
tised by  Jeff  Davis  and  his  followers.  I  was  a  Union  prisoner 
at  the  time  of  the  fleet  coming  up  to  the  city,  and  since  my 
liberation  have  received  many  acts  of  kindness  at  the  hands 
of  yourself  and  those  of  your  command,  and  I  take  this  method 
of  testifying  my  appreciation  therefor. 

Yours  Respectfully,  A  UNION  MAN 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  26,  1862 

Hon.  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

SIR:  I  send  herewith  the  copper  plates  for  printing  Confed- 
erate States  Treasury  notes.  I  hope  by  this  capture  I  have 
dangered  their  exchequer.  The  plates  are,  however,  pretty 
well  worn. 

I  also  enclose  a  letter  showing  the  determination  of  Mr. 
Memminger,  C.  S.  Treasurer,  in  regard  to  the  Specie  of  the 
New  Orleans  Banks. 

By  an  order  I  have  rendered  it  impossible  for  them  to  do 
business  out  of  the  state.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  Respt.  Yours, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 


4     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Exhibit  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Confederate  States  of  America,  Treasury  Department,  RICHMOND,  June  5,  '62 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Messrs.  WOOD  &  BROTHERS,  Agents  of  Banks  of 
NEW  ORLEANS 

SIRS:  The  coin  of  the  Banks  of  New  Orleans  was  seized  by 
the  Government  to  prevent  it  from  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  public  enemy.  It  has  been  deposited  in  a  place  of  security 
under  the  charge  of  the  Government,  and  it  is  not  intended  to 
interfere  with  the  right  of  property  in  the  Banks  further  than 
to  insure  its  safe  custody. 

They  may  proceed  to  conduct  their  business  in  the  Confed- 
erate States  upon  this  deposit  just  as  though  it  were  in  their 
own  vaults. 

Very  Respectfully,  C.  G.  MEMMINGER,  Sect,  of  Treas. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  26$,  1862 

To  General  Dix 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  When  I  read  your  decision  and  patriotic 
order  as  Secretary  of  Treasury  to  "shoot  on  the  spot"  whom- 
soever should  attempt  to  haul  down  the  American  Flag,  my 
heart  bounded  with  joy.  It  was  the  first  bold  stroke  of  the 
Union  under  the  past  administration. 

It  gives  me  therefore  redoubled  pleasure  more  directly  to 
testify  my  admiration  by  sending  you  the  identical  flag  of  the 
Revenue  Cutter  "McClellan,"  which  was  the  subject  of  that 
order,  together  with  the  Confederate  flag  which  was  hoisted 
by  traitor  hands  in  its  place. 

David  Ritchie,  a  young  Scotch  Sailor  on  board  that  boat, 
remaining  true  to  his  adopted  country  when  so  many  of  her 
sons  proved  recreant,  went  on  board  the  "McClellan"  when 
she  was  being  burnt  by  the  Confederates  and  brought  off  the 
Flags. 

His  affidavit  which  accompanies  this  will  give  the  detail  of 
facts.  I  doubt  not  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  will  permit 
you  to  retain  the  flags,  which  could  not  be  in  better  hands. 
Believe  me,  General,  ^  ^  Ym 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER     5 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  27,  1862 

The  President 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  send  you  with  this  note  three 
swords  with  their  equipments,  formerly  belonging  to  David 
E.  Twiggs,  late  Brevet-Major  General  in  the  army  of  the  United 
States. 

They  are  each  presentation  swords.  One  given  him  by 
resolution  of  Congress  which  bears  the  following  legend: 

"Presented  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  agreeable 
to  a  resolution  of  Congress  to  Brig.  Gen'l.  DAVID  E.  TWIGGS, 
in  testimony  of  the  high  sense  entertained  by  Congress  of  his 
gallantry  and  good  conduct  in  storming  Monterey. 

"Resolution  approved  March  2nd,  1847." 

Another  by  the  State  of  Georgia,  and  bears  the  following 
legend  and  inscription: 

"Constitution 

The  State  of  Georgia  to  Major  General  DAVID  E.  TWIGGS, 
U.S.A.,  as  a  tribute  to  his  gallantry  in  Mexico  1847.  Palo 
Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  Monterey,  Cerro  Gorde,  Chapulte- 
pec,  Molino  del  Rey,  Mexico." 

The  third  by  his  native  City,  Augusta,  Ga.,  and  has  the 
following  legend :  "  Texas,  8th  and  9th  of  May  1846,  Monterey, 
Vera  Cruz,  Cerro  Gorde.  To  Gen'l.  DAVID  E.  TWIGG  from 
the  citizens  of  Augusta,  Georgia." 

General  Twiggs  left  these  swords  with  a  young  woman  on 
the  evening  before  he  fled  from  New  Orleans,  and  in  his  flight 
on  the  day  of  the  approach  of  the  fleet,  he  wrote  in  his  carriage 
while  en  route  this  extraordinary  paper. 

"I  leave  my  swords  to  Miss  Rowena  Florence,  and  box  of 

Sll  VP^T* 

NEW  ORLEANS,  %5th,  April,  1862 

DAVID  E.  TWIGGS" 

This  paper  was  claimed  as  a  deed  of  gift  of  these  very 
valuable  weapons  by  the  young  person  named,  but  as  she  had 
neglected  to  inform  her  father  of  this  singular  donatio  causa 
fugae,  and  as  the  girl's  mother  caused  them  to  be  given  to  a 
negro  to  be  sent  to  Gen'l.  Twiggs'  house,  and  as  they  were 
found  in  possession  of  this  negro,  I  venture  to  interfere  with 
this  testamentary  disposition. 

A  more  lamentable  instance  of  the  degradation  to  which 
this  rebellion  has  reduced  its  votaries  can  hardly  be  imagined. 


6     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Swords  given  to  a  General  for  courage  and  good  conduct  in 
the  armies  of  the  Union  as  tokens  of  admiration  by  his  fellow- 
citizens  and  the  gratitude  of  a  State  and  Nation,  voluntarily 
bequeathed  for  safe-keeping  to  a  woman  as  a  more  proper 
custodian  than  himself,  by  that  same  General,  when  flying  at 
the  approach  of  the  Armies  of  that  country  which  he  had  re- 
nounced and  betrayed,  at  last  find  a  depository  with  a  negro, 
for  the  sake  of  enslaving  whom  even  the  double  crime  of 
treachery  and  rebellion  had  been  consummated. 

Now  that  the  weapon  given  by  the  United  States  is  returned 
to  the  Executive,  and  the  others  placed  at  his  disposal,  might 
I  take  leave  to  suggest  a  possible  disposition  of  them. 

Might  not  the  first  be  presented  to  some  Officer  as  a  token 
of  appreciation  of  loyalty  and  devotion  to  the  country? 

The  qualities  of  courage  and  good  conduct  on  the  battle- 
field have  never  been  found  wanting  in  our  armies,  but  loyalty 
and  entire  devotion  to  the  country  have  failed  in  so  many 
examples  of  which  General  Twiggs  is  a  shining  one,  that  some 
token  of  respect  for  those  qualities  bestowed  in  this  manner, 
might  not  be  inappropriate. 

The  sword  from  the  State  of  Georgia  might  be  deposited 
in  the  Library  of  West  Point,  with  an  appropriate  inscription, 
as  a  perpetual  memento  to  the  youths  there,  how  worse  than 
useless  are  all  education  and  military  training,  even  when 
allied  to  gallantry  and  courage,  if  heartfelt  patriotism  and 
undying  fidelity  to  the  Constitution  and  the  Flag  are  wanting. 

That  given  by  the  City  of  Augusta  might  be  deposited  in 
the  Patent  Office  as  a  warning  against  the  folly  and  uselessness 
of  such  an  invention  as  "Secession." 

Pardon  the  freedom  of  these  suggestions  and   believe   me 

most  faithfully,  v         ,    , .        0 

*  Your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  General  Commanding 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  27th,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  Enclosed  will  be  found  several  letters  addressed  to 
"General  David  E.  Twiggs,  late  of  the  U.  S.  Army,"  by  his 
son-in-law,  Col.  Myers,  late  of  the  army  and  now  Quartermaster 
General,  I  believe,  of  the  Confederate  State  Government. 

The  letter  of  Nov.  12th,  1860,  which  encloses  the  order  for 
General  Twiggs  to  take  command  in  Texas,  shows  that  at 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    7 

that  early  day  he  was  contemplating  the  treason  he  has  since 
acted,  and  that  he  sought  the  very  place  so  as  to  be  in  posi- 
tion to  do  the  utmost  mischief. 

The  others  of  dates  May  16th,  22nd,  and  26th,  disclose  the 
reasons  of  his  appointment  as  "Provisional  General"  by  the 
rebel  Government,  and  his  declination  of  the  position  of  Major 
General. 

All  these  were  found  in  his  house,  which  I  have  taken  pos- 
session of,  and  with  its  furniture  have  had  put  in  order  for 
quarters  for  myself  and  a  portion  of  my  staff. 

I  have  caused  all  the  property  here  which  General  Twiggs 
owned  or  of  which  he  received  the  income,  to  be  sequestered, 
and  the  rents,  after  paying  expenses,  to  be  held  to  await  the 
action  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  Fowr  obedimt  Servant, 

BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Comdg. 

From  J.  Bailey  Myers 

NEW  YORK,  June  28*A,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Will  you  allow  me  to  add  my  congratu- 
lations to  those  of  your  many  friends  on  your  late  successes. 
I  have  watched  them  with  deep  interest,  and  done  all  I  could 
to  cooperate  by  a  little  scribbling  and  newspaper  censorship 
on  my  own  hook. 

I  believed  in  your  star  when  it  was  a  little  under  a  cloud  of 
detraction,  and  I  enjoy  immeasurably  the  display  of  its  fuller 
light.  If  I  can  serve  you  in  any  way  here,  pray  use  me.  I  will 
with  pleasure  attend  to  any  wish  or  commission.  I  have  been 
a  thousand  times  tempted  to  give  up  everything  here  and 
join  you,  and  have  used  every  exertion  to  get  a  leave  of  absence 
to  do  so,  in  vain.  I  was  in  Boston  day  before  yesterday,  and 
found  Fay  very  busy  in  your  matters.  I  envied  him  for  having 
it  in  his  power  to  serve  you.  He  is  a  splendid  fellow.  In  the 
cars,  hotels,  and  in  fact  everywhere,  the  name  of  Butler  was 
in  all,  and  in  the  churches.  My  old  Uncle,  Captain  Bailey, 
U.S.N.,  was  greatly  pleased  with  you.  He  is  a  staunch  old 
fellow  and  loves  a  row. 

Be  so  kind  as  to  present  me  kindly  to  the  gentlemen  of  your 

mi  i  ary  ami  y.         Very  respectfully,  and  truly  yours, 

J.  BAILEY  MYERS 


8     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Information  received  by  General   Butler  Relative  to  Governor 

Moore 

NEW  ORLEANS,  June  28,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  I  have  this  morning  seen  a  person  who  has 
just  now  returned  from  the  town  of  Washington,  the  head  of 
Navigation  on  the  Bayou  Cortableu  which  enters  Atchafalaya. 

He  informs  me  that  the  Secession  Govr.,  Thos.  O.  Moore, 
was  there  when  he  left,  and  that  he  had  issued  a  lengthy 
Bombastic  Murderous  Proclamation,  regarding  trading  Con- 
federate money,  the  only  currency,  and  he  orders  all  steam 
boats  to  be  burned  up  at  once,  and  authorizes  every  person  to 
become  partisan  Rangers,  and  he  also  has  the  audacity  to 
order  the  U.  S.  emblem  to  be  torn  in  tatters  wherever  found. 
I  am  endeavoring  to  get  a  copy  of  his  Document. 

Mr.  Moore  is  on  a  thieving  expedition  there.  He  seized 
the  steam  boats  "Anna  Pervette,"  "Nina  Simms,"  and  loaded 
them  both  with  cotton.  He  went  there  with  a  lot  of  more 
thieves  from  Red  River  on  the  Steam  Boat  "Elmira"  —  he 
came  in  at  what  is  called  the  mouth  of  Old  River,  or  Old  Red 
River  mouth  is  the  more  proper  name  for  that  entrance.  He 
has  also  loaded  the  "Elmira"  and  sent  her  to  Red  River  also. 

This  Old  River  entrance  into  Red  River  is  about  11  miles 
above  the  mouth  of  the  entrance  to  the  Red  River  from  the 
Mississippi  —  there  is  any  quantity  of  water  in  it  at  all  seasons 
of  the  year,  to  allow  of  Gun  Boats  to  go  there.  You  can  send 
boats  into  Atchafalaya  by  the  same  route  as  the  Texas  steamers 
run  to  Berwicks  Bay,  or  at  this  stage  of  water  they  could  go 
in  at  the  Mississippi  entrance,  Bayou  Plaquemines.  One  gun 
boat  stationed  there  would  prevent  any  further  carrying  of 
either  cotton  or  sugar  from  Washington.  This  gentleman 
informs  me  that  it  is  very  much  against  the 'desires  of  the 
Washington  people  to  have  their  property  taken  such  care  of  by 
Moore.  The  business  men  and  property  owners  are  all  Union 
men  but  dare  not  speak.  It  is  said  that  Moore  has  sent  it  to 
Jefferson,  Texas,  both  by  the  three  above  mentioned  steam 
boats,  and  by  mule  teams  across  the  Opelons  —  as  Prairies. 

I  omitted  to  mention  that  in  the  event  of  a  Gun  Boat  being 
sent  there  and  remaining  until  low  water  mark  in  the  Miss, 
it  might  not  be  easy  to  take  her  out,  although  there  is  always 
abundance  of  water  for  her  to  lay  in.  You  have  two  stern 
wheel  boats,  the  "Bee"  and  "Barvutaria"  that  can  go  in  there 

at  all  seasons  of  the  year  loaded.  T/  ,-  77 

*  Very  respectfully 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  9 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  Wth,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  146 

ALL  cotton  purchased  by  any  officer,  soldier,  or  person  con- 
nected with  the  U.S.  forces  at  Baton  Rouge  will  be  first  offered 
for  the  use  of  the  Penitentiary  at  the  price  for  which  it  was 
purchased,  before  it  can  be  sent  away  for  sale  or  exchange. 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER, 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.C.,  June  29/A,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  My  last  communication  to  you  entrusted  for 
delivery  to  Cuthbert  Bullett,  Esq.  —  then  on  the  point  of 
departing  for  New  Orleans,  bore  date  on  the  23rd  instant,  and 
since  that  time  I  have  received  your  despatches  of  the  17th, 
18th,  and  19th,  instant,  with  their  various  enclosures. 

The  suggestion  made  in  your  despatch  of  the  10th  instant, 
as  to  a  "qualified  amnesty,"  has  been  brought  to  the  notice 
of  the  President,  and  his  determination  shall  be  announced 
to  you  with  the  least  possible  delay. 

The  attention  of  the  President  has  also  been  drawn  to  your 
General  Order  No.  41,  requiring  certain  oaths  from  foreigners 
resident  at  New  Orleans,  as  well  as  to  your  correspondence  on 
that  subject  with  the  Acting  British  Consul,  —  and  two 
communications  relative  thereto  have  been  received  from  the 
State  Department,  of  which  copies  are  herewith  transmitted 
to  you,  by  direction  of  the  President,  for  your  information 
and  guidance. 

The  Department  has  likewise  received  from  the  Secretary  of 
State  the  enclosed  copy  of  certain  instructions  issued  by  him 
to  the  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson,  to  examine  and  report  as  to 
the  facts  touching  the  sugars  claimed  by  certain  British, 
French,  and  Grecian  merchants,  of  which  mention  was  made 
in  your  despatch  of  the  17th  instant;  and  also  a  letter,  of  which 
a  copy  is  enclosed,  approving  your  course  with  reference  to 
the  Mexican  Consulate,  which  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to 
transmit  to  you. 

The  views  expressed  in  your  despatch  of  the  25th  May,  to 
which  you  again  refer  in  that  of  the  18th  instant,  as  to  the 


10    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

policy  to  be  preserved  in  regard  to  persons  held  under  the 
laws  of  Louisiana  to  labor  or  service,  but  whom  the  fortune 
of  war  have  placed  within  your  command,  —  have  strongly 
impressed  me.  It  has  not  yet,  however,  been  deemed  neces- 
sary or  wise  to  fetter  your  judgment  by  any  specific  instruc- 
tions in  this  regard. 

Your  last  despatch  upon  this  subject,  and  the  accompany- 
ing report  of  General  Phelps,  which  were  not  received  until 
the  28th  inst.  shall  be  laid  before  the  President.  Pending  his 
consideration,  and  any  action  which  he  may  see  fit  to  take 
thereon,  it  is  confidently  hoped  that,  exercising  your  accus- 
tomed skill  and  discretion,  you  will  so  deal  with  this  question 
as  to  avoid  any  serious  embarrassment  to  the  Government,  or 
any  difficulty  with  General  Phelps.  Your  cordial  commenda- 
tions of  his  skill,  experience,  and  courage  renders  the  Depart- 
ment very  unwilling  to  forego  the  aid  of  his  services. 

The  news  of  the  brilliant  achievement  of  Lieut.  Col.  Kim- 
ball  of  the  12th  Maine  Vols.,  and  the  brave  men  under  his 
command  at  Manchac  Pass,  was  very  gratifying  to  the  Depart- 
ment, and  it  entirely  approves  your  action  in  allowing  the 
Regiment  to  retain  the  colors  which  they  had  so  gallantly 
taken  from  the  enemy. 

Information  has  reached  the  Department  that  General 
McClellan  has  met  with  a  serious  reverse  in  front  of  Rich- 
mond. Though  the  details  have  not  transpired,  it  is  quite 
certain  that  the  published  accounts  are  very  much  exagger- 
ated. The  army  has  changed  its  base,  with  comparatively 
little  loss,  to  a  much  stronger  position  (Turkey  Point)  on  the 
James  River,  and  will,  it  is  confidently  expected,  very  soon 
march  on  and  into  Richmond.  I  am,  General, 

Very  respectfully ,  Your  obedient  servant, 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Sec.  of  War 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  %4th  June,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Honorable  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  notice  that  Major  General  Butler  is  represented  to 
have  required  certain  oaths  from  foreigners  at  New  Orleans. 
Though  his  general  right,  pursuant  to  martial  law,  to  make 
any  exactions  which  he  may  deem  necessary  for  the  peace 
and  safety  of  the  District  under  his  command,  cannot  be  ques- 
tioned, the  expediency  of  requiring  oaths  from  those  who  do 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    11 

not  owe  a  permanent  allegiance  to  the  Government  is  so  doubt- 
ful that  I  am  directed  by  the  President  to  request  you  to  order 
him  to  discontinue  that  practice  for  the  future,  and  to  cancel 
any  such  obligations  which  may  thus  have  been  compulsorily 
contracted.  Foreigners  owe  temporary  allegiance  to  the  au- 
thorities wherever  they  may  reside.  From  this  nothing  but  a 
treaty  stipulation  can  absolve  them.  In  general,  however,  it 
is  best  to  observe  that  they  will  observe  this  allegiance.  If, 
however,  they  disregard  it,  the  particular  acts  by  which  this 
disregard  may  be  shown,  are  liable  to  punishment  by  the  civil, 
or  if  this  should  be  silent  or  inadequate,  by  martial  law.  It 
is  preferable  for  the  maintenance  of  harmonious  relations  with 
foreign  powers  that  misconduct  on  the  part  of  their  citizens 
or  subjects  within  our  jurisdiction  should  not  be  anticipated, 
but  that  its  actual  development  should  be  awaited.  When  it 
shall  have  occurred,  is  notorious  in  particular  instances,  or 
shall  be  susceptible  of  due  proof,  their  Governments  can- 
not reasonably  complain  if  the  guilty  parties  are  punished  in 
proportion  to  their  offence. 

This  department  having  been  officially  apprised  by  the 
British  Legation  here  that  Mr.  Coppell  had  been  duly  appointed 
Acting  British  Consul  at  New  Orleans,  I  will  again  thank  you 
to  direct  General  Butler  to  respect  his  official  acts  accordingly. 
It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  General  should  have  deemed  it 
advisable  to  issue  a  certain  order  in  consequence  of  which  that 
gentleman  deemed  it  necessary  formally  to  relinquish  his  Con- 
sular functions.  He  has  been  requested  through  the  British 
Legation  here  to  resume  them.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 
Your  Obedient  Servant,  WILLIAM  SEWARD 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  9,7th  June,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Honorable  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  have  just  held 
an  interview  with  Mr.  Stuart,  Her  Britannic  Majesty's 
Charge  d'Affairs,  in  the  course  of  which  he  has  assured  me 
that  the  letters  of  Mr.  Coppell,  the  British  Acting  Consul  at 
New  Orleans,  to  the  legation  here,  and  everything  else  con- 
cerning him  which  has  come  to  their  knowledge,  have  uni- 
formly shown  entire  fairness  towards  this  Government.  It 
is  to  be  apprehended,  therefore,  that  General  Butler  in  his 
correspondence  with  Mr.  Coppell,  especially  that  which  relates 
to  certain  sugars  at  New  Orleans,  must  have  assumed  a  con- 


12    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

trary  hypothesis,  and  that  in  the  severity  of  his  remarks  he 
has  done  that  gentleman  injustice.  I  will,  consequently, 
thank  you  to  communicate  the  fact  and  express  to  General 
Butler  the  President's  desire  that  he  will  do  what  he  can 
towards  removing  from  Mr.  Coppell's  mind  the  impression  of 
injury  which  he  may  have  done  to  that  gentleman.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  Servant,  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  Wth  of  June  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Honorable  Reverdy  JOHNSON,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LOUISIANA 

SIR:  The  President  regards  the  renewal  of  commerce  at 
New  Orleans,  and  on  the  Mississippi  and  its  tributaries,  as  a 
most  effective  means  of  bringing  this  unhappy  civil  strife  to 
an  end,  and  restoring  the  authority  of  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment. Such  a  restoration  of  trade  is  also  calculated  to  deprive 
foreign  powers  of  all  excuse  for  sympathy  with  the  insurgents. 
Under  these  circumstances,  he  deeply  regrets  every  case  of 
collision  that  occurs,  even  unavoidably,  between  the  military 
authorities  at  New  Orleans  and  the  Consuls,  merchants,  and 
others  concerned  in  commerce.  While  he  will  in  all  cases 
maintain  the  national  rights,  he  desired  to  protect  and  guard 
the  national  honor  in  intercourse  with  foreign  nations. 

A  correspondence  between  Major  General  Butler,  and  the 
Consuls  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Greece  in  regard  to  a 
certain  quantity  of  sugars  claimed  by  certain  British,  French 
and  Grecian  merchants  has  been  brought  to  the  notice  of 
this  Department  through  a  report  of  Major  General  Butler, 
made  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

The  President  desires  and  authorizes  you,  in  addition  to 
the  special  duties  already  assigned  to  you,  to  examine  into  the 
merits  of  that  transaction,  and  to  report  the  facts  thereupon 
to  this  department,  to  the  end  that  justice  may  be  done  in 
the  matter. 

The  carrying  this  instruction  into  effect  may  detain  you  at 
New  Orleans  longer  than  was  anticipated,  but  the  importance 
of  the  business  makes  it  advisable  that  it  should  be  adjusted 
prior  to  your  departure.  I  am  sir, 

Your  obedient  servant,  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         13 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  29/A,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M,  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  am  on  my  return  from  Baton  Rouge,  where  I  have 
been  for  the  purpose  of  inspecting  the  Garrison  and  ascertain- 
ing if  possible  what  is  the  sentiment  of  the  people  toward  the 
Government. 

The  Garrison,  consisting  of  two  regiments  21st  Indiana 
and  the  6th  Michigan  Volunteers,  with  a  section  of  Everett's 
Battery  (6th  Mass.),  are  in  fine  condition  and  health,  and,  I 
believe,  strong  enough  to  resist  a  threatened  attack  by  Gen- 
eral Van  Dorn,  who  has  been  put  in  command  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Mississippi  in  place  of  General  Lovell,  removed. 

I  have  been  agreeably  disappointed  in  the  feeling  at  Baton 
Rouge.  There  is  a  tiredness  of  the  war  and  longing  for  the 
restoration  of  the  old  state  of  things,  under  the  Union,  which 
is  gratifying.  I  had  a  visit  from  a  dozen  or  more  gentlemen  of 
Baton  Rouge  and  vicinity,  representing  some  five  or  six  mil- 
lions of  property,  and  had  conversation  with  them  upon  the 
new  system  of  Partisan  Rangers  just  now  inaugurated,  i.e. 
Guerilla  Warfare.  They  deprecate  it,  and  will  do  everything 
possible  to  discountenance  it. 

They  offered  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  if  I  required, 
but  assured  me  they  thought  they  could  do  more  good  by 
abstaining  from  that  oath  for  the  present,  because  it  would 
be  impossible  for  them  to  have  communication  with  these 
partisans  if  they  took  the  oath,  and  it  should  be  publicly 
known. 

Governor  Moore  has  issued  an  address  more  remarkable 
than  any  document  of  the  kind  ever  penned.  I  enclose  a 
copy. 

At  the  same  time,  General  Van  Dorn  has  issued  his  General 
Order  No.  1,  which  recommends  that  all  inhabitants  remove 
eight  miles  from  the  river.  I  brought  before  me  some  of  the 
most  violent  of  the  rebels,  and  after  calling  their  attention  to 
the  present  state  of  things,  I  proposed  to  them  the  oath  of 
allegiance,  and,  after  consideration  over  night,  two  of  them, 
Mr.  Benjamin,  brother  of  the  rebel  Secretary  of  War,  and 
Byam,  the  Mayor  of  the  City,  took  the  oath. 

I  brought  away  with  me  and  now  have  under  arrest  five 
of  those  who  had  used  threats  toward  the  men  who  had  shown 
themselves  favorable  to  the  Union. 


14    LETTEBS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Upon  full  reflection  and  observation  I  find  the  condition  of 
public  sentiment  to  be  this: 

The  planters  and  men  of  property  are  now  tired  of  the  war, 
well-disposed  toward  the  Union,  only  fearing  lest  their  negroes 
should  not  be  let  alone,  would  be  quite  happy  to  have  the 
Union  restored  in  all  things. 

The  operative  classes  of  white  men  of  all  trades  are  as  a 
rule  in  favor  of  the  Union. 

In  fact,  this  rebellion  was  at  first  inaugurated  for  the  pur- 
pose of  establishing  a  landed  aristocracy  as  against  the  poor 
and  middling  whites,  who  had  shown  some  disposition  to 
assert  their  equality  with  the  planter,  and  had  begun  to  express 
themselves  through  organizations  and  on  the  basis  of  the 
Masonic  Order  into  societies,  of  which  the  South  is  full,  of 
which  that  ritual  is  the  pattern.  This  disinclination  of  the 
people  to  the  war  has  required  the  Conscription  act,  so  that 
we  now  have  the  before  unheard  of  fact  of  a  people  professedly 
fighting  for  their  liberties  against  oppression,  and  obliged  to 
do  so  by  their  leaders  in  a  most  rigid  Conscription  Act. 

Free  Conscripts  are  certainly  evidence  of  progress  in  terms. 

I  have  directed  all  the  funds  in  the  several  banks  belonging 
to  the  State  of  Louisiana  to  be  sequestered  and  held  for  the 
disposition  of  the  Government.  They  are  all  collected  in 
Confederate  Treasury  notes,  and  so  may  not  be  very  valuable. 

By  some  unfortunate  oversight  the  Paymasters  came  down 
here  with  $285,000  too  little  money  to  pay  the  troops  up  to 
last  of  May.  Some  of  them  have  not  been  paid  for  six  months, 
and  some  not  since  they  have  been  in  service,  nine  months. 
Men  were  disheartened;  the  Mails  brought  intelligence  of 
the  destitution  of  their  families.  Two  months'  more  pay  come 
due  July  1st. 

In  this  emergency,  specie  seized  and  which  by  the  direction 
of  a  Commission  was  to  be  sent  to  Washington,  in  amount 
$50,000,  was  taken  by  pledge  of  personal  credit  and  the  faith 
of  the  Government  a  hundred  thousand  dollars  more,  which 
will  be  paid  out  to  the  suffering  soldiers. 

Major  Locke,  one  of  the  Paymasters,  has  also  been  ordered 
to  report  to  Washington  to  get  funds  to  pay  the  allotment, 
and  for  the  July  payment  which  ought  to  be  made  at  once, 
may  I  ask  that  his  mission  be  speeded  at  once?  Details  are 
given  in  a  note  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  a  duplicate 
of  which  is  enclosed. 

The  question  of  how  to  feed  the  people  of  this  City  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER    15 

the  surrounding  country  becomes  of  the  utmost  magnitude, 
and  to  it  I  have  given  the  best  exertions. 

Owing  to  the  impression  at  the  North  that  the  river  was 
opened,  no  flour  has  been  shipped  from  Northern  Ports.  It  is 
now  at  a  fabulous  price.  Moore's  proclamation  has  frightened 
all  the  people  from  the  Red  River  County  from  sending  the 
flour  here,  and  we  are  in  danger  of  starving. 

Upon  consultation  with  Col.  Turner,  Chief  Commissary  of 
Subsistence,  it  has  been  thought  best  to  distribute  gratuitously 
under  proper  safeguard  the  Flour  and  Beef  we  can  spare,  say 
2000  barrels  of  each. 

The  leading  Secessionists  will  be  taxed  to  pay  the  expenses, 
which  I  set  down  at  about  $75,000.  It  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary that  a  fast-sailing  steamer,  capable  of  containing  4000 
Bbls.  of  Flour,  Beef,  &  Pork,  be  at  once  forwarded  for  the  use 
of  the  City.  Col.  Turner  has  made  the  necessary  requisition 
for  the  flour,  4000  Bbls. 

The  trustees  for  the  Charity  Hospital  have  resigned,  but 
have  been  continued  in  office,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  enclosed 
correspondence. 

July  3rd,  1862     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

A  boat  from  Vicksburg  this  morning  brings  news  (but  no 
official  despatches)  that  there  has  been  an  attack  upon  the 
place,  that  a  portion  of  the  fleet  have  got  by  the  Batteries 
and  joined  fleet  of  Commander  Davis  above,  that  General 
Williams  has  made  a  lodgment  on  the  opposite  Bank  of  the 
River  and  erected  a  Battery  there,  and  with  his  rifle  (d)  12 
pounders  is  throwing  shells  into  the  town  and  enemy's  camp. 
This  is  the  rebels'  last  defense  on  the  river,  and  must  yield. 

We  are  threatened  with  a  Guerilla  War  which  is  claimed  will  be 
interminable.  I  take  leave  to  suggest  that  it  can  be  terminated 
in  a  few  days.  A  reward  offered  of  a  $1000  for  each  Guerilla 
head,  and  freedom  to  the  Negro  who  should  bring  it  in,  would 
bring  that  uncivilized  system  of  war  fare  to  a  sudden  termina- 
tion by  an  equally  uncivilized  remedy.  "Fire  set  to  fight  fire." 

I  am  sorry  to  say  that  some  of  the  stories  about  the  unhu- 
mane  acts  of  our  enemies  are  true.  Insults  to  the  dead  are 
too  shocking  to  be  tolerated. 

I  hope  all  those  who  have  whined  over  Order  No.  28  will 
read  the  Order  which  I  have  felt  it  my  duty  to  enforce  in  the 
cases  of  Mrs.  Phillips,  Keller,  &  Andrew,  copies  I  enclose. 

I  beg  leave  to  call  attention  to  my  call  for  more  troops,  I 
have  enough  to  hold  all  I  have  occupied,  but  if  the  ulterior 


16    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

movements  in  Texas  and  upon  Mobile  are  to  be  carried  out, 
more  will  be  required. 

Col.  Deming  again  returns  home  for  reasons  which  he  prays 
leave  to  explain  to  the  Department,  and  is  charged  with  some 
personal  communication  to  which  I  pray  attention. 

I  am  deeply  gratified,  as  indeed  are  all  the  loyal  citizens  of 
New  Orleans,  to  learn  that  Acting  Brig.  Gen.  Shepley  has 
been  made  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana.  His  successful 
administration  of  the  City  affairs  has  rendered  him  very  accept- 
able. It  will  be  necessary  to  give  him  a  Commission  as  Brig- 
adier General  so  that  he  may  be  able  to  command  the  troops 
detailed  to  him  to  guard  the  State. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

Copy  of  Governor  Moore's  Address 

OPELOUSAS,  June  18,  1862 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  PEOPLE  OF  LOUISIANA 

THE  occupation  by  the  enemy  of  a  portion  of  the  territory 
of  our  State  imposes  upon  us  new  and  unaccustomed  respon- 
sibilities. It  creates  an  anomalous  condition  of  affairs,  and 
establishes  between  the  Citizens  of  New  Orleans  and  all  other 
of  our  towns  in  the  actual  occupation  of  the  enemy,  and  those 
of  the  Country  Parishes,  relations  very  different  from  those 
which  regulate  their  ordinary  intercourse.  It  is  not  surprising 
that  a  people  who  are  now  experiencing  the  first  invasion  of 
their  State  should  not  at  the  outset  have  appreciated  the  duties 
and  necessities  of  the  new  position  in  which  they  suddenly 
find  themselves  placed. 

New  Orleans  is  the  Commercial  Depot  of  the  State.  To  it 
the  whole  agricultural  products  of  our  soil  are  conveyed,  and 
from  it  are  brought  in  return  a  large  measure  of  the  supplies 
for  our  plantations  and  the  merchandise  which  forms  the 
object  of  every  species  of  traffic. 

The  channels  of  trade  constantly  flow  between  it  and  the 
Country  freighted  with  the  every-day  transactions  of  all 
classes  of  our  citizens,  thus  binding  our  urban  and  rural 
population  together  by  the  strong  bands  of  mutual  depend- 
ence and  reciprocal  benefit. 

Trade  with  the  Enemy  forbidden 

A  state  of  public  war  resulting  in  the  armed  occupancy  of 
New  Orleans  by  the  enemy,  changes  these  relations. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    17 

There  cannot  be  a  war  for  arms  and  a  peace  for  trade 
between  two  people  at  the  same  time. 

The  armed  occupants  of  that  city  are  our  enemies. 

To  each  loyal  Citizen  of  Louisiana  and  of  the  Confederacy, 
every  citizen  of  the  country  hostile  to  us  is  an  enemy.  We 
cannot  barter  our  products  for  theirs.  We  cannot  exchange 
our  corn,  cattle,  sugar,  or  cotton  for  their  gold.  We  have  even 
no  right  to  pay  money  that  was  owing  to  the  citizens  of  the 
now  hostile  States  before  the  war. 

Absolutely  non-intercourse,  the  entire  suspension  of  com- 
munication by  visit  or  for  trade,  is  the  only  safe  rule  for  our 
guidance.  It  is  a  rule  recognized  as  imperative  by  all  writers 
on  public  law,  and  universally  administered  by  the  authorities 
of  nations  at  war.  Communications  with  Citizens  of  occupied 
Cities  must  cease. 

Nor  is  it  prudent  to  hold  communication  with  citizens  of  any 
portion  of  our  territory,  temporarily  occupied  by  the  enemy. 
However  much  we  may  deplore  their  misfortunes,  we  must  not 
permit  these  to  be  made  the  instruments  for  our  further  damage. 

The  only  proper  and  permissible  manner  in  which  we  can 
communicate  with  the  enemy  or  those  under  his  control  who 
are  within  his  lines,  is  under  a  flag  of  truce.  Communication 
with  New  Orleans  since  its  armed  occupation  has  been  almost 
unrestrained,  save  by  the  fears  of  those  who  desired,  from 
motives  either  of  gain  or  curiosity,  to  enter  the  lines  of  the 
enemy. 

This  communication  must  cease  and  at  once.  It  is  well- 
known  that  the  General  Commanding  the  invading  army 
opposes  no  obstacle  to  the  ingress  of  any  of  our  citizens  into 
New  Orleans,  but  invariably  attaches  to  the  passport  for  egress 
thfc  statement:  "This  Pass  is  given  upon  the  parole  of  honor 
of  the  holder,  that  he  will  in  no  way  give  information,  coun- 
tenance, aid,  or  support  to  the  so-called  Confederate  States 
or  Government." 

This  cunningly-devised  trap  to  catch  the  unsuspicious  visit- 
ors was  expected  to  trammel  him  in  the  rendition  of  those 
services  which  his  country  demands.  No  parole  is  ever  given 
when  these  passports  are  delivered  —  none  ever  required. 
This  condition  is  inserted  in  the  passport  without  notification 
to  the  applicant  that  it  is  to  be  required,  in  the  belief  that  the 
apparent  tacit  consent  of  the  receiver  to  a  condition  thus 
sneakingly  sought  to  be  foisted  upon  him,  would  be  held 
binding  in  morals  and  in  conscience. 

VOL.    II — 2 


18    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

At  first  the  passports  were  received  unsuspectingly  and  with- 
out knowledge  of  the  characteristic  trickery  contained  in  this 
clause,  but  it  is  now  well-known  that  none  are  given  without  it. 

Using  the  Enemy's  passports 

Whoever  now,  therefore,  voluntarily  place  himself  in  the 
power  of  the  enemy  by  entering  their  lines,  throws  a  shade 
upon  his  loyalty  to  his  Government.  The  possession  of  a 
passport  containing  the  clause  above  quoted,  subjects  the 
holder  to  grave  suspicion.  Its  receipt  is  incipient  neutrality, 
the  desire  to  fulfill  the  condition  assumed  to  be  imposed  is 
only  disguised  indifference  to  our  success.  The  attempt  to 
fulfill  it  is  treachery  to  our  cause.  No  man  can  pretend  to 
assimilate  this  ex  parte  declaration  of  a  Federal  Provost 
Marshal,  to  which  no  assent  is  made  by  parole  or  act,  to  the 
parole  of  honor  well  recognized  in  military  usage,  the  observ- 
ance of  which  must  ever  be  regarded  as  a  primary  duty. 
Such  paroles  are  given  to,  are  received  by  prisoners  on  either 
side,  that  they  will  not  resume  their  participation  in  hostili- 
ties until  exchanged,  and  by  persons  sent  from  out  the  lines 
that  they  will  not  reveal  what  their  presence  has  enabled  them 
to  see  or  hear. 

Neither  the  citizens  of  New  Orleans  or  those  visitors  who 
have  gone  there  since  the  occupation  of  the  enemy  are  regarded 
by  him  as  prisoners  of  War.  If  prisoners,  it  is  his  manifested 
duty  to  feed  them,  and  when  permitted  to  depart  from  his 
lines  he  would  require  of  them  a  parole  to  cease  hostilities, 
until  exchanged. 

The  passport  shall  not  be  a  shelter  from  duty.  It  has  come 
to  my  knowledge  that  some  persons  have  gone  into  New  Orleans 
voluntarily,  and  without  any  apparent  or  avowed  purpose  to 
accomplish,  save  the  gratification  of  an  idle  curiosity,  and 
have  since  returned  with  these  Passports.  When  required  to 
perform  Militia  duty  afterwards,  or  accosted  by  the  enroll- 
ment Officer  of  Conscript,  they  present  the  Passport  in  which 
a  Federal  Officer  has  assumed  a  promise  that  the  holder  will 
not  countenance  or  aid  this  Government.  If  he  does  not 
countenance  then  he  must  necessarily  recognize  the  pretension 
of  those  who  seek  to  crush  it.  Nor  can  he  separate  one  part 
of  the  pretended  parole  from  the  other. 

He  cannot  claim  that  he  holds  himself  bound  by  the  stipu- 
lation not  to  give  aid  and  support  to  this  Government,  and 
thus  avoid  military  duty,  without  also  confessing  to  an  obli- 
gation not  to  countenance  it,  which  is  treason  unmasked. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER          19 

The  military  officer  will  be  charged  with  Orders  on  this 
subject,  the  rigorous  execution  of  which  will  be  required.  The 
Confederacy  and  the  State  recognize  but  two  classes  —  its 
friends  and  its  foes.  In  this  mighty  and  awful  struggle  for 
our  sacred  rights,  for  the  sanctity  of  our  homes,  for  the  enjoy- 
ment of  liberty,  for  the  salvation  of  our  country,  all  considera- 
tions of  blood  and  friendship  must  give  way,  all  apprehensions 
for  the  safety  of  property  must  be  disregarded.  Obedience 
to  the  laws  and  acquiescence  to  the  policy  of  the  Government 
will  be  the  cheerful  homage  that  every  true  man  will  make. 
Those  who  are  not  true  must  be  deprived  of  the  power  of 
harm. 

Spies,  Salaried  Informers  &  Tories 

Not  the  least  evil  of  the  consequences  flowing  from  com- 
munications by  our  citizens  with  the  places  occupied  by  the 
enemy  is  the  facility  it  affords  to  spies  who  traverse  the  country 
through  the  negligence  of  officers  or  the  unsuspicious  security 
of  the  people.  These  spies  communicate  with  the  salaried 
informers  who  are  to  be  found  in  some  localities,  ready  to 
serve  any  master  for  gold. 

The  world  has  never  furnished  an  instance  of  a  people 
renouncing  their  Government  and  establishing  a  new  one  with 
the  unanimity  which  has  characterized  the  people  of  the 
Confederate  States.  Not  even  the  men  of  '76,  those  fore- 
fathers whom  we  are  accustomed  to  think  of  battling  with 
undivided  hearts  for  a  severance  from  the  crown  and  the  inde- 
pendence of  their  nation,  approached  nearer  to  perfect  unanim- 
ity than  ourselves  in  struggle  against  a  foe,  more  malignant 
and  vindictive  than  the  one  confronted  by  them.  In  the  revolt 
of  the  colonies,  whole  Districts  were  inhabited  by  Tories,  who 
strove  to  throttle  the  infant  liberties  of  their  country  and 
bind  her  by  fetters  to  the  throne.  In  our  struggle  they  are 
rarely  to  be  met,  but,  though  very  few  in  number,  they  exist, 
and  with  a  hate  of  our  Government  not  exceeded  by  the  hate 
of  their  predecessors  to  the  government  of  George  Washington. 

They  can  be  tolerated  no  longer;  if  they  did  not  wish  to 
live  under  the  Confederate  Government,  they  were  warned  by 
its  President  a  year  ago  that  they  were  at  liberty  to  depart. 
They  have  made  their  option.  They  cannot  live  here  and  dis- 
regard our  laws.  They  can  neither  hold  property  nor  enjoy 
liberty  if  they  disown  the  Government  which  protects  the  one 
and  insures  the  other.  This  would  be  true  even  in  ordinary 
circumstances,  but  when  the  foe  who  aims  at  our  subjugation 


20         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

is  pressing  our  soil,  short  must  be  the  shrift  of  those  who  stand 
ready  to  welcome  him. 

All  possible  vigilance  must  therefore  be  exercised  for  the 
detection  of  these  spies  and  salaried  informers,  and  for  their 
apprehension.  All  citizens  should  report  to  the  nearest  au- 
thorities the  names  and  the  proof  or  grounds  of  suspicion. 

Nor  must  less  rigor  be  enforced  in  the  case  of  those  per- 
sons who  have  not  obeyed  the  President's  warning.  Strangers 
must  give  a  satisfactory  account  of  themselves,  the  doubtful 
must  be  closely  watched,  the  disloyal  must  be  imprisoned, 
and  when  found  guilty  of  treason  must  be  held  liable  to  the 
penalty  due  to  that  capital  crime. 

Confederate  Notes  the  currency  of  our  Country 

Manifold  are  the  inducements  presented  by  the  enemy  to 
begin  trading  with  him.  As  temptation  to  you  to  thus  vio- 
late your  sacred  duty  as  citizens  of  the  Confederate  States, 
he  offers  high  prices  for  your  products,  which  he  promises  to 
pay  in  gold  and  silver.  With  equal  assiduity  he  is  engaged  in 
efforts  to  depreciate  the  currency  of  your  country.  He  for- 
gets that  every  Confederate  Bond  is  a  record  and  certificate 
of  a  sum  that  has  been  contributed  by  generous  and  confiding 
citizens  to  secure  the  independence  of  their  country  —  that 
every  Confederate  Note  is  the  evidence  that  thus  much  of 
the  wealth  of  the  people  has  been  loaned  to  the  Government 
to  help  it  in  its  struggle  —  that  all  the  resources  of  a  Republic 
of  ten  millions  of  people,  occupying  a  vast  territory  of  unsur- 
passed productiveness,  are  pledged  for  their  redemption  — 
that  they  constitute  a  currency  that  measures  the  value  of 
all  our  property,  and  that  custom  and  loyalty  recognize  them 
as  a  legal  tender.  They  are  received  and  paid  as  such  by  all 
patriots,  in  exchange  for  what  he  offers  for  sale.  The  refusal  to 
take  Confederate  money  does  a  direct  injury  to  our  sacred 
cause,  fans  the  latent  spark  of  treason,  and  gives  indirect 
aid  and  comfort  to  the  ruthless  enemy  who  invades  our  soil, 
ravages  our  coasts,  insults  our  mothers,  wives,  and  daughters, 
and  tyrannizes  over  our  conquered  cities.  The  refusal  to 
take  Confederate  money,  if  general,  would  at  once  paralyze 
our  Government  and  put  the  Confederacy  in  imminent  peril. 
Such  refusal  affords  a  presumption  of  disloyalty,  and  the  plea 
of  ignorance  is  but  a  slight  palliation  of  the  grave  offence. 

River  Steam  Boats  for  Transports 

The  enemy  needs  river  steamboats  to  transport  his  troops 
to  their  plundering  expeditions  along  the  Mississippi,  and  he 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    21 

seizes  all  that  lie  within  his  reach;  he  searches  for  them  in 
Bayous  seldom  navigated,  and  by  the  aid  of  traitorous  inform- 
ers, he  has  succeeded  in  capturing  those  that  were  thought  to 
be  effectually  hidden. 

This  must  be  prevented  at  any  cost.  As  no  concealment  can 
be  depended  on,  the  Boats  must  be  destroyed  whenever  the 
near  approach  of  the  enemy  shall  leave  no  other  means  of 
preventing  their  capture. 

Supplies  of  Provisions  for  New  Orleans 

The  delicate  question  of  permitting  New  Orleans  to  be 
supplied  with  provisions,  while  in  the  occupation  of  the  enemy, 
was  presented  to  me  soon  after  my  return  from  Camp  Moore, 
whither  I  had  gone  for  the  purpose  of  concerting  Richmond 
plans  for  the  future  which  will  soon  be  made  manifest. 

Much  was  and  is  to  be  said  for  and  against  the  policy.  It 
is  sufficient  for  my  present  purpose  to  say  that  I  have  given 
permits  to  two  agents  of  the  City  to  carry  provisions  to  our 
citizens  so  long  as  the  Federal  General  should  faithfully  observe 
his  pledge  not  to  appropriate  any  of  the  provisions  to  other 
uses  than  supplying  the  wants  of  our  own  people.  I  was  not 
unaware  of  the  danger  that  attended  such  a  policy  in  affording 
advantages  for  the  establishment  of  an  intercourse  which  the 
previous  part  of  this  address  will  show  I  could  not  approve. 
But  I  did  not  suspect  that  such  a  concession,  made  in  tender 
consideration  of  the  pressing  wants  of  the  City,  would  be 
abused  by  any  of  its  own  citizens  to  the  extent  of  committing 
an  act,  little  short  of  affording  direct  aid  to  the  enemy.  The 
recent  act  of  the  Cashier  of  the  Bank  of  America  and  his 
accomplices  has  convinced  me  that  any  departure  from  this 
rule  that  the  necessities  of  the  population  of  any  locality  must 
be  held  subservient  to  the  paramount  consideration  of  the 
public  safety,  is  attended  with  peril,  and  that  in  my  desire  to 
relieve  the  people  of  New  Orleans,  I  was  subjecting  the  public 
interests  to  danger  of  injury.  No  boats  will  hereafter  be  per- 
mitted to  go  down  to  New  Orleans  or  Baton  Rouge,  while  those 
places  are  occupied  by  the  enemy,  unless,  after  the  arrival  of 
the  Commanding  General,  Confederate  Officers  should  be  de- 
tailed for  the  purpose  of  going  in  charge  of  them  in  the  manner 
usually  practiced  by  belligerents. 

Continued  resistance  our  paramount  duty 

It  is  not  proper  for  obvious  reasons  to  state  here  in  detail 
the  measures  I  have  taken  and  the  plans  devised  for  the 
defense  of  our  homes.  The  loss  of  New  Orleans  and  the  open- 


22          LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ing  of  the  Mississippi,  which  will  soon  follow,  have  greatly 
increased  our  danger  and  deprived  us  of  many  resources  for 
defense.  With  less  means  we  have  more  to  do  than  before. 
Every  weapon  we  have  and  all  that  our  skillful  mechanics 
can  make  will  be  needed.  Every  able-bodied  citizen  will 
hold  himself  in  readiness  for  immediate  service.  Brave,  vigi- 
lant, energetic  officers  are  authorized  to  raise  bands  of  Parti- 
san Rangers.  Let  every  possible  assistance  be  rendered  them 
in  forming,  arming,  equipping,  and  mounting  their  companies, 
and  in  giving  them  support  and  information  when  in  service. 
Let  every  citizen  be  an  armed  sentinel  to  give  warning  of  any 
approach  of  the  insolent  foe.  Let  all  our  River  banks  swarm 
with  armed  patriots,  to  teach  the  hated  invader  that  the  rifle 
will  be  his  only  welcome  on  his  errands  of  plunder  and  destruc- 
tion. Wherever  he  dares  to  raise  the  hated  emblem  of  tyranny, 
tear  it  down  and  rip  it  in  tatters. 

Mumford  the  Martyr 

The  noble  heroism  of  the  patriot  Mumford  has  placed  his 
name  high  on  the  list  of  our  martyr  sons.  When  the  Federal 
navy  reached  New  Orleans  a  squad  of  Marines  was  sent  on 
shore  who  hoisted  their  flag  on  the  Mint.  The  City  was  not 
occupied  by  the  United  States  Troops,  nor  had  they  reached 
there.  The  place  was  not  in  their  possession. 

William  B.  Mumford  pulled  down  the  detested  symbol 
with  his  own  hands,  and  for  that  was  condemned  to  be  hung 
by  General  Butler  after  his  arrival.  Brought  in  full  view  of  the 
scaffold,  his  murderers  hoped  to  appal  his  heroic  soul  by  the 
exhibition  of  the  implements  of  an  ignominious  death.  With 
the  evidence  of  their  determination  to  consummate  their 
brutal  purpose  before  his  eyes,  they  offered  him  life  on  condi- 
tion that  he  would  abjure  his  country  and  swear  allegiance  to 
her  foe.  He  spurned  the  offer,  scorning  to  stain  his  soul  with 
such  foul  dishonor.  He  met  his  fate  courageously,  and  has 
transmitted  to  his  countrymen  a  fresh  example  of  what  men 
will  do  and  dare  when  under  the  inspiration  of  fervid  patriotism. 
I  shall  not  forget  the  outrage  of  his  murder,  nor  shall  it  pass 
unnoticed. 

Rules  that  will  not  be  relaxed 

I  am  not  introducing  any  new  regulations  for  the  conduct 
of  our  citizens,  but  am  only  placing  before  them  those  that 
every  nation  at  War  recognizes  as  necessary  and  proper  to  be 
enforced.  It  is  needless  therefore  to  say  that  they  will  not  be 
relaxed. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    23 

On  the  contrary  I  am  but  awaiting  the  assistance  and 
presence  of  the  General  appointed  to  the  Department  to 
inaugurate  the  most  effectual  method  for  their  enforcement. 
It  is  well  to  repeat  them. 

Trading  with  the  enemy  is  prohibited  under  all  circum- 
stances. Traveling  to  and  from  New  Orleans  and  other  places, 
occupied  by  the  enemy  is  forbidden  —  all  passengers  will  be 
arrested. 

Citizens  going  to  these  places  and  returning  with  the 
enemy's  usual  passport  will  be  arrested.  Conscripts  or  Militia 
men  having  in  possession  such  passport,  seeking  to  shun  duty 
under  the  pretext  of  a  parole,  shall  be  treated  as  public  ene- 
mies. No  such  papers  will  be  held  sufficient  excuse  for  inaction 
by  any  Citizen. 

The  utmost  vigilance  must  be  used  by  officers  and  citizens 
in  the  detection  of  Spies  and  salaried  informers  and  their 
apprehension,  promptly  effected.  Tories  must  suffer  the  fate 
that  every  betrayer  of  his  country  deserves. 

Confederate  notes  shall  be  received  and  used  as  the  cur- 
rency of  the  country. 

River  Steamboats  must  in  no  case  be  permitted  to  be 
captured.  Burn  them  when  they  cannot  be  saved. 

Provisions  may  be  conveyed  to  New  Orleans  only  in  Charge 
of  Confederate  Officers,  and  under  the  precautionary  regula- 
tions governing  communication  between  belligerents. 

Our  struggle  and  its  sure  result 

The  loss  of  New  Orleans,  bitter  humiliation  as  it  was,  has 
not  created  despondency,  nor  shaken  our  abiding  faith  in  our 
success.  Not  to  the  eye  of  the  enthusiastic  patriot  alone,  who 
might  be  expected  to  color  events  with  his  hopes,  but  to  the 
more  impassioned  gaze  of  the  statesman,  that  success  was 
certain  from  the  beginning.  It  is  only  the  timid,  the  unreflect- 
ing, and  the  property  owner  who  thinks  more  of  his  possessions 
than  his  country,  that  will  succumb  to  the  depressing  influence 
of  disaster.  The  great  heart  of  the  people  has  swelled  with 
more  intense  aspirations  for  the  cause,  the  more  it  seemed  to 
totter.  Their  confidence  is  well-founded.  The  possession  by 
the  enemy  of  our^eaboard  and  main  water  courses  ought  to 
have  been  foreseen  by  us.  His  overwhelming  naval  force 
necessarily  accomplished  the  same  results  attained  by  the 
British  in  their  war  of  subjugation.  The  final  result  will  be 
the  same.  Let  us  turn  unheeding  ears  to  the  rumors  of  foreign 
intervention.  To  believe  is  to  rely  on  them. 


24    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

We  must  rely  on  ourselves.  Our  recognition  as  a  Nation  is 
one  of  those  certainties  of  the  future  which  nothing  but  our 
own  unfaithfulness  can  prevent.  We  must  not  look  around 
for  friends  to  help  when  the  enemy  is  straight  before  us.  Help 
yourselves,  it  is  the  great  instrument  of  national  as  of  indi- 
vidual success.  ^  ~  T..- 

THOMAS  O.  MOORE 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS  June  SOth,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  151 

FIDEL  KELLER  has  been  found  exhibiting  a  human  Skeleton 
in  his  Book  Store  window  in  a  public  place  in  this  City,  labelled 
"Chickahominy,"  in  large  letters,  meaning  and  intending  that 
the  bones  should  be  taken  by  the  populace  to  be  the  bones  of 
an  United  States  soldier  slain  in  that  battle,  in  order  to  bring 
the  authority  of  the  U.  S.  and  our  Armies  into  contempt,  and 
for  that  purpose  had  stated  to  the  passersby  that  the  bones 
were  those  of  a  Yankee  soldier,  whereas  in  truth  and  fact 
they  were  the  bones  purchased  some  weeks  before  of  the  Mexi- 
can Consul,  to  whom  they  were  pledged  by  a  medical  Student. 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  for  this  desecration  of  the  dead 
he  be  confined  at  Ship  Island  for  two  years  at  hard  labor,  and 
that  he  be  allowed  to  communicate  with  no  person  on  the 
island  except  Mrs.  Philipps,  who  has  been  sent  there  for  a 
like  offence.  Any  written  message  may  be  sent  by  him  through 
these  Headquarters. 

Upon  this  order  being  read  to  him,  the  said  Keller  requested 
that  so  much  of  it  as  associated  him  with  "that  woman" 
might  be  recalled,  which  request  was  therefore  reduced  to 
writing  by  him  as  follows: 

NEW  ORLEANS  June  80th,  1862 

Mr.  Keller  desires  that,  that  part  of  the  Sentence  which 
refers  to  the  communication  with  Mrs.  Philipps  be  stricken 
out,  as  he  does  not  wish  to  have  communication  with  the 
said  Mrs.  Philipps. 
Witness.    D.  WATERS,     (signed)  F.  KELLER 

Said  request  seeming  to  the  Commanding  General  reason- 
able, so  much  of  said  order  is  revoked,  and  the  remainder  will 

be  executed.  r»^j       <•**       ^        T* 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    25 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  30th,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  152 

JOHN  W.  ANDREWS  exhibited  a  Cross,  the  emblem  of  the  suf- 
fering of  our  blessed  Savior,  fashioned  for  a  personal  ornament, 
which  he  said  was  made  from  the  bones  of  a  Yankee  soldier, 
and  having  shown  this,  too,  without  rebuke  in  the  Louisiana 
Club  which  claims  to  be  composed  of  Chivalric  Gentlemen: 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  for  this  desecration  of  the  dead 
he  be  confined  at  hard  labor  for  two  years  on  the  fortifications 
of  Ship  Island,  and  he  be  allowed  no  verbal  or  written  com- 
munication to,  or  with  any  one,  except  through  these 
Headquarters.  By  Qrder  of  MAJ  GEN  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 
From  Count  Mejan 

TRANSLATION.  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  SQth,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  am  obliged  to  direct  a  letter  to  Gov.  Moore  in  order 

to  protest  against  the  treatment  which  several  of  my  fellow 

citizens,  residing  in  the  interior,  have  been  submitted  to. 
Would  it  cause  any  inconvenience  to  have  this  letter  sent 

to  the  nearest  point  where  it  could  be  put  into  the  post  office. 

Accept,  Sir,  the  considerations,  etc. 

The  French  Consul,  COUNT  MEJAN 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  30,  1862 

To  Count  MEJAN,  French  Consul 

SIR  :  It  will  give  me  great  pleasure  to  aid  in  forwarding  your 
letter  to  Governor  Moore  in  any  way  you  may  suggest.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  Very  trul^  your  obedient  servant> 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  30,  1862 

Count  MEJAN,  French  Consul 

SIR:  I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  I 
have  not  received  your  report  of  the  large  amounts  of  specie 


26    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

placed  under  your  charge,  just  previous  to  the  coming  up  of 
the  Fleet  of  the  United  States. 

Presuming  that  a  press  of  business  has  prevented.    I  am 

Most  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servt. 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  SQth,  1862 

Capt.  MORRIS 

CAPTAIN:  I  am  reliably  informed  that  the  enemy  are  bring- 
ing down  a  large  number  of  cattle  to  the  mouth  of  Red  River, 
and  thence  running  them  across  the  Mississippi,  are  supplying 
the  Confederate  Army. 

I  would  most  respectfully  urge  upon  you  to  send  a  gunboat 
to  cruise  between  the  mouths  of  Red  River  and  Black  River. 
This  would  entirely  obviate  the  mischief. 

Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept  of  the  Gulf 

Hon.  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  certain  certificates 
of  deposits  in  the  Confederate  States  Treasury  of  the  pro- 
ceeds of  several  confiscations  by  the  rebel  District  Court 
here.  All  records  of  the  proceedings  save  these  have  been 
destroyed  or  carried  away. 

Also  please  find  a  receiver's  bond,  which  may  be  useful  as 
showing  the  form  of  the  proceedings  of  the  rebels  in  that 
behalf.  I  remain  Your  Obt.  Servt. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  30,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  156 

THE  City  of  Jefferson  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered 
to  issue,  by  its  usual  Municipal  Officers,  Notes  in  the  simili- 
tude of  Bank  notes  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  Twenty-five 
thousand  Dollars,  under  a  denomination  not  less  than  One  or 
greater  than  Ten  Dollars.  For  the  redemption  of  which  one 
per  cent,  of  the  City  Taxes  &  Revenues  shall  be  pledged  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    27 

set  apart.    As  soon  as  that  sum  shall  have  been  realized,  public 
notice  shall  be  given  that  said  notes  will  be  redeemed  in  specie 

or  its  equivalent.  D    r>  j      *  T\T       ^         T> 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Department  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  June  1862 

IN  the  matter  of  the  appeal  of  W.  N.  Mercer,  President,  and 
Auguste  Montreuil,  Cashier,  of  the  Bank  of  Louisiana,  defend- 
ants, from  the  judgment  of  the  Provost  Court,  upon  the 
complaint  of  A.  Durand,  complainant. 

This  is  an  application  by  the  defendants,  representing  the 
Bank,  made  to  the  General  Commanding,  asking  him  to  revise 
and  set  aside  the  judgment  of  the  Provost  Court,  made  in 
favor  of  the  Plaintiff,  Durand. 

It  is  based  upon  the  legal  theory  that  over  all  matters 
within  garrison,  camp,  and  perhaps  geographical  military 
department,  wherein  martial  law  has  been  declared,  the  power 
of  the  Commanding  General  is  absolute,  and  that,  looking  to 
him  as  the  representative  of  the  martial  power  of  the  govern- 
ment here,  all  applications  for  redress  must  be  made  when  any 
wrong  is  supposed  to  have  been  done. 

This  view  being  sound,  so  far  as  I  can  see,  I  have  with  the 
best  thoughts  possible  under  the  circumstances  re-examined 
the  case  and  the  reasons  assigned  for  the  appeal. 

Error  is  claimed  on  two  grounds,  first,  that  the  Provost 
Court  had  no  jurisdiction  of  the  cause,  and  second,  that  the 
judgment  was  not  in  accordance  with  the  law  which  should 
govern  its  decision. 

The  argument  assumes  that  law  to  be  Genl.  Order  No.  30, 
and  does  not  dispute  the  authority  which  made  it,  or  the  effect 
of  that  order,  but  contents  itself  with  endeavouring  to  con- 
strue the  order. 

The  objection  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Court  is  put  upon 
two  grounds  —  first,  that  the  Provost  Court  has  not  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  subject  matter,  second,  that  the  proper  parties  were 
not  before  it  so  as  to  enable  it  to  act  with  regard  to  the  rights 
of  those,  who  were  not  summoned  in  the  case. 

It  is  said  that  the  question,  being  one  of  a  right  of  property, 
cannot  be  entertained  by  a  Court  which  only  acts  to  punish 
the  infraction  of  military  orders  and  police  regulations. 

A  technical  answer  to  this  objection,  which  is  in  the  nature 


28         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

of  a  plea  to  the  jurisdiction,  would  be  that  it  does  not  appear 
this  plea  was  put  in  till  after  the  hearing  upon  the  merits. 

It  is  a  familiar  rule  that  a  party  shall  not  be  allowed  to  go 
into  Court,  and  have  a  hearing  on  his  case,  take  the  chances  of 
a  decision  in  his  favor,  and  then,  if  adverse,  repudiate  the 
Court  before  which  he  has  appeared,  and  to  whose  judgment 
he  has  submitted  his  cause. 

This  rule  has  been  held  very  strictly,  both  as  to  jurisdiction 
over  the  subject  matter  and  the  parties. 

But  in  a  Court  where  no  technical  rules  are  allowed  to  work 
injustice,  a  technical  answer  is  not  sufficient. 

Of  what  then  do  the  defendants  complain?  The  Bank  says 
the  Court  has  made  an  order  which  takes  away  the  property 
of  the  Bank,  and  gives  it  to  another,  and  that  the  Court  has 
no  power  so  to  act.  But  is  that  so?  Is  it  not  the  Commanding 
General's  order,  which  does  that  of  which  complaint  is  made? 
The  Bank  nowhere  complains  that  the  General  has  not  the 
power  to  make  such  an  order,  if,  in  his  judgment,  it  becomes  a 
military  necessity,  and  that  some  order  on  the  subject  matter 
was  so  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  the  first  question  put  to  him 
on  entering  the  city  was,  what  currency  would  be  pro- 
vided for  the  people  to  save  them  from  starvation  and  bread 
riots. 

It  has  passed  into  history  that  he  permitted  a  vicious  cur- 
rency as  a  medium  of  circulation  for  the  purpose  of  meeting 
this  exigency.  Again,  it  will  be  remembered  that  the  Bank 
now  claims  that  it  is  exempted  from  this  order,  because,  by 
order  of  another  Military  Commander  in  September  last 
(there  was  no  civil  law  for  it),  it  was  obliged  to  suspend  Specie 
Payment  against  its  will,  and  substitute  Confederate  notes  for 
its  daily  currency  instead  of  its  own  bills.  This  order  was 
submitted  to  if  not  with  joy,  at  least  not  under  protest,  so 
far  as  I  am  informed. 

The  order,  as  well  as  the  law  of  the  land  then  is,  that  the 
Bank  shall  pay  its  depositors  in  Gold  or  Silver  coin,  and 
United  States  Treasury  Notes,  or  its  own  bills.  A  citizen  com- 
plains that  this  order  of  the  Commanding  General  has  not 
been  obeyed,  to  his  prejudice. 

For  what,  then,  is  a  Provost  Court,  in  Military  phrase 
constituted?  Confessedly,  to  inquire  into,  determine,  and 
punish  the  infraction  of  military  orders. 

To  do  this  the  court  must  act  in  rent  as  well  as  in  personam. 
A  familiar  example  would  be,  if  the  Commanding  General 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    29 

orders  all  arms  to  be  given  up,  and  some  citizen  neglects  or 
refuses  to  obey,  would  it  not  be  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a 
Provost  Court,  although  its  judgment  should  act  upon  a  right 
of  property  involving  millions  of  dollars  worth  of  muskets? 

If  the  act  brought  before  the  Court,  therefore,  is  alleged  to 
be  an  infraction  of  a  military  order,  it  is  determinable  in  a 
military  Court. 

Again,  it  is  said,  that  the  Court  has  not  jurisdiction,  because, 
the  stockholders  of  the  Bank  were  not  summoned  in  and  made 
parties,  and  that  their  rights  and  interests  will  be  affected  by 
this  decision.  This  is  all  true.  But  did  the  learned  Counsel 
for  the  Bank  ever  hear  of  a  suit  against  a  bank  in  any  Court, 
where  the  stockholders  were  summoned  in,  unless  it  was 
sought  to  charge  them,  individually,  which  is  not  the  case 
here. 

A  corporation  acts  through  its  authorized  agents,  and  is 
bound  by  their  acts,  and  is  to  be  charged  upon  notice  to  them. 
This  objection  of  want  of  sufficient  power  in  the  President 
and  Directors  of  the  Bank  of  Louisiana  to  pay  the  depositor, 
M.  Durand,  in  their  own  bills,  which  is  only  changing  the  form 
of  indebtedness  from  a  depositor  to  a  billholder,  under  the 
order  of  the  Provost  Court,  without  the  consent  of  their 
stockholders,  would  provoke  a  smile  in  a  less  serious  discussion, 
when  we  remember  that  this  same  Board  of  Directors,  with- 
out asking  leave  of  their  stockholders,  against  law  and  right, 
put  3,000,000  of  its  bullion  out  of  their  hands  and  out  of  the 
State,  whence  they  will  probably  never  see  it  again. 

I  am  of  opinion  that  these  objections  to  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Court,  are  untenable. 

The  other  objection  as  to  the  merits  of  the  decision  can,  it 
seems  to  me,  be  disposed  of  in  a  word.  If  the  order  is  a  proper 
one,  it  must  be  obeyed.  Its  propriety  cannot  be  discussed  by 
me.  It  is  admitted  that  Durand  is  a  depositor  in  the  Bank  of 
what  the  Bank  chose  to  take  as  money  —  treated  as  money 
—  credited  to  him  as  money  —  nay  forced  upon  the  community 
as  money.  He  has  not  been  paid  his  deposit. 

The  Bank  should  pay  him  in  specie.  The  decision  following 
the  letter  of  the  order,  is  that  the  Bank  may  give  him  their 
own  bills  instead  of  money.  Of  that  decision  the  Bank  has 
no  cause  to  complain.  Durand  is  now  the  creditor  of  the  Bank 
as  a  depositor.  The  decision  makes  him  their  creditor  as  a 
billholder.  In  equity  they  have  nothing  to  complain  of,  he 
may  have,  because  he  does  not  get  his  gold,  to  which  by  the 


30         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

laws  of  banking,  laws  of  the  State  and  the  United  States  he  is 
entitled. 

He  does  not  seek  to  reverse  the  decision.    Let  it  stand. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gidfy  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  2nd,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  166 

IN  view  of  the  great  distress  now  existing  in  New  Orleans, 
an  attempt  to  relieve  it  will  be  made  on  the  following  plan : 

I.  There  shall  be  one  Superintendent  with  entire  control, 
under  the  direction  of  the  General  Commanding  the  Depart- 
ment.   He  shall  have  the  custody  of  all  monies  appropriated 
to  the  subsistence  of  the  poor  of  the  city,  and  shall  be  charged 
with  the  purchase  of  all  provisions  for  the  poor  of  New  Orleans, 
and  with  the  distribution  of  the  same. 

A  Return  of  Provisions  received  and  issued,  and  the  disburse- 
ments on  account  of  purchases  of  subsistence,  and  expenses 
incurred  in  distributing,  with  an  account  of  all  monies  received, 
will  be  rendered  monthly  with  vouchers  to  the  Headquarters 
of  the  Department. 

II.  There  shall  be  an  Asst.  Superintendent  for  each  dis- 
trict of  the  City,  appointed  by  the  Superintendent,  whose 
pay  shall  be  three  Dollars  per  day.    It  will  be  his  duty  to  collect 
all  informations  of  the  poor  and  needy  within  his  district,  and 
to  give  orders  to  those  who  are  in  want  upon  the  District  depot 
for  provisions.     These  orders  shall  be  in  Duplicate,  one  or 
which  is  retained  and  accompanies  his  return  of  donations, 
which  he  makes  up  daily  to  the   Superintendent.     He  will 
also  give  orders  for  the  sale  of  provisions  under  instruction 
from  the  Superintendent. 

Cases  of  destitution  shall  be  certified  to  either  by  a  Clergy- 
man of  the  District,  by  a  responsible  person  known  to  the 
Asst.  Superintendent,  by  personal  observation,  or  by  other 
satisfactory  evidence  to  prevent  imposition. 

III.  There  shall  be  in  each  district  of  the  City  a  Depot  of 
Supplies  for  distribution  and  Sales.     There  shall  be  attached 
to  each  as  it  may  be  found  necessary,  a  Salesman  in  charge  of 
the  Depot  at  $2.50  per  day,  one  Asst.  at  $£.00  per  day,  and 
two  Assts.  at  $1.50  pr  day,  each  to  be  appointed  by  the  Super- 
intendent.    The  Salesman  will  receive  orders  from  the  Asst. 
Superintendent  of  his  District,  and  see  that  they  are  promptly 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    31 

filled.  He  will  render  an  Account  daily  to  the  Superintendent 
of  all  provisions  expended,  whether  by  donations  or  sales, 
accompanied  by  the  orders  of  the  Asst.  Superintendent,  which 
shall  be  his  vouchers  for  the  issues  of  the  purchases  distrib- 
uted, as  also  an  account  of  the  monies  received.  He  will 
make  his  requisitions  for  provisions  upon  the  Superintendent. 
Stores  properly  located  will  be  occupied  for  these  purposes, 
taking  those  vacant  and  belonging  to  known  enemies  of  the 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  2,  1862 

Col.  BENJAMIN  F.  LARNED,  Paymaster  General,  U.S.A. 

GENERAL:  I  have  directed  Major  Locke  to  report  to  you, 
and  he  goes  home  by  the  "McClellan." 

By  some  strange  and  unaccountable  want  of  knowledge  of 
the  needs  of  this  department,  there  was  not  money  enough 
sent  down  to  pay  the  troops  here  up  to  March  last  by  the 
sum  of  $285,000,  as  Major  Locke  reports  to  me. 

Many  of  them  have  not  been  paid  since  they  were  in  ser- 
vice. I  have  by  pledge  of  personal  credit  got  money  enough, 
with  having  the  allotment  paid  in  New  York,  to  pay  the  March 
Payment. 

I  desire  that  Major  Locke  be  immediately  sent  back  with 
money  sufficient  for  the  June  payment. 

I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  my  letter  of  this  date  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  for  memoranda  of  the  needed  action. 
(A  copy  is  enclosed.)  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  2,  1862 

Hon.  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  Treasury 

SIR:  Will  be  found  enclosed  herewith  minutes  of  the  doings 
of  a  Commission  to  enquire  into  the  seizure  of  the  Specie  of 
Samuel  Smith  &  Co.  The  finding  is  that  the  Case  should  be 
sent  to  the  Department  for  investigation.  I  should  have  sent 
the  specie  ($50,000)  to  you,  but  this  remarkable  state  of 
things  exists. 


32         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

Two  Paymasters  came  down  here  with  $285,000  too  little 
money  to  pay  the  troops  of  this  Department,  some  of  whom 
have  not  been  paid  for  six  months,  and  they  and  their  families 
are  suffering  for  their  just  dues;  which  from  the  inefficiency  of 
the  Pay  Department  in  not  making  proper  requisition  has 
not  been  furnished  them.  I  shall  therefore  appropriate  this 
$50,000  toward  the  payment  of  the  troops  left  unpaid,  one  of 
which  is  a  Western  Regiment  not  paid  since  December,  and 
one  a  Maine  one,  not  paid  since  October. 

I  shall  borrow  of  one  of  the  Banks  here  $50,000  more  in 
gold.  I  cannot  get  Treasury  notes  upon  my  own  credit  and 
pledging  the  faith  of  the  Government. 

This  I  have  promised  shall  be  returned  in  gold  in  sixty  days, 
with  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent  per  annum,  and  trust 
that  pledge  will  be  made  good,  as  I  shall  have  to  suffer  the 
loss. 

I  shall  also  obtain  from  Adams  &  Co.  here  $50,000  in  Treas- 
ury notes,  or  thereabouts,  and  by  leaving  the  allotments 
unpaid  here  but  to  be  paid  in  New  York,  I  shall  be  able  to 
have  the  payment  completed. 

But  this  only  pays  the  March  payment,  leaving  two  months 
still  due.  May  I  ask  therefore  that  my  draft  in  favor  of 
Adams  &  Co.  be  honored,  and  a  future  draft  not  exceeding  in 
all  $50,000,  be  honored  at  sight,  so  that  Adams  &  Co.  can 
send  forward  the  remittances  to  the  soldiers'  wives,  which 
have  been  used  here  to  pay  others,  and  that  $50,000  in  gold 
be  sent  me  to  repay  that  which  I  have  borrowed. 

I  could  not  let  my  soldiers  go  longer  unpaid.  It  was  injur- 
ing the  credit  of  the  Government  with  our  foes  and  breeding 
sickness  and  discontent  among  my  men. 

Trusting  that  this  action  will  meet  approval  in  the  emer- 
gency.  lam  Most  truly  Yours, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qtx.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.  July  2d,  1862 

Mr.  ASA  S.  BLAKE,  Agt.  Adams  Express  Company 

SIR:  I  hereby  order  you  to  furnish  me  with  the  Sum  of 
twenty  five  thousand  dollars  ($25,000)  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment,  for  which  Amount  I  propose  to  give  you  a  Check 
on  the  Asst.  Treasurer  of  the  United  States  at  New  York. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    33 

This  is  in  accordance  with  the  terms  proposed  to  you  at  our 
last  interview,  and  I  shall  hold  you  for  the  above  amount,  as 
heretofore  stated.  Respectfully  Yours, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  8,  1862 

W.  B.  DAISMORE,  Esq.,  President,  Adams  Express  Co. 

DEAR  SIR:  I  have  this  day  compelled  Mr.  Asa  Blake,  your 
Agent  of  this  City,  to  furnish  me  with  the  Sum  of  twenty  five 
thousand  dollars  ($25,000),  for  which  amount  have  handed 
him  a  check  drawn  upon  the  Asst.  Treasurer  of  the  United 
States  at  New  York.  He  has  strongly  resisted  me  in  the 
matter,  not  wishing  to  deviate  from  his  instructions  and  the 
rules  of  your  Company. 

Knowing,  however,  that  the  matter  as  proposed  and  insisted 
upon  by  me  will  not  conflict  in  any  way  with  the  interest,  and 
as  Necessity  knows  no  laws,  I  have  taken  such  steps  in  this 
affair  as  the  occasion  and  the  wants  of  my  troops  demand. 
Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  A.  S.  Blake 

Office  of  the  Adams  Express  Company,  NEW  ORLEANS  LA.  Jtdy  8,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  hereby  protest  against  the  Course  proposed 
by  you  regarding  the  funds  placed  in  my  hands  by  the  Officers 
and  men  of  your  Command  for  transmission  to  their  wives  & 
families. 

The  plan  suggested  is  not  at  all  in  accordance  with  my 
positive  instructions,  or  our  old  and  excellent  method  of 
making  our  Money  Shipments.  To  wit: 

"Instructions:  Agents  will  in  each  and  every  Case  transmit 
the  same  funds  as  received,  the  same  to  be  placed  in  the  printed 
envelope  of  the  Company,  properly  sealed,  with  the  Com- 
pany's Stamp." 

Sincerely  hoping  you  may  be  enabled  to  obtain  the  amount 
required  without  obliging  me  to  take  any  steps  outside  of 
our  regular  routine,  I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Yours  Respectfully, 
A.  S.  BLAKE,  Agent  Adams  Express  Co.  N.  0. 

VOL.    II — 3 


34         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Ponier  &  Co. 

NEW  YORK,  July  2,  1862 

To  Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  United  States  Army, 
NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  By  the  ship  "General  Butler"  from  New  Orleans, 
since  arrived  in  Boston,  we  are  consignees  of  104  hogsheads 
sugar.  The  Bill  of  Lading  was  made  out  in  the  usual  form, 
and  the  freight  specified  —  five  dollars  per  hogshead. 

On  arrival  of  the  ship  we  placed  the  sugars  in  the  hands  of 
our  brokers  in  Boston  for  sale.  When  they  were  landed  the 
Quarter  Master  refused  to  deliver  our  sugars  unless  our  agent 
paid  ten  dollars  per  Hogshead  freight,  —  of  course,  we  had 
to  submit,  the  sugars  being  in  his  possession,  the  vessel  being 
under  the  Government  Charter,  and  a  perishable  article,  — 
there  was  no  choice  left  us  but  to  submit  to  the  wrong.  His 
refusal  was  based  on  the  ground  that  some  one  in  New  Orleans 
had  collected  a  portion  of  the  freight  in  advance,  and  had  not 
given  proper  credit  for  it  to  the  Government;  therefore,  having 
the  power  in  his  hands,  he  forced  us  —  an  innocent  third 
party  —  to  pay  over  to  him  what  he  thinks  some  one  else 
has  wronged  the  Government  out  of. 

The  name  of  the  party  who  is  charged  with  collecting  these 
monies  in  advance  in  New  Orleans  has  been  given  to  us,  but 
it  is  so  respectable  that  we  refrain  from  repeating  it,  thinking 
that  there  is  a  mistake  somewhere,  and  that  as  soon  as  expla- 
nations are  made  the  money  will  be  refunded  to  us  either  in 
New  Orleans  or  Boston  —  if  in  New  Orleans,  Mr.  John  Geo. 
Haas,  78  Custom  House  Street,  is  authorized  to  receive  and 
receipt  for  it.  If  it  is  to  be  repaid  in  Boston,  will  you  be  kind 
enough  to  order  that  proper  papers  be  made  out  proving  that 
there  has  been  no  wrong  done  to  the  Government  in  New 
Orleans.  We  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servants,  PONIER  &  Co. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS  July  16th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Messrs.  PONIER  &  Co.,  NEW  YORK 

GENTLEMEN:  Yours  of  the  2nd  inst.  is  received,  and  in 
reply  will  refer  you  to  Richard  S.  Fay  Jr.,  Esq.,  of  Boston. 

Explanations  have  been  sent  forward  by  this  mail.  If  any 
wrong  has  been  done  you,  no  matter  how  "respectable"  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    35 

source,  if   within   the   scope  of  the   Department  it  will  be 
redressed. 

I  believe,  however,  that  all  has  arisen  from  a  mistake  of 
rights,  and  the  matter  will  be  adjusted. 

Respectfully  Yours 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  July  2,  1862 

Mr.  J.  G.  CARNEY,  Boston 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Many  thanks  for  your  kind  note.  You  will 
have  seen  by  my  last  note  that  I  have  endeavored  to  protect 
my  drafts.  I  assure  you  that  they  would  be  paid  at  sight  if 
here  now.  Therefore,  do  not  let  them  be  dishonored.  Hildreth 
and  Fay  will  aid  in  the  matter. 

I  am  as  jealous  of  the  good  opinion  of  my  friends  as  I  am 
careless  of  the  slanders  of  my  enemies,  and  your  kind  expres- 
sion in  regard  to  order  No.  28,  leads  me  to  say  a  word  to  you 
on  the  subject. 

That  it  ever  could  have  been  so  misconceived  as  it  has  been 
by  some  portion  of  the  Northern  Press  is  wonderful,  and  would 
lead  one  to  exclaim  with  the  Jew,  "O  Father  Abraham,  what 
these  Christians  are,  whose  own  hard  dealings  teach  them  to 
suspect  the  very  thoughts  of  others." 

What  was  the  state  of  things  to  which  the  women  order 
applied?  We  were  two  thousand  five  hundred  men  in  a  city 
seven  miles  long  by  two  to  four  wide,  of  a  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  inhabitants,  all  hostile,  bitter,  defiant,  explosive, 
standing  literally  in  a  magazine,  a  spark  only  needed  for  de- 
struction. The  devil  had  entered  into  the  hearts  of  the  women 
of  this  town  to  stir  up  strife  in  every  way  possible.  Every 
opprobrious  epithet,  every  insulting  question  was  made  by 
these  bejewelled,  becrinolined,  and  laced  creatures  calling 
themselves  ladies,  toward  my  soldiers  and  officers,  from  the 
windows  of  houses  and  in  the  street.  How  long  do  you  sup- 
pose our  flesh  and  blood  could  have  stood  this  without  re- 
tort? That  would  lead  to  disturbance  and  riot  from  which 
we  must  clear  the  streets  by  artillery,  and  then  a  howl  that 
we  had  murdered  these  fine  women.  I  had  arrested  the  men 
who  hurrahed  for  Beauregard,  —  could  I  arrest  the  women? 
No  —  what  was  to  be  done?  No  order  could  be  made 
save  one  that  would  execute  itself.  With  anxious,  careful 
thought  I  hit  upon  this,  "Women  who  insult  my  soldiers  are 


36          LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  be  regarded  and  treated  as  common  women  plying  their 
vocation." 

Pray  how  do  you  treat  a  common  woman  plying  her  voca- 
tion in  the  streets?  You  pass  her  by  unheeded.  She  cannot 
insult  you.  As  a  gentleman  you  can  and  will  take  no  notice 
of  her.  If  she  speaks,  her  words  are  not  opprobrious.  It  is 
only  when  she  becomes  a  continuous  and  positive  nuisance 
that  you  call  a  watchman  and  give  her  in  charge  to  him. 

But  some  of  the  Northern  Editors  seem  to  think  that 
whenever  one  meets  such  a  woman  one  must  stop  her,  talk 
with  her,  insult  her,  or  hold  dalliance  with  her.  And  so  from 
their  own  conduct  they  construed  my  order.  The  Editor  of 
the  Boston  Courier  may  so  deal  with  common  women,  and 
out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  his  mouth  may  speak,  but 
so  do  not  I. 

Why,  these  she-adders  of  New  Orleans  themselves  were  at 
once  shamed  into  propriety  of  conduct  by  the  order,  and  from 
that  day  no  woman  has  either  insulted  or  annoyed  my  line 
soldiers  or  officers,  and  of  a  certainty  no  soldier  has  insulted 
any  woman.  When  I  passed  through  Baltimore  on  the  23rd 
of  February  last,  members  of  my  staff  were  insulted  by  the 
gestures  of  the  ladies  there.  Not  so  in  New  Orleans.  One  of 
the  worst  possible  of  all  these  women  showed  disrespect  to  the 
remains  of  gallant  young  De  Kay,  and  you  will  see  her  punish- 
ment, a  copy  of  the  order  for  which  I  enclose  is  at  once  a 
vindication  and  a  construction  of  my  order. 

I  can  only  say  that  I  would  issue  it  again  under  like  cir- 
cumstances. Again  thanking  you  for  your  kind  interest,  I  am 

Truly  your  friend 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  June  30f/i,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

SPECIAL  OEDER  No.  150 

MRS.  PHILIPPS,  wife  of  Philipp  Philipps,  having  been  once 
imprisoned  for  her  traitorous  proclivities  and  acts  at  Wash- 
ington, and  released  by  the  clemency  of  the  Government,  and 
having  been  found  training  her  children  to  spit  upon  the 
Officers  of  the  United  States  at  New  Orleans,  for  which  act  of 
one  of  those  children  both  her  husband  and  herself  apologized 
and  were  again  forgiven,  is  now  found  on  the  balcony  of  her 
house  during  the  passage  of  the  funeral  procession  of  Lieut. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    37 

DeKay,  laughing  and  mocking  at  his  remains,  and,  upon 
being  inquired  of  by  the  Com'd'g  General,  if  this  fact  were  so, 
contemptuously  replies,  "I  was  in  good  spirits  that  day." 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  she  be  not  "regarded  and  treated 
as  a  common  woman,"  of  whom  no  officer  or  soldier  is  bound 
to  take  notice,  but  as  an  uncommon,  bad,  and  dangerous 
woman,  stirring  up  strife  and  inciting  to  riot. 

And  that  therefore  she  be  confined  at  Ship  Island  in  the 
State  of  Mississippi,  within  proper  limits  there,  till  further 
orders,  and  that  she  be  allowed  one  female  servant  and  no 
more,  if  she  so  choose.  That  one  of  the  houses  for  Hospital 
purpose  be  assigned  her  as  quarters,  and  a  soldier's  ration  each 
day  be  served  out  to  her  with  the  means  of  cooking  the  same, 
and  that  no  verbal  or  written  communication  be  allowed  with 
her  except  through  this  office,  and  that  she  be  kept  in  close 
confinement  until  removed  to  Ship  Island. 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 


From  J.  B.  Kinsman 

CAMBRIDGE,  July  2,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  arrived  in  New  York  on  the  eighteenth 
of  June  without  anything  of  importance  occurring  on  the  pas- 
sage. Before  reaching  the  city  a  messenger  came  on  board  and 
handed  me  a  letter,  stating  that,  by  direction  from  Washing- 
ton, the  State  prisoners  were  to  go  directly  to  Fort  Luforth 
and  not  to  Warren,  also  that  they  must  be  permitted  to  com- 
municate with  no  one.  I  went  on  shore  and  found  telegrams 
to  that  effect  at  the  Quarter  Master's  and  the  United  States 
Marshal.  I  then  took  them  to  the  Marshal's  office,  together 
with  their  baggage,  and  took  his  receipt  for  them  as  voucher. 
That  occupied  my  day,  and  Mrs.  Butler  not  being  very  well 
from  her  seasickness,  I  proceeded  that  night  with  her  to 
Boston,  and  left  her  the  next  morning  in  the  Lowell  depot, 
spending  that  night  in  Cambridge.  The  next  day  I  started 
for  Washington  and  arrived  there  sick,  and  was  obliged  to 
take  my  bed  for  some  time.  When  I  delivered  my  despatches, 
from  what  I  could  learn  from  the  Secretary  of  War's  talk, 
and  he  talked  very  freely,  he  is  highly  pleased  with  everything 
you  have  done.  As  I  left  him  he  said  you  desired  me  appointed 
Captain,  and  asked  me  if  I  would  call  the  next  day,  which  I 


38         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

did,  when  he  made  an  appointment  certainly  very  satisfac- 
tory, and  ordered  me  to  report  to  you  for  duty  but  to  come 
to  Washington,  when  I  was  ready  to  return.  I  told  him  I 
would,  but  for  the  present  I  was  not  fit  for  duty,  and  should 
go  North,  and  when  I  could  work  would  return.  Secretary 
Chase  seems  greatly  pleased  with  your  policy,  but  wants  to 
know  how  you  get  along  with  the  negroes,  and  said  it  was  a 
hard  and  troublesome  question.  I  told  him  you  had  asked 
instructions  with  regard  to  it  but  had  received  none  as  yet. 
I  met  him  in  the  evening  at  Mr.  Seward's  house,  and  he  told 
me  he  had  written  you  after  our  talk  on  the  subject,  though  it 
was  not  his  place  to  write,  but  gave  you  his  views  in  an  advi- 
sory note. 

I  sent  in  my  card  to  Mr.  Seward  and  was  admitted  and  met 
very  cordially,  and  he  seemed  to  know  all  about  me  in  the 
Consul  matters,  and  said  he  was  of  the  opinion  that  I  could 
not  search  the  Consul's  person.  I  asked  him  what  he  would 
have  done  with  a  stout  vault  and  the  men  with  a  key  in  front 
of  it.  He  said  the  Consul  had  no  more  right  with  regard  to 
property  than  anyone  else,  and  that  I  might  have  torn  down 
his  house  and  blown  his  vault  to  pieces,  but  he  thought  I  could 
not  touch  his  person.  He  hoped  we  should  make  him  out  as 
good  a  case  as  possible  to  stand  on.  He  looks  upon  all  of  the 
Consul  questions  as  very  delicate  ones,  and  spoke  of  the  Trent 
matter  as  one  we  had  to  back  out  from.  My  impression  is 
that  he  is  quite  timid  about  the  whole  matter  touching  the 
Consuls,  and  I  think  he  will  instruct  you  with  regard  to  them. 
He  had  seen  in  the  paper  that  you  require  the  Consuls  to  take 
an  oath  —  he  says  he  does  not  think  you  can  make  them  do 
that.  I  state  these  things  to  give  you  an  idea  of  what  I 
heard.  Sometimes  he  seemed  highly  pleased  with  what  you 
had  done  for  the  repression  of  the  rebellion  in  the  South. 
After  I  had  talked  with  him  a  short  time  he  said,  "Mr.  Kins- 
man, I  want  you  to  dine  with  me  today  at  seven  o'clock." 
Although  I  was  quite  unwell,  I  thought  it  would  not  do  to 
decline,  and  accepted.  Went  back  to  Willard's  and  went  to 
bed,  and  at  seven  went  up  and  found  it  to  be  a  Diplomatic 
dinner  to  the  English  and  French  Legation,  together  with  the 
Colonists  Secretaries,  making  twenty  in  all.  When  he  took 
occasion  to  introduce  me  as  your  actor  and  the  officer  that 
picks  the  foreign  Consul's  pockets,  and  that  they  should  have 
a  care  for  me.  As  a  modest  man,  you  must  know  my  suffering, 
though  I  got  well  over  it  before  rising  from  the  table.  We  sat 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    39 

down  at  seven  and  arose  at  ten,  very  glad  to  go  back  to  Wil- 
lard's  to  bed  again.  The  next  day  I  went  to  Georgetown  to 
see  Blanche  and  Florence,  and  got  them  ready  to  start  the 
next  day  (Thursday  last)  for  home,  where  we  all  went  on 
Friday  night.  I  was  not  well  on  the  way  home,  and  since 
reaching  your  house  I  have  been  in  bed  until  yesterday.  Then 
I  came  down  here  to  Cambridge,  and  as  soon  as  I  am  good 
for  anything  I  will  return  to  you.  I  am  Sir, 

Very  truly,  Your  obt.  servt.,  J.  B.  KINSMAN 

From  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Treasury  Department,  July  2nd,  1862 

GEORGE  S.  DENISON,  Esq.,  Special  Agent  and  Acting  Collector 
SIR:  On  the  2nd  of  June  you  were  informed  that  Messrs. 
Martin  and  Woods  had  shipped  liquors  per  Brig.  "E.  P. 
Stewart"  to  New  Orleans,  previous  to  the  instructions  to 
Collectors  not  to  clear  Ardent  Spirits,  which  were  declared 
contraband  of  War,  and  you  were  instructed  to  permit  the 
landing  of  the  said  liquors,  on  the  condition  that  they  were  not 
to  be  shipped  elsewhere,  nor  used  to  give  aid  or  comfort  to 
the  insurgents,  and  to  inform  the  Collector  at  Philadelphia 
of  the  compliance  of  the  consignees  with  this  condition,  in 
order  that  he  might  cancel  the  bond  given  to  that  effect  by 
Messrs.  Martin  and  Woods. 

They  now  write  to  this  department,  saying  that  they  are 
advised  by  their  super  cargo,  under  date  of  June  18th,  that  the 
liquors  are  detained  at  the  Custom  House.  You  will  release 
them  and  permit  their  delivery  and  consumption,  under  the 
direction  of  General  Butler,  unless  there  is  some  good  reason 
known  to  you  and  not  known  to  the  Department,  for  their 
further  detention,  in  which  case  you  will  report  the  facts  of 
the  case  without  delay. 

You  will  adopt  the  same  course  in  regard  to  the  liquors 
shipped  on  board  the  same  vessel  by  Thomas  C.  Knight,  who 
informs  me  that  they  are  also  detained  at  the  Custom  House, 
and  report  to  the  Collector  at  Philadelphia,  as  instructed  in 
the  case  of  Martin  and  Woods.  I  am, 

Very  respectfully, 
S.  P.  CHASE,  Sec.  of  the  Treasury 


40         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  3rd,  1862 

Han.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

I  SEND  enclosed  letters  brought  by  the  British  Steamer 
"Rinaldo,"  but  sent  to  me  in  a  sealed  Package,  which  will 
show  how  our  enemies  get  their  Arms. 

I  have  McLaurin  in  safe  keeping.  It  will  be  necessary  for 
the  navy  department  to  look  after  the  "Pacific,"  which  was 
at  Nassau  on  the  28th  of  June.  I  fear  her  arms  are  getting  in 
through  Texas.  I  have  hundreds  of  such  letters  implicating 
every  foreigner  almost  in  this  city,  with  this  kind  of  illegal 
traffic.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Most  truly  Your  Obt.  Servt. 
B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  llth,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secretary  of  State 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  Statement  from  Mr. 
Archibald  McLaurin  in  relation  to  the  facts  contained  in  the 
letter  addressed  to  him  which  I  submitted  to  you  by  a  previous 
mail.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  Mrs.  Sutler 

LOWELL,  July  3rd,  1862 

DEAR  MAJOR  STRONG:  I  received  your  very  welcome  note 
four  or  five  days  ago,  but  could  not  answer  it  immediately  as  I 
wished,  for  the  reason  that  I  have  been  ill,  and  my  eyes  were 
so  much  inflamed  I  did  not  like  to  use  them.  I  have  rallied 
for  the  fourth,  and  we  are  preparing  a  holiday  for  the  children. 
Mr.  Butler  wrote  me  to  have  the  punch  bowl  filled,  and  to  be 
sure  that  all  drank  to  the  absent  one.  Tomorrow  the  General 
and  Staff  were  to  meet  in  Lowell,  to  celebrate  the  day  and  to 
talk  over  the  campaign,  which,  alas!  is  not  yet  finished. 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  that  your  health  is  so 
much  improved.  I  dreaded  the  sea  voyage  for  you,  but  felt 
that  anything  was  preferable  to  that  climate,  yet  if  I  had 
thought  the  "Ocean  Queen"  would  have  sailed  so  soon,  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    41 

should  have  urged  you  to  wait  a  week  longer.  I  desired  so 
much  to  accompany  you  that  at  least  you  might  have  what 
little  care  and  attention  I  could  bestow. 

Poor  young  Clark,  thin  as  a  shadow,  came  on  with  us.  I 
really  think  we  have  saved  his  life  by  taking  him  away  and 
bringing  him  home  to  his  mother. 

I  must  congratulate  Mrs.  Strong  that  she  has  got  you  home 
again  (though  sadly  wasted  by  the  climate),  yet  without  the 
loss  of  a  limb.  You  remember  at  the  Revere  House,  on  the 
night  we  started,  she  almost  thought  she  would  be  willing  to 
compromise  with  the  loss  of  an  arm.  I  dare  not  think  of  the 
summer  for  Mr.  Butler,  but  am  hoping  every  hour  some  lucky 
chance  will  send  him  home.  If  the  news  we  get  today  of 
McClellan's  defeat  should  be  true  I  shall  despair  on  every  side. 

The  paragraph  so  kindly  sent  I  enclosed  in  a  letter  to  Mr. 
Butler.  He  eannot  fail  to  fully  appreciate  the  nice  sense  of 
honor  that  dictated  the  article,  as  well  as  the  very  handsome 
compliment  paid  him  in  conclusion. 

When  you  have  enjoyed  the  quiet  of  your  own  family  for  a 
time,  and  breathed  "the  pure  air"  till  you  feel  strong  enough 
to  bear  the  society  of  friends,  you  must  take  Mrs.  Strong  and 
the  baby  and  visit  me  at  Lowell.  Suit  your  convenience  as  to 
the  time,  only  send  me  a  line  when  you  feel  able  to  come. 

Present  my  very  kindest  regards  to  Mrs.  Strong  and  believe 

me  Very  sincerely  and  truly  yours, 

SARAH  HILDRETH  BUTLER 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 
War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.C.  July  3rd,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  wrote  you  last  under  date  of  the  29th  ultimo, 
and  have  now  to  say  that  your  despatch  of  the  18th  ultimo, 
with  the  accompanying  report  of  General  Phelps  concerning 
certain  fugitive  negroes  that  have  come  to  his  pickets  —  has 
been  considered  by  the  President. 

He  is  of  opinion  that,  under  the  law  of  Congress,  they  cannot 
be  sent  back  to  their  masters;  that  in  common  humanity 
they  must  not  be  permitted  to  suffer  for  want  of  food,  shelter, 
or  other  necessaries  of  life:  that,  to  this  end,  they  should  be 
provided  for  by  the  Quartermaster's  and  Commissary's  Depart- 
ments; and  that  those  who  are  capable  of  labor  should  be  set 
to  work  and  paid  reasonable  wages. 


42         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

In  directing  this  to  be  done,  the  President  does  not  mean, 

at  present,  to  settle  any  general  rule  in  respect  to  slaves  or 

slavery,  but  simply  to  provide  for  the  particular  case  under 

the  circumstances  in  which  it  is  now  presented.    I  am  General, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant* 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  3rd,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  Col.  Deming  informs  me  that  you  would  listen  kindly 
to  suggestions  as  to  some  appointments  upon  my  Staff.  It 
is  sufficiently  humiliating  to  have  to  ask  that  the  Staff  be 
appointed  for  some  other  Major  General  and  then  assigned 
to  me. 

Longer  and  as  successful  service  as  any  other  Major  Gen- 
eral in  this  war  would  seem  to  entitle  me  to  be  spared  that 
degradation,  while  my  life  is  at  the  hazard  of  the  bayonet,  of 
the  enemy,  the  poinard  of  the  assassin,  or  the  malaria  of  the 
fearful  climate.  But  the  just  claims  of  gentlemen  who  by 
faithful  service  have  fairly  earned  promotion  and  position 
compels  me  to  yield  this  as  well  as  everything  else  given  up  to 
the  country. 

Lt.  Col.  Jonas  H.  French  of  Boston,  you  remember,  was 
appointed  Lieut.  Col.  of  the  30th  Mass.  Regt.,  and  then  set 
aside  by  Governor  Andrew.  He  is  now  Provost  Marshal  of 
New  Orleans  and  Acting  Inspector  General.  I  wish  at  least 
his  former  rank  could  be  given  him. 

Jos.  M.  Bell  of  Boston  (late  law  partner  of  Mr.  Choate) 
has  served  the  country  as  my  military  Secretary  and  Volun- 
teer Aid  de  Camp  since  October  last,  without  pay  or  emolu- 
ment save  the  love  of  well-doing  for  his  country.  He  is  now 
Provost  Judge  of  New  Orleans,  and  is  doing  most  acceptably 
the  work  of  judges  who  had  an  aggregate  of  salaries  more  than 
$20,000  per  year,  and  doing  it  better  than  it  was  done  before. 
I  wish  that  he  might  have  the  Commission  of  Lieut.  Colonel. 

Robert  S.  Davis  Esq.  of  Boston,  who  likewise  has  served  as 
my  Volunteer  Aid  without  pay  or  emolument,  and  is  now 
doing  the  arduous  duty  of  Acting  Asst.  Adjt.  General  in  the 
absence  of  Major  Strong  who  is  sick,  I  would  ask  to  have 
made  Captain  and  Aid  de  Camp. 

Captain  George  A.  Kensel  of  Kentucky,  who  was  Captain 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    43 

in  the  Quartermaster  Department,  promoted  from  the  5th 
Artillery  and  now  Chief  of  Artillery  of  this  Division,  should 
at  least  be  Lieut.  Col.,  so  that  he  may  outrank  all  Commanders 
of  Batteries  over  which  he  has  charge.  He  is  now  doing  the 
double  duty  of  Ordnance  Officer  as  well  as  Chief  of  Artillery. 

Capt.  William  O.  Fiske  of  Mass.,  who  has  been  serving  since 
17th  April  1861,  and  came  out  here  in  command  of  the  finest 
company  in  the  service,  was  set  aside  by  Governor  Andrew 
because  he  was  Volunteer  Aid  to  me.  He  had  swam  ashore 
at  Hatteras  through  the  surf  to  carry  orders  to  the  land  forces 
when  none  else  would  attempt  it.  He  has  lost  his  company, 
is  gallant,  courageous,  and  deserving.  He  is  now  employed  in 
the  Quartermaster  Department,  where  he  is  much  needed,  with 
an  acting  appointment.  I  wish  that  he  might  be  made  a 
Captain  again,  and  assigned  here  to  relieve  Captain  Bain- 
bridge,  who  finds  his  position  here  somewhat  unpleasant,  as 
his  mother  is  a  resident  of  the  neighborhood  and  opposed  to 
him;  a  deserving  young  man  who  would  do  good  service 
were  he  placed  in  a  proper  position. 

Godfrey  Weitzel  of  Ohio,  1st  Lieut,  of  Engineers,  one  of 
the  first  scholars  of  West  Point,  afterwards  instructor  there; 
who  commanded  the  first  Company  which  came  to  Washing- 
ton to  watch  over  the  life  of  the  President  at  the  inauguration; 
who  fortified  Fort  Pickens  so  that  it  stood  a  bombardment 
without  the  loss  of  a  man;  one  whom  the  Country  owes  as 
much  for  our  success  at  New  Orleans  as  any  other  because 
of  his  intimate  knowledge  of  the  Forts  and  the  State:  for  him 
I  beg  to  press  that  he  may  be  appointed  a  Brigadier  General. 

There  will  be  great  need  of  one  in  the  Division,  and  there 
is  no  abler  man  for  it  in  the  Country.  I  pray  that  his  case 
may  be  considered.  He  has  earned  this  in  the  field.  A  major- 
ity of  his  classmates  are  now  Generals,  Colonels,  and  Lieut. 
Colonels,  and  he  is  still  a  Lieutenant.  This  is  unjust.  If  not 
possible  to  give  him  to  me  as  Brigadier,  at  least  let  him  be 
made  Aid  de  Camp  and  Colonel.  I  have  spoken  of  Lieut. 
Weitzel  before  in  my  dispatches. 

If  in  anything  we  have  done  we  have  deserved  well  of  the 
country,  I  pray  the  Secretary  to  give  us  these  appointments. 

All  these  Staff  appointments  will  be  necessary  to  be  made  to 
some  Regular  Major  General  and  then  assigned  to  me.  I  am, 

Most  truly,  Your  friend, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


44    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  P.  R.  George  to  General  Butler 

CONTOOCOOK,  July  9rd,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  write  you  as  a,  friend  (a  looker-on), 
merely  as  you  would  see  were  you  here.  It  is  this,  is  the  use 
of  a  friend. 

Your  shipments  are  all  well  save  that  all  the  transactions 
connected  with  your  authority  should  be  officially  expressed  in 
some  way.  For  instance,  if  freight  is  collected  in  port  by  any- 
one bearing  your  sanction,  or  if  goods  be  shipped  to  any  port, 
your  Quartermaster  should  take  cognizance  of  the  fact  and 
communicate  it  to  the  Quartermaster,  where  it  is  going  for 
his  government.  All  this,  by  a  moment's  reflection,  you  will 
perceive  the  need  of,  particularly  if  it  is  going  into  unfriendly 
hands. 

If  you  could  suggest  that  McKim  be  sent  to  you  for  opera- 
tions in  the  field,  and  some  man  sent  to  Boston  by  Quarter- 
master General,  as  Q.  M.  it  would  be  better  for  you.  No 
matter  who  the  Q.  M.  sent,  he  would  not  be  an  Andrew  man. 
Kinsman  was  well-received  at  Washington,  by  which  all  this 
shows  how  you  stand  there. 

He  will  write  you  all  the  particulars  I  don't  know,  have  not 
seen  him.  I  am  still  of  opinion  that  Seward  is  the  power 
behind  the  throne,  and  a  good  friend  of  yours.  Have  you 
made  of  him  a  confidante  sufficiently?  He  may  not  be  all 
you  want,  I  think  he  is  all  you  have. 

Fremont  is  "snuffed  out."  McClellan  has  been  repulsed 
not  routed.  Gloom  all  over  and  a  little  fear  is  now  the  condi- 
tion of  public  mind.  You  stand  well  generally,  are  well  spoken 
of  by  the  middle  class,  in  the  cars,  in  the  barrooms,  at  the 
corners,  etc.,  as  "the  right  man  in  the  right  place/'  This 
embodies  the  gist  of  what  is  said  and  how  they  feel.  I  have 
not  seen  Strong  since  his  return.  We  have  had  a  line  from 
him,  he  writes  in  good  spirits  and  is  getting  better.  His  letter 
in  the  Tribune  was  good,  full  and  friendly  to  you.  You  must 
have  seen  it.  The  army  of  the  Potomac  is  the  all-engrossing 
topic  just  now.  General,  ask  for  an  expedition  to  Texas  during 
the  summer,  and  take  Bell  with  you.  He  and  you  are  both 
too  good  to  lose.  If  I  knew  any  points  in  particular  you  wanted 
knowledge  concerning,  I  would  try  and  obtain  it.  You  must 
write  if  you  want  to  know  anything  in  particular.  Your  wife 
and  children  are  well,  your  affairs  all  easy,  as  I  understand 
from  inquiry. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    45 

The  future  is  still  in  great  obscurity.  No  light  can  I  dis- 
cover. Three  hundred  thousand  more  men  are  called  for. 
Gushing  agrees  now  with  me  that  Seward  is  the  power  behind 
the  throne.  Until  the  fight  for  Richmond  all  will  be  in  statu 
quo. 

My  dear  General,  remember  me  to  all  my  acquaintances 
there  that  you  are  on  terms  to  do  so  with,  and  believe  me, 
ever  your  watchful,  and  unchanged  in  feeling  and  in  friendship, 

P.  R.  GEORGE 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  4^,  1862 

Colonel  EDWARD  F.  JONES 

MY  DEAR  COL.:  I  seize  the  occasion  to  write  you  what  I 
desired  to  say,  on  paper,  when  you  left  about  your  promotion. 

No  one  deserves  it  more  nor  in  my  judgment  would  fill 
better  the  position  of  Brigadier  General  than  yourself. 

You  started  up  at  the  first  sound  of  the  trumpet  and  brought 
to  the  place  of  rendezvous  the  first  armed  Regiment  that 
answered  the  Country's  Call  by  the  President's  Proclamation. 

I  need  not  speak  of  your  passage  through  Baltimore  with 
the  Sixth  Mass.  —  that  has  passed  into  history.  Since  that 
day  continually  in  the  Service  you  have  filled  every  post  and 
performed  every  duty  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  your 
Commander. 

I  selected  your  Regiment  to  lead  the  laborious  and  perilous 
landing  at  Fort  St.  Philip,  and  to  you  the  Garrison  of  Jackson 
surrendered.  I  hope  the  President  will  reward  your  gallant 
conduct  by  promotion.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Yours  Respt.,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  4to,  1862 

Mr.  Mayor  HOSFORD,  LOWELL 

MY  DEAR  MR.  MAYOR  :  I  send  by  Capt.  Haggerty  a  Map  of 
New  Orleans  which  I  hope  you  will  have  placed  in  the  City 
Library. 

On  this  day  my  heart  yearns  to  be  with  you  and  my  fellow 
citizens  at  home.  I  am  almost  sick  as  I  write  the  word  at 
the  thought  of  loved  ones  and  friends.  God  bless  you  all. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 


46         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  4th,  1862 

MY  DEAEEST  SARAH:  I  am  well,  very  well.  Working  harder 
and  harder.  I  am  in  Genl.  Twiggs'  house,  very  comfortable. 

Tell  Fisher  he  has  made  a  mistake.  Flour  is  here  quiet  at 
$25  per  barrel. 

I  hope  the  punch  bowl  is  full,  and  you  are  celebrating  the  day. 

I  must  not  write  more  on  this  topic.  My  heart  is  too,  too  full. 
I  send  you  some  extracts  from  papers  you  may  not  have  seen. 
Give  my  regards  to  Capt.  George.  Love  to  Blanche  and  the 
children,  and  believe  me,  your  heartsick  HUSBAND 

I  send  a  few  trinkets.    The  ruby  ring  *  is  for  Nina. 
From  George  Coppell 

British  Consulate,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  5th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

Sm:  Captain  Hewett  of  Her  Majesty's  Ship  "Rinaldo" 
had  informed  me  that,  in  conversation  with  you  on  the  sub- 
ject of  a  letter  which  I  had  the  honor  to  address  to  you  on  the 
14th  of  June,  you  stated  that  the  letter  contained  an  offensive 
expression.  Whilst  under  this  impression  you  caused  a  reply 
to  be  made  to  that  letter  which  threw  doubt  upon  my  official 
position,  and  temporarily  suspended  communication  between 
yourself  and  this  Consulate. 

I  now  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  had  no  idea  that 
such  a  construction  as  insulting  could  or  would  have  been 
placed  upon  the  letter  in  question,  and  as  there  was  no  such 
intention,  on  my  part,  I  willingly  withdraw  any  expressions 
in  that  letter  which  you  may  consider  offensive.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  Sir,  yow  ^  ML  ^^ 

GEORGE  COPPELL,  H.  B.  M.  Actg.  Consul 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gtdf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  7tht  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  GEORGE  COPPELL,  H.  B.  M.  Acting  Consul 

SIR:  Your  note  received  Saturday  removes  all  difficulty  of 
personal  intercourse.  The  withdrawal  of  the  offensive  expres- 
sion is  sufficient,  and  accepted. 

1  See  letter  from  Gen.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler,  July  28,  1862. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    47 

Commander  Hewitt,  of  H.  B.  M.  Sloop  of  War  "Rinaldo," 
now  in  this  harbor,  informs  me  that  he  is  instructed  by  Lord 
Lyons  to  recognize  you  as  Acting  Consul  of  her  Majesty  the 
Queen  of  Great  Britain,  and  that  Commander  Hewitt  does 
recognize  you  in  that  official  character.  This  seems  sufficient 
for  the  reestablishment  of  official  relations. 

I  beg  leave  to  correct  a  seeming  misunderstanding  that  the 
expression  of  that  note  had  anything  to  do  with  my  doubts  of 
your  official  character.  You -will  remember  that  those  doubts 
had  been  expressed  before  that  time,  and  no  evidence  of  that 
character  had  been  furnished,  except  the  superscription  upon 
two  letters  directed  to  yourself  with  the  address,  "Acting 
Consul;"  that  did  not  seem  to  me  sufficient. 

To  your  inquiry  whether  all  neutrals  (British  subjects) 
wishing  to  go  to  New  York  or  abroad,  furnished  with  proper 
passports  from  their  Government,  will  be  required  to  take 
the  oath  prescribed  for  aliens  in  General  Orders,  No.  41  &  42, 
it  is  answered,  that  a  pass  differs  from  a  passport,  as  I  had  the 
honor  to  explain  in  my  letter  to  the  Consuls  upon  this  subject, 
and  that  as  a  rule  the  oath  would  not  be  required.  Such  per- 
sons will  be  allowed  to  pass  on  board  Ships  to  go  abroad  or 
to  New  York,  whom  in  my  judgment  it  is  not  necessary  to 
retain  here  from  some  act  either  done  or  contemplated  to  be 
done  in  favor  of  the  Confederate  States,  —  for  example  buying 
arms,  forwarding  money,  or  intelligence.  I  have  the  honor 

'  Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commdg. 

From  D.  G.  Farragut 

Flagship  HARTFORD,  Above  VICKSBURG,  July  5,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENL.  :  Your  people  have  accomplished  a  great  work  in 
cutting  the  ditch.  I  saw  it  yesterday,  but  I  fear  the  water  will 
fall  faster  than  they  can  dig;  still  it  is  a  great  work  and  a  small 
rise  will  accomplish  the  object.  Our  land  force  is  too  small  to 
do  anything  with  this  place  —  we  passed  the  town  on  the  28th, 
and  silenced  the  batteries  as  we  came  up  with  them,  but  they 
soon  returned  to  them  and  fired  on  us  after  we  had  passed.  We 
have  met  the  squadron  from  above,  they  arrived  here  on  the  1st., 
and  we  have  been  shelling  the  town  or  Forts  ever  since.  There 
is  no  telling  the  force  they  have  here;  they  tell  so  many  stories 
about  Beauregard's  army  being  here  —  some  say  10  and  some 


48         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

30,000  men — there  may  be  10,000  men  here,  but  not  more.  We 
hear  nothing  yet  from  Genl.  Halleck,  but  expect  to  tomorrow. 
Flag  Officer  Davis'  vessels  are  formidable  looking  crafts. 
The  reproduction  taken  in  the  illustrated  papers  is  very  good. 
I  am  only  waiting  to  hear  from  the  Dept.  to  act  again  upon 
them.  I  wish  you  could  give  Capt.  Morris  some  assistance  to 
get  our  supplies  up  to  us,  of  ammunition  and  stores  of  all 
kinds.  We  gave  them  a  fine  brush  on  the  28th,  but  did  not 
do  much  in  the  way  of  reducing  them. 

Very  respectfully  and  truly  your  Obt.  Servt. 

D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Flag  Officer 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  5tk,  1862 

The  Editors  of  the  Picayune 

GENTLEMEN:  There  is  in  the  City,  and  you  have  had  in 
your  Office,  an  Extra  which  sets  right  all  the  news  from  Rich- 
mond down  to  July  2. 

Why  desire  to  publish  false  intelligence  as  [are]  "the  reliable 
man"  lies  of  June  30th.  Publish  anything  but  the  Richmond 
dispatches,  and  you  may  publish  them  if  you  will  publish 

this  note'  Respectfully 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

By  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  5th,  1862 
In  the  matter  of  the  Union  Bank  vs.  the  Mechanics  Bank 

IN  this  case  it  seems  to  me  that  a  remedy  must  reside  some- 
where. The  ordinary  Civil  Courts  to  whose  decision  in  cases 
between  party  and  party  the  proclamation  left  civil  right,  have 
ceased  to  be  efficient.  Their  Judges  have  refused  to  qualify 
themselves.  Here  are  two  quasi-public  corporations,  whose 
action  in  regard  to  the  currency  the  Commanding  General 
has  undertaken  to  regulate. 

If  he  can  regulate  in  one  regard  then  he  can  in  another, 
and  this  case  seems  to  call  for  his  interposition.  There  seems 
to  be  a  misunderstanding  of  the  powers  of  the  Provost  Court. 
The  Judge  of  that  Court  has  full  power  to  try  all  questions, 
sitting  to  hear  them  as  the  Commanding  General  might,  if 
time  permitted.  Let  the  cause  be  entertained. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    49 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qls.  Dept.  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS  LA.,  July  6th,  186« 

Colonel  I.  W.  McMiLLAN 

COLONEL:  Whilst  you  were  stationed  at  Algiers  among  the 
houses  that  were  searched  for  concealed  weapons  was  one 
occupied  by  S.  H.  Harvey,  from  which  quite  a  number  of  small 
articles  were  taken,  a  list  of  which  I  enclose;  they  are  claimed 
by  Mr.  Harvey  as  belonging  to  the  brother-in-law,  and  were 
to  be  forwarded  to  France. 

Upon   inquiry,   I   am   informed   that   they   were   taken   to 
Baton  Rouge  by  Lt.  Hartley  of  your  Regt.     You  will  inquire 
into  the  matter,  and  return  the  articles  if  possible;    if  not, 
inform  me  what  disposition  has  been  made  of  them.    I  am 
Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Svt., 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

List  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

The  Residence  of  Mr.  S.  H.  HARVEY,  Parish  of  JEFFERSON, 

June  6th,  1862 

Viz.  From  the  effects  of  Mr.  M.  A.  Destrihan,  a  resident  of 
Paris,  France,  left  in  charge  of  S.  H.  Harvey  one  case  contain- 
ing one  revolver  with  implements,  &c.,  one  small  do  French 
with  Scabbard,  one  small  powder  flask,  one  Morocco  Scabbard 
&  Belt  for  the  revolver  in  the  case  taken  from  S.  H.  Harvey's 
office,  one  old  Cavalry  Sword  left  by  S.  H.  H/s  father-in-law 
who  died  in  1847,  one  small  4inst.  Colt  Revolver  taken  from 
his  Table  drawer,  one  small  Pistol  Rifle  Barrel  taken  from  his 
overseer's  house,  several  Parlour  Ornaments  &  a  Chased  Paper 
Folder  from  his  desk.  One  of  the  Ornaments  from  his  parlour 
was  a  shell  presented  to  his  wife  by  her  only  brother  now  dead, 
with  the  Lord's  Prayer  engraved  thereon. 

From  Captain  Davis 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS  July  Zlst,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Provost  Marshal,  ALGIERS,  LA. 

SIR:  Herewith  I  send  you  one  Revolver,  Implements,  &c. 
in  case,  1  Colt  Revolver,  1  Pocket  Pistol,  2  Parlor  Ornaments, 
which  articles  together  with  others  were  taken  from  the  Resi- 
dence of  S.  H.  Harvey,  Jefferson  Parish,  by  Lt.  Hartley  of  the 

VOL.    II — 4 


50         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

21st  Regt.  Ind.  Vols.,  at  the  time  that  Regt.  was  stationed  at 
Algiers. 

The  articles  sent,  are  all  that  could  be  recovered,  and  you 
are  hereby  directed  to  return  them  to  the  owner.    I  am 
Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Captain  R.  S.  Davis 

Ed.  Qts.  Depi.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  6th,  1862 
Col.  McMlLLAN 

SIR:  Three  or  four  letters  have  been  received  from  you  in 
which  you  ask  for  reinforcements,  particularly  cavalry.  We 
have  no  more  mounted  men  here  than  are  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  our  service,  so  that  the  best  we  can  offer  you,  is  to  send 
you  horses  and  equipments,  and  let  you  mount  some  of  your 
own  Regiment,  which  shall  be  done  as  soon  as  possible.  The 
Quartermaster  of  your  post  has  told  me  today  that  you  have 
already  seized  some  40  horses  and  given  them  to  some  of  your 
men;  this  is  right,  and  if  you  can  seize  any  more,  do  so  and 
we  can  furnish  you  with  Saddles,  &c.  We  will  also  send  you 
another  Regiment,  the  14th  Maine,  in  a  day  or  two.  We 
hear  rumors  that  an  attack  might  be  made  on  you,  but  it  is 
to  come  from  Camp  Moore.  One  thing  is  certain,  the  General 
has  reliable  information  that  they  cannot  arm  but  3300  Men 
there,  for  they  have  no  more  weapons  than  that  number.  I 
Sir 


9  your  Qbt.  Servant, 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Lieutenant  Wiegel 

Ed.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  7th,  1862 

Capt.  MORRIS  U.S.N.,  Senior  Officer  &  Comdg.  of  the  U.  S. 
Fleet  at  N.  O. 

SIR:  I  am  directed  by  the  Comdg.  Gen.  to  inform  you  that 
he  has  received  positive  information  that  the  C.  S.  Steamer 
"Webb"  and  other  Gunboats  are  in  the  Red  River  near  the 
mouth,  awaiting  an  opportunity  to  capture  U.  S.  Army  & 
Naval  Transports.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servant, 

W.  H.  WIEGEL,  1st  Lt.  &  A.  D.  C. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    51 

From  George  W.  Child* 

PHILADELHIA,  July  7th,  1862 

M  aj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  At  the  request  of  Dr.  Brownlow  I  send  you  by 
this  day's  mail  an  autograph  copy  of  his  work,  which  he  pre- 
sents to  you  as  a  token  of  his  high  appreciation  of  you  as  a 
man  and  a  soldier. 

He  often  says  you  are  "just  his  style,"  and  I  know  you  are 
a  man  after  his  own  heart.  If  you  should  ever  be  willing  that 
your  name  should  be  used  in  connection  with  the  Presidency, 
you  would  not  have  a  more  efficient  supporter  than  the  famous 
Parson  Brownlow. 

I  enclose  you  an  announcement  of  Mr.  Lossing's  proposed 
"History  of  the  Great  Rebellion/'  and  if  you  are  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Lossing's  previous  works  to  give  an 
opinion  of  what  may  be  expected  from  his  pen  and  pencil  on 
so  important  a  subject,  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you. 
With  high  respect,  ^^  ^  GEO>  w.  CHILDS 


From  General  Maignan 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  8th,  1862 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  In  consequence  of  your  general  order  No.  40, 
I  issued  some  time  ago,  an  order  to  all  the  Colonels  under  my 
command,  requesting  them  to  send  me  a  statement  of  all  the 
arms  in  the  possession  of  their  men.  Upon  receiving  said 
statement,  I  had  the  honor  to  transmit  it  to  you.  Those 
arms  were  stored  in  the  arsenal  of  the  "French  Legion"  on 
Rampart  street.  I  had  thought,  General,  that  they  would 
have  been  left  in  our  possession,  because  they  are  mostly 
private  property,  and  because,  since  the  war  broke  out,  we 
have  strictly  complied  with  our  duties  as  neutrals. 

But  such  is  not  the  case;  for,  yesterday  at  5  P.M.  those 
arms  were  seized  upon  and  taken  away  by  an  officer  and 
squad  of  the  troops  under  your  command,  and  I  understand 
that  the  reason  is  that  the  TJ.  S.  authorities  deemed  unsafe  to 
leave  said  arms  in  the  above  arsenal,  because  there  was  no 
guard  to  watch  over  them  either  by  day  or  by  night. 

Now,  General,  this  being  the  case,  I  can  assure  you  that, 
if  those  arms  are  returned  to  us,  I  will  take  the  proper  steps 


5*    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  safeguard  them,  either  by  placing  a  guard  at  the  arsenal 
or  by  distributing  them  among  reliable  men. 

Very  respectfully 
Gen.  MAIGNAN,  Gen.  French  Brigade 


From  Jacob  Barker 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Sth,  1862 

To  Major  Genl.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS 

DEAR  SIR:  I  directed  the  new  book  sent  you  because  some 
of  the  entries  in  your  old  Pass  Book  were  made  by  your  clerk. 
It  is  usual  for  the  entries  made  in  Pass  Books  issued  by  Banks 
to  be  made  exclusively  by  Bank  Clerks. 

I  return  to  you  the  old  book  that  you  may  see  that  all  the 
items  correspond.  If  you  examine  your  checks,  you  will  per- 
ceive that  you  have  drawn  $7,188.37  in  gold,  &  $252.19  Treas. 
notes  more  than  is  credited,  and  that  you  have  a  credit  in 
Bank  Notes  of  $5,581.75,  &  $1,360.00  in  silver  more  than  you 
have  drawn  when  your  book  was  last  balanced. 

The  object  of  the  memorandum  on  the  first  page  of  the 
new  book  sent  you  was  not  to  elicit  any  implied  contract 
or  to  impose  any  obligation  —  a  mere  memorandum  which  I 
thought  would  be  useful  to  your  Clerk  in  balancing  your  own 
books. 

The  gold  has  arrived  for  your  bills  on  Boston,  leaving  us 
no  profit  by  the  operation. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  servt., 

JACOB  BARKER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  9,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  48 

ALL  dividends,  interest,  coupons,  stock  certificates,  and 
accrued  interest,  due  any  or  payable  by  any  incorporated  or 
joint  stock  company,  to  any  citizen  of  the  United  States;  and 
any  notes,  claims,  and  accounts  of  any  such  citizen,  due  from 
any  such  company  or  any  private  person  or  company  within 
this  Department,  which  have  heretofore  been  retained  under 
any  supposed  order,  authority,  act  of  sequestration,  garnishee 
process,  or  in  any  way  emanating  under  the  supposed  Confed- 
erate States,  or  the  State  of  Louisiana  since  the  fraudulent 
ordinance  of  secession,  are  hereby  ordered  to  be  paid  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    53 

delivered  respectively  to  the  lawful  owners  thereof,  or  their 
duly  authorized  agents. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  J.  N.  Victor 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Quartermaster,  PITTSBUBG,  Penn.  July  9ih,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  wish  to  tender  to  you,  &  through  you  to  the 
brave  officers  and  soldiers  under  your  command,  the  sincere 
thanks  of  myself  &  family  for  the  protection  and  courtesy 
shown  my  sisters  before  and  during  the  recent  bombardment 
of  Baton  Rouge.  Their  loyalty  subjected  them  not  only  to 
loss  of  property  but  to  danger  of  their  lives.  They  write  me 
it  is  due  to  the  land  and  naval  forces  under  your  command 
that  they  were  protected.  I  can  assure  you,  Sir,  it  is  a  matter 
of  great  pride  to  see  with  what  implicit  confidence  loyal  people 
of  the  South  look  to  our  forces  for  protection,  &  how  secure 
they  feel  under  that  protection.  Should  occasion  require  it, 
&  it  lay  in  your  power  to  do  so,  I  pray  you  to  take  my  sisters 
under  your  special  protection.  Knowing  your  laborious,  trying 
duties,  I  must  ask  pardon  for  even  troubling  you,  with  this 
short  letter;  under  no  other  circumstances  would  I  presume 
to  trouble  you.  I  am  sir,  with  great  respect, 

Yours  etc.,  J.  N.  VICTOR 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  10th,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  des- 
patches of  the  department  of  June  10th  &  23rd,  received  on 
the  7th  of  July.  Being  the  first  that  came,  they  were  vety 
grateful,  and  the  approval  of  the  department  of  my  acts  was 
most  sustaining.  I  have  forwarded  the  Commission  and 
accompanying  papers  to  Col.  Shepley. 

Enclosed  please  find  report  of  Gen.  Williams  of  his  opera- 
tions in  conjunction  with  the  fleet  up  the  river,  and  with  the 
sketches  which  show  what  has  been  done.  Everything  is 
quiet  here.  We  have  rumors  of  attempts  to  be  made  upon 
Baton  Rouge,  and  I  have  strengthened  the  force  there  by  the 
addition  of  a  regiment  and  Battery  so  that  they  have  now 


54    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

their  three  Regiments,  4  pieces  of  Artillery,  &  a  Company  of 
Cavalry. 

This  large  force  is  sent  there  rather  to  relieve  the  anxieties 
of  the  Inhabitants  than  in  any  belief  that  it  is  necessary;  be- 
sides it  will  be  a  good  point  to  move  from  when  necessary 
toward  their  interior. 

One  Castles,  a  planter  whose  property  we  destroyed,  and 
whose  habitation  we  rooted  out  because  he  was  the  leader  of 
a  band  of  Guerillas,  and  which  by  his  command  fired  into  an 
unarmed  boat  of  Flag  Officer  Farragut,  has  come  in  and  vol- 
untarily given  himself  up,  and  asked  only  amnesty  for  his 
life.  He  is  in  confinement. 

I  desire  to  renew  my  request  for  an  experienced  Brig.  Gen., 
such  as  Lieut.  Weitzel  would  be  if  he  held  that  Commission. 

1  am  Most  truly  Your  Obt.  Servt. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  10th,  1862 

General  ARNOLD,  Comdg.  U.  S.  Forces,  PENSACOLA 

GENERAL:  I  am  now  organizing  a  force  of  several  thousand 
^Louisiana  Volunteers,  and  want  very  much  an  officer  of  the 
regular  Service  as  mustering  and  disbursing  Officer  for  this 
Department.  You  would  confer  a  great  favor  by  ordering  an 
Officer  here  immediately,  and  making  the  Order  subject  to 
the  Approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  I  want  a  regular 
Officer,  as  none  other  can  muster  Officers  in  or  out  of  Service. 

1  am  Very  Respt.  Yours, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  ZSrd ,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Brig.  Gen.  ARNOLD,  Comdg.  U.  S.  Forces  at  PENSACOLA 

GENERAL:  The  u Creole"  sails  this  morning.  I  am  very 
sorry  that  you  did  not  feel  yourself  at  liberty  to  spare  me  a 
single  Officer.  I  assure  you,  one  is  much  needed  here.  I 
have  no  Officers  of  the  Army  here  save  two  Gentlemen  of 
my  personal  Staff,  and  who  are  each  doing  double  duty  and 
.sometimes  triple.  It  will  be  impossible  to  answer  your  requi- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    55 

sitions,  as  I  suppose  my  Chiefs  of  the  several  Departments 
have  written.    I  am  General 

Your  Obt.  Servt.,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Twiggs*  House,  July  10,  1862 

MY  DEAR,  DEAR  WIFE:  Whether  this  note  will  ever  get  to 
you  as  it  goes  by  the  "Rhode  Island,"  is  more  than  I  can  tell. 

We  are  now  fairly  installed  in  housekeeping.  Caroline  is 
housekeeper  and  seven  or  eight  Blacks.  The  city  is  healthy 
to  a  degree  never  known  before.  I  am  quite  as  well  as  when 
you  were  here. 

I  hope  you  got  your  trinkets  by  Col.  Deming,  who  has 
gone  home  for  good.  He  has  behaved  very  well,  however. 
Tell  Fisher  that  Andrew  is  in  [treaty]  to  sell  one  half  of  the 
"Saxon"  for  $20,000.  Shepley,  as  you  will  have  learned, 
has  been  appointed  Military  Governor.  Haggerty  has  gone 
home.  Wiegel  is  sick. 

I  have  received  despatches  1  from  the  War  department, 
approving  of  all  I  have  done,  on  the  7th  of  July. 

I  see  no  prospect  of  getting  home,  so  you  must  get  yourself 
as  lively  as  possible,  have  parties,  rides,  picnics,  and  all  pleas- 
ures to  console  yourself  for  the  loss. 

I  can  give  you  no  news  here,  as  the  papers  tell  it  all  and 
more  too.  I  send  a  few  slips  which  will  do  for  the  "scrap 
book." 

Kiss  the  children  for  me,  and  Blanche  —  tell  her  that  her 
uncle  has  a  new  side-saddle  for  her.    Goodbye.    I  am, 
Most  affectionately,  Your  HUSBAND 

From  J.  Ad.  Rozier 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Wih,  1862 

Maj.  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Gulf  Department 

SIR:  Messrs.  S.  H.  Kennedy  &  Co.  of  New  Orleans  are 
indebted  in  the  sum  of  about  $9000  to  Messrs.  A.  G.  Farwell 
&  Co.,  of  Boston.  They  wish  to  pay  these  northern  creditors, 
and  request  you,  in  writing,  to  pay  over  the  money,  in  case 
you  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  they  are  entitled  to 
have  the  amount  reimbursed  to  them. 

Upon  reflection,  we  think  that  you  will  be  of  the  opinion 

1  Despatches  from  War  Department,  June  10  and  June  23,  1862. 


56    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

that  the  Government  cannot  forfeit  the  amount  —  no  act  of 
Congress  we  humbly  suggest  can  authorize  the  seizure.  We 
should  like  to  have  a  full  hearing  of  the  matter,  so  as  to  present 
our  views.  In  case  you  should  deem  it  proper  to  refer  the 
matter  to  the  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson,  it  would  meet  with  our 
entire  satisfaction  —  we  understand  that  similar  difficulties  or 
matters  have  been  referred  to  him.  But  independent  of  this, 
we  pray  for  an  investigation  of  the  claims  of  Messrs.  S.  H. 
Kennedy  &  Co.  We  direct  your  attention  to  the  communi- 
cation of  Messrs.  S.  H.  Kennedy  and  Co. 

Very  Respectfully  Yours,  J.  AD.  ROZIER, 
of  Counsel  for  Messrs.  A.  (j.  FARWELL  AND  Co. 

No.  5  Commercial  Place 

From  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson 

Commissioners  Office,  Custom  House, 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  10, 1862 

To  Major  General  BUTLER 

SIR:  As  Commissioner  appointed  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  to  enquire  into,  and  report  to  the  Government, 
on  certain  proceedings  which  have  heretofore  been  had  between 
yourself  and  the  foreign  Consuls  residing  in  this  City,  and 
particularly  such  as  relate  to  the  Consul  of  the  Netherlands, 
I  hereby  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  am  ready  to 
enter  at  once  on  the  duty,  and  will  be  glad  to  hear  from  you, 
orally  or  in  writing,  all  the  information  you  may  be  able  to 
give  me,  and  at  your  earliest  convenience.  With  high  regard, 

Your  Obedient  Servant, 
REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Comms.  etc. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  26,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

RANDALL  HUNT,  Esq. 

I  HAVE  a  check  drawn  payable  to  your  clients,  S.  H.  Kennedy 
&  Co.,  for  which  I  wish  you  would  send  me  a  receipt,  with  a 
certificate  of  the  oath  of  allegiance. 

It  is  the  fine  refunded  by  the  decision  of  Hon.  Reverdy 

0  nson'  Respectfully  yours,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         57 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  10,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  179 

JOHN  H.  LARUE,  being  by  his  own  confession  a  Vagrant,  a 
person  without  visible  means  of  Support,  and  one  who  gets 
his  living  by  playing  cards,  is  committed  to  the  Parish  Prison, 
till  further  orders. 

Anne  Larue,  his  wife,  having  been  found  in  the  public 
Streets  wearing  a  Confederate  flag  upon  her  person  in  order 
to  incite  riot,  which  act  has  already  resulted  in  breach  of  the 
peace  and  danger  to  the  life  of  a  Soldier  of  the  U.  S.,  is  sent 
to  Ship  Island  till  further  orders.  She  is  to  be  kept  separate 
and  apart  from  the  other  women  confined  there. 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  3(M,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Mrs.  LARUE 

IN  answer  to  your  application:  if  you  are  in  a  condition  of 
mind  to  return  to  New  Orleans  and  so  conduct  yourself  as 
not  to  incite  riot  or  attention  in  the  streets,  or  in  any  way 
demean  yourself  otherwise  than  properly,  upon  giving  such 
pledge  to  the  Commandant  of  the  Post  at  Ship  Island  you  may 
be  discharged.  Your  Physician  has  permission  to  visit  Ship 
Island  if  you  prefer  to  remain  there.  I  have  ordered  the 
discharge  of  Mr.  Larue. 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  11,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  181 

COL.  J.  W.  SHAFFER,  a  Quartermaster,  will  cause  to  be 
sold  at  public  auction  all  such  seized  confiscated  property  as 
may  come  into  his  hands,  not  wanted  for  use  of  the  United 
States  troops  in  this  department. 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 


58         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Moses  Bates 

BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  July  11,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  reporting  that  the 
Penitentiary  cotton  factory  will  be  suspended  from  and  after 
the  present  week  for  want  of  cotton. 

Cotton  is  being  destroyed  by  the  lawless  bands  of  Guerillas, 
almost  within  the  military  lines,  but  no  effort  is  made  by  the 
military  authorities  here  to  suppress  or  punish  these  increasing 
depredations,  any  farther  than  is  deemed  necessary  to  carry 
on  the  speculations,  legitimate  and  illegitimate,  by  officers  in 
the  regiments.  Respectfully  yours, 

MOSES  BATES,  Financial  Agent  &  Supt. 

From  R.  S.  Davis 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  14th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Col.  McMiLLAN,  Commanding  Forces  at  BATON  ROUGE 

SIR:  You  will  see  to  it  that  nothing  of  Cotton  is  shipped 
from  Baton  Rouge  unless  the  same  is  at  first  offered  to  the 
use  of  the  Penitentiary  at  the  price  for  which  it  is  bought. 

This  is  imperative  alike  upon  Civilians  and  Officers,  if  any 
are  engaged  in  buying,  and  for  its  due  execution  you  will  be 
held  responsible.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  Gen9 1. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  12th,  1862 

Messrs.  J.  N.  LEA,  CHAS.  SUMONVILLE,  J.  AD.  ROZIER, 
Committee  of  Administration  of  Charily  Hospital 

MESSIEURS  :  Your  note  of  to-day  in  behalf  of  the  Charity  Hos- 
pital, showing  the  state  of  its  funds,  calls  for  immediate  action. 

You  will  please  find  below  an  order  on  the  Provost  Marshal 
for  Five  thousand  dollars,  from  the  sums  collected  from 
licenses,  to  support  the  Hospital  temporarily. 

You  will  of  course  apply  this  amount  to  the  present  needs  of 
the  institution,  so  that  it  may  be  in  working  order  for  the  use  of 
our  fellow-citizens  as  may  be  stricken  down  by  disease  in  this  hot 
season.  Believe  me,  Vgfy  j^spectfully>  Yours> 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    59 

From  General  G.  F.  Shepley 

Head  Quarters  Military  Commandant  of  NEW  ORLEANS,  City  Hall,  18th  day  of  July  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  Having  been  commissioned  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States  as  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana,  I  have  the 
honor  respectfully  to  resign  the  Office  of  Military  Commandant 
of  New  Orleans,  which  I  hold  under  your  appointment.  This 
resignation  to  take  effect  on  the  appointment  of  my  successor. 
I  avail  myself  of  this  occasion  to  express  to  you  my  most 
sincere  gratitude  for  the  constant  and  uninterrupted  confidence 
you  have  reposed  in  me,  and  your  many  and  oft  repeated 
acts  of  kindness  and  courtesy  since  I  have  had  the  honor  to 
serve  under  your  command. 

If  in  the  discharge  of  the  arduous  and  frequently  difficult 
and  intricate  duties  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  devolve 
upon  me,  I  have  in  any  degree  contributed  to  the  success  of 
your  brilliant  achievements  and  your  successful,  firm,  and 
humane  administration  of  the  Department  of  the  Gulf,  it 
will  be  one  of  the  proudest,  as  the  remembrance  of  your  many 
kindnesses  will  be  one  of  the  most  pleasant  memories  of  my 
life.  With  great  respect  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  Obedt.  Servant,  GEORGE  F.  SHEPLEY, 

Military  Governor  of  Louisiana 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  IS,  1862 

Brigadier  General  NEAL  Dow,  Commanding  Forts  Jackson  and 

St.  Phillip 

I  AM  informed  that  wines  and  liquors  have  been  distributed 
between  officers  and  the  prisoners  in  the  Forts.  I  depend  on 
your  well-known  temperance  principles  to  have  a  stop  put  to 
this  most  pernicious  and  criminal  practice.  I  have  the  honor 

to  De  Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  ISth,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  Will  you  have  the  kindness  to  send  me  a  certified  copy 
of  the  parole  given  by  Daniel  C.  Lowber  of  New  Orleans,  who 


60    LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

was  released  from  Fort  Warren,  with  instructions  how  to 
dispose  of  him.  He  now  seems  to  think  that  he  has  been  sent 
down  here  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  his  wife,  and  is  quite 
indignant  that  I  did  not  send  him  home  to  his  family.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 
BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  July  26*A,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

M aj.  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  In  compliance  with  the  request  contained  in 
your  letter  of  the  13th  instant,  the  Secretary  of  War  directs 
me  to  transmit  herewith  a  certified  copy  of  the  Parole  given 
by  Daniel  C.  Lowber,  when  released  from  Fort  Warren,  in 
January  last;  and  to  say  that  he  was  sent  to  New  Orleans 
in  order  that  he  might  be  under  your  surveillance. 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  P.  WOLCOTT,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 

Parole  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

FORT  WARREN,  Boston  Harbor,  January  IQtk,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

I,  D.  C.  LOWBER,  prisoner  confined  at  Fort  Warren,  do  sol- 
emnly swear  that  I  will  leave  the  United  States  within  the 
period  of  fifteen  (15)  days  from  this  date,  and  go  directly  to 
the  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain;  that  I  will  remain  in  that 
Kingdom  until  the  cessation  of  the  present  hostilities  between 
the  Government  of  the  United  States  and  the  persons  in  insur- 
rection against  its  authority;  that  I  will  not  correspond  with, 
or  be  engaged  in  any  correspondence  hostile  or  injurious  to 
the  Government  of  the  United  States,  with  persons  residing 
in  the  insurrectionary  States  during  the  present  hostilities, 
without  permission  from  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  further 
that  I  will  do  no  act  hostile  or  injurious  to  the  Government 
of  the  United  States.  So  help  me  God. 

D.  C.  LOWBER 

Sworn  before  me,  January  10th,  1862,  J.  DnncK,  Col.  1st  Arty,  and  Bat.  Col, 
Comdg.  Fort  Warren. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    61 

From  the  Council  of  Ten 

N.  ORLEANS,  July  ISth,  1862 

Genl.  BUTLER 

SIR:  You,  or  one  of  your  Satellites,  condemned  a  New 
Orleans  citizen,  a  few  days  since,  to  six  months'  imprisonment 
for  having  given  a  pair  of  shoes  to  a  bare  footed  Confederate 
prisoner. 

Now,  it  seems  to  be  a  settled  purpose  with  you  not  only  to 
rob  us  in  the  ndme  of  the  poor,  but  to  incarcerate  our  people 
on  the  most  frivolous  pretext.  In  fact,  committing  acts  of 
barbarism  that  would  shame  an  African  or  a  Hottentot  Indian. 

I  hereby  notify  you  that  the  first  individual  of  this  city 
condemned  hereafter  by  you  or  yours,  for  showing  sympathy 
to  the  Confederate  cause,  I,  in  the  name  of  our  association 
will  declare  to  you  the  Vendetta. 

As  you,  with  your  boasted  Northern  Civilization,  are  inaugu- 
rating the  horrors  of  the  Spanish  Inquisition,  we,  ever  true  to 
our  cause,  will  retaliate  with  the  Corsican  Vendetta. 

Do  not  flatter  yourself  this  to  be  an  empty  threat.  Once 
your  sentence  passed  by  this  tribunal,  your  fate  is  sealed.  My 
arm  can  reach  you  even  in  your  fanatical  native  State. 

Your  proclamation  demanding  the  surrender  of  our  arms, 
we  treat  with  contempt.  We  have  arms,  yes  thousands  of 
them,  but  we  defy  you  to  find  out  where  until  we  see  fit  to 
show  them.  And  then,  villanous  coward,  let  your  minions 
look  to  themselves,  for  we  shall  have  ten  lives  for  every  act  of 

*  PRESIDENT  of  the  Council  of  Ten 

From  E.  H.  Derby 

BOSTON,  MASS.,  July  \Uh,  1862 

Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  hasten  to  inclose  a  letter  this  morning 
received  from  a  friend  of  Judge  Andrews  of  New  Orleans,  who 
I  presume  is  now  at  Ship  Island. 

Judge  Andrews  is  a  native  of  Boston,  the  son  of  a  prominent 
merchant  late  of  this  City.  Two  of  his  brothers,  graduates  of 
Cambridge,  have  been  my  partners.  Another  brother,  our  Con- 
sul at  Malta,  was  for  many  years  a  prominent,  popular  Demo- 
crat, &  is  an  intimate  friend  of  Secretary  Seward.  I  am  acting 
as  trustee  of  his  mother,  a  lady  between  eighty  and  ninety  years 
of  age,  and  have  known  the  Judge  for  the  last  40  years. 


62    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

It  is  due  to  him  to  say  that  I  have  ever  found  him  a  frank, 
manly,  and  generous  fellow,  and  have  learned  from  others 
that  in  past  years,  when  the  yellow  fever  has  prevailed  at 
New  Orleans,  he  has  devoted  himself  to  many  Northern  men 
regardless  of  personal  exposure,  and  evinced  a  self  sacrificing 
spirit. 

May  I  venture  to  ask  you  to  review  his  case,  to  confront 
him  with  his  accuser.  I  fear  that  he  may  suffer  from  the  malig- 
nity of  some  secret  foe,  for  I  cannot  reconcile  the  offence  with 
which  he  is  charged  with  his  past  life. 

If  his  case  cannot  be  reviewed,  may  I  not  ask  for  him  some 
modification  of  the  sentence.  He  has  not  been  accustomed  to 
labor,  is  of  Northern  constitution,  and  a  Sentence  for  two 
years  to  Ship  Island  will,  I  fear,  prove  a  sentence  of  death. 

If  he  is  to  be  punished,  might  not  his  sentence  be  commuted 
to  imprisonment  at  New  Orleans  or  Fort  Warren?  While 
making  this  request,  you  will  understand  me  to  have  no  sym- 
pathy with  secession,  and  that  with  our  community  I  heartily 
endorse  your  policy  at  New  Orleans,  but  the  past  of  Judge 
Andrews  I  feel  warrants  some  revision  of  his  case,  or  at  least 
some  mitigation  of  his  sentence.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  respectfully  Yours,  E.  H.  DERBY 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Znd,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  E.  H.  DERBY,  Esq.,  BOSTON 

DEAR  SIR:  Judge  John  W.  Andrews  requests  me  to  write 
you  these  few  lines.  He  is  sentenced  to  two  years'  hard  labor 
on  Ship  Island.  The  charge  against  him  is  that  he  exhibited 
in  the  Louisiana  Club  in  this  City  a  cross  which  came  enclosed 
to  him  in  a  letter  from  Virginia,  and  which  letter  stated  that 
the  cross  was  made  from  "a  bone  of  a  Yankee!" 

I  am  myself  a  member  of  the  Louisiana  Club,  and  have 
made  diligent  enquiries  whether  any  one  had  ever  seen  such  a 
thing  exhibited  there,  and  there  is  not  a  single  person  con- 
nected with  the  Club,  including  the  servants,  who  has  ever 
seen  or  heard  of  this  cross. 

The  Judge  says  he  received  the  cross,  and  though  the  letter 
stated  that  the  boys  in  Camp  wished  the  writer  to  say  that  it 
was  made  of  the  bone  of  a  Yankee,  he  considered  it  was  made 
of  Ivory,  looked  no  different.  The  only  way  in  which  he  might 
ever  have  shown  it  is,  perhaps  (according  to  his  memory),  that 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    68 

some  one  might  have  been  in  his  Company  as  he  received  the 
letter  at  the  Post  Office,  or  he  might  have  shown  the  letter 
and  the  cross  at  his  office  when  they  were  received,  but  never 
did  he  hawk  the  cross  about  the  streets,  least  of  all  show  it 
with  any  spirit  of  exultation.  That  he  is  incapable  of  such 
fiendish,  inhuman  joy,  you  know  from  his  personal  character. 

The  sentence  is  a  very  severe  one.  The  Judge's  health  is 
quite  feeble,  and  he  is  physically  unable  to  endure  such  punish- 
ment. At  the  same  time,  his  friends  cannot  prevail  upon 
Genl.  Butler  to  alter  his  sentence  at  this  time.  Perhaps,  after 
a  while,  he  will  be  better  disposed  to  reconsider  his  case.  There 
have  been  some  aggravated  cases  of  this  kind  before  the 
General  lately,  he  has  dealt  with  them  all  alike. 

If  you  could,  prevail  on  the  War  Department  or  on  Genl. 
Butler,  if  not  to  revoke  the  sentence  at  least  moderate  it  in 
view  of  the  Judge's  health,  as  well  as  in  view  of  his  not  being 
guilty  in  the  light  in  which  Genl.  Butler  received  the  accusa- 
tion. He  can  certainly  not  live  long  on  Ship  Island;  if  nothing 
better  can  be  done  for  him,  he  will  be  thankful  to  you  if  you 
will  endeavor  to  have  him  transferred  to  Fort  Warren. 

The  Judge  would  have  written  to  you  himself,  but  he  is 
now  a  prisoner,  &  his  communications  have  to  pass  through 
General  Butler's  Department. 

Yours  respectfully,  H.  BONZANO 

From  W.  T.  Seacock 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  19,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  have  failed  to  get  signature  to  the  letter 
which  I  submitted  to  your  inspection.  All  with  whom  I  have 
conversed  on  the  subject  condemn  the  unfeeling  and  revolting 
remark  of  Mr.  Andrews,  but  they  are  unwilling  to  admit,  as 
that  letter  expressed,  the  necessity  of  punishment,  because 
that  remark,  however  offensive,  was  made  some  months  before 
you  came  hither  —  a  fact  of  which  I  was  myself  ignorant 
when  I  wrote  the  letter,  having  supposed  that  it  was  of  recent 
occurrence. 

I  must,  therefore,  leave  Mr.  Andrews  to  your  clemency, 
and  I  hope,  General,  that  the  integrity  of  his  character,  the 
feebleness  of  his  health,  and  the  amiability  of  your  own  heart, 
which  recognizes  punishment  only  as  a  preventive  of  crime, 
and  which  has  suggested  this  punishment  of  Mr.  Andrews' 


64    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

from  the  pure  motive  alone  of  keeping  peace  between  the 
Inhabitants  and  your  Soldiers,  will  procure  for  him  a  release, 
believing  that  what  has  already  been  done  is  enough  to  deter 
others  from  a  paramount  offence.  I  have  the  honor  to  remain 
With  great  respect  Your  obedt.  Servant, 

W.  T.  SEACOCK 


From  Colonel  Henry  Rust,  Jr. 

Head  Quarters,  SHIP  ISLAND,  Miss.,  July  14th,  1862 

Maj.  Genl.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

SIR:  Upon  being  left  in  command  at  this  place,  I  find  in 
my  custody  thirteen  male  prisoners,  all  of  them  sentenced 
to  hard  labor,  and  there  are  orders  that  two  of  them  shall 
not  be  allowed  communication  with  any  one  upon  the  Island. 

Regretting  my  inability  to  carry  out  these  orders  so  strictly 
as  I  could  wish,  I  have  felt  it  my  duty  to  inform  you  of  the 
insecure  position  of  the  prisoners,  and  the  difficulty,  if  not 
impossibility  of  having  your  instructions  fully  complied  with. 

The  Fort,  in  its  present  state  of  incompleteness,  has  no 
accommodation  for  them  whatever.  They  are  at  present  con- 
fined, as  I  found  them,  all  in  one  small  wooden  building, 
away  from  the  main  guard.  I  have  been  compelled  to  con- 
tinue to  keep  them  there,  as  I  have  no  other  more  suitable 
quarters,  no  men  to  build  them,  and  not  men  enough  to  guard 
them  were  they  separated. 

Of  the  two  Companies  left  in  my  Command,  only  three 
Commis.  Officers,  three  Sergeants,  seven  Corporals,  &  fifty- 
four  privates  are  reported  "present  for  duty,"  so  that,  leaving 
no  margin  for  increase  of  sickness,  by  putting  one-half  my 
available  men  on  guard  each  day,  which  with  their  other 
duties  makes  as  much  fatigue  and  exposure  as  in  this  climate 
and  season  they  can  bear,  I  can  have  nine  posts  in  all!  but 
two  for  outpost  duty,  two  for  these  prisoners,  no  Camp  guard 
or  guard  at  Head  Quarters,  and  barely  sufficient  left  to  guard 
the  stores  about  the  wharf  and  buildings,  and  the  female 
prisoners  in  their  separate  quarters. 

I  am  aware,  Sir,  that  I  am  violating  the  "general  rule" 
in  addressing  this  communication  directly  to  yourself,  but  I 
trust  that  the  greater  distance  of  my  immediate  superior  and 
the  difficulty  of  communication  may  prove  a  sufficient  excuse. 

Should  it  still  be  deemed  desirable  to  keep  these  prisoners 
upon  the  Island,  I  would  be  glad  if  some  means  could  be 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    65 

suggested  to  relieve  me  from  my  present  embarrassment.     I 
have  the  honor  to  be,  General, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant 
HENRY  RUST  JR.,  Col.  13th  Me.  Reg.  Comd'g  at  Ship  Island 

Answer:  "Will  send  you  as  soon  as  possible  two  Companies 
of  recruits  to  aid  you  in  your  duties."     B.  F.  B. 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BROOKLINE,  Friday  Evening 

MY  DEAR  MRS.  BUTLER:  I  have  been  so  extremely  busy 
with  the  business  Gen.  Butler  has  sent  me  from  New  Orleans 
that  I  have  been  entirely  unable  to  come  to  see  you,  and  as  I 
do  not  see  my  way  clear  to  do  so  for  several  days  to  come,  I 
write  to  congratulate  you  on  your  safe  return,  and  to  offer 
my  services  if  there  is  anything  I  can  do  for  you  or  Genl. 
Butler.  The  business  confided  me  by  him  has  been  a  very 
complicated  and  difficult  one,  and  very  large  in  amount,  but 
I  believe  I  have  got  safely  through  the  worst  points  of  it. 
Genl.  Butler  wrote  me  something  about  a  map,  which  I  sup- 
pose you  have  brought.  If  so,  will  you  be  good  enough  to 
send  it  down  to  the  mill,  to  be  forwarded  to  me. 

My  brother  returned  some  time  since,  full  of  gratitude  for 
your  kindness  and  that  of  Genl.  Butler.  I  am  thankful  you  are 
at  home,  in  a  healthy  climate,  and  a  quiet  community  again 
after  your  wanderings.  I  was  in  Washington  last  week  on 
the  General's  business,  and  it  would  have  gratified  you  very 
much,  I  am  sure,  to  have  heard  Secretary  Stanton's  high 
appreciation  of  Genl.  Butler's  services  and  policy  in  New 
Orleans.  I  hope  by  Thursday  next  I  shall  have  time  to  pay 
my  respects  in  person.  Until  then,  I  remain, 

Faithfully  yours,  RICH.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  General  Butler 

Bead  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  July  15th,  1862 

Col.  I.  W.  McMiLLAN,  Comdg.  forces  at 

BATON  ROUGE,  LOUISIANA 

SIR:  I  send  you  Copies  of  information  furnished  us  by  one 
of  our  Scouts. 

Our  information  says,  "that  15  miles  above  Baton  Rouge 
on  the  Cross  State  Station,  there  is  transportation  going  on 
for  the  Confederate  Army  at  Vicksburg.     Soldiers  from  the 
„  VOL.  n — 5 


66         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

rebel  army  go  to  Vicksburg  from  there  through  Port  Hudson. 
Soldiers  from  Camp  Moore  come  down  to  the  crevasse  a  mile 
and  a  half  below  Baton  Rouge,  cross  the  crevasse,*  and  then 
go  down  the  River  in  skiffs  to  New  Orleans,  landing  at  Carrol- 
ton,  and  then  go  back  in  the  same  way.  Pickets  from  Baton 
Rouge  could  stop  this." 

The  General  wishes  to  call  your  attention  to  these  facts  and 
have  the  soldiers  stopped  if  possible.    I  have  the  honor  to  be 
Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servant, 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  George  S.  Denison 

Custom  House,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Collector's  Office,  July  I5ih,  186fc 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

SIR:  In  a  letter  from  the  Treasury  Department,  dated 
June  27th,  I  am  requested  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
to  express  to  you  his  thanks  for  the  important  aid  which  you 
have  rendered  me.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Yr.  Obdt.  Servt.,  GEORGE  S.  DENISON, 

Special  Agent  and  Acting  Collector 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  15th,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Sec'y.  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  a  requisition  for 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars  to  defray  the  recruiting  expenses 
for  the  Five  thousand  Louisiana  Volunteers,  which  I  have 
been  authorized  by  the  Department  to  recruit.  I  have  made 
application  to  Brigadier  General  Arnold  for  a  regular  Officer 
as  disbursing  Officer,  and  in  the  meantime,  as  the  recruiting 
has  already  begun,  would  request  that  these  funds  be  sent 
to  me  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  cost  of  provisions  and  medicines  is  so  large  in  this 
place  now  that  I  have  ordered  my  Chief  Commissary  and 
Medical  Director  to  supply  this  force  while  recruiting.  I  will 
then  repay  these  Departments  from  the  above  funds.  This 
method  will  save  the  Government  a  large  amount  of  money. 

Who  pays  the  recruits  the  three  months'  pay  in  advance  on 
the  day  of  Muster,  the  Paymaster  or  the  Disbursing  Agent? 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    67 

From  General  Ruggles 

Head  Quarters  1st  District  Dept.  East  La.  and  Miss.,  TANGIPAHO,  LA. 

July  15,  1862 

To  Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces, 
NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  I  have  received  petitions  from  Officers  of  the 
1st  Regiment  La.  Partisan  Rangers,  touching  the  case  of 
Henry  Castle,  a  private  of  Co.  H.  of  that  regiment,  and  also 
an  application  respecting  Thomas  C.  Pennington,  a  private 
of  Capt.  Wilson  Tates  Comp.  of  the  same  Regmt.  and  I  deem 
it  expedient  to  request  your  early  consideration  of  the  Subject. 

It  appears  that  Private  Castle  was  captured  by  a  detach- 
ment of  Federal  Troops  in  the  vicinity  of  Baton  Rouge,  on 
or  about  the  seventh  of  the  present  month,  and  Private  Pen- 
nington on  or  about  the  28th  day  of  June,  that  they  were 
taken  to  New  Orleans,  and  are  now  held  either  there  or  at 
one  of  the  Forts  in  the  vicinity,  in  close  confinement,  with 
the  threat  that  they  are  to  be  tried  and  executed  as  members 
of  a  military  organization  not  sanctioned  by  the  laws  of 
civilized  warfare.  It  is  to  be  observed  that  the  first  great  law 
of  nature,  the  right  of  self-defense,  is  inherent  in  communities 
as  well  as  individuals.  No  law  condemns  the  individual  who 
slays  the  robber  or  assassin,  and  no  just  law  can  condemn  a 
community  for  using  all  its  power  to  resist  the  Invader  and 
drive  him  from  their  soil. 

The  exercise  of  this  right,  so  universally  recognized,  becomes 
an  imperative  duty  when  the  invader,  as  has  been  the  case 
with  the  Federal  Troops  in  this  district,  disregards  those 
rules  of  warfare  recognized  and  respected  by  all  civilized  na- 
tions, and  adopts  that  code  which  has  heretofore  been  con- 
fined to  the  rudest  Savages. 

The  proof  of  this  is  unfortunately  too  abundant  in  the 
vicinity  of  Baton  Rouge.  It  is  attested  by  helpless  women 
and  children  flying  from  their  burning  homes;  by  desolation 
of  plantations;  by  the  plunder  of  private  property,  and  the 
wanton  destruction  of  grbwing  crops.  Such  acts  are  crimes 
against  Humanity,  and  justify  all  men  in  taking  up  arms 
against  their  perpetrators. 

The  independence  of  nations  has  rarely  been  achieved  by 
regular  armies.  Our  own  revolution;  that  revolution  which 
successfully  established  the  great  principle  for  which  the 
Confederate  States  are  now  contending  "that  all  Govern- 


68    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ments  derive  their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  gov- 
erned," was  mainly  fought  out  by  men  who  left  the  plow  at 
the  news  of  the  Enemy's  approach,  and  returned  to  it  when 
he  had  been  driven  back.  It  may  be  conceded  that  in  Europe, 
where  the  Governments  mainly  rely  upon  large  standing 
Armies  which  are,  as  much  as  possible,  disconnected  with  the 
people,  and  where  the  policy  is  to  prevent  the  people  from 
bearing  arms  under  almost  any  circumstances,  some  very 
absurd  refinements  on  this  subject  have  been  asserted,  and 
to  some  extent  tolerated.  But  such  doctrines  have  never  been 
recognized  on  this  continent;  the  United  States  especially 
have  repudiated  them. 

The  various  Revolutions  which  have  agitated  the  Central 
and  South  American  States  have  been  conducted  by  the 
people  frequently  without  organization,  and  without  leaders 
other  than  those  chosen  upon  the  spur  of  the  occasion  to  direct 
a  single  enterprise.  And  to  recur  to  the  Revolution  of  our 
Forefathers,  the  history  of  that  immortal  struggle  abounds 
with  instances  where  the  hardy  yeomen  as  at  Lexington  and 
Bunker  Hill  were  like  the  clansmen  of  "Roderick  Dhu," 
called  by  a  concerted  signal  to  some  "Limerick  Mead"  and 
there  selected  their  officers  from  the  very  field  of  battle. 

But  whatever  difference  of  opinion  may  exist  on  this  point, 
it  has  never  been  claimed,  even  by  the  most  stringent  advo- 
cates of  legitimacy,  that  one  Belligerent  has  any  right  to 
complain  of  the  name  or  form  which  the  other  may  choose  to 
give  to  its  Military  organization.  The  right  to  adapt  these 
to  the  peculiar  service  required  has  been  universally  con- 
ceded. So  far,  indeed,  has  this  practise  been  carried  in  naval 
warfare  that  privateersmen,  "The  Militia  of  the  Seas,"  with 
charters  as  broad  as  the  ocean's  bounds,  are  recognized  as 
legitimate  among  Belligerents.  And  now,  indeed,  the  extraor- 
dinary spectacle  is  presented  to  the  contemplation  of  civi- 
lized man  in  this  boasted  nineteenth  century  of  the  Christian 
world,  of  a  nation  claiming  to  be  civilized,  in  violation  of  its 
constitutional  obligations,  inaugurating  deliberately  servile 
war  by  stimulating  the  half-civilized  African  to  raise  his 
hand  against  his  master  and  benefactor,  and  thus  make  war 
upon  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  —  war  on  human  nature. 

This  with  the  Federal  Government  is  legitimate  warfare, 
but  the  defense  of  their  firesides  by  Southern  Citizens  is  treason 
and  murder.  In  military  organizations,  the  Polish  Lancers, 
French  Zouaves,  and  British  Corps  of  Scouts  and  guides  in 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    69 

the  late  East  Indian  War,  are  cases  in  point.  The  Confed- 
erate States  claim  and  have  exercised  this  undoubted  right. 
The  formation  of  Companies,  Battalions,  and  Regiments  of 
Partisan  Rangers,  has  been  specially  authorized  by  an  act  of 
Congress.  The  Officers  of  this  Corps  are  commissioned,  the 
men  are  regularly  mustered  into  Service,  receive  pay,  rations, 
and  equipments  from  the  Government,  and  are  entitled  to  the 
same  privileges  and  governed  by  the  same  regulations  as  all 
other  troops  in  the  Confederate  Service.  It  is  not  perceived, 
therefore,  what  pretext  can  be  offered  by  the  Enemy  for  sub- 
jecting the  members  of  this  Corps  to  a  different  treatment 
from  that  extended  to  other  prisoners  of  war.  Certainly  no 
such  distinction  can  be  recognized  or  tolerated  by  us.  The 
Government  having  called  these  men  into  service,  is  bound 
by  every  obligation  of  good  faith  to  protect  them  to  the 
extent  of  its  power;  and  if  found  necessary  for  their  protection 
as  well  as  for  that  of  numerous  unarmed  citizens  who  have 
been  subjected  to  outrages  unparalleled  in  civilized  warfare, 
will  not  hesitate,  I  feel  constrained  to  declare,  to  resort  to 
retaliation  even  to  the  extent  sanctioned  by  the  Jewish  Law, 
"An  Eye  for  an  Eye,  a  tooth  for  a  tooth,"  and  "life  for  life." 
I  await  an  answer  containing  an  explicit  declaration  of  the 
intentions  of  the  United  States  Government  respecting  these 
prisoners.  y^  RespectfuUy  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

DANIEL  RUGGLES,  Brig.  General  Commanding  District 

From  J.  F.  H.  Claiborne 

July  9th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Captain  BUCK 

IN  reply  to  your  request  for  information,  I  will  state  that 
Steal's  Guerilla  band  consists  of  about  160  men,  of  two  com- 
panies Commanded  by  Capt.  Mclnnis  and  Capt.  John  Porter- 
vins.  It  has  no  more  discipline  than  a  mob,  and  is  composed 
generally  of  very  bad  characters.  The  Officers  have  no 
control  over  the  men,  and  no  experience.  The  men  are  armed 
with  double-barrelled  guns,  carrying  buckshot  and  conical 
balls.  The  men  ride  and  shoot  well,  and  are  accustomed  to 
rough  life.  They  say  they  were  within  30  yds.  of  Lt.  Dick- 
enson's  Pickets,  and  could  have  shot  them,  but  preferred 
making  a  charge,  thinking  they  would  capture  the  boat.  They 
are  even  said  to  have  their  camp  at  a  place  called  the  Center, 
20  miles  from  Gainsville  —  east,  and  are  dispersed  in  small 


70         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

parties  recruiting  their  horses,  which  are  very  poor.  They 
threaten  to  arrest  all  prisoners  going  to  the  Fort  or  New 
Orleans. 

John  Portervins  (son  of  Wm.  Portervins)  has  been  sent  to 
Johnstown  to  procure  two  pieces  of  cannon  for  Gainsville,  and 
to  induce  Maj.  Gen.  Van  Dorn,  who  has  superseded  Lovell, 
to  send  the  3rd  Regt.  here  —  Capt.  Wm.  Portervins  is  the 
most  violent  and  bitter  man  in  his  community;  but  for  him 
and  one  or  two  more  there  would  be  no  trouble  here. 

Brig.  Gen.  Ruggles  (a  Connecticut  man)  has  been  assigned 
to  the  command  of  all  that  part  of  La.  east  of  the  Miss.  River, 
and  of  the  three  seaboard  counties  of  this  State,  Head  Quarters 
somewhere  on  the  Railroad.  It  is  whispered  that  they  expect 
to  try  and  surprise  the  Fort  by  a  night  expedition. 

There  is  a  report  that  Richmond  has  been  taken.  A  man 
came  from  Mobile  yesterday,  who  says  he  saw  dispatches 
from  Richmond  that  the  U.  S.  forces  were  beaten.  This  man 
is  an  agent  of  the  Telegraph  Co.  He  came  here  to  pay  James 
O.  Roah  for  taking  up  the  Telegraph  cable,  and  to  remove 
the  apparatus  and  batteries  that  belonged  to  Fort  Pickens. 
It  seems  that  "O.  Roah"  brought  them  here  to  the  house  his 
family  occupies,  and  this  man  has  been  sent  from  Mobile  for 
them,  and  they  are  to  be  set  up  by  the  Confederate  authorities. 
Great  value  is  attached  to  them.  "O.  Roah"  must  have  com- 
municated with  the  Telegraph  agent  at  Mobile,  through  one 
of  the  steamers  carrying  flour,  or  by  letter  sent  here  and  mailed 
by  his  son.  I  give  this  in  strict  confidence.  If  O.  Roah  is 
apprised  of  it,  when  he  is  discharged  I  shall  lose  my  property 
by  fire.  If  you  intend  to  detain  him,  it  is  hoped  he  will  be 
removed  from  the  Fort.  Many  of  us  would  like  to  go  there 
—  also  to  trade  with  the  city;  but  we  are  afraid  of  this  man's 
tongue  after  he  may  be  released. 

Very  truly,  J.  F.  H.  CLAIBORNE 

From  C.  F.  Adams  l 

FurnivaTs  Inn,  LONDON,  15  July,  1862 

B.  F.  BUTLER,  Esq.,  &c.,  &c. 

GENERAL:  Altho'  you  have  been  invested  with  high  honors 
and  power,  it  must  not  be  supposed  that  you  can  act  as  the 
veriest  despot  without  being  judged  by  the  tribunal  of  the 

1  The  handwriting  of  this  letter  is  a  modification  of  English  script,  and  is  not  that 
of  Charles  Francis  Adams,  United  States  Ambassador  to  England  in  1862. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         71 

Civilized  World.  It  is  not  the  rowdy  press  of  New  York  that 
will  recognize  your  actions,  neither  can  a  suborned  govern- 
ment, or  a  Congress  impelled  as  it  is  by  madness,  who  will 
assoilize  you  in  what  you  have  done  at  New  Orleans.  They  are 
looking  at  it  in  Greece,  in  Turkey,  in  Austria,  in  France,  in 
Germany,  and  in  England.  The  Consuls  whom  you  have 
treated  with  so  much  contumely  have  rights  above  those  you 
describe,  and  their  despatches  and  journals  will  henceforth 
be  brought  forward  as  witnesses  against  you;  in  fact,  neutrals 
have  arrived  in  Europe  to  prove  to  their  respective  Govern- 
ments that  you  stole  their  money  from  Mr.  Smith's  Bank 
and  other  places,  private  property  in  every  sense  of  their  case. 
Have  foreign  citizens  no  inalienable  rights  further  than 
you  choose  to  grant  them?  Europe  must  see  to  this.  Your 
authority  will  be  called  in  question  seriously,  and  then  will 
follow  a  system  of  reprisals,  and  I  need  not  tell  you  that 
friends  will  be  sure  to  point  out  your  property  in  New  England 
for  adjudication.  Take  warning  in  time.  Conciliation  is 
your  forte  instead  of  the  reverse.  I  have  been  put  to  confu- 
sion and  shame  on  your  account,  and  subscribe  myself. 

Your  Sorrowing  Countryman,  and  quondam  friend, 

C.  F.  ADAMS 

P.S.     I  enclose  your  daguerreotype  taken  from  an  English 
newspaper.    I  hope  you  will  recognize  yourself.     C.  F.  A. 

English  Newspaper  Clipping 

IT  would  appear  that  the  recent  acts  of  the  Federal  military 
commandant  at  New  Orleans  have  met  with  the  very  reverse 
of  approbation  from  the  Government  at  Washington;  for  it 
is  understood  that  by  this  time  the  Federal  General  Butler 
has  most  probably  arrived  at  New  York,  and  that  if  he  has 
not  been  ignominiously  recalled,  his  removal  can,  at  the  most, 
be  qualified  by  the  ingenious  term  invented  by  continental 
journalists  of  a  "release"  from  the  functions  he  has  so  strangely, 
and,  it  would  seem,  so  wantonly  and  brutally  exercised.  More- 
over, according  to  our  advices  from  the  same  quarter,  the 
Cabinet  of  President  Lincoln  have  despatched  two  well- 
accredited  gentlemen  to  New  Orleans  to  make  sedulous  in- 
quiries into  at  least  the  entire  civil  administration,  which  has 
prevailed  since  the  city  was  occupied  by  the  Northern  forces, 
if  not  into  the  remarkable  military  government  of  General 


72         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Butler.  It  is  time.  The  rumours  and  reports  of  what  has 
been  going  on  in  the  Crescent  City  have  done  more  harm  and 
thrown  more  odium  on  the  Federal  cause  in  Europe  than  even 
the  shameful  stampede  at  Bull's  Run,  or  the  atrocious  mission 
of  the  stone  fleet  to  Charleston.  Moreover,  the  misguided, 
ostrich-like  policy  of  the  Federal  Government,  in  banishing 
honest  and  honourable  European  journalists  from  the  head- 
quarters of  their  army,  has  opened  the  door  to  the  admission 
of  malignant  reports,  while  it  has  hindered  the  dissemination 
of  authentic  intelligence  and  impartial  comments.  Instead  of 
being  able  to  depend  on  the  communications  of  gentlemen 
who  have  no  interest  save  in  speaking  the  truth,  we  are  driven 
to  the  lucubrations  of  partisans,  whose  interest  may  lie  in  an 
exactly  contrary  direction,  or  to  bald  and  meagre  telegrams, 
on  whose  skeleton  items  of  news  all  kinds  of  conjectures  may 
be  built.  An  intelligent  and  unbiased  observer  in  New  Orleans 
might  have  told  us  whether  the  attitude  of  its  population 
could  in  any  way  justify  General  Butler  in  issuing  the  atrocious 
proclamation  which  has  aroused  the  indignation  of  politicians 
of  every  clsss  in  Europe  —  whether  his  troops  were  really  in 
danger  of  being  insulted  or  annoyed  by  coarse  .  .  .  levelled 
against  ladies  who  had  been  guilty  of  no  more  violent  overt 
act  than  that  of  turning  their  heads  away  when  their  captors 
passed,  of  refusing  to  dance  with  them,  or  rising  from  their 
seats  in  church  when  the  deadly  foes  of  their  husbands  and 
brothers  entered. 

Then,  again,  there  is  the  terrible  story  of  the  man  Mumford, 
whose  execution  for  the  not  very  heinous  sin  of  pulling  down 
the  United  States  flag  from  one  of  the  public  buildings,  is 
given  with  characteristic  minuteness,  and  a  sensation  gusto, 
in  the  Northern  journals.  An  informant  on  the  spot  might 
have  enlightened  us  as  to  whether  the  man  was  in  arms  against 
the  Government,  whether  he  was  one  of  a  band  of  conspira- 
tors whose  object  it  was  to  overturn  the  Federal  occupation, 
or  whether  he  was  suspected  of  incendiarism.  If  General 
Butler,  acting  according  to  the  licence  of  the  martial  law  he 
proclaimed,  caused  its  extreme  penalty  to  be  inflicted  on  a 
prisoner  taken  in  flagrant  delict  of  rebellion  to  his  authority, 
his  conduct,  although  certainly  harsh  and  perhaps  cruel,  is 
not  entirely  devoid  of  warranty.  The  unhappy  Mumford 
only  suffered  the  same  doom  which  Napoleon  inflicted  on 
Palm  the  bookseller,  and  in  the  application  of  which,  during 
the  Irish  Rebellion  of  '98,  the  English  General  Beresford 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         73 

positively  revelled.  But  if  this  unfortunate  man  was  con- 
signed to  the  gallows  simply  for  a  freak  which  might  just  as 
probably  be  committed  by  a  drunken  rowdy  as  by  an  inveter- 
ate rebel,  the  proceedings  of  Butler  appear  to  us  closely  to 
resemble  murder  of  the  most  brutal  and  deliberate  character. 
It  is  almost,  in  fact,  tantamount  to  a  refusal  of  quarter  to  the 
opponents  of  the  North,  and  can  scarcely  fail,  we  should 
imagine,  to  lead  to  the  bloodiest  reprisals.  Unfortunately 
the  deeds  of  violence  and  oppression  ascribed  to  the  ruthless 
military  commandant  whose  supersession  is  by  this  time,  we 
believe,  an  accomplished  fact,  have  followed  each  other  with 
such  rapidity,  and  have  shown  such  a  characteristic  originality 
of  savagery,  that  we  can  scarcely  believe  them  to  have  been 
invented  or  even  exaggerated.  We  learn  by  the  latest  tele- 
grams that  an  alderman  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans  and  the 
Chairman  of  the  Ladies'  Relief  Committee  have  been  con- 
demned to  hard  labour,  with  a  ball  and  chain  affixed  to  their 
legs,  in  Fort  Jackson.  That  a  punishment  reserved  for  felons 
of  the  worst  description,  and  which  modern  humanity  has 
removed  from  among  the  hardships  undergone  by  convicts 
and  galley-slaves,  should  be  inflicted  on  American  gentlemen 
by  a  fellow-countryman  for  no  crime  against  the  laws,  but 
simply  for  political  causes,  seems  well-nigh  to  surpass  the 
bounds  of  possibility.  In  protesting  against  such  infringe- 
ments of  the  commonest  dictates  of  humanity  and  courtesy, 
we  may  be  twitted  with  the  reminder  of  what  we  ourselves 
did  during  our  civil  wars;  but  we  may  proudly  retort  that, 
even  two  hundred  years  ago,  when  the  world  was  far  ruder  and 
more  barbarous  than  it  now  is,  no  instance  is  on  record  of  a 
partisan  of  the  Commonwealth  being  hanged  for  pulling  down 
the  King's  arms,  or  of  a  Roundhead  being  sent  to  beat  hemp 
in  Bridewell  for  wounding  the  amour-propre  of  the  Cavaliers. 

General  Butler  appears  to  have  got  on  no  better  with  the 
foreign  residents  in  New  Orleans  than  with  those  South- 
erners, who,  notwithstanding  their  Confederate  sympathies, 
we  suppose,  he  will  condescend  to  recognize  as  native-born 
Americans.  He  has  been  continually  wrangling  with  the 
European  representatives.  The  acting  British  consul,  Mr. 
Coppell,  having  sought  for  information  respecting  the  oaths 
to  be  exacted  from  foreigners  sojourning  in  New  Orleans, 
General  Butler  is  stated  to  have  replied  that  no  answer  could 
be  given  until  Mr.  CoppelPs  credentials  and  "pretensions" 
are  recognized  by  the  British  Government  and  the  Federal 


74    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

executive,  a  decision  which  virtually  leaves  the  British  resi- 
dents in  New  Orleans,  for  an  indefinite  period,  without  any 
protection  whatever.  The  Washington  Government  will  have 
reason,  we  should  think  to  rue  the  day  when  the  intemperate 
and  seemingly  half -crazy  soldier,  who  has  been  carrying  matters 
with  such  a  high  hand  in  New  Orleans,  was  permitted  to  exer- 
cise unbridled  authority  in  their  name.  What  has  he  not 
done?  He  has  converted  smouldering  discontent  into  fren- 
zied hatred;  he  has  widened  the  gulf  between  North  and  South. 
He  has  —  the  insensate!  —  made  war  against  women;  he  has 
brought  upon  the  enlightened  and  civilized  United  States  of 
America  the  stigma  of  being  ruled  by  a  Junta  of  merciless 
tyrants,  whose  delight  is  in  wanton  and  cruel  bloodshed.  He 
has  forced  the  soldiers  of  a  Christian  nation  to  do  the  work  of 
Pagan  scalpers  and  tomahawkers;  and  it  will  be  fortunate 
indeed  if  ere  his  recall  he  has  not  involved  his  employers  in  a 
fresh  dispute  with  England,  and  set  the  initiative  of  a  broil 
with  France.  For  the  military  as  well  as  the  civil  govern- 
ment of  a  city  so  peculiar  as  New  Orleans,  and  possessing  as 
it  does  so  cosmopolitan  a  population,  the  services  of  a  tem- 
perate, forbearing,  humane,  and  eminently  discreet  officer  were 
essential.  As  it  is,  the  supreme  power,  with  its  frightful  lati- 
tude for  doing  mischief,  has  been  entrusted  to  a  coarse  and 
ruffianly  desperado,  who,  to  judge  from  his  published  procla- 
mations, seems  entirely  destitute  of  the  thoughts,  the  feelings, 
the  language,  and  the  manners,  not  only  of  a  soldier,  but  of  a 
gentleman. 

Extract  of  Letter  from  Mr.  Seward  to  Mr.  Adams  l 

MR.  STEWART,  in  a  very  courteous  manner,  verbally  ex- 
pressed to  me  the  opinion  of  Her  Majesty's  Government,  that 
General  Butler's  order  concerning  the  females  in  New  Orleans, 
who  gave  offence  to  the  Union  soldiers,  was  an  improper  one, 
in  respect  to  the  expression  employed  in  it. 

I  answered  him  that  we  must  ask  his  Government,  in  read- 
ing that  proclamation,  to  adopt  a  rule  of  construction  which 
the  British  nation  had  elevated  to  the  dignity  of  a  principle, 
and  made  the  motto  of  their  national  arms  —  "Honi  soit  qui 
mal  y  pense." 

1  Seward's  LIFE,  1861-1872,  p.  139. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         75 

Vituperative 

COME  to  England,  you  dark,  wicked  Villain.  Haynes,  the 
Austrian  vagrant,  who  was  driven  from  London  within  48 
hours  after  his  arrival  by  the  voice  of  public  indignation,  was  a 
mild,  generous  fellow  compared  with  this  Butler.  I  send  you  a 
paragraph  from  the  Times,  —  the  leading  Journal  of  Europe, 
which  has  constantly  circulated  the  character  of  one  of  the  worst 
of  living  tyrants.  Not  a  Journal  in  this  Country  or  in  France, 
or  in  fact,  in  Europe,  but  has  made  the  name  of  "Butler"  felt  as 
one  of  the  worst  of  Hell's  Devils.  If  there  is  a  place  in  Hell 
more  hot,  more  adapted  for  torture,  there  will  General ! !  But- 
ler be  found.  Oh,  what  a  horrid  death-bed  awaits  you,  you 
most  inhuman  of  the  human  race !  Your  name  is  already  asso- 
ciated  with  everything  that  is  cruel,  wicked,  barbarous,  and 
terrible.  Land  in  any  part  of  Europe,  and  you  would  be  torn  to 
pieces  by  the  people,  you  wicked  wretch.  Come  to  England, 
and  nothing  could  restrain  the  vengeance  of  the  mob.  The 
worst  of  Devils  in  human  shape.  Even  the  President  could  no 
longer  sanction  the  awful  outrages  you  have  committed. 

Monster,  Murderer,  Plunderer,  Confiscator,  everything  that 
is  bad.  How  long  will  God  permit  such  a  wretch  to  tread  this 
earth  before  he  goes  to  the  awful  doom  which  awaits  him 
—  Hell  with  all  its  combined  torments,  there  to  slake  his 
thirst  with  everlasting  fire. 

From  B.  F.  Coxe  to  General  Butler 

Ascension  Parish,  LOUISIANA,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  Permit  me  to  represent  that  we  are  in  great  need 
of  immediate  protection  from  the  invasion  of  lawless  bands  of 
men,  who  seize  and  carry  off  our  Citizens  under  the  Confederate 
conscription  law,  burn  cotton,  and  take  possession  of  the  guns 
of  the  Citizens.  Several  persons  have  been  captured  as  prison- 
ers of  State,  and  Mr.  Doff  Denst  was  killed  in  his  own  house 
after  he  had  surrendered.  Fifty  men  could  afford  us  much  assis- 
tance and  prevent  the  further  destruction  of  cotton  and  other 
property.  The  officers  of  the  Parish  are  still  acting  under  the 
authority  of  the  Southern  Confederacy.  I  think  by  the  arrest 
of  a  few  persons  who  act  as  leaders,  and  by  requiring  all  other 
persons  to  give  an  allegiance,  we  will  be  able  to  feel  secure  in 

our  persons  and  property.        Tr  .*  n     T»    -n    ^ 

F  F    ^     j         yery  respectfully,  B.  F.  COXE 

P.S.    Please  not  to  let  my  name  be  known  as  it  might  place 
me  in  imminent  peril. 


76    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  15,  1862 

To  SARAH 

THERE  my  good  wife!  What  do  you  think  of  that?  How 
do  you  like  your  Colonel  ? 1  Is  it  not  wonderful  that  such  a 
thing  could  be  made  from  a  wood-cut  in  "Frank  Leslie"  last 
year.  I  send  it  so  that  you  may  see  what  can  be  done  at  New 
Orleans. 

Two  letters  in  one  day,  isn't  that  rather  too  much.  I  did 
think  of  giving  this  plate  to  Blanche,  but  say  I  will  find  her 
something  else.  You  have  the  "shadow,"  so  you  had  better 
take  the  substance  when  you  can  get  him. 

BENJ.  F. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  15,  1862 

MY  DEAR  DEAR  WIFE:  Why  do  you  fret  yourself  and  make 
yourself  unhappy  as  you  do  in  your  last  two  letters?  Pray, 
don't  you  think  I  will  scold  you,  not  at  all,  if  you  weep  —  I 
will  weep  with  you  if  I  cannot  dry  your  tears.  And  you  let 
yourself  be  vexed  with  so  many  things  that  would  not  alarm 
you  if  you  knew  all.  A  vivid  imagination,  love,  while  it  is 
your  highest  gift,  is  a  very  dangerous  one  to  your  peace.  Let 
me  brush  away  a  dew-drop  or  two.  The  bells  were  shipped  on 
board  a  transport  for  the  government,  by  the  government, 
and  the  government  is  to  do  just  what  it  pleases  with  them. 
Snow  has  nothing  to  do  with  them,  can  show  no  order  or 
authority  whatever.  Snow  is  the  most  infernal  liar  and  rascal 
that  lives.  He  has  cheated  everybody,  lied  to  everybody,  and 
if  he  ever  comes  out  here  will  be  sent  to  the  Parish  Prison  for 
swindling.  He  is  in  no  way,  shape,  or  form  interested  with 
Andrew  in  any  transaction  or  ever  has  been.  He  has  no  orders 
from  him  —  can  show  none. 

As  regards  funds  in  the  hands  of  Fay.  Not  a  dollar  can  be 
drawn  except  by  my  order,  even  of  that  which  belongs  to  Andrew. 
Every  bill  of  lading  has  been  endorsed  to  me  for  security.  I 
am  sorry  that  Fay  did  not  choose  to  accept  my  draft  at  once. 
His  letters  to  me  say  that  he  would  have  done  so  if  he  had 
been  at  home.  I  had  no  doubt  that  the  matter  would  be  all 

1  In  New  Orleans  there  was  a  very  clever  decorator  of  china,  who  did  such  good 
work  in  painting  General  Butler's  portrait  on  a  plate  that  General  Butler  commissioned 
him  to  paint  portraits  of  his  family  and  staff  officers. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    77 

right.  What  you  say  about  his  claim  that  my  stock  is  pledged 
annoys  me,  for  I  assure  you  it  is  not  but  for  six  thousand 
dollars  which  I  will  have  paid,  and  I  have  sent  him  ten  thou- 
sand dollars  in  cash,  and  he  has  of  my  private  funds  some 
five  thousand  dollars.  But  be  not  troubled.  Have  not  all 
affairs  private  as  well  as  public  gone  well  in  fact? 

My  dear,  dear,  good  wife,  you  ask  me  not  to  scold  you.  If 
you  knew  how  my  heart  is  full  of  kindness  and  love,  yearning 
to  see  you,  you  would  not  write  me  so.  Anybody  else  fill  your 
place  —  that  is  impossible,  another  may  do  everything  but 
that.  That  will  never  be  done.  There  is  in  my  heart  a  sanctum 
sanctorum,  a  holy  of  holies,  a  niche  for  you  alone,  sacred  to 
you,  never  to  be  intrenched  on  by  the  profane!  Would  you 
could  fully  believe  so  and  never  doubt  more.  That  sometimes, 
in  fullness  of  perfect  possession,  in  the  satiety  of  daily  life,  I 
am  careless  and  impetuous  in  expression,  does  not  show  this 
to  be  different.  You  know  and  feel  (acknowledge  it,  poor 
heart,  and  cheer  up,  be  happy)  that  all  is  right.  I  am  your 
baby,  but  may  not  the  petulant  child  cry  when  an  awry  pin 
pricks  him?  "Out  of  joint."  If  you  would  write  me  it  were  so 
I  would  give  my  commission  for  it!  Tell  me  at  least  that  it  is 
possible  —  it  may  be  so  hereafter. 

I  will  write  Carney  upon  the  matter  of  the  consignment, 
and  explain  the  matter  to  him. 

Be  not  alarmed  about  my  health.  This  city  today  is  as 
healthy  as  any  in  the  Union,  —  25  deaths  only  last  week  — 
look  to  Boston  and  there  are  twice  as  many,  54  falling  off  in 
one  week. 

Caroline  is  with  me  as  housekeeper,  so  you  need  feel  no 
anxiety  about  her.  My  health  is  now  precisely  as  it  has  been, 
if  anything,  rather  better.  The  city  is  a  little  uneasy  under 
the  rumors  of  our  defeat  at  Richmond,  but  I  will  take  care  of 
them. 

You  see  that  I  have  become  suddenly  famous,  or  rather, 
Lord  Palmerston  thinks  infamous,  by  the  No.  28.  It  is  right, 
it  was  right.  It  will  be  right,  and  be  the  most  popular  act  of 
my  life.  You  said  it  was  right  at  the  time,  and  therefore  I 
knew  it  was  right.  It  was  done  for  no  hope  of  popularity,  but 
because  it  was  right,  and  it  is  well.  I  am  not  sure  your  idea 
of  "circumspection"  in  what  one  does  comes  to  much.  Do 
what  is  right  by  "instinct" — that  is  best.  All  my  well- 
considered  acts  pretty  much  have  been  failures*  My  instinct 
is  better  than  my  reason. 


78    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

This  leads  me  to  say  that  there  is  not  one  wrong  thing 
about  those  shipments,  not  one  that  cannot  be  shown  to  be 
correct.  Best  for  the  Government,  best  for  the  shipper,  and 
good  for  everybody,  even  the  Abolitionists,  because  it  gives 
them  something  to  growl  over.  I  will  take  care  of  you,  myself, 
the  children,  —  all.  Fear  not,  love,  but  be  happy.  I  will 
scold  if  I  hear  of  your  dropping  a  tear  till  I  return.  Be  gay 
yourself  —  four  days  in  the  house,  shame,  shame,  go  out,  go 
out.  Breathe  the  fresh  air.  Have  picnics,  rides,  frolics  — 
get  fat  —  kiss  me  when  you  can  get  me,  or  at  least  get  ready 
to  do  so.  There,  I  have  spent  all  the  morning  gossipping  with 
you  —  that  was  always  the  way.  I  thought  my  business  would 
not  be  interrupted  when  you  went  home,  but  see,  I  have  spent 
all  the  morning  with  you  —  and  I  can  run  riot  in  the  gossip  too. 
You  don't  shake  your  head  at  all.  Goodbye,  dearest,  back  to 

dinner!  BENJ. 

From  General  Waller  de  Peyster 

TIVOLI,  July  19th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces  at 
NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  Several  years  ago,  a  friend  of  mine  planted  a  mis- 
sion, organized  a  parish,  and  built  an  Episcopal  Church  at 
Natchitoches,  Louisiana.  His  name  was  Thomas  Scott  Bacon, 
I  assisted  him  to  build  the  edifice  and  presented  him  with  a  bell. 
The  bell  bore  an  inscription  of  which  I  had  a  copy,  but  is  mis- 
laid, and  a  verse  from  the  Gospel.  The  matter  was  attended  to, 
and  bill  paid  by  an  agent,  and  therefore  I  cannot  give  particu- 
lars, but  I  think  the  bell  was  cast  by  Meneely  and  Son,  of  Troy. 

Another  friend  of  mine  saw  by  the  papers  and  informed  me 
that  you  had  seized  800  bells  at  New  Orleans,  collected  in 
Louisiana  and  adjacent  districts,  pursuant  to  a  call  of  Jeffer- 
son Davis  to  be  cast  into  cannon. 

As  the  people  of  Louisiana  do  not  appear  to  have  sense 
enough  to  set  a  value  upon  such  sacred  things,  and  as  I  did 
not  intend  my  money  invested  in  a  bell  to  go  towards  found- 
ing cannon  to  be  used  in  shooting  down  honest  and  loyal  men, 
I  would  like  to  reclaim  the  bell  for  our  own  church  at  home, 
which  needs  one. 

As  I  suppose  that  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  the  bells  will 
be  regarded  as  prize  money,  I  would  like  to  redeem  the  bell 
if  possible  at  the  same  rate  the  others  sell  or  have  been  sold  for. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    79 

Any  information  you  will  permit  one  of  your  clerks  to 
afford  me  on  this  subject  will  be  thankfully  received.  Please 
direct  your  clerk  to  address  a  reply  to 

Gen.  DE  PEYSTER, 
Tivoli  P.O.,  Dutchess  Co.,  S.  N.  Y. 

Brig.  Gen.  Phelps  knows  me  well,  and  that  I  am  a  party 
worthy  this  attention.  I  am  the  more  interested  in  this 
matter  as  a  portion  of  the  gifts  to  the  church  to  which  I  sent 
the  bell  (the  Communion  Service  silver  I  know)  were  memo- 
rials of  a  dear  little  daughter,  deceased,  for  whose  sake  I 
contributed  that  her  name  might  live  in  connection  with  the 
church,  little  dreaming  that  its  founder,  Rev.  Mr.  Bacon, 
would  be  driven  forth,  partially  if  not  wholly  ruined,  on  ac- 
count of  his  loyalty;  that  its  consecrator,  Leonidas  Polk, 
would  turn  his  crosier  into  a  sword,  and  become  a  leader  of 
rebels;  and  Louisiana,  the  property  of  the  nation,  a  nest  of 
traitors  which  you  are  so  valiantly  and  thoroughly  endeavor- 
ing to  purify.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Respy.  your  obedt.  servant 

WALTER  DE  PEYSTER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  15,  1862 

Master  PAUL,  BUTLER  1 

MY  SON:  I  send  you  a  model  of  a  piece  of  field  artillery, 
complete  with  its  caisson  and  equipment,  also  a  model  of  a 
mortar  for  throwing  bombs,  of  which  you  have  heard  so  much. 
Also  a  gun  on  a  Barbette  carriage  such  as  is  used  in  fortifica- 
tion. All  these  you  saw  at  Fortress  Monroe  in  actual  use.  I 
have  thought  you  would  like  to  have  the  models,  and  as  you 
are  a  good  little  boy,  of  whom  your  father  is  very  proud  and 
whom  your  father  loves  very  much,  I  have  pleased  myself 
very  much  by  sending  them,  thinking  how  much  they  would 
please  you.  I  hear  that  you  are  getting  on  well  with  your 
studies  —  that  you  love  justice  and  tell  the  truth;  will  not 
do  a  mean  thing.  All  this  makes  me  very  glad.  Nothing 
delights  me  so  much  as  to  hear  of  your  well-doing.  You  are 
now  quite  a  youth,  and  must  be  found  doing  as  you  will  when 
a  man. 

Tell  Benny  that  I  shall  send  him  something  soon  —  that  I 

1  Paul  was  10  years  old  at  this  time.    Benny  was  7  years  old. 


80         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

have  not  forgotten  him,  that  he  holds  a  close  place  in  my 
heart,  and  that  I  long  to  see  him  so  much.  Did  you  both 
have  a  good  time  on  the  4th?  Good  fireworks?  Was  any- 
body hurt?  Did  you  hang  up  the  lanterns?  All  this  good 
time  and  I  not  by.  Ah  me!  But  we  will  have  good  times  my 
boy  —  after  I  get  home.  I  will  hear  your  studies,  and  we 
will  have  some  of  those  famous  "tags."  ™ 

From  Reverdy  Johnson 

Commissioners  Office,  Custom  House,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  15,  '62 

Maj.  Gen'l  BUTLER 

SIR:  In  the  statement  of  Amedie  Conturie  of  the  10th 
May  last,  communicated  to  you,  with  his  letter  of  the  16th  of 
that  month,  he  alleges  that  besides  the  160  kegs  containing  the 
$800,000,  there  was  taken  from  his  custody,  where  they  had 
been  placed  for  safe  keeping,  the  following  articles: 

1st.  One  Tin  Box  to  which  we  give  the  name  of  Bank  Box,  in  this  City,  locked  and 
containing  Ten  Bonds  consolidated  Debt  of  City  of  New  Orleans  for  $1000 
each. 

2nd.  Eight  Bonds  of  the  City  of  Mobile  for  $1000  each.  The  whole  Eighteen  Bonds 
being  deposited  on  12th  of  the  preceding  April  by  Mr.  Edmund  1.  Forstall  as 
Agent  of  Messrs.  Hope  &  Co. 

3rd.  Various  papers,  titles,  and  deeds,  his  Consular  Commission,  and  the  Presi- 
dent's exequatur. 

4tk.  Six  Tin  boxes,  marked  with  the  Consul's  name,  containing  private  Deeds, 
Silver  Ware,  etc.  belonging  to  divers  persons  for  whom  he  was  agent,  and 

5th.  Two  or  more  Tin  boxes  belonging  to  the  Hope  Insurance  Comp.,  who  occupied 
a  part  of  the  building. 

Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  let  me  know  at  your  earliest 
convenience  if  these  several  articles  were  taken  as  alleged, 
and  if  so  whether  all  or  any  part  of  them,  and  what  part  have 
been  returned  to  Mr.  Conturie  and  at  what  time.  I  have  the 

honor  to  be  with  high  regard,         v         L   ,,    0 

&        6  Your  obedt.  Servant, 

REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Commis.  etc. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Wth,  1862 

Hon.  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

SIR:  In  reply  to  your  note  stating  the  farther  claims  of 
the  Belgian  Consul  for  Articles  taken  from  him,  I  reply,  it  is 
the  first  I  have  heard  of  such  Claims.  Several  gentlemen 
called  for  their  tin  trinkets,  and  I  ordered  them  to  be  given 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    81 

up.  I  will  have  an  immediate  investigation  of  this  matter 
made,  and  everything  that  is  private  property  will  of  course 
be,  if  it  has  not  been,  returned  to  him  as  the  owner. 

I  observe  that  the  Consul  does  not  make  claim  for  a  box  of 
Dies  for  making  Bank  note  plates  and  a  set  of  plates  for 
printing  Confederate  States  Treasury  notes  taken  from  his  shop 
in  conjunction  with  the  specie  and  other  property.  Why  not? 

Very  Respectfully, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  16th,  1862 

Hon.  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

SIR:  In  connection  with  the  silver  coin  taken  from  the 
shop  of  the  Consul  of  Belgium,  I  deem  it  my  duty  to  submit 
for  your  investigation  the  fact  of  the  deposit  in  the  hands  of 
the  Consul  of  France,  of  about  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars  in  silver  coin,  about  the  same  time,  under  the 
following  described  state  of  facts: 

At  daybreak  on  Sunday,  April  21st,  or  near  that  time,  this 
large  bulk  of  coin  was  transferred  from  the  Citizens'  Bank  to 
the  vaults  of  the  French  Consul.  This,  together  with  that 
sent  into  the  Belgian  Consul's  Shop,  was  the  entire  silver 
coin  of  the  Bank,  so  bulky  that  it  could  not  be  easily  other- 
wise secreted. 

Upon  investigation,  it  appeared  that  the  commercial  house 
of  Dupasseur  &  Co.  of  this  City,  claimed  this  specie  as  having 
purchased  it  by  bills,  valued  on  Paris  at  five  francs  the  dollar 
for  that  amount  of  about  that  date,  drawn  in  favor  of  the 
Citizen's  Bank.  The  senior  member  of  the  firm  stated  to  me 
that  he  bought  this  silver  for  speculation,  that  he  expected  to 
make  Thirty  thousand  dollars  by  exporting  it  to  Paris  after 
the  blockade  was  raised.  That  he  did  not  take  it  to  his  own 
house,  and  did  remove  it  to  the  French  Consul's  at  this  unusual 
time  of  a  Sabbath  morning,  from  fear  of  the  mob  if  he  moved 
it  in  business  hours,  and  that  he  desired  to  place  it  under  the 
French  Flag  for  protection,  because  of  the  excited  state  of  the 
City.  . 

I  need  not  remind  you,  so  well-trained  in  judicial  investi- 
gation, of  the  improbability  of  such  a  transaction,  involving 
three  quarters  of  a  million,  in  such  dangerous  times,  with 
such  hope  of  profit  and  the  entire  uncertainty  of  ever  being 

VOL.    II — 6 


88   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

able  to  ship  the  specie  to  meet  the  bills,  with  our  cannon  at 
that  moment  thundering  at  the  Forts,  and  the  City  in  fear 
daily  of  a  bombardment. 

It  will  be  useful  to  compare  dates  of  both  these  transactions, 
because  if  the  object  of  the  Citizen's  Bank  was  to  really  pay 
Hope  &  Co.  their  interest,  why  not  have  sent  forward  these 
bills  of  Durprasseur,  instead  of  transporting  the  silver  at  par 
in  Mexican  Dollars,  which  command  a  premium,  to  the  Bel- 
gian Consul?  The  amounts  are  nearly  equal,  but  by  the  two 
transactions  the  Bank  got  away  every  dollar  of  its  silver.  I 
should  be  glad  to  be  present  at  the  investigation  of  this  case 
if  public  duties  will  permit. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  friend  and  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  IQth,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  After  consultation  with  Mr.  Johnson,  by  whose  Official 
position  and  past  services  to  the  Country  I  thought  I  had  the 
right  to  call  for  advice,  and  with  the  wish  of  Governor  Shepley, 
I  have  thought  it  best  that  he  should  go  to  Washington  to 
represent  the  needs  of  this  State  Government,  as  well  as  the 
condition  of  affairs  in  this  department. 

I  look  upon  the  questions  to  be  presented  by  Gov.  Shepley, 
upon  which  he  is  fully  advised  of  my  opinions,  to  be  the  turning 
points  of  the  War  in  the  South  West.  Certain  it  is  that  some 
determination  of  these  questions  must  be  reached,  or  they  will 
determine  themselves  in  disaster  and  ruin  to  the  State  of  Louisi- 
ana. In  the  recruiting,  I  am  succeeding  very  well  indeed,  and 
while  these  troops  would  be  proper  to  lead  elsewhere  upon  the 
Southern  Coast,  it  would  be  a  doubtful  experiment  to  rely 
upon  them  solely  here. 

I  think  the  needs  of  the  service  are  such  that  I  have  sent  an 
Order  to  recall  Genl.  William  from  Vicksburg,  in  expectation 
of  the  immediate  advance  upon  that  place  by  Gen.  Grant. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  Obt.  Servant,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 


LETTEBS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         83 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  16,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  WILLIAMS,  VICKSBURG 

GENERAL:  From  all  I  can  learn  of  operations  at  Vicksburg, 
your  force  is  at  present  not  so  much  needed  there  as  it  is 
elsewhere. 

The  enemy  are  concentrating  some  forces  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Baton  Rouge,  and  it  is  necessary  that  something  be 
done  on  the  Red  River  line.  Besides,  you  are  in  the  geographi- 
cal department  of  General  Halleck. 

Therefore,  if  the  state  of  affairs  will  permit  without  serious 
detriment  to  the  public  service,  you  will  withdraw  your  force 
and  return  as  soon  as  possible  to  Baton  Rouge.    I  remain 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Ytth,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

DEAR  SIR:  I  would  respectfully  solicit  your  advice  upon 
the  questions  presented  by  the  Mechanics  &  Traders  Bank. 

I  enclose  copy  of  my  note  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
transmitting  the  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  Banks  to  the  credit 
of  the  Confederate  State  Receivers.  There  will  not  be  enough 
of  these  funds  to  pay  all  the  claims  upon  them  for  confiscated 
Northern  property. 


Respectfully, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  16,  1862 

MY  DEAR  WIFE:  Andrew  has  sent  home  a  trunk  and  a  box. 
I  suppose  them  to  contain  a  side  saddle  for  Blanche  and  a  pair 
of  harnesses  for  me  and  you.  They  were  presents  to  him. 

Your  husband,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

P.S.  If  they  do  not  come  soon,  have  enquiry  made  for  them 
of  Adams  Express  Co.  Also  for  two  small  boxes,  one  marked 
to  Paul  and  one  to  yourself.  B. 


84         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  George  S.  Denison 

Custom  House,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Collector's  Office,  July  17th,  1862 

General  BUTLER 

SIR:  I  would  suggest  that  a  crew  list  and  list  of  passengers, 
if  any,  be  made  a  part  of  any  permit  to  be  granted  by  you  to 
vessels  going  across  the  lake.  This  being  done,  my  inspectors 
can  prevent  persons  leaving  the  city  improperly  on  such  vessels. 
If  this  does  not  meet  with  your  approval,  please  inform  me. 

On  notification  from  you  that  a  permit  is  granted,  an  in- 
spector, by  my  direction,  will  supervise  the  loading  of  the  ves- 
sel and  lock  up  the  hatches.  At  the  mouth  of  the  canal  another 
inspector  will  examine  the  vessel,  crew,  and  passenger  list,  and 
military  permit,  and  if  all  these  are  correct,  will  unlock  the 
hatches  and  the  vessel  will  proceed  out  into  the  lake.  If 
there  are  articles  on  board  not  allowed  by  your  permit,  the 
vessel  will  be  sent  back,  and  if  there  are  improper  persons  on 
board,  the  inspector  will  report  to  the  nearest  military  officer. 

Very  respectfully, 
GEORGE  S.  DENISON,  Actg.  Collector 

From  J.  P.  M.1 

NEW  ORLEANS  July  18.  1862 

To  the  Honorable  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  General 

DEAR  AND  RESPECTED  GENERAL:  See  the  following  notice 
given  in  the  newspapers: 

July  17 

"Correction  of  Slaves  —  The  Law  of  the  State  of  Louisiana 
for  the  Correction  of  Slaves  will  be  enforced  as  heretofore, 
and  I  give  notice  of  the  same  from  the  proper  authorities. 

J.  C.  ROWELL,  Keeper  of  Police  Jail" 

Does  this  order  emanate  from  you?  I  should  suppose  not. 
If  I  understand  the  views  and  wishes  of  the  President,  the 
above  does  not  conform  to  them.  It  was  generally  understood 
when  you  came  here  that  all  such  barbarism  would  be  stopped. 
By  the  law  of  Louisiana  any  master  has  only  to  go  to  the  jail, 
or  send  his  slave  with  some  one,  and  paying  the  sum  of  twenty 
five  cents,  the  said  slave  will  receive  twenty  five  or  thirty 
lashes,  at  the  desire  of  his  master. 

Now,  there  are  thousands  of  slave-owners  that  have  turned 


1  Note :  Colonel  Shaffer,  July  1862.    Whence  comes  this.     B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    85 

perfectly  incensed  since  you  have  come  here,  and  think  the 
slaves  are  the  cause  of  all  the  trouble,  and  are  willing  to  lavish 
their  wrath  upon  the  poor  slaves.  Since  you  have  come  here 
many  a  master  has  been  keeping  his  slaves  confined  in  chains 
and  on  bread  and  water  to  limited  quantity.  The  result  of 
this  order  will  serve  only  to  give  those  cruel  people  an  oppor- 
tunity to  satiate  their  thirst  of  blood,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
to  exasperate  the  slaves,  for  they  have  been  awaiting  for 
changes  in  a  better  treatment  at  least  for  a  long  time,  and 
most  of  them  are  determined  to  suffer  death  before  they 
will  live  under  the  old  system. 

Another  thing  to  have  in  mind  is  that  such  proceedings  do 
not  help  you  or  the  United  States  at  all;  contrarily,  they  are 
not  in  harmony  with  the  views  of  your  friends  here.  As  far 
as  the  rebel  population  is  concerned,  they  hate  you  and  the 
Government  you  represent,  and  cannot  be  conciliated  by  any 
means.  They  can  be  subjugated,  but  not  conciliated.  The 
majority  of  them  are  not  so  faithful  to  the  Southern  Confed- 
eracy as  they  are  to  their  own  pockets.  They  have  all  been 
led  to  believe  that  under  that  Government  New  Orleans  would 
be  the  greatest  place  for  making  money,  and  long  as  they  will 
have  the  Confederate  notes  they  now  have,  their  allegiance 
will  always  be  to  Mammon,  called  Southern  Confederacy. 

Unionists  are  just  as  scarce  here  as  Christians  among  Jews. 
Most  of  those,  to  very  few  exceptions,  that  have  manifested 
Union  sentiments,  have  done  so  to  save  their  property  from 
confiscation. 

There  are  but  two  classes  of  people  here  faithful  to  the  United 
States,  they  are  the  German  and  colored  population.  It  is 
hoped  that  you  will  revoke  this  order,  and  that  it  may  not 
be  said  that  the  Federal  authorities  have  been  more  cruel  than 
the  Confederate  authorities.  Besides,  this  cruel  and  un- 
Christian  mode  of  punishment  is  condemned  by  all  the  civi- 
lized world.  Just  think  how  much  greater  your  name  will  be 
by  stopping  such  acts,  how  many  good  people  that  will  call 
the  blessings  of  God  Almighty  upon  you.  Do  not  reject  the 
prayer  of  those  who  are  asking  this  favor. 

The  very  one  who  now  writes  you  this  letter  was  humiliating 
himself  by  sacrifices  before  our  God  for  three  weeks  previous 
to  your  arrival  here  for  your  safe  coming  to  this  city. 

While  every  shot  would  be  heard  here  from  Camp  Chal- 
mette,  and  the  rebels  wished  that  a  thousand  Yankees  would 
be  killed,  this  writer  was  calling  Divine  protection  upon 


86    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Farragut  and  his  men.     I  remain,  with  the  highest  Union 
feelings,  Your  most  devoted  friend  and  servant,  J.  P.  M. 

From  Daniel  Richardson 

LOWELL,  Jidy  ISth,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Congratulating  you  on  the  signal  ability 
with  which  you  are  and  from  the  beginning  have  been  main- 
taining your  difficult  position,  and  the  respect  which  the  great 
masses  of  all  classes  are  zealously  paying  to  you,  and  which 
all  others  are  obliged  to  pay  to  you,  I  write  at  the  request  of 
the  friends  of  Chas.  C.  Colton,  corporal  8th  Regt.  Co.  F., 
Capt.  Perkins  (brother  of  Colton  of  the  High  School  and  a 
connection  of  Varnums  of  Dracut),  to  say  they  hear  he  is  in 
poor  health.  He  was  a  law  student  in  our  office,  a  very  clever 
young  fellow,  was  admitted  to  our  bar,  and  it  was  thought  if 
some  of  your  people  could  ascertain  whether  he  was  failing 
from  want  of  constitution  for  actual  service,  and  if  so  could 
be  transferred  to  other  position  without  detriment,  it  might 
save  him  and  would  confer  great  obligation  to  them. 

At  Commencement  at  Cambridge  Wednesday,  and  at  Phi 
Beta  Kappa  Thursday,  your  name  was  everywhere  mentioned 
approvingly  (they  had  forgotten  that  trial  when  you  talked 
to  the  Jury  of  hanging  professors)  and  very  often,  too.  And 
at  Phi  Beta  Kappa  dinner,  the  orator,  Geo.  W.  Curtis  of 
N.  York,  alluded  to  you  very  handsomely  in  this  order,  Butler 
—  Banks  —  Devens,  and  a  Kentucky  man  who  sat  by  my  side 
remarked  that  your  course  was  as  fully  and  cordially  approved 
of  in  Kentucky  as  it  seemed  to  be  here. 

I  have  often  desired  to  write  you,  but,  knowing  your  pres- 
sure, have  refrained,  but  can't  help  saying  this  much.  At  our 
house,  my  home,  we  are  all  from  the  outset  approvers  of  the 
famous  order  which  so  disturbs  our  puritans  and  even  the 
English  Parliament.  And  such  a  treat  as  you  have  given  by 
your  explanatory  letter!  It  was  the  best  thing  you  ever  did, 
and  has  completely  silenced  the  few  who  were  so  horrified  at 
the  order.  With  the  kindest  wishes  for  your  safety  and  fame, 
and  expecting  to  see  all  our  houses  ornamented  with  trophies 
of  Secession  flags  when  you  get  home.  I  am 

Truly  yours,  DANIEL  S.  RICHARDSON 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    87 

From  Carlos  Pierce 

WASHINGTON,  D.C.  July  19th,  186* 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the 
Gulf,  U.S.A.  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  Five  weeks  have  I  been  trying  to  obtain  my  pay  from 
Government  for  the  clothing  furnished  to  your  department,  by 
your  direct  orders  and  those  of  your  Quarter  Master  Capt. 
George,  all  of  which  we  delivered  as  directed  by  him  eight  and 
ten  months  since,  and  received  the  customary  Government 
Quarter  Master's  vouchers,  which  they  issue  as  evidence  of 
indebtedness  when  they  have  not  money  to  pay  their  bills.  We 
have  now  waited  so  long  for  our  pay  that  the  loss  of  interest 
to  us  is  more  than  $6,000,  —  which  is  of  itself  a  hardship,  but 
I  have  been  here  five  weeks  a  daily  attendant  upon  the  Quarter 
Master  General's  Department  to  get  my  pay,  or  learn  the 
reasons  why  I  could  not,  and  am  informed  that  you  purchased 
too  nice  goods,  and  that  I  must  look  to  you  for  my  pay.  "Sue 
General  Butler  and  his  Quarter  Master,  we  will  not  pay  your 
bills  until  you  discount  about  $25,000." 

I  have  explained  away  most  of  their  objections  to  the  pay- 
ment of  said  vouchers,  and,  having  done  all  I  can,  I  returned 
home  to  Boston  disheartened,  and  make  this  appeal  to  you, 
asking  your  influence  (if  you  think  proper  to  give  it)  with  the 
President  in  my  behalf.  I  do  this  the  more  confidently  because 
your  authority  was  brought  in  question  by  the  Quarter  Master 
General,  and  also  because  you  know  whether  or  not  I  served 
the  Government  faithfully  and  honestly  in  delivering  to  your 
Department  the  best  quality  of  goods,  and  you  also  remember 
the  assurances  I  received  of  payment  of  my  account.  The 
only  remaining  objections  I  received  of  my  account  are  that 
you  ordered  from  us  the  same  shirts  and  drawers  and  blouses 
that  the  States  of  New  York,  Mass.,  and  Maine,  and  Col. 
Grossman,  U.  S.  Qr.  Master  at  Philadelphia,  had  been  having 
of  us,  and  in  ten  times  greater  quantities,  yet  we  gave  them 
to  you  at  the  same  prices,  they  have  all  paid  us,  and  Govern- 
ment has  reimbursed  them,  therefore  it  would  seem  my  mis- 
fortune that  I  am  a  citizen  creditor  of  the  Government  instead 
of  a  State  or  Quarter  Master.  Why  it  is,  with  such  facts 
before  them  and  precedents,  they  should  deny  your  contracts 
for  same  articles  and  prices,  is  what  I  want  you  to  help  me 
ascertain,  and  also  why  some  of  your  Quarter  Master's  Vouchers 
should  be  paid  by  his  successor,  Capt.  McKim,  to  favorites 


88         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

without  apparent  objection,  while  he  refuses  others,  and  says 
unqualifiedly  that  he  has  paid  none.  Your  soldiers  have  had 
our  garments  now  more  than  six  months,  certainly  long 
enough  to  test  their  quality,  we  faithfully  fulfilled  our  con- 
tracts, and  ask  your  assistance  in  our  behalf  that  the  Govern- 
ment may  fulfill  theirs,  that  we  may  not  much  longer  suffer. 

What  General  Meigs  asks  is  that  the  all-wool  indigo  blue 
mixed  shirts  and  drawers  should  be  discounted  in  price  equal 
to  Government  goods  of  all  cotton  fabric,  and  that  the  cloth 
coats  should  be  reduced  in  price  to  that  of  their  flannel  blouses. 
Any  business  man  can  see  the  absurdity  and  the  injustice  of 
such  treatment.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  Servant, 
CARLOS  PIERCE,  PIERCE  BROS.  Co.,  Boston 

P.S.     You  may  rely  upon  my  ability  to  prove  what  I  have  said. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  19th,  1862 

Capt.  STAFFORD,  Acting  Provost  Marshal 

SIR:  The  course  pursued  by  certain  persons  in  ordering 
their  slaves  "to  go  to  the  Yankees"  or  to  join  the  Federals, 
described  in  your  note,  and  like  acts,  had  been  brought 
to  my  notice  from  different  sources  previous  to  your  com- 
munication, and  certainly  is  a  great  wrong  as  well  to  the 
Government  as  to  the  Negroes.  In  order  to  correct  this  evil, 
therefore,  let  it  be  known  that  all  such  declarations  by  the 
owners  to  their  slaves  will  by  the  authorities  here  be  taken  and 
deemed  acts  of  voluntary  emancipation,  and  slaves  sent  away 
by  their  masters  with  such  declarations  as  you  describe,  or 
equivalent  ones,  will  be  regarded  and  treated  as  manumitted 
and  emancipated. 

You  will  see  to  it  that  this  necessary  police  regulation  is 

carried  into  effect.  „         ,.  „ 

Kespecijullyy 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 
From  R.  S.  Fay  Jr.  to  General  Butler 

BROOKLINE,  July  19th,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  just  returned  from  New  York, 
where  my  errand  was  to  inquire  about  the  freights  paid  vessels 
bringing  mdse.  from  New  Orleans.  I  found  there  had  been 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    89 

but  one  vessel  discharged  there  under  precisely  the  same  cir- 
cumstances as  those  whose  cargoes  are  consigned  to  me.  In 
that  case,  however,  Capt.  Stinson,  Act.  Q.  M.,  delivered  the 
cargo  at  the  rate  specified  upon  the  Bills  of  Lading.  I  have 
made  the  strongest  appeal  to  Genl.  Meigs  from  McKim's 
decision  to  claim  market  rates  of  freight,  regardless  of  B.  of 
L.,  and  if  unsuccessful  shall  carry  it  up  to  the  Sec'y-  of  War, 
and  if  necessary  to  the  President. 

I  am  very  sorry  that  you  will  not  have  the  profit  upon  the 
merchandise  shipped  before  the  first  of  June,  as  it  has  paid 
best  of  all.  Your  instructions  to  offer  the  business  to  the  Govt. 
were,  however,  explicit,  and  had  the  War  Dept.  not  taken  it, 
Fox  would  have  taken  the  merchandise,  under  your  letter  to 
him.  Everything  shipped  since  the  opening  of  the  port  I  have 
carried  to  your  account  or  your  brother's  (and  the  profit 
will  be  very  satisfactory) . 

I  called  at  your  house  on  Monday,  the  14th,  and  saw  Mrs. 
Butler,  apparently  very  well.  She  knew  nothing  of  the  map 
you  wrote  me  about,  nor  have  I  heard  of  it  anywhere  else. 

I  am  shipping  some  hay  and  flour  to  Mr.  A.  Montgomery  by 
the  brig  "Hannah  Thornton,"  which  sails  from  New  York 
today.  She  is  chiefly  laden  with  Govt.  stores,  and  I  hope  will 
receive  every  proper  facility  in  the  way  of  tonnage,  etc. 

I  have  been  so  pressed  by  the  large  amount  of  this  business 
that  I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  write  you  so  fully  as  I  wish  to 
do.  My  first  thought  and  effort  has  been  to  guard  your  per- 
sonal reputation  in  official  transactions  intact  and  unspotted. 
In  this  I  believe  I  have  been  entirely  successful,  and  if  in  my 
care  in  this  regard  I  have  not  made  all  the  money  for  you  I 
could  have  done,  you  will  not  think  me  the  less,  but  more, 
Your  sincere  friend,  RICH.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  Residents  of  Vacherie 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  19</z,  1862 

To  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  U.  S.  Army, 

Department  of  the  Gulf 

THE  petition  of  the  undersigned,  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  respectfully  represents  that  they  are  residents  of  the 
Vacherie  Settlement,  in  the  Parish  of  St.  James,  State  of 
Louisiana,  about  six  miles  from  the  Mississippi  River  (on  its 
right  bank),  and  about  four  miles  from  the  Lake  des  Alle- 
mands,  in  which  settlement  most  of  them  follow  the  occupa- 


90    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLEE 

tion  of  gardeners  and  growers  of  vegetables.  That  they  have 
ever  been  loyal  to  the  United  States  government,  have  never  in 
any  manner  or  form  aided  or  assisted  the  present  rebellion, 
and  have,  since  their  arrival  in  this  city,  renewed  their  alle- 
giance to  their  government  by  a  solemn  oath. 

That  the  wrongs  and  abuses  they  have  suffered  for  their 
refusal  to  aid  the  rebellion,  and  to  take  up  arms  against  their 
government,  have  been  of  so  gross  and  cruel  a  nature,  and  of 
such  frequent  occurrence,  that  their  recital  in  detail  would 
prove  tedious  to  read.  They  will  content  themselves  by  stat- 
ing that  during  the  present  week  all  the  loyal  men,  and  even 
women  of  the  neighborhood,  have  been  compelled  to  leave 
their  homes  and  crops  and  to  hide  themselves,  or  find  their 
way  to  the  Federal  lines  as  best  they  could,  in  order  to  avoid 
being  pressed  into  military  service  by  bands  of  "Partisan 
Rangers,"  as  they  style  themselves,  of  the  Confederate  States 
Government.  That  these  bands  occasionally  rove  along  the 
roads  of  the  Parish  in  numbers  of  from  thirty  to  a  hundred 
each,  and  forcibly  take  with  them  every  person  who  will  not 
aid  or  join  them,  regardless  of  age  or  condition. 

Should  this  state  of  things  be  permitted  for  any  length  of 
time,  the  homes  and  crops  of  your  petitioners  will  be  entirely 
destroyed,  and  your  petitioners  ruined  in  their  worldly  affairs. 

They  therefore  call  upon  you  to  come  to  their  assistance, 
and  give  them  that  protection  which  is  due  to  every  loyal 
American  citizen.  They  earnestly  hope  and  pray  that  you 
may  be  able  to  send  a  force  into  that  important  section  of  the 
country  to  effect  this  object.  Besides  conferring  a  blessing 
upon  that  neighborhood,  such  action  will  secure  advantages 
towards  peace  and  quiet  in  this  city. 

Very  respectfully,  T.  J.  SCHNEIDER,  ALBERT  BAHNE,  DICK 
BAHNE,  VINKLE  LECHLEITER,  KARL  SEIDE,  JOSEPH  LECH- 
LEITER,  A.  BRANDT 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  19,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  206 

THE  Steamer  "Empire  Parish"  has  liberty  to  trade  up  and 
down  the  coast  within  the  limits  of  our  lines,  and  to  carry 
family  supplies,  each  lot  of  said  supplies  to  be  only  in  such 
quantities  as  should  be  properly  issued  to  one  family  or  one 
plantation,  and  not  to  be  issued  for  trading  purposes,  particu- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    91 

larly  no  lot  of  over  ten  bags  of  salt  shall  be  issued  to  any  one 
consignee.  By  Qrder  Oy  MAJ    QEN    BUTLEB 


R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  19th,  1862 

Captain  GIBSON,  Gunboat  "Potomac"  off  SHIP  ISLAND 

SCHOONERS  from  Nassau,  Key  West,  &c.,  are  in  the  habit 
of  coming  to  this  City  through  the  lakes,  which  cannot  be 
permitted  as  we  have  no  Quarantine  Officer  at  that  Post.  I 
have  been  informed  that  they  generally  pass  by  you.  If  you 
would  inform  them  that  no  vessels  are  allowed  to  come  to  the 
City  unless  they  come  through  the  Passes,  and  report  them- 
selves at  the  Quarantine  Station  on  the  River,  you  would 
save  them  a  great  deal  of  trouble.  We  have  already  been 
obliged  to  order  back  two.  I  am,  Sir, 

Most  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Servant, 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
'  R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  James  G.  Carney 

Bank  of  Mutual  Redemption,  No.  91  State  Street,  BOSTON,  MASS.,  July  19,  1862 

Hon.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LOUISIANA 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  have,  to  thank  you  for  your  favor  of  the 
2nd  instant,  which  came  duly  to  hand.  The  drafts  have  all 
been  provided  for.  The  government,  I  understand  through 
Mr.  Fay,  paying  me  $60,600  for  drafts  and  commissions.  I 
cashed  the  drafts  so  as  to  pay  off  Messrs.  Hildreth  et  al,  and 
all  interest  paid  by  him  on  them,  and  35  dollars  on  his  money 
while  used,  and  had  something  left  for  negotiating.  It  came 
at  a  fortunate  time  for  making  the  negotiations;  and  so  all 
trouble,  after  the  first  "hitch,"  was  escaped.  The  time  has 
been  and  may  be  again,  probably  will  be,  when  the  matter 
would  be  exceedingly  troublesome,  and  difficult,  if  possible  to 
manage. 

The  main  part  of  your  letter  you  will  see  published  in  the 
Journal  (Boston),  if  you  see  that  paper,  or  in  the  New  York 
Times,  copied  from  the  Journal,  if  you  see  that.  It  will  go  far 
to  help  on  a  healthy  public  opinion,  that  you  must  deal  with 
"different  people  differently,"  "fight  fire  with  fire;"  and  when 
you  go  to  war,  as  you  said  a  year  ago  last  April  (I  think),  you 


92    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

must  "Go  to  war  to  hurt  somebody."  I  hope  now  that  Con- 
gress has  adjourned  that  that  is  to  be  the  principle  upon 
which  the  Government  is  to  go  to  war  until  this  atrocious  and 
infernal  rebellion  is  ended. 

Your  friend,  JAMES  G.  CARNEY 


From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BOSTON,  July  ZQtk,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  wrote  you  June  14th  owning  receipt 
of  yours  and  Col.  Butler's  favors  of  1st  inst.,  covering  sundry 
drafts  and  invoices  of  shipments  to  me.  I  went  immediately 
to  Washington,  where  the  transaction  made  a  great  deal  of 
discussion,  the  essential  difficulty  being  with  the  shipments 
made  before  the  opening  of  the  Port,  June  1st,  in  view  of  the 
jealousy  with  which  the  blockade  is  regarded  by  foreign  pow- 
ers. The  result,  however,  was  that  the  Govt.  assumed  the 
transaction,  making  me  its  agent  to  sell  the  merchandise,  pay 
the  drafts,  and  hand  them  the  profits.  I  enclose  a  copy  of  the 
letter  of  the  Secretary  of  War  containing  Gen.  Meigs'  report 
upon  the  case.  Considering  the  beautiful  opportunities 
afforded  for  making  difficulty,  I  think  this  a  very  satisfactory 
settlement,  and  very  complimentary  to  your  judgment. 
Secretary  Stanton  spoke  in  the  warmest  terms  of  your  admin- 
istration. Indeed  he  could  hardly  have  said  more  in  your 
praise.  Although  I  am  very  sorry  the  profit  on  these  opera- 
tions does  not  accrue  to  you,  I  think  Gen.  Meigs5  view  a  just 
one,  and  it  will  be  far  better  to  be  able  to  silence  the  many 
remarks  current  here  about  the  business  from  which  your 
reputation  would  have  suffered  if  uncontradicted.  Returning 
from  Washington  only  this  morning,  I  find  your  favors  of  10th 
and  llth.  I  will  attend  to  your  wishes  about  the  map.  The 
cheque  for  $10,000  will  be  placed  to  your  credit  when  paid. 
You  will  observe  that  no  bond  or  accountability  is  required  of 
me  by  Govt.,  a  handsome  compliment,  and  a  hint  that  they 
do  not  want  to  make  too  large  a  record  of  the  business  as  a 
precedent. 

Genl.  McClellan  has  been  largely  reinforced.  He  was  not 
defeated  at  Fair  Oaks,  but  drove  back  a  sortie  in  great  force, 
losing  8  guns  and  10,000  men  in  doing  it.  I  came  from  Nor- 
folk to  Washington  with  a  Norfolk  lady.  She  told  me  that 
the  capture  of  New  Orleans  was  the  only  event  of  the  war 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    93 

which  had  disturbed  the  smooth  current  of  the  Secession  con- 
fidence. It  was  a  terrible  blow  to  them.  Fremont  was  virtu- 
ally beaten  at  Woodstock,  and  Shields  at  Port  Republic,  and 
nothing  but  the  invincible  steadiness  of  my  "Beacon  St. 
dandy  friends"  of  the  2nd  Mass,  saved  Banks  the  loss  of  every 
man  and  wagon  of  his  command  at  Winchester.  I  trust  it  is 
not  wrong  to  say  that  I  think  Jackson  the  most  brilliant 
officer  the  war  has  produced.  Stern  impartiality  compels  me 
to  do  it.  He  now  has  Siegel  against  him,  and  I  rather  think  a 
genius  better  adapted  to  cope  with  him,  with  equal  numbers, 
than  any  officer  we  have. 

During  my  absence,  several  of  Col.  Butler's  drafts  on  me, 
and  some  of  yours  on  Carney,  were  noted  for  non-acceptance. 
I  have  accepted  them  all  to-day.  I  understand  Mr.  Carney 
has  put  Mr.  Hildreth  to  some  trouble  to  secure  him.  It  was 
unnecessary,  as  I  would  have  paid  his  draft  "for  your  honor" 
(honor  commercial).  I  shall  go  to  see  Mrs.  Butler  as  soon  as  I 
can  leave  Boston.  I  suppose  she  has  the  map,  as  I  have  not 
seen  it.  I  am  heartily  glad  she  is  at  home  again.  I  write  to 
Col.  Butler  with  figures,  etc. 

Very  Sincerely  Yours,  RICH.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  20,  1862 

MY  DEAR  WIFE:  I  got  your  kind  note  where  you  praised 
me.  How  sweet  to  be  praised  by  one  we  love!  It  is  late,  and 
I  do  not  mean  to  write  you  a  word  but  to  say  good  night. 
Yet  a  word  before  you  go  to  sleep.  How  did  you  like  your 
saddle,  and  Blanche's  saddle,  and  my  harness? 

I  sent  a  little  present  for  Blanche  under  the  seal  of  this  note. 
Cut  it  out  and  give  it  to  her.  The  City  the  healthiest  of 
healthys.  All  well.  Nice  house,  fine  furniture,  plenty  of 
servants,  and  loneliness.  Keep  yourself  very  happy  and  get 
fat.  I  send  all  manner  of  slips  enclosed  with  this.  Blanche 
must  not  forget  the  scrap  book.  BENJ 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  21sf,  1862 

Captain  MORRIS,  Steamship  "Pensacola" 

SIR:  We  have  received  some  letters  this  morning  from  Col. 
McMillan  at  Baton  Rouge,  in  which  he  states  that  he  has 


94         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

received  a  report  that  the  rebel  steamer  "Music,"  armed  with 
4  or  6  six-pounder  guns  is  lying  a  few  miles  down  the  Bayou 
at  Plaquemine,  waiting  an  opportunity  of  catching  a  transport 
and  getting  salt  and  other  articles  shipped  from  here.  We 
would  call  your  attention  to  the  fact.  I  am,  Sir, 

Most  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Servt. 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  21,  1862 

Hon.  RE  VERB  Y  JOHNSON 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Permit  me  to  iterate  and  reiterate  again  and 
again  what  you  knew  so  well  before,  but  which  these  deluded 
people  seem  determined  never  to  believe,  that  no  merchan- 
dise, whether  cotton  or  sugar,  will  in  any  event  be  seized  or 
confiscated  by  the  TL  S.  authorities  here. 

I  will  assure  safe  conduct,  open  market,  and  prompt  ship- 
ment of  all  such  property  sent  to  New  Orleans,  and  the  owner, 
were  he  Slidell  himself,  should  have  the  pay  for  his  cotton  if 
sent  here  under  this  assurance.  I  am, 

Most  truly,  yours, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major-General  Commanding 

Official  Records  Series  3,  Vol.  II,  Page  239. 

From  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson 

U.  S.  Commissioners  Office,  Custom  House,  N.  0.  July  list,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  needed  not  your  note  of  this  morning 
to  satisfy  me  on  the  subject  to  which  it  relates.  The  public 
mind  should  have  been  put  right  upon  it  by  your  proclamation 
of  the  7th  of  May.  In  these  times,  however,  opinion  is  so 
sensitive,  and  misrepresentations  so  frequent,  on  all  matters 
touching  the  unfortunate  condition  of  the  country,  that  I  am 
glad  to  have  your  note  with  the  privilege  to  make  it  public. 

The  restoration  of  commerce  in  and  from  this  port  is  a 
result  so  important  to  the  interest  of  this  State,  the  United 
States,  and  the  Governments  of  Europe,  that  it  seems  strange 
that  an  intelligent  man  should  have  doubted  your  wish  as 
the  representative  of  our  Government,  to  do  all  that  you 
could  do  to  bring  it  about. 

If  there  be  any  really  existing  fear  upon  the  point,  your 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    95 

note  (for  which  I  thank  you)  cannot  fail  to  remove  it.  The 
Confederate  Government,  as  it  calls  itself,  may  burn  and 
destroy  the  Cotton  and  Sugar  of  the  people  whom  they  claim 
to  represent,  and  whose  right  they  pretend  to  be  anxious  to 
protect.  They  may,  too,  for  a  time  succeed  in  keeping  alive 
the  delusion  of  their  followers,  but  an  intelligent  Southern 
public,  and  an  intelligent  European  opinion,  will  soon,  if  it 
has  not  already,  discover  the  shallowness  of  the  pretense,  and 
see,  unless  soon  arrested  by  the  fostering  power  of  the  Govern- 
ment, the  certain  ruin  to  which  it  must  lead.  With  great  respect, 
Yours  sincerely,  REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Comms. 

From  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson 

U.  S.  Commissioners  Office,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  list,  1862 

To  Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

SIR:  The  examination  I  have  been  making  into  the  owner- 
ship of  Eight  hundred  thousand  Dollars  ($800,000)  in  coin, 
deposited  by  Mr.  E.  J.  Forstall  as  Agent  of  Messrs.  Hope  & 
Co.  with  the  Consul  of  the  Netherlands,  and  taken  possession 
of  by  your  order,  has  resulted  in  satisfying  me  that  the  ten 
Bonds  for  One  thousand  Dollars  each  ($1000)  of  the  City  of 
New  Orleans,  and  the  eight  of  the  City  of  Mobile  for  the  like 
amount  each,  taken  at  the  same  time,  are  the  property  of 
Messrs.  Hope  &  Co.,  and  were  in  good  faith  deposited  as 
alleged  by  their  said  agent,  and  that  they  should  be  returned 
to  him.  His  authority  of  agent  appears  by  an  original  power 
of  Attorney,  properly  proved  before  me,  and  also  by  the  fact 
that  he  has  for  years  acted  in  that  capacity.  With  high 

°  Your  obedient  Servt., 

REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Commis.>  etc. 

From  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson 

U.  S.  Commissioners1  Office,  Custom  House,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  26,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

T.  A.  F.  PUFFER,  Lieut,  and  A.  D.  C. 

SIR:  The  box  the  Maj.  General  sent  me  a  few  days  since 
contained,  amongst  other  things,  the  18  Bonds  of  the  City  of 
New  Orleans  and  Mobile.  It  being  locked,  and  the  Consul 
of  Netherlands  having  the  key,  I  applied  to  him  for  it,  saying 
that  I  desired  to  deliver  the  Bonds  to  Mr.  Forstall,  who  claimed 
them  as  the  agent  of  Messrs.  Hope  &  Co.  He  declined  send- 


96         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ing  the  key.  I  then  had  the  Box  opened,  delivered  the  Bonds 
to  that  gentleman,  taking  his  receipt  (a  copy  is  enclosed),  and 
notified  the  Consul  that  I  held  the  Box  to  be  delivered  to  him, 
with  the  remainder  of  its  contents.  This  he  refused  also  by 
letter.  My  answer,  a  copy  of  which  I  send  you  for  the  infor- 
mation of  the  General,  will  show  him  the  condition  in  which 
the  matter  now  stands.  As  this  copy  is  the  only  one  I  have, 
the  General  will  oblige  me  by  returning  it.  I  will  have  another 
made  for  him  if  he  should  desire  one. 

Yours  with  regard,  REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Commis. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

RECEIVED,  New  Orleans,  July  22nd,  1862,  from  the  Hon. 
Reverdy  Johnson,  Comms.,  under  an  order  from  Major  Gen'l 
Butler,  the  following  Bonds: 

10  Consolidated  Debt  City  of  New  Orleans  Bonds  for  $1000  each 
8  Mobile  City  Bonds  for  $1000  each 

the  property  of  Messrs.  Hope  and  Co.  of  Amsterdam,  placed 
under  the  protection  of  the   Consul    ("des  Paysbas")    and 
seized  by  Order  of  the  Commander  of  the  Gulf  Department. 
EDM.  J.  FORSTALL,  Agent  of  HOPE  AND  Co. 

From  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson 

U.  S.  Commissioners  Office,  Custom  House,  N.  0.,  July  Wnd,  1862 

Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

SIR:  The  question  of  the  propriety  of  the  payment  made 
to  you  under  protest,  on  the  5th  of  June  last,  of  $8948.50, 
Eight  thousand  Nine  hundred  and  forty-eight  50/100  Dollars, 
by  Messrs.  S.  H.  Kennedy  &  Co.  of  this  City,  the  estimated 
value  of  a  third  of  Exchange  at  sixty  days  after  sight,  dated 
Havana,  the  30th  of  the  previous  April,  for  $1789.14,  One 
thousand  Seven  hundred  and  eighty-nine  pounds  and  fourteen 
shillings,  which  you  have  submitted  to  this  Commission,  I 
have  carefully  considered.  The  facts  attending  the  shipment 
of  the  cotton  to  Havana  by  Messrs.  Kennedy  &  Co.,  on  the 
proceeds  of  which  the  bill  was  drawn,  as  well  as  all  the  other 
facts  connected  with  the  transaction,  are  clear.  The  shipment 
was  in  violation  of  the  blockade,  and  if  seized  in  delicto  would 
have  been  liable  to  forfeiture.  The  proceeds  also,  if  received 
here  on  the  return  voyage,  would  have  been  equally  liable 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    97 

to  forfeiture.  The  vessel  would  also  either  on  the  outer  or 
return  voyage  have  been  in  like  manner  liable.  But  the 
blockade  having  been  successfully  run,  and  the  cotton  sold 
in  Havana,  and  the  first  and  second  of  Exchange  drawn  by  the 
shippers'  consignees  in  Havana,  and  sent  to  London  by  ship- 
pers' orders  to  be  passed  to  their  credit  in  London,  the  first 
question  is,  whether  the  third  of  Exchange  is  to  be  esteemed 
the  proceeds  of  the  shipment  and  liable  to  seizure?  I  am  of 
the  opinion  it  cannot.  The  first  and  second  of  Exchange  hav- 
ing been  paid  by  the  drawers  in  London,  and  the  proceeds 
passed  to  the  credit  of  the  shippers,  the  third  is  a  mere  nul- 
lity, valueless  in  the  hands  of  the  shippers.  It  was  not  then 
the  representatives  of  the  cotton  or  its  proceeds.  The  first 
was  the  property  of  the  buyers  in  Havana,  the  second  the  prop- 
erty of  the  shippers,  because  of  the  payment  of  the  first  or 
second,  and  the  passing  of  its  proceeds  to  their  credit  with 
their  London  Bankers. 

The  offense  of  running  the  Blockade  is  not,  under  the  mod- 
ern law  of  nations,  a  personal  offense.  It  affects  only  the  ship 
and  the  cargo.  If  these  are  not  [retained]  physically,  or  their 
proceeds  on  a  return  voyage,  the  offense  escapes  punishment. 
It  never  attends  the  vessel  or  the  cargo  further  than  to  the 
termination  of  the  [return?]  voyage,  with  the  exception  of  the 
immediate  return  voyage.  The  rule  is  well  settled  by  modern 
authority,  English,  Continental,  and  American,  that  the 
offense  is  purged  unless  the  vessel  or  cargo  is  captured  in 
dilecto.  The  harshness  of  the  ancient  doctrine  as  to  breaches 
of  blockade,  or  of  contraband  of  War,  has  long  since  been 
ameliorated.  This  has  been  affected  by  the  silent  but  sure  and 
effective  influence  of  a  more  enlightened  civilization,  and  a 
better  sense  of  the  importance  to  the  interest  of  the  nations 
of  the  world  of  an  unrestricted  Commerce.  The  rights  of  war 
as  originally  understood  have  been  made  to  yield  to  a  convic- 
tion of  the  greater  value  of  this  interest.  War  —  fortunately 
for  the  welfare  of  man  —  is  coming  to  be  more  and  more 
occasional  and  temporary.  Peace  is  the  condition  on  which 
his  happiness  most  depends.  And  all  the  ancient  rules,  appli- 
cable to  a  state  of  war,  for  a  long  period  barbarous  and  preg- 
nant with  evil,  have  been  for  years  so  modified  as  to  take  from 
war  many  of  its  former  terrible  consequences. 
Second.  But  there  is  another  fatal  objection  to  the  payment 
exacted  of  Messrs.  Kennedy  &  Co.  When  the  third  of  Ex- 
change was  returned  here,  the  blockade  no  longer  existed.  It 

VOL.    II — 7 


98    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

had  been  removed  by  Order  of  the  President,  and  the  Port 
declared  to  be  open.  Nothing  is  better  settled  than  that  the 
raising  of  a  blockade,  in  the  interval  between  the  sailing  in 
violation  of  it,  and  the  capture  of  the  offending  Vessel  and 
Cargo,  exempts  both  from  penalty.  The  object  of  enforcing  the 
penalty  is  to  guard  against  future  violations  of  the  Blockade, 
not  of  any  that  may  thereafter  be  declared.  The  whole  pur- 
pose is  to  secure  the  particular  blockade  against  violation,  and 
no  other.  When,  therefore,  that  blockade  is  raised,  the  reason 
for  forfeiture  ceases.  In  the  language  of  Wheaton,  "When 
the  blockade  is  raised,  a  veil  is  thrown  over  everything  that  is 
done,  and  the  vessel  is  no  longer  in  delicto.  The  deliction  may 
be  completed  at  one  period,  but  it  is  by  subsequent  events 
done  away"  (Wh,eaton's  Law  of  Nations,  3rd  edt.  page  50). 
The  same  rule  as  well  as  the  others  I  have  stated  will  be  found 
to  be  well-established  by,  amongst  other  authorities,  the  case 
of  the  "Sanders,"  2nd  Gallican,  pg.  210,  1st  Rents  Commen- 
taries (6th  edition  pg.  151),  and  Carrington  and  al.  versus  the 
Merchants  Insurance  Comp.  8th  Peters  Reports,  pp.  495-519. 
My  opinion  is,  therefore,  that  the  sum  received  from  Messrs. 
Kennedy  &  Co.  should  be  returned  to  them.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  With  high  regard  YQW  Qm  g^ 

REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Commis. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Wnd,  1862 

Hon.  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

SIR:  I  have  your  decision  in  the  matter  of  the  money  paid 
by  J.  H.  Kennedy  &  Co.,  and  while  I  shall  pay  back  the  money 
in  obedience  to  it,  if  the  partners  of  the  House  take  the  Oath  of 
Allegiance,  I  must  dissent  from  the  conclusions  to  which  you 
have  come  toto  animo. 

The  facts  are  briefly  these.  Kennedy  &  Corvere,  mer- 
chants doing  business  in  New  Orleans,  the  members  of  which 
were  citizens  of  the  United  States.  They  shipped  Cotton 
bought  at  Vicksburg  and  brought  it  to  New  Orleans  from  a 
Bayou  on  the  Coast,  where  Steamers  were  accustomed  to 
run  the  Blockade  to  Havana,  on  board  Steamships  that  were 
engaged  in  carrying  goods  from  the  neighborhood  of  New 
Orleans  to  Havana  in  defiance  of  the  laws  and  the  President's 
Proclamation,  and  under  the  further  agreement  with  the 
Confederate  authority  here  that  a  given  per  cent  of  the  value 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    99 

of  their  Cargoes  should  be  returned  in  arms  and  Munitions  of 
War  for  the  use  of  the  rebels  here. 

Without  such  an  agreement,  no  Cotton  could  be  shipped 
from  New  Orleans,  and  this  publicly  known,  and  the  fact  of 
Knowledge,  that  a  permit  for  the  vessel  to  ship  cotton  could 
only  be  got  on  such  terms,  was  not  denied  at  the  hearing. 

The  Cotton  was  sold  in  Havana,  and  the  net  proceeds  were 
invested  in  a  draft  (first,  second,  and  third  of  exchange)  dated 
April  30,  1862,  payable  to  the  London  Agent  of  the  House  of 
Kennedy  &  Co.,  and  the  first  and  second  sent  forward  to 
London,  and  the  third,  with  account  sales  and  vouchers, 
forwarded  to  the  firm  here  through  an  illicit  mail  on  board  the 
Steamer  "Fox,"  likewise  engaged  in  carrying  unlawful  mer- 
chandise and  an  illicit  mail  between  Havana  and  the  Rebel 
States. 

The  third  of  Exchange  and  papers  are  captured  by  the 
Army  of  the  United  States  on  tenth  day  of  May  on  board  the 
"Fox" — flagrante  delicto,  surrounded  by  the  Rebel  Arms  and 
Munitions,  concealed  in  a  Bayou  leading  out  of  Baratana  Bay, 
attempting  to  land  her  contraband  mails  and  scarcely  less 
destructive  arms  and  munitions  to  be  sent  through  the  by 
ways  and  swamps  to  the  Enemy. 

During  all  this  time,  J.  H.  Kennedy  &  Co.  have  not  accepted 
the  amnesty  proffered  by  the  proclamation  of  the  Command- 
ing Genl.  but  preferred  to  remain  within  its  terms  Rebels  and 
Enemies. 

Upon  this  state  of  facts,  the  Commanding  General  called 
upon  Kennedy  &  Co.  to  pay  the  amount  of  net  proceeds  of 
the  Cotton  (the  third  of  Exchange  of  the  draft)  which,  with 
the  documents  relating  to  this  unlawful  transaction,  he  has 
captured  as  a  proper  forfeiture  of  the  Government  under  the 
facts  above  stated,  which  was  done  upon  the  submission  to 
you,  whether  the  forfeiture  was  a  proper  one.  You  have  decided 
that  the  money  should  be  repaid,  because  the  forfeiture  was 
not  proper. 

Pardon  me  if  I  respectfully  examine  the  grounds  of  that 
decision.  They  are:  1st.  That  there  was  no  capture  of  the 
property  or  its  representative  actually  running  the  blockade. 
2nd.  That  there  is  no  personal  detection  in  Kennedy  &  Co. 
in  the  acts  done  by  them,  which  can  render  them  subject  to 
forfeiture,  and  3rd,  that  the  blockade  being  raised  by  the  proc- 
lamation of  the  President  before  the  Capture  of  the  draft  and 
paper,  all  delection  on  account  of  the  transaction  is  purged. 


100        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Was  not  this  third  of  Exchange  the  very  representative  of 
the  transaction  in  connection  with  the  Account  Sales?  If  the 
first  or  second  has  been  paid,  then  of  course  it  becomes  value- 
less, but  there  was  no  evidence  that  either  the  first  or  second 
had  been  paid,  nor  could  that  have  been  done  in  10  days  from 
Havana  to  London,  in  which  case  the  third  is  the  sole  "pro- 
ceeds "  of  the  illegal  transaction.  Is  not  the  third  of  exchange 
usually  sent  by  consignee  to  the  principal,  where  the  order  is  to 
transfer  the  fund  to  a  distant  House  precisely  for  the  purpose 
of  representing  the  transaction?  In  the  hands  of  the  owners, 
S.  H.  Kennedy  &  Co.,  were  not  these  several  of  exchange  equal 
in  value?  If  one  holds  the  1st  &  2nd  and  third  of  Exchange, 
can  it  be  said  that  one  is  more  valuable  than  the  other  to  the 
holder?  Kennedy  &  Co.  did  hold  all  these  by  themselves  or 
their  Agents.  All  of  equal  value  up  to  the  capture. 

The  hazards  of  the  return  voyage  was  guarded  against  by 
a  shipment  to  England  of  one  of  the  representatives  of  the 
Cotton,  but  the  commercial  transaction  was  still  in  fieri  in  the 
transmission  of  its  account  sales  and  vouchers,  and  represent- 
ative of  value  to  the  company  here. 

Even  if  I  am  right,  however,  it  is  unnecessary  to  elaborate 
the  point  further,  because  it  seems  to  me  that  the  decision 
turns  upon  a  non-appreciation  of  the  Law,  what  is  the  effect 
of  the  Blockade?  As  applied  to  this  transaction,  the  citations 
and  arguments,  derived  from  elementary  writers  upon  the 
law  of  Nations  are  of  no  value.  This  is  not  the  case  of  a  resi- 
dent subject  of  a  foreign  State  attempting  to  elude  the  vigi- 
lance of  a  blockade  by  a  foreign  power  of  a  port  of  a  third 
nation.  The  rule  that  a  successful  running  of  the  Blockade, 
or  a  subsequent  raising  of  the  blockade,  purges  the  transaction 
so  far  as  punishment  for  personal  deliction  is  concerned,  is 
too  familiar  to  need  citation,  at  least  by  a  lawyer  to  a  lawyer. 
It  would  be  desirable  to  see  some  citations  to  show  there  was 
no  personal  deliction  in  the  transaction  under  consideration. 

A  traitorous  commercial  house,  directly  engaged  in  the 
treasonable  work  of  aiding  a  Rebellion  against  the  Govern- 
ment by  entering  into  a  trade,  the  direct  effect  of  which  is  to 
furnish  the  rebels  with  arms  and  amunitions.  To  do  this, 
they  intentionally  violate  the  Revenue  laws,  postal  laws,  of 
their  Country,  as  well  as  the  laws  prohibiting  trade  with  for- 
eign countries  from  this  port,  and  are  caught  in  the  act  and 
fined  only  the  Amount  of  the  proceeds  of  their  illegal  treason- 
able transaction. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   101 

Their  lives  by  every  law  were  forfeit  to  the  Country  of 
their  allegiance.  The  representative  of  that  Country  takes  a 
comparatively  small  fine  from  them,  and  a  Commission  of 
that  same  Country  refunds  it,  because  of  its  impropriety. 

Grotius,  Puffendorf,  Vatel,  and  Wheaton  will  be  searched, 
it  is  believed  in  vain,  for  precedent  for  such  action.  Why  cite 
international  law  to  govern  a  transaction  between  the  rebel- 
lious traitor  and  his  own  Government?  Around  the  State  of 
Louisiana  the  Government  had  placed  the  impassable  barrier 
of  law  covering  each  and  every  subject,  saying  to  him,  from 
that  State  no  Cotton  should  be  shipped,  and  no  Arms  imported, 
and  there  no  mails  or  letters  should  be  delivered.  To  warn  off 
foreigners,  to  prevent  bad  men  of  our  own  Citizens  violating 
that  law,  the  Governments  had  placed  ships.  Now,  whatever 
may  be  the  law  relating  to  the  intruding  foreigner,  can  it  be 
said  for  a  moment  that  the  fact  that  a  traitor  has  successfully 
eluded  the  vigilance  of  the  Government,  that  very  success 
purges  the  crime  which  might  never  have  been  criminal  but 
for  this  success?  stare  decisis. 

The  fine  will  be  restored,  but  the  Guilty  Party  ought  to  be 
and  will  be  punished. 

A  course  of  treatment  of  rebels  and  traitors  which  should 
have  such  results  would  be  not  only  "rose  water"  but  diluted 
"rose  water."  The  other  reason  given  for  the  decision,  that 
the  Blockade  had  been  raised,  is  a  mistake  in  point  of  fact, 
both  in  the  date  and  the  place  of  capture.  The  capture  was 
not  made  of  a  vessel  running  into  the  port  of  New  Orleans, 
nor  was  the  shipment  made  from  the  port  of  New  Orleans, 
when  the  blockade  was  raised,  but  from  one  of  those  Lagoons 
where  in  former  times  Lafitte  the  pirate  carried  on  a  hardly 
more  atrocious  business. 

Something  was  said  at  the  hearing  that  this  money  was 
intended  by  Kennedy  &  Co.  for  northern  creditors.  Sending 
it  to  England  does  not  seem  to  be  the  best  evidence  of  that 
intention. 

But,  of  course,  no  such  consideration  could  enter  into  the 
decision.  I  have  reviewed  this  decision  at  some  length  because 
it  seems  to  me  that  it  offers  a  premium  for  treasonable  acts  to 
traitors  in  the  Confederate  States.  It  says  in  substance, 
violate  the  laws  of  the  United  States  as  well  as  you  can,  send 
abroad  all  the  produce  of  the  Confederate  States  you  can,  to 
be  converted  into  arms  for  the  rebellion,  you  only  take  the 
risk  of  losing  in  transitu,  and  as  the  profits  are  four-fold,  you 


102    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

can  afford  so  to  do,  but  it  is  solemnly  decided  that  in  all  this 
there  is  no  personal  deliction  for  which  you  can  or  ought  to 
be  punished  even  by  a  fine,  and  if  you  are,  the  fine  shall  be 

returned.    I  have  the  honor  to  be          v        ™ ,   0     ^ 

/  our  (Jot.  bervt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gw//,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  23rd,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  3.  W.  PHELPS,  Comdg.  forces  at 

CAMP  PARAPET,  CARROLTON 

GENERAL:  Is  it  not  best  that  a  boy  of  thirteen  who  has  not 
discretion  enough,  one  would  suppose,  to  know  how  to  take 
care  of  himself,  be  allowed  to  go  back  to  his  Mistress.  He  can 
hardly  be  called  a  "fugitive  from  labor."  This  Widow  is  a 
loyal  Woman,  has  taken  the  Oath  of  Allegiance,  and  in  my 
judgment  should  have  back  her  servant  in  the  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case.  I  am 

Very  truly  Your  friend  &  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  D.  W.  McMillan  to  General  Butler 

PRIVATE.    BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  23  July  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  Yours  by  the  hands  of  Mr.  Bates  has 
been  received  and  attentively  read.  I  will  most  cheerfully  do 
all  in  my  power  to  gain  the  end  you  desire.  I  have  only 
attempted  one  Cotton  speculation  (at  Red  River),  and  that 
failed,  being  entirely  surrounded  by  water.  Since  then  I 
have  had  no  share,  lot,  nor  part  in  any  Cotton  transaction.  I 
have  not  been  able  to  do  duty  since  I  saw  you,  and  I  truly 
regret  that  such  representations  should  be  made  to  you  by 
any  one  as  to  furnish  you  satisfactory  grounds  for  threatening 
me.  If  any  person  save  Moses  Bates  or  a  Jew  has  complained, 
I  am  not  aware  of  it,  and  I  most  humbly  beseech  you  not  to 
hold  me  responsible  for  any  charge  based  on  their  statements. 
If  the  charge  comes  from  any  other  Quarter,  I  hope  you  will 
thoroughly  investigate  it,  as  I  certainly  desire  at  least  as  greatly 
to  appear  a  gentleman  as  a  soldier  in  your  estimation.  If  I 
had  a  Boat  at  my  command  I  could  do  much  more  in  getting 
Cotton  into  market.  There  are  a  few  points  along  the  River, 
where  the  people  have  too  much  sense  to  destroy  their  Cotton, 
and  would  be  glad  to  ship  it  off  to  market. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        108 

The  prospect  is  getting  better  here,  too,  as  many  of  the 
Citizens  have  sold  for  money  instead  of  Confederate  Bonds  or 
Certificates.  As  soon  as  I  can  drive  all  the  Rebel  Bands  of 
Guerillas  beyond  reach  of  the  people,  they  will  sell  their 
Cotton.  Many  are  now  very  desirous  of  being  "forced"  to 
sell,  as  they  get  better  prices  than  ever  before.  If  it  was  pos- 
sible to  get  one  or  two  more  Companies  of  Cavalry  here  it 
would  be  of  incalculable  service.  I  could  then  follow  the 
Guerilla  Bands  and  break  them  up  entirely.  If  I  can  only  get 
hold  of  a  few  of  the  prominent  ones  it  will  die  of  itself  and  the 
hatred  of  the  people.  I  understand  your  allusion  to  "patriotic 
duty,"  and  appreciate  it,  and  will  do  all  in  my  power,  but 
being  confined  to  my  room  with  one  of  those  terrible  scourges 
called  carbuncles  on  back  of  my  neck  and  head,  I  am  very 
feeble  mentally  as  well  as  physically.  Having  no  well-organized 
Staff,  I  am  necessarily  compelled  to  do  most  of  my  labor  per- 
sonally. I  am  amazed  greatly  by  applicants  for  permits  to 
buy  provisions  of  my  Commissariat  by  all  Classes,  as  many  of 
the  substantiate  cannot  be  obtained  elsewhere. 

As  soon  as  the  Boats  at  Vicksburg  get  down,  I  hope  Boats 
will  be  more  plenty,  and  one  can  be  had  at  this  place,  which 
will  facilitate  purchases  and  shipments  greatly.  With  Great 
Regard,  I  am  Truly  YourS9  D.  W.  McMiLLAN 

From  G.  M.  Shipper 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  23d,  1862 

M aj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

I  WAS  released  from  prison  by  order  of  General  Williams  for 
raising  the  Union  Standard  of  the  old  red,  white  and  blue 
from  my  house,  No.  205  Lafayette  Street,  on  the  morning  of 
the  day  the  Federal  fleet  crossed  into  New  Orleans. 

Myself  and  wife  were  under  your  protection  at  the  Custom 
House,  two  days  and  nights.  I  now  desire  a  situation  whereby 
I  can  gain  an  honest  livelihood.  I  also  desire  your  influence. 
I  respectfully  refer  to  Capt.  J.  W.  Scott,  of  31st  Mass.  Regi- 
ment, Capt.  A.  Comstock,  13th  Connecticut,  Capt.  F.  M.  H. 
Kendrick,  55  St.  Charles  Street,  L.  F.  Glenn,  Esq.,  Clerk  in 
Maj.  J.  M.  Bell's  Provost  Court.  I  have  other  recommenda- 
tions good  and  true,  from  loyal  citizens.  Were  Capt.  Josiah 
Snow  in  the  City,  I  know  full  well  I  could  be  admitted  and 
gain  an  audience.  As  it  is  now,  your  Orderly  regards  my 
presence  only  as  an  intruder. 


104       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  enclose  a  note  from  my  wife.  General,  if  you  can  do  noth- 
ing for  me,  will  you  in  God's  name  give  me  a  free  pass  to  leave 
the  accursed  South  for  my  own,  my  dear  Bay  State? 

Ever  true,  G.  M.  SHIPPER 

July  23rd,  1862 

G.  M.  SHIPPER,  Esq.  wished  me  to  send  the  above  for  your 
consideration.  ^  respectfuUy  Your  Obdt.  Servt. 

A.  COMSTOCK,  Capt.  13th  Regt. 

From  Mrs.  G.  M.  Shipper 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  23d.  1862 

Major  Gen'l.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  Allow  me  to  intrude  a  few  moments  upon  your 
time. 

The  bearer  of  this  is  my  husband,  who  is  in  great  need  of 
employment.  We  have  seen  better  days.  A  few  years  ago 
my  husband  was  proprietor  of  a  paper  in  the  State  of  N.  Y. 
Now  he  is  in  the  City  of  New  Orleans  without  a  "TICKET"  in 
his  pocket,  and  out  of  employment,  while  the  "Rebels"  here 
are  given  good  "fat"  situations.  I  am  hungry,  but  too  proud 
to  let  it  be  known.  We  went  to  bed  without  supper,  and  my 
dear  husband  is  before  you  without  breakfast.  Dear  General, 
I  wish  a  favor  at  your  hands.  Do  not  refuse  me,  I  am  proud 
and  a  refusal  will  crush  me.  I  have  some  furniture,  and  I  am 
willing  to  give  you  a  mortgage  on  it  if  you  will  be  kind  enough 
to  let  me  have  twenty-five  or  thirty  Dollars'  worth  of  rations 
from  the  Commissaries  stores.  Mr.  Shipper  will  pay  promptly 
as  soon  as  he  gets  employment. 

Yours  Truly,  MRS.  G.  M.  SHIPPER 

From  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson 

U.  S.  Commissioners  Office,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  23rd,  1862 

To  Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

SIR:  In  the  case  of  the  seizure  of  the  goods  in  the  store  of 
Maull  and  Hancock  in  this  City,  which  you  have  referred  to 
this  Commission,  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  they  should  be 
restored. 

Neither  of  the  grounds,  though  at  first  view  plausible,  can 
be  maintained.  1st.  The  fact  that  the  parties,  one  or  both, 
had  been  engaged  in  running  the  blockade,  constitutes  no 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        105 

personal  legal  offense.  The  penalty  for  such  conduct  is  but 
the  forfeiture  of  the  vessel  and  cargo.  But  this  can  only  be 
enforced  when  the  property  is  caught  in  delicto,  and  that  can 
only  happen  on  the  outward  or  immediate  return  voyage, 
and  when  at  the  time  of  seizure  the  blockade  is  in  force. 
Neither  of  these  facts  existed  in  this  instance,  and,  besides  that, 
the  goods  seized  are  not  the  returns  of  any  outward  shipment. 
For  authorities  on  this  point,  I  refer  you  to  those  cited  in  the 
opinion  I  had  the  honor  to  give  you  yesterday  in  the  case  of 
Messrs.  Kennedy  and  Co.  2nd.  The  fact,  if  true,  that  Hancock, 
one  of  the  owners,  was  engaged  in  the  rebellion  or  sympathized 
in  it,  is  no  cause  of  forfeiture  of  his  property  by  military  au- 
thority. But  the  fact  is  denied,  and  the  truth  of  the  denial  is 
established  to  my  satisfaction.  3rd.  But  if  both  the  preceding 
views  were  erroneous,  the  goods  should  be  returned.  It  appears 
that  the  House  of  Thaddeus  Norris  &  Co.  of  Philadelphia,  who 
never  violated  the  Blockade  or  were  privy  to  its  violation  by 
Maull  and  Hancock,  and  who  are  loyal  citizens,  are  largely  in- 
terested in  the  goods.  This  appears  by  an  affidavit  of  Thaddeus 
Norris,  the  head  of  the  House,  made  in  Philadelphia  on  the 
27th  ultimo,  and  by  an  account  annexed  to  the  same  now  before 
me.  By  these  it  appears  that  while  Hancock  is  a  creditor  for 
$1722.20  Seventeen  hundred  and  twenty-two  20/100  Dollars, 
and  Maull  for  $5028.24  Five  thousand  twenty-eight  24/100 
Dollars,  Norris  is  one  for  $17,116.73  Seventeen  thousand  one 
hundred  and  sixteen  73/100  Dollars.  To  condemn  the  stock  as 
the  property  of  the  two  former  would  be  to  inflict  upon  Norris 
a  total  loss  of  his  interest  in  the  concern,  a  result  evidently 
unjust.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  high  regards 

Your  Obedient  Servant,  REVEKDY  JOHNSON,  Commis. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qte.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  ttoh,  1862 

Hon.  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

SIK:  I  am  informed  by  Dr.  Bonzano,  the  acting  Superin- 
tendent of  the  U.  S.  Mint  here,  that  it  would  be  practicable 
to  coin  small  coins  below  the  half  Dollar  at  once  at  the  Mint 
if  we  had  the  dies  from  Philadelphia.  That  this  could  be  done 
without  any  increased  expense  to  the  Government.  All  the 
small  coin  had  been  shipped  off  by  the  Confederates,  and  we 
are  suffering  the  worst  possible  swindling  by  a  ticket  and  shin- 
plaster  system  for  the  want  of  them. 


106   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Will  you,  therefore,  authorize  Dr.  Bonzano  to  coin  so  much 
silver  as  may  be  furnished  him  into  the  coins  below  the  half 
dollar,  and  order  dies  for  that  purpose  to  be  at  once  sent  from 
Philadelphia. 

Mr.  John  Brooks,  who  used  to  fill  the  Office  of  Coiner  for 
many  years,  a  loyal  Citizen  of  Massachusetts  birth,  can  be 
had  to  fill  that  Office  if  the  Secretary  so  chooses.  I  have  the 
honor  etc. 

From  Moses  Bates 

BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  July  %Uht  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  By  direction  of  Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  commanding 
Department  of  the  Gulf,  I  am  employing  the  convicts  of  this 
state,  sentenced  to  imprisonment,  in  the  manufacture  of 
cotton  goods.  Prior  to  the  occupation  of  the  city  by  Union 
troops,  the  machinery  of  this  institution  was  employed  in  the 
manufacture  of  cloth  for  tents  and  clothing  for  the  Confederate 
army.  I  would  suggest  therefore  to  the  Quartermaster  Depart- 
ment whether  the  same  facilities  may  not  now  be  employed 
for  the  supply  of  our  troops,  the  institution  being  sustained  as 
the  property  of  the  United  States  government. 

Respectfully  Yours, 
MOSES  BATES,  Agent  Louisiana  Penitentiary 

From  Superintendent  Moses  Bates 

Louisiana  State  Penitentiary,  BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  July  %4tth,  1862 

Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  Since  the  wheels  of  the  Factory  are  stopped  for 
want  of  cotton,  while  transactions  in  that  staple  are  daily 
transpiring  between  officers  of  your  command  and  Specula- 
tors, I  respectfully  ask  for  further  instructions  as  to  how  I 
shall  proceed.  Could  I  be  furnished  with  a  military  escort 
and  sufficient  transportation,  including  transportation  by 
Steamer,  I  could  furnish  a  considerable  amount  of  cotton 
at  once,  but  without  such  aid  my  efforts  are  worse  than  futile. 

There  is  a  Jew  here  whose  dishonest  transactions  are  repre- 
hensible, who  claims  to  operate  under  some  authority  from 
Dep.  Provost  Marshal  Stafford.  I  trust  such  authority  may 
be  revoked.  His  name  is  Zeighler. 

Respectfully  Yours,  MOSES  BATES 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       107 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  9Ath,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  note  from  Brig.  Gen. 
Arnold  asking  to  have  the  district  under  his  Command  trans- 
ferred to  the  Department  of  the  Gulf  from  the  Dept.  of  the 
South. 

I  trust  not  to  be  thought  desirous  of  adding  to  my  depart- 
ment either  in  extent  of  labor  or  responsibility  in  asking  that 
this  change  be  made.  We  can  have  much  more  direct  com- 
munication with  Pensacola  here  than  is  possible  with  Port 
Royal.  As  there  must  be  a  Depot  of  supplies  here,  Pensacola 
can  be  supplied  better,  more  cheaply  and  expeditiously  from 
this  point.  I  am  most  Respectfully 

Your  Obt.  Servant,  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

PENSACOLA,  FLA.,  July  ZQth,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  long  entertained  the  opinion 
that  the  Order  placing  the  Troops  at  Fort  Pickens  &  vicinity 
within  the  Dept.  of  the  South  (Hd.  Qts.  Hilton  Head,  S.C.)  as 
misjudged,  on  account  of  the  great  difficulty  of  communicating 
with  the  Hd.  Qts.  of  the  Dept.  I  am  now  after  some  experi- 
ence more  fully  convinced  of  the  fact. 

I  would  be  pleased  if  the  troops  under  my  Command  were 
transferred  from  the  Dept.  of  the  South  to  the  Dept.  of  the 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servt., 
L.  G.  ARNOLD,  Brig.  Gen.  U.S.A.  Comdg. 

From  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Treasury  Department,  July  24*A,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith,  for  your  in- 
formation, copies  of  several  letters  addressed  to  the  Acting 
Collector  at  New  Orleans,  instructing  him  to  deliver  certain 
goods  detained  by  him  at  the  Custom  House,  subject  to  your 
directions.  I  am 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

S.  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 


108        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Instructions  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Treasury  Department,  July  Z4th,  1862 

GEORGE  S.  DENISON,  Esq.,  Special  Agent  and  Acting  Collector 

SIR:  Messrs.  S.  and  J.  Schiffer,  of  New  York,  represent  that 
on  the  23rd  of  May  they  shipped  to  New  Orleans,  by  the 
Bark  "Parmelia  Flood,"  37  cases  matches,  10  bbls.  Whiskey, 
10  qt.  Casks  Brandy,  10  bbls.  Absinthe,  and  that  these  goods 
are  now  held  by  you  under  instructions  from  this  department. 
As  the  above  shipment  was  made  previous  to  the  instruc- 
tions to  Collectors  with  regard  to  clearances  of  Articles  regarded 
as  contraband  of  war,  you  will  deliver  the  goods  to  the  Agent 
of  Messrs.  Schiffer  at  New  Orleans,  subject  to  the  direction  of 
General  Butler,  and  require  of  him  a  suitable  bond  that  none 
of  the  Articles  shall  be  used  to  give  aid  or  comfort  to  the  insur- 
gents, provided  there  are  no  other  circumstances  known  to 
you,  and  not  known  to  this  department,  which  render  it  advis- 
able for  you  to  retain  the  goods  in  your  possession,  in  which 
case  you  will  report  them  to  this  Department  without  delay. 

'  Very  Respectfully, 

S.  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Instructions  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Treasury  Department,  July  <3&th,  1862 

GEORGE  S.  DENISON,  Sp.  Agt.  &  Acting  Coll. 

SIR:  Messrs.  G.  H.  Rogers  and  Co.,  of  Boston,  represent 
that  on  the  22nd  day  of  May  they  shipped  on  board  the  Brig 
"Neveus,"  for  New  Orleans,  among  other  articles,  10  Hds. 
Lucifer  Matches,  20  or  30  Coils  Cordage,  6  Bbls.  Rum,  49 
baskets  Champagne,  23  Cases  Gin,  48  Cases  Brandy,  and  2 
Cases  French  Vermouth,  which  articles  are  detained  by  you 
at  the  Custom  House. 

Messrs.  G.  H.  Rogers  and  Co.,  of  Boston,  also  represent 
that  on  the  27th  of  May  they  shipped  on  board  the  Bark 
"Smyrniote,"  a  quantity  of  Liquors  and  Wines  consigned  to 
their  agent  Samuel  Knowles,  which  are  also  detained  by  you. 

As  the  above  shipments  were  made  previous  to  the  instruc- 
tions to  the  Collector  relative  to  the  clearance  of  articles  re- 
garded as  contraband  of  war,  you  will  deliver  them  to  the 
several  agents  of  the  parties,  subject  to  the  direction  of  General 
Butler,  and  require  of  them  suitable  bond  that  none  of  the 
articles  shall  be  used  to  give  aid  or  comfort  to  the  insurgents, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        109 

provided  there  are  no  circumstances  in  either  case  known  to 
you,  and  not  known  to  this  Department,  which  render  it 
advisable  for  you  to  detain  the  goods,  in  which  case  you  will 
report  them,  without  delay.  I  am, 

Respectfully,  S.  P.  CHASE,  Sec.  of  the  Treasury 

From  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Treasury  Department,  July  21,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

BENJ.  T.  VAN  NOSTRAND,  Esq.,  NEW  YORK 

SIR:  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  of  19th  instant,  request- 
ing the  release  of  fifteen  cases  of  matches  shipped  by  Messrs. 
Denison  and  Wyckoff  of  New  York  to  New  Orleans  and  at 
the  latter  port  seized  as  contraband  of  war. 

The  shipment  from  New  York  having  been  made  on  the 
22nd  of  May,  and  the  Proclamation  making  matches  contra- 
band of  war  not  having  been  issued  till  after  that  time,  I  feel 
justified  in  directing  a  release  of  the  merchandise. 

The  Collector  at  New  Orleans  has  accordingly  been  directed 
to  release  the  same  on  payment  of  all  costs  and  charges,  but 
to  hold  them  subject  to  the  order  of  General  Butler.  I  am 

Very  Respectfully,  S.  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  25,  1862 

MY  DEAR  WIFE:  A  mail  in  and  no  letter  from  you.  I  write 
not  because  I  have  anything  to  write  about,  but  because  if 
you  feel  the  same  loneliness  that  I  do  when  a  mail  comes  and 
you  do  not  get  a  letter,  I  wish  you  should  not  feel  so  badly. 
Health  very  good,  weather  very  warm,  work  very  hard. 
Trouble  plenty,  and  so  we  go. 

The  Government  have  sustained  Phelps  about  the  Negroes, 
and  we  shall  have  a  negro  insurrection  here  I  fancy.  If  some- 
thing is  not  done  soon,  God  help  us  all.  The  negroes  are  getting 
saucy  and  troublesome,  and  who  blames  them?  This  people 
are  doomed  to  destruction,  I  fully  believe.  Vicksburg  not 
taken  yet,  and  will  not  be  soon,  I  fancy.  I  have  ordered 
Williams  home.  I  trust  you  will  be  able  to  get  happily  through 
the  summer  without  me,  as  I  see  no  hope  of  getting  home  this 
summer.  I  have  sent  Shepley  home  to  endeavor  to  regulate 
this  matter  of  the  negroes. 

Remember  me  to  Blanche  and  the  children  with  every  love. 


110       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Tell  Harriet  that  I  wish  she  were  out  here,  for  it  is  very  pleas- 
ant now,  and  I  suppose  she  is  fat  and  strong. 

Ask  Fisher  why  he  does  not  write.  Tell  Clemence  if  he  will 
come  out  here  I  will  make  him  chief  of  Police,  or  that  there  is 
the  finest  opening  for  an  auction  business  ever  seen.  Hurry 
up  Fisher  about  the  oats.  I  will  give  two  hundred  dollars 
apiece  for  100  cavalry  horses  of  good  quality  landed  here. 
Here  I  am  at  business  again.  What  shall  I  say  to  you,  dearest, 
that  I  love  you,  pshaw!  you  know  that.  That  I  think  of  you 
very,  very  much,  and  only  don't  wish  you  here  because  you 
are  not  strong.  That  you  are  the  best  of  good,  dear,  kind, 
thoughtful  and  affectionate  wives,  that  I  ought  not  to  have 
had  at  all  because  you  are  too  kind  and  good  to  me.  Any  or 
all  these  I  may  say,  and  yet  I  might  not  say  exactly  what  I 
mean.  If  I  were  in  the  vestibule  now  of  our  house,  and  you 
had  come  to  let  me  in,  and  everybody  didn't  see  me,  I  could 
tell  you  what  I  mean  and  not  say  a  word. 

As  ever  yours,  BENJ. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Z5th,  1862 

Mr.  JOHN  SANBORN 

DEAR  SIR:  Please  find  enclosed  the  papers  of  Mr.  Willard's 
Claim  for  indemnity  for  the  Higgins  Hotel  as  a  Hospital. 

The  Hotel  was  taken  under  my  order  as  is  easily  shown,  but 
there  is  one  fact  that  precludes  my  making  any  Certificate  in 
his  favor.  It  is  this,  A  Board  of  Survey,  consisting  of  Gen. 
Denegree,  Dr.  Taylor,  and  one  other  not  now  recollected,  was 
convened  at  "Old  Point,"  and  they  were  empowered  at  the 
request  of  the  owners  of  the  Hotel  to  assess  the  damages  for 
its  use.  That  Board  reported  $800  per  month,  and  I  refused 
to  approve  the  proceedings  because  I  thought  the  price  too 
large,  and  referred  the  matter  to  Gen.  Wool,  who  agreed  with 
me.  I  cannot  therefore  agree  to  certify  $2000  per  month,  or 
like  sum,  even  to  oblige  as  warm  or  personal  friend  as  your- 
self. The  papers  of  that  Board  of  Survey  can  be  procured  if 
they  are  of  any  use  at  Lowell,  by  calling  on  my  Partner,  Mr. 
Webster.  I  think  they  are  in  a  green  Chest  in  the  Office. 
With  many  thanks  for  your  kind  expressions  of  personal 
regard,  I  am  Tfuly  Ywf^  BENJ  R  BUTLER 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        111 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qh.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Wth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  HALLECK,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  West 

GENERAL:  I  avail  myself  of  the  voyage  of  the  " Tennessee " 
to  communicate  with  you  upon  the  subject  of  Genl.  Williams' 
Brigade  at  Vicksburg. 

Gen.  Williams  was  sent  up  at  a  time  when  we  should  have 
had  only  local  troops  to  meet  at  Vicksburg.  It  was  not  prop- 
erly within  my  Dept.,  but  the  exigencies  of  the  public  service, 
as  it  seemed  to  me,  justified  the  movement.  It  is  now  quite 
different,  as  I  am  informed  that  a  division  at  least  of  your 
Army  is  moving  upon  Vicksburg. 

I  have  great  need  of  Genl.  Williams'  Command  to  aid  me 
in  clearing  out  the  Guerillas  from  this  state,  who  are  doing 
infinite  mischief.  I  have,  therefore,  ordered  his  recall,  as  his 
force,  since  the  reinforcement  by  Van  Dorn  and  Breckinridge 
of  the  Enemy,  is  too  small  for  operations  alone,  and  a  junction 
of  Genls.  Grant  &  Curtis  must  give  ample  force  for  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  place.  The  dispersal  of  the  Guerilla  Bands  is  easy 
of  accomplishment,  but  it  requires  many  men  to  hold  the 
various  points,  which,  if  not  held,  only  brings  destruction 
upon  our  friends  here. 

If  in  any  thing  I  can  aid  your  operations,  command  me.  I 
have  sent  a  duplicate  of  this  under  cover  to  Gen.  Grant  for 
information,  as  well  as  to  Gen.  Williams.  I  have  the  honor 

to  be'  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  26<A,  1862 

Col.  D.  W.  MCMILLAN,  Comdg.  forces  at  BATON  ROUGE 

COLONEL:  I  am  much  pleased  with  the  successful  expedi- 
tion of  Col.  Clark.  Convey  him  and  his  Command  my  thanks. 
I  have  disposed  of  the  prisoners  save  Burton  whom  I  retain 
according  to  request. 

I  much  desire  that  you  should  capture  horses  enough  to 
enable  me  to  mount  another  Cavalry  Company.  In  the  matter 
of  Cotton  you  will  see  that  the  Penitentiary  which  is  being 
carried  on  at  the  Expense  of  the  Government  is  supplied.  I 
assure  Col.  McMillan  that  the  thought  of  threatening  him  never 
entered  my  mind.  Nor  have  I  heard  aught  of  complaints 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

against  him  in  the  behalf  he  suggests.  I  simply  conveyed  un- 
officially the  instructions  I  received  in  the  same  manner  from 
Washington.  I  will  endeavor  as  soon  as  possible  to  send  him  a 
Boat.  In  the  meantime  can  he  not  use  the  Ferry  boat.  I  am 
Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qt3.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  26*A,  1862 

To  the  Honorable  Secretary  of  War 

I  ENCLOSE  the  papers  relating  to  the  resignation  of  Captain 
Merrill,  of  Co.  K,  15  Regt.,  Maine  Vols.  The  resignation  is 
so  extraordinary  that  I  ask  for  information  in  regard  to  my 
duties.  He  has  incapacitated  me  from  performing  my  duty,  as 
well  as  himself,  for  I  know  not  what  to  do. 

He  has  now  been  nearly  nine  months  in  Service,  and  upon 
the  approach  of  the  Yellow  Fever  season  here  finds  out  that 
he  is  incapacitated.  To  accept  his  resignation  would  be 
unjust  to  others,  and  to  withhold  it  unjust  to  the  Service. 

If  there  is  power,  it  seems  to  me  his  name  should  be  stricken 
from  the  rolls.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

CAMP  PARAPET,  LA.  3d  July  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Col.  McCLUSKEY,  Comdg.  15th  Maine  Vols. 

SIR:  I  beg  leave  respectfully  to  tender  my  resignation  as 
Capt.  in  this  Regiment,  for  the  reason  that  "I  feel  myself 
incapable  to  perform  the  duties  of  that  position." 

I  request  that  this  tender  of  Resignation  may  be  forwarded 
to  Head  Quarters  of  the  Army  through  the  proper  Authority, 
in  case  it  should  not  be  approved  by  the  Comdg.  General  of 
Division.  I  am,  Colonel, 

Your  Obt.  Servt.,  C.  R.  MERRILL, 

Capt.  Co.  K,  15th  Regt.,  Maine  Vols. 

WILL  Capt.  Merrill  favor  the  Commanding  General  with  a 
specification  of  the  particulars  wherein  he  finds  himself  inca- 
pable to  perform  the  duties  of  his  position? 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        113 

us    •    r\        T*  St.  James  Hospital.  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  26J&,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

SIR:  I  beg  leave  to  return  to  yoji  my  application  for  the 
acceptance  of  my  resignation  with,  in  obedience  to  your  com- 
mand, a  specification  of  the  particulars  wherein  I  find  myself 
incapable  of  performing  the  duties  of  my  position. 

I  entered  the  service  with  the  best  intentions,  but  I  was  de- 
tached from  my  regiment  recruiting  until  its  arrival  at  Camp 
Parapet.  I  had  had  no  experience  in  military  affairs,  and  upon 
rejoining  my  company  and  attempting  to  command  it  I  found 
myself  deficient  in  the  theoretical  and  practical  information 
necessary  for  one  occupying  such  a  position,  and  with  an  inapti- 
tude to  acquire  such  information  as  is  necessary  to  make  a  useful 
Officer. 

Besides,  I  think  I  have  not  that  peculiar  military  ability  to 
command  men,  without  which  no  one  can  be  of  much  use  in  my 

^  "      Very  Respectfully  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

C.  R.  MERRILL,  Capt.  Co.  K,  15th  Regt.  Maine  Vols. 

From  Superintendent  Moses  Bates 

Office  of  La.  State  Penitentiary,  BATON  ROUGE,  July  27,  1862 

General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR  :  I  have  just  perfected  arrangements  by  which 
I  have  hoped  to  stock  the  Penitentiary  with  cotton,  and  once 
more  set  the  machinery  in  motion,  when  a  turn  in  the  military 
wheel  brings  Gen.  Williams  again  in  command,  and  I  am 
again  left  without  hope  as  regards  again  getting  to  work. 
May  I  not  now  ask  that  a  steamer  and  guard  of  soldiers  be 
placed  at  my  disposal  for  a  single  week,  with  the  privilege  of 
taking  cotton  known  to  belong  to  disloyal  men. 

With  such  facilities  I  think  I  can  stock  the  factory,  but  not 
without,  and  I  have  no  hope  of  obtaining  any  service  through 
Gen.  Williams.  Respectfully  yours, 

MOSES  BATES,  Supt.  La.  Penitentiary 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  2,8th,  1862 

Honorable  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  Treasury 

SIR:  I  send  you  enclosed  a  Copy  from  the  Records  of 
Mortgages  in  this  City.  It  speaks  more  for  a  Sequestration 
Act  than  any  Argument.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Svt. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com. 

VOL.    II 8 


114   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

BY  act  under  private  signature  dated  at  Paris,  June  4th, 
1862,  duly  legalized  by  M.  Le  Comte  Mejan,  Consul  of  France, 
at  the  City  of  New  Orleans,  on  the  14th  of  July,  1862,  John 
Slidell  mortgaged  in  favor  of  Frederic  Adolphe  Mascuard  (no 
residence)  123  pieces  of  property  in  this  City,  embracing  im- 
proved and  unimproved  property,  Squares  of  Grounds,  &c. 
The  mortgage  is  granted  to  secure  the  payment  of  250,000 
francs,  payable  in  one  year. 

This  Mortgage  is  inscribed  on  the  books  of  the  Mortgage 
Office  without  signature  to  the  inscription,  dated  14  July,  1862. 

Another  Mortgage  by  John  Slidell,  through  his  attorney, 
in  favor  of  Citizens'  Bank  for  $100,000,  was  inscribed  on  the 
2d  day  of  May  last. 

From  Major  George  C.  Strong  to  General  Butler 

Watervliet  Arsenal,  WEST  TROY,  N.Y.,  July  28,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  pen  you  a  single  line  to  say  that  I  should, 
if  circumstances  shall  warrant  it,  be  very  glad  to  receive 
instructions  from  you  (by  return  mail)  to  proceed  to  Wash- 
ington just  before  going  South,  and  ask  for  any  despatches 
that  the  Government  may  see  fit  to  transmit  by  my  hand  to 
you.  I  am  due  in  New  Orleans  Sept.  4th.  Mrs.  Butler  has 
invited  me  to  visit  her  before  I  return,  and  I  shall  do  so,  and 
also  take  a  run  up  to  see  Captain  George. 

Kinsman  writes  me  that  he  is  about  to  proceed  South. 
Am  sorry  his  health  is  not  better.  I  much  regret  to  learn 
that  you  are  not  so  well  as  heretofore,  but  I  hope  it  is  only  a 
temporary  indisposition.  It  would  be  a  poor  sequel  to  your 
career  in  the  South  to  be  brought  home  in  your  coffin. 

It  is  pleasant  to  me  (tho'  you  don't  care  so  much  about  these 
things)  to  see  that  everybody  here  appreciates  your  labors.  We 
have  just  learned  that  you  are  to  be  given  up  to  the  Confeder- 
ate Government  in  accordance  with  the  demands  of  the  Secesh 
press.  I  suppose  they'll  "bind  you  for  their  maidens,"  as  Job 
did  with  Leviathan.  How  is  Reverdy  Johnson? 

I'm  growing  quite  stout.  Would  have  gone  West,  however, 
had  I  been  sure  of  getting  down  the  river. 

Very  respectfully  &  truly  yours, 

GEO.  C.  STRONG 

My  address  will  always  be  "Care  Sullivan  Randolph  & 
Budd,  30  to  36  Park  Place,  New  York." 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        115 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  28,  1862 

DEAR  SARAH:  Send  me  Blanche's,  Paul's,  and  Bennie's 
photographs  —  the  best  you  can  get,  by  next  mail. 

Yours,  BENJ. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Prybania  St.,  July  28,  1862 

DEAR  SARAH:  Twenty  two  days  and  no  letter  from  you. 
Twenty  and  no  mail  from  the  North,  although  we  hear  by 
the  Rebel  papers  all  the  substantial  news  with  variations. 
But  they  are  no  substitutes  for  news  from  home.  Pray  write 
every  day  you  can,  and  I  shall  get  them  when  the  mails  do 
come.  How  did  you  like  the  china  plate  with  the  picture? 
What  do  you  say  to  a  set  with  heads  of  the  staff?  Now,  love, 
at  any  rate  send  me  a  copy  of  your  Daguerreotype,  and  let  me 
have  your  own  head  done.  I  have  got  nothing  ready  to  send 
you  by  this  boat,  but  will  see  what  I  can  do  next  time. 

How  did  Blanche  like  her  saddle,  and  how  do  you  like 
yours?  Are  not  my  harnesses  elegant?  All  these  were  a 
present  from  Mr.  Magee,  whom  Jackson  helped  out  of  trouble. 
By  the  by,  when  you  are  dressed,  I  suppose  I  can  repeat  to 
you  the  lines  from  the  "Rape  of  the  Lock," 

"  Upon  her  breast  a  sparkling  cross  she  wore, 
That  Jews  might  kiss  and  infidels  adore." 

Did  Nina  get  her  ring?  Did  Blanche  get  hers?  Why  does 
not  Blanche  write,  she  has  nothing  else  to  do?  I  won't  love 
her  a  bit  if  she  don't  write.  Has  Paul  blown  himself  up  with 
the  cannon  yet?  Are  you  going  to  the  seashore?  Are  you  gay 
and  happy?  You  must  be  now,  for  if  I  don't  find  a  gay,  fat 
wife  when  I  get  home,  I  will  go  right  away  again,  see  if  I 
don't. 

Ah!  but  when  shall  I  ever  get  home?  Nothing  but  doubts 
rest  upon  the  future.  The  war  seems  to  me  less  near  its  close 
than  it  did  when  I  came  here. 

I  am  changing  my  opinions.  There  is  nothing  of  the  people 
worth  saving.  I  am  inclined  to  give  it  all  up  to  the  blacks. 
Such  lying,  meanness,  wrong,  and  wickedness,  that  I  am 
inclined  to  think  that  the  story  of  Sodom  &  Gomorrah  a  myth, 
else  why  not  rain  fire  and  brimstone  upon  this  city?  I  am 


116        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   117 

afraid  the  Lord  will  do  so  in  the  shape  of  the  negroes.  But  a 
truce  to  all  this.  Let  me  only  think  of  home  and  you  as  some 
haven  of  rest  which  I  shall  some  time  attain  —  and  think  of  me, 
not  war,  dearest.  BENJ 

From  John  J.  Cisco 

United  States  Treasury,  NEW  YORK,  July  28,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  herewith  transmit  a  letter  addressed  to  your- 
self by  the  eminent  Banking  House  of  Messrs.  James  G. 
Kingdeus  Co.  of  this  city,  and  another  addressed  by  them  to 
J.  D.  Denegre,  Esq.,  President  of  the  Citizens'  Bank  of 
Louisiana  at  New  Orleans,  both  relating  to  some  provision 
to  be  made  for  the  interest  now  past  due  in  New  York  on  the 
Consolidated  debt  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans. 

It  may  be  superfluous  for  me  to  testify  to  the  very  great 
respectability  and  high  character  of  the  writers  of  these  letters. 
Their  demand  appears  to  be  of  an  unexceptional  character, 
and  I  trust  that  you  will  do  everything  in  your  power  to  facili- 
tate so  proper  an  object.  I  remain  General, 

Yours  very  respectfully,  JOHN  J.  Cisco 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

NEW  YORK,  July  t&th,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

DEAR  SIR:  At  the  suggestion  of  John  J.  Cisco,  Esq.,  who 
has  kindly  offered  to  forward  this,  we  beg  leave  to  enclose  to 
you  our  letter  of  this  date  addressed  to  J.  D.  Denegre,  Esq. 
President  of  the  Citizen's  Bank  of  Louisiana,  calling  upon  him 
to  provide  funds  in  the  City  of  New  York,  as  required  by  law, 
for  the  payment  of  the  interest  due  on  the  consolidated  debt 
of  the  city  of  New  Orleans;  and  we  shall  feel  obliged  if  you 
can  aid  us  in  procuring  a  proper  settlement  of  this  just  claim. 

The  provision  should  extend  to  the  amount  of  all  the  out- 
standing past  due  coupons  of  the  consolidated  debt  of  the 
city  of  New  Orleans.  Our  present  demand  however  is  for 
payment  of 

$3750  —  due  July  1861  on  125  coupons  —  with  interest  to 
date  of  payment  here 

$4650  —  due  Jan.  1862  on  155  coupons  —  with  interest  to 
date  of  payment  here 

$4650  —  due  July  1862  on  155  coupons  —  with  interest  to 
date  of  payment  here 


118   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Thanking  you  in  advance  for  such  good  offices  as  you  may 
be  able  to  render  us  in  this  matter.  We  remain, 

Yours  respectfully,  JAMES  G.  KINGDEUS 

Answer  to  yours:  Mr.  Denegre  has  made  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments to  put  the  money  in  New  York  for  the  bonds. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  28,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  Jo.  TAYLOR,  Commissary  General 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  send  you  by  the  hands  of  our  mutual 
friend  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson,  the  sword  presented  by  the 
people  of  the  loyal  State  of  Kentucky,  in  appreciation  of  his 
gallant  services  in  the  armies  of  the  Union,  to  your  brother 
Genl.  Zachary  Taylor,  late  President  of  the  United  States. 

With  his  deep  love  of  the  Union  in  whose  battle  this  sword 
was  victoriously  won,  who  can  doubt  on  which  side  his  patri- 
otic hand  would  have  been  raised  if  Providence  had  spared  his 
life,  so  full  of  honors,  to  this  hour? 

To  the  keeping  of  no  one  so  proper  as  yourself,  who  has  so 
loyally  shown  the  same  devoted  love  to  the  country,  can  the 
custody  of  this  weapon  be  conveyed.  I  have  captured  it 
from  disloyal  hands,  and  thus  to  be  able  to  give  it  to  your  care 
is  a  most  agreeable  event,  as  it  enables  me,  in  a  small  degree, 
to  testify  the  high  appreciation  I  have  of  the  prompt  manner 
in  which  every  call  which  the  necessities  of  my  Command  has 
made  upon  the  Government  under  your  charge  has  been  met 
and  answered.  I  remain,  General, 

Your  obedient  servant  and  friend,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Quarters  Department  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  28,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  MEIGS 

GENERAL:  Enclosed  please  find  copies  of  letter  (sent  me  for 
information)  of  the  unjust  claim  of  Capt.  Crampton,  and 
affidavit  showing  the  actual  transaction.  You  will  see  by  the 
affidavit,  instead  of  a  wrong  being  done  him  by  loading  him 
home,  that  a  great  favor  was  shown  him.  He  was  in  no  way 
in  the  Government  Service,  and  would  have  had  to  find  his 
own  Ballast  in  order  to  get  home.  At  the  date  of  his  employ- 
ment a  number  of  ships  were  offering  at  the  same  rate,  I  am 
informed.  If  the  sugar  had  been  on  private  account  not  a 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        119 

word  would  have  been  said,  but  he  would  have  been  thankful 
for  the  freight.  He  thinks  he  can  get  something  from  the 
Government.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


From  James  G.  Carney 

Bank  of  Mutual  Redemption,  No.  91  State  Street,  BOSTON,  MASS., 

July  28*A,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  have  to  thank  you  for  your  kind  favor  15th 
instant.  The  business  matter  we  may  consider,  I  suppose,  as 
settled.  I  suppose,  also,  that  we  may  consider  our  Public 
Servants  as,  practically,  our  Private  Masters;  and  "high" 
privates  at  that.  You  express  some  "wonder"  as  to  whether 
the  matter  would  have  been  adopted  if  the  transaction  had 
been  a  losing  one.  I  think  the  "wonder"  would  have  come  in, 
in  that  case,  had  they  done  it.  The  subalterns  and  sub  officials 
in  the  army  of  office-holders  are  much  greater  and  powerful 
men  in  their  own  estimation,  and  really  so  as  means  of  annoy- 
ance, than  the  President  of  these  United  States,  one  is  com- 
pelled occasionally,  and  "  semi-occasionally "  to  believe,  e.g. 
it  is  for  the  interest  of  the  Country  that  U.  S.  Treasury  notes 
should  circulate,  "free  as  air";  to  judge  from  the  course  pur- 
sued by  the  Asst.  Treas.  here,  and  his  sub-ordinate,  you  would 
suppose  quite  the  reverse,  and  that  it  was  for  its  interest  that 
such  notes  should  be  an  annoyance  and  hindrance  to  the 
channels  of  Circulation.  So  we  go!  (as  you  say  about  Secessia 
femina)  apropos  to  which  or  whom  some  body  has  lately  said 
that  he  is  thankful  that  the  "Gentleman"  styled  by  Burns 
(I  think)  as  "The  Muckle  horned  d —  is  not  a  woman!  I 
suppose,  again,  of  that  kind.  I  note  your  query  as  to  whether 
Palmerston  would  blow  you  from  the  muzzle  of  a  gun;  and 
it  reminds  me  of  an  extract  taken  from  the  London  Metro- 
politan Police  Act,  and  I  must  say  that  one  would  quite  readily 
believe  that,  if  you  had  seen  that  Act,  and  ever  copied  from 
anybody,  you  had  copied  your  "Woman  Order"  almost  ver- 
batim from  it.  The  resemblance,  if  you  never  saw  it,  is  abso- 
lutely wonderful.  I  hope  you  will  be  allowed  to  carry  out 
your  plans  fully,  cautiously,  perseveringly,  and  thoroughly. 
So  far,  as  a  whole,  I  think  the  whole  North  is  disposed  to  side 
with  you  to  a  greater  extent  than  it  has  or  does  with  any 


120       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

General  so  long  in  the  field.  And  I  trust  that  if  the  Politicians, 
(for  whom  you  know  my  ancient  regard  and  respect)  have  suc- 
ceeded in  sending  out  one  of  "their  own"  as  adviser  with  you, 
that  he  will  turn  out  to  be  man  enough  to  apprehend  and  com- 
prehend the  position,  and  be  an  aid  instead  of  a  clog  and  a  hin- 
drance in  holding  it  man-fashion.  If  not,  I  can  but  hope  that 
his  Commission  does  not  make  him  your  Military  Superior. 

We  are  spunky  and  hopeful  yet,  here  at  the  North.  Have 
not  quite  done  our  paying  though,  intend  to  finish  up  that, 
and  other  odds  and  ends,  and  see  what  the  "muss"  is,  and  take 
hold  and  settle  that.  Your  doctrine  of  going  to  war  to  hurt 
somebody  is  getting  to  be  the  prevailing  creed,  and  by  the  1st 
September  will  count  the  largest  denomination.  Knowing 
that  you  will  be  among  the  "most  zealous,"  and  wishing 
you  abundant  success.  I  am  as  ever 

Your  friend,  J.  G.  CARNEY 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf.  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  28,  1862 

Hon.  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  spoke  to  you  Saturday  of  a  proposition 
made  to  me  by  an  English  Gentleman  engaged  in  the  cotton 
trade  in  Mobile. 

His  proposition  is  that  the  Rebels  will  permit  cotton  to 
come  out  of  Mobile  in  exchange  for  salt  and  such  merchandise 
as  they  need  there,  not  contraband  of  war,  provided  the 
pledge  shall  be  given  that  the  cotton  shall  be  shipped  to  Eng- 
land. Of  course  we  do  not  care  where  the  cotton  goes,  even 
if  it  goes  to  that  portion  of  the  world  known  as  Great  Britain 
where  they  inhumanly  blow  Rebels  from  guns,  and  such  cities 
that  are  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  their  hands,  as  witness 
Pekin  and  Delhi. 

Please  give  me  your  opinion,  as  this  is  rather  a  civil  than 
military  question.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obt.  servt. 

From  Reverdy  Johnson 

City  Hotel,  July  2Sth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  would  consent  to  the  shipment  men- 
tioned in  your  note  of  this  evening.  I  am  sure  in  doing  so 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   121 

that  you  will  carry  out  the  policy  of  the  Government  and 
subserve  the  interest  of  the  country.  I  will  write  you  more 
fully  in  the  morning.  ^  REVERDY  JOHNSON 


From  Reverdy  Johnson 

U.  S.  Commissioners  Office,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  %9th,  1862 

General  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  yours  of  yesterday.  The  pro- 
posal of  the  English  gentleman,  I  think  you  should  not  hesi- 
tate to  accept.  The  shipment  of  Cotton,  whether  to  Europe 
or  to  the  loyal  States,  from  the  rebellious  States,  from  such 
of  their  ports  as  are  in  the  possession  of  our  forces,  is,  I  know, 
much  desired  by  our  Government.  It  was  one  of  the  principal 
advantages  they  expected  to  be  the  immediate  result  of  the 
capture  of  this  City.  So  anxious  are  they  to  attain  the  object 
that  I  am  satisfied  they  would  readily  sanction  such  an  arrange- 
ment as  your  note  mentions. 

The  question  is  as  you  state  "rather  a  civil  than  a  military 
one,"  but  in  either  case  my  opinion  is  that  you  answer  it 
affirmatively.  With  great  regard, 

Your  obedient  servant,  REVERDY  JOHNSON,  Commit. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  29^,  1862 

To  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Forces  at  MOBILE 

GENERAL:  I  have  been  informed  by  Mr.  I.  Maury,  a  British 
subject,  that  he  has  cotton  within  your  lines  which  he  is 
desirous  of  getting  out  and  bringing  here,  if  the  same  can  be 
done.  That  you  are  willing  it  should  come  as  the  property  of 
a  neutral,  if  the  cotton  will  not  be  seized  by  the  United  States 
forces  and  it  can  be  sent  to  England. 

For  this  purpose  he  is  desirous  of  shipping  to  your  port 
salt  as  an  equivalent  for  the  shipment  of  Cotton.  I  have 
pledged,  therefore,  to  him  that  I  will  permit  to  be  returned  to 
Mobile  a  sack  of  salt  for  every  bale  of  Cotton  that  he  shall 
bring  here.  The  Commercial  values  of  the  two  articles  to  be 
regulated  by  the  parties  owning  them  —  that  the  Cotton  may 
be  shipped  from  this  point  to  England,  and  that  no  seizure  or 
Confiscation  shall  be  made  of  the  Cotton  or  salt  or  any  part 
thereof,  and  the  vessel  containing  the  same  shall  have  safe 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

conduct  to  return.    Other  goods,  not  contraband  of  War,  may 
be  sent  to  equalize  the  Commercial  values. 

Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BOSTON,  MASS.,  July  29to,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  Annexed  please  find  memo,  of  your  private 
accounts,  and  enclosed  as  good  an  acct.  current  as  I  can  make 
up  in  the  dark.  I  have  endeavored  to  explain  in  an  appendix 
the  difficulties  under  which  I  labor.  The  whole  business  has 
been  agreeable  and  profitable  to  me,  except  for  the  trouble 
about  freight.  I  enclose  a  letter  to  Col.  Butler  (fearing  he 
may  have  left  N.  O.),  which  please  read,  which  will  explain 
how  the  freight  question  now  stands. 

I  am  shipping  a  few  articles  of  provisions,  but  sparingly,  as 
I  am  discouraged  by  the  rush  of  speculators,  and  by  the  exor- 
bitant freights.  Recruiting  goes  on  slowly,  and  we  require  a 
draft  at  once.  General  Halleck  is  established  at  Washington, 
and  the  newspapers  are  blowing  his  trumpet,  while,  even  in 
Boston,  General  McClellan  has  scarcely  a  friend.  A  secession- 
ist sympathizer  was  ducked  in  the  Frog  pond  yesterday.  Blue- 
ness  is  very  prevalent,  and  no  end  is  predicted  to  the  war. 

Sincerely  yours,  RICHARD  S.  FAY,  JR. 

Private  Account 
Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  in  account  with  R.  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

1862.  Dr.            Cr. 

Feb.  20th,  By  Bk.  notes  2081  Chq.  on  Wamesit  Bk.  1650.  3,731 

Treasury  Notes.  100  100 

Mar.  27th,   "   rect.  from  Capt.  P.  R.  George,  241. 

chq.  on  Bk.  of  Mut.  Redemption.  2,000. 

Mar.  12th,   "   int.  from  Middlesex  Co.  on  loan.  53.48 

16th  To  yr.  dft.  Mch.  31st.  3,825.95 

21st.  By  int.  from  Middlesex  Co.  on  loan  24.94 

"  Dividends         "            "  6%  on  127|  sh.  765. 
Mar.  21st,  Dividends  Middlesex  Co.  101  sh.  by  Mass.  Hos.  L. 

Ins.  Co.  606.00 

May  22nd,  To  yr.  dft.  April  1.  448.86 

June  10,  To  New  Orleans  Coupons  collect.  360.00 
25th,  By  Dividends  Middlesex  Co. 

5%  on  115  shares.  575. 

5%  on  25  shares  (It.  Act)                            67.50  642.50 

Do  on  101  shares  by  M.  H.  L.  Ins.  Co.  505.00 

July  26,  To  bal.  to  credit  cash  loan  to  Middlesex  Co.  4,036.11 

8,668.92    8,668.92 

By  balance  loaned  Middlesex  Company,  subject  to  your  orders,  4,036.11 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN   P.  BUTLER       123 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  July  29,  1882 

Hon.  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

DEAR  SIR:  This  will  be  handed  you  by  Mr.  Roselius,  of 
New  Orleans.  I  need  not  say  to  you,  who  so  well  remember 
the  events  that  inaugurated  this  rebellion,  that  Mr.  Roselius 
was  a  member  of  the  Louisiana  convention  that  passed  the 
Secession  Ordinance,  and  one  of  the  five  that  voted  against  it. 
True  to  the  last,  he  has  remained  a  firm  friend  to  the  Union, 
even  to  this  day. 

Representing  a  large  class  of  opinion  here,  better  acquainted 
than  any  other  man  with  the  feelings,  intentions,  and  wishes 
of  the  people  of  this  State,  by  his  unblemished  private  life  and 
high  professional  talent  and  acquirements,  holding  the  respect 
of  those  whose  violence  would  have  otherwise  rendered  his  life 
unsafe  because  of  his  steady  adherence  to  the  Union,  it  has 
seemed  to  me  best  that  he  should  be  in  Washington  to  repre- 
sent the  true  state  of  the  negro  question  here.  I  have,  there- 
fore, ventured  to  send  him  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States, 
he  giving  his  own  time,  that  his  knowledge  of  the  state  of  things 
might  be  before  the  government.  Please  render  him  all  the 
assistance  you  may  be  able,  to  enable  him  to  give  his  views  to 
the  President. 

I  am  convinced  that  in  no  other  way  could  I  do  so  much 
good  to  the  country  as  introducing  Mr.  Roselius  to  your 
confidence.  Believe  me, 

Most  truly  yours,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf.  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  SOth,  1862 

The  President 

SIR:  I  take  leave  to  present  you  Mr.  Roselius,  a  gentleman 
of  the  Bar,  late  Attorney  General  of  the  State  of  Louisiana,  a 
member  of  the  Convention  who  did  not  vote  for  the  Secession 
Ordinance.  With  some  others  only  he  was  found  faithful 
when  all  were  faithless.  Among  the  earliest  to  welcome  the 
Union  Army  to  New  Orleans,  he  has  assisted  me  with  his  ad- 
vice and  counsel.  Of  the  one  subject  which  is  to  be  dealt  with 
here  &  now  he  is  better  informed  than  any  man  in  the  State. 

The  questions  involved  as  set  forth  in  my  correspondence 
upon  the  action  of  Gen.  Phelps  are  of  the  most  vital  and  criti- 


124       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

cal  importance.  The  determination  of  them  cannot  be  delayed, 
and  it  seemed  to  me  of  sufficient  importance  that  the  Presi- 
dent should  have  the  benefit  of  the  experience  of  one  who  has  a 
most  intimate  knowledge  of  the  wishes,  opinions,  feelings,  and 
thoughts  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  Louisiana,  upon  the 
Question  of  Slavery  as  interwoven  with  the  integrity  of  the 

Union.    I  am  most  truly,          v       ^,    ,.     ,  0          . 

^  i  our  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

July  30th,  6  A.M. 

DEAREST  SARAH:  The  "Connecticut"  has  delayed  sailing 
till  this  hour.  I  am  just  sending  my  despatches  on  board,  and 
so  I  send  "two  days  later"  from  New  Orleans.  The  Fleet  have 
made  a  failure  of  it  at  Vicksburg,  and  have  come  down  the 
river,  and  are  going  to  Pensacola  to  recruit  and  repair.  Gen. 
Williams  has  come  down  from  Vicksburg  unable  to  make  an 
attack  where  there  were  12000  men  against  him,  and  he  had 
only  3000  effective  ones,  the  rest  being  sick.  He  wrote  to 
Gens.  Grant  &  Halleck  for  troops  to  aid  him,  and  could  get 
not  one.  The  river  will  not  be  open  till  fall  —  indeed  no  opera- 
tions will  be  had  till  then  except  as  all  troops  are  withdrawn 
from  the  South  West.  It  is  possible  I  may  be  besieged. 

Tell  Fisher  to  write  me.  By  the  by,  if  Fisher  will  charter  a 
schooner  and  send  down  here  at  once  as  many  thousand  hoop 
poles  as  he  chooses,  both  hogshead  &  barrel,  he  will  make  a 
good  thing  of  it.  Sugar  cannot  be  shipped  for  want  of  hoop 
poles.  They  are  12  cents  apiece.  But  this  must  be  done  at 
once. 

Pshaw!  I  only  meant  to  say  good  morning  —  I  am  well  — 
How  do  you  do?  —  Kiss  the  children  —  Whip  Blanche  for  not 
writing  me  —  Write  every  day  yourself  —  Love  to  Harriet 
—  tell  her  I  have  a  big  kiss  in  reserve  to  pay  for  the  "elastics." 

Yours  BENJ. 

From  James  S.  Whitney 

BOSTON,  July  30th,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  do  not  know  that  I  have  even  in- 
formed you  that  your  retention  of  the  Steamer  "Saxon,"  after 
notice  to  discharge  her  from  General  Meigs,  was  approved  by 
General  Meigs  and  the  Department. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        125 

I  should  have  done  so.  The  fact  is,  that  your  certificate 
that  you  required  the  services  of  the  "Saxon"  was  forwarded 
to  General  Meigs  with  my  bill  —  and  General  Meigs  ordered 
the  bill  paid  —  and  McKim  informed  me  that  no  further  delay 
would  be  had  in  payments,  as  your  keeping  the  "Saxon"  was 
there  approved.  Should  you  wish  to  re-charter  the  "Saxon," 
your  Quartermaster  may  do  so,  and  this  may  and  shall  be  my 
power  of  Attorney  to  Capt.  Daniel  Pepper  to  sign  a  charter 
in  the  precise  terms  and  in  same  conditions  of  former  charter. 
This  letter  you  will  understand  to  be  supplemental  to  one  of 
like  date  I  have  this  day  sent  you  by  mail.  With  the  highest 
resPect  Your  obt.  sent., 

JAMES  S.  WHITNEY 

From  General  Phelps 

CAMP  PARAPET,  LA.,  July  30th,  1862 

Capt.  R.  S.  DAVIS,  A.  A.  A.  General 

SIR:  I  enclose  herewith  requisitions  for  arms,  accoutre- 
ments, clothing,  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  etc.,  for  three 
Regiments  of  Africans  which  I  propose  to  raise  for  the  defence 
of  this  point. 

The  location  is  swampy  and  unhealthy,  and  our  men  are 
dying  at  the  rate  of  two  or  three  a  day.  The  Southern  loyalists 
are  willing,  as  I  understand,  to  furnish  their  share  of  the  tax 
for  the  support  of  the  war,  but  they  should  also  furnish  their 
quota  of  men,  which  they  have  not  thus  far  done.  An  oppor- 
tunity now  offers  of  supplying  the  deficiency,  and  it  is  not  safe 
to  neglect  opportunities  in  war.  I  think  that  with  the  proper 
facilities  I  could  raise  the  three  Regiments  proposed  in  a 
short  time.  Without  holding  out  any  inducements,  or  offering 
any  reward,  I  have  now  upward  of  three  hundred  Africans 
organized  into  five  Companies,  who  are  all  willing  and  ready 
to  be  put  to  the  test.  They  are  willing  to  submit  to  anything 
rather  than  slavery. 

Society  in  the  South  seems  to  be  on  the  point  of  dissolution, 
and  the  best  way  of  preventing  the  African  from  becoming 
instruments  in  a  general  state  of  anarchy  is  to  enlist  him  in 
the  cause  of  the  Republic. 

If  we  reject  his  services,  any  petty  military  Chieftain,  by 
offering  him  freedom  can  have  them  for  the  purpose  of  rob- 
bery and  plunder.  It  is  for  the  interest  of  the  South  as  well 
as  for  the  North  that  the  African  should  be  permitted  to  offer 


126   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

his  block  for  the  Temple  of  Freedom.  Sentiments  unworthy 
of  the  man  who  acts  on  the  present  day,  worthy  only  of  another 
Cain,  would  prevent  such  an  offer  from  being  accepted. 

I  would  recommend  that  the  Cadets,  graduates  of  the 
present  year,  should  be  sent  to  South  Carolina,  and  this  point 
kept  to  organize  and  discipline  our  African  levies,  and  that 
the  more  promising  non-commissioned  Officers  and  privates  of 
the  Army  be  appointed  as  Company  Officers  to  command 
them.  Prompt  and  energetic  efforts  in  this  direction  would 
probably  accomplish  more  toward  a  speedy  termination  of 
the  War,  and  an  early  restoration  of  peace  and  amity,  than 
any  other  course  which  could  be  adopted.  I  have  the  honor  to 
remain,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant,  J.  W.  PHELPS,  Brig.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  31st,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  3.  W.  PHELPS 

GENERAL:  The  Commanding  General  wishes  you  to  employ 
the  Contraband  in  and  around  your  camps  in  cutting  all  the 
trees,  etc.,  between  your  lines  and  the  Lake,  and  in  forming 
abatis  according  to  the  plan  agreed  upon  between  you  and 
Lieut.  Weitzel  when  he  visited  you  some  time  since.  What 
wood  is  not  used  by  you  is  much  needed  in  this  City.  For  the 
purpose,  I  have  ordered  the  Quartermaster  to  furnish  you  with 
axes  and  tents  for  the  Contrabands  to  be  quartered  in.  I  am 
Very  respectfully  Your  obedient  servant, 

By  order  of  MAJOR  GENERAL  BUTLER 

From  General  Phelps 

CAMP  PARAPET,  LA,  July  31st,  1862 

Capt.  R.  S.  DAVIS,  A.  A.  A.  General 

SIR:  The  communications  from  your  office  of  this  date, 
signed  "By  order  of  Major  General  Butler,"  directing  me  to 
employ  the  "Contrabands"  in  and  about  my  camp  in  cutting 
down  all  the  trees  between  my  line  and  the  Lake,  etc.,  has 
just  been  received. 

In  reply  I  must  state  that  while  I  am  willing  to  prepare 
African  Regiments  for  the  defence  of  the  Government  against 
its  assailants,  I  am  not  willing  to  become  the  mere  slave 
driver  which  you  propose,  having  no  qualifications  that  way. 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  am  therefore  under  the  necessity  of  tendering  the  resigna- 
tion of  my  Commission  as  an  Officer  in  the  Army  of  the  United 
States,  and  respectfully  request  a  leave  of  absence  until  it  is 
accepted  in  accordance  with  Paragraph  "29,"  page  12,  of  the 
Gen'l  regulations. 

While  I  am  writing  at  half  past  8  o'clock  P.M.,  a  colored  man 
was  brought  in  by  one  of  the  Pickets  who  has  just  been  wounded 
in  the  side  by  a  charge  of  shot,  which  he  says  was  fired  at  him 
by  one  of  a  party  of  three  slave-hunters,  or  guerillas,  a  mile 
or  more  from  our  line  of  sentinels.  As  it  is  some  distance  from 
our  line  from  Camp  to  Lake,  the  party  of  woodchoppers 
which  you  have  directed  probably  need  a  considerable  force 
to  guard  them  against  similar  attack.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  Servant, 

J.  W.  PHELPS,  Brig.  General 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS.  July  31,  1862 

Count  MEJAN,  Consul  of  France,  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  have  arrested  Charles  Heidsick,  who  smuggled  him- 
self across  my  lines  in  the  disguise  of  a  Bar  Keeper  in  the 
"Natchez,"  a  Boat  with  Flag  of  truce. 

Heidsick  has  now  come  back  as  a  supposed  bearer  of  des- 
patches through  my  lines  once  more.  He  desires  that  you 
should  be  informed  of  his  arrest. 

Respectfully  Yours, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  the  French  Consul  to  General  Butler 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  July  SIst,  1862 

GENERAL:  Mr.  Heidsick  is  a  French  citizen,  very  well-known 
here  and  in  Mobile.  He  has  come,  it  is  true,  on  the  "Natchez" 
as  "Barkeeper/5  to  the  entire  knowledge  of  the  persons  who 
were  authorized  to  ply  that  Steamer  between  Mobile  and 
New  Orleans,  and  has  never  hid  himself. 

Having  been  informed  that  letters  addressed  to  this  Consu- 
late were  detained  in  Jackson,  I  have  caused  the  Consular 
Agent  of  France  in  Mobile  to  be  informed  of,  and  to  cause 
them  to  be  had  and  forwarded  to  me,  —  only  those  that  should 
have  an  official  character. 

The  Vice-Consul,  believing  the  package  to  contain  impor- 
tant papers  for  this  consulate,  has  thought  fit  to  forward  them 


128       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  me,  as  also  the  letters  coming  from  the  same  source  and 
addressed  to  the  Spanish  Consul,  by  a  special  messenger,  and 
he  chose  for  that  mission  Mr.  Heidsick,  a  french  citizen.  I 
do  not  believe  a  single  reproach  can  be  made  to  Mr.  Heidsick, 
who,  I  am  assured  has  never  hid  himself.  I  have,  General, 
thought  proper,  to  recite  these  facts,  which,  I  think,  exonerate 
Mr.  Chas.  Heidsick  entirely,  and  I  hope  you  will  be  willing  to 
take  them  into  consideration. 

I  am  personally  acquainted  with  Mr.  Heidsick,  and  I  know 
that  he  is  absolutely  neutral  in  the  actual  conflict.     Please 
accept,  General,  the  assurances  of  my  highest  regards. 
The  French  Consul,  COUNT  MEJAN 

From  Charles  Heidsick  to  the  French  Consul 

NEW  ORLEANS,  July  Sl.<  1862 

Mr.  Consul 

GENERAL  BUTLER  has  had  me  arrested  for  coming  here  as 
"barkeeper"  on  board  Steamer  "Natchez,"  and  sent  me  to 
Fort  Jackson. 

I  have  the  honor  to  ask  you  to  see  what  you  have  to  do  for 
me  in  this  matter,  having  come  and  left  this  city  under  flag 
of  truce.  I  am  Ymr  humUe  Servty  CHARLES  HEIDSICK 


From  the  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.     NEW  ORLEANS,  August  1st,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  took  the  liberty  to  write  to  you  in  favor  of  Mr. 
Chas.  Heidsick,  who  has  been  arrested  by  your  order,  and  who 
I  am  assured  is  to  be  sent  today  to  Fort  Jackson. 

I  informed  myself  yesterday,  and  anew  this  morning,  concern- 
ing this  French  citizen,  and  the  facts  I  thought  proper  to  submit 
to  you  yesterday  are  fully  confirmed.  I  well  knew  that  Mr. 
Heidsick  came  to  this  City  on  the  Natchez,  that  he  was  regis- 
tered under  his  own  name,  which  list  I  have  no  doubt  was  sub- 
mitted to  you,  and  this  fact  at  least  strongly  proves  that  he  never 
concealed  his  name  and  that  he  feared  no  investigation. 

Mr.  Heidsick  came  to  see  me  when  he  reached  New  Orleans, 
but  he  never  brought  me  either  letters  or  newspapers.  And 
never  took  from  me  anything  but  verbal  instructions,  and,  in 
this  manner,  at  his  request  for  the  French  Vice-  Consul  at 
Mobile. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        129 

This  appears  likewise  to  be  much  in  his  favor.  They  tell 
me  that  one  of  the  principal  charges  against  him  is  that  he 
sold  on  his  last  trip  several  baskets  of  Champagne  Wine. 
From  information  that  I  have  received,  and  which  I  have 
every  reason  to  think  correct,  this  wine  had  been  sold  by  his 
Agent,  and  was  part  of  a  lot  which  has  been  here  nearly  three 
years. 

The  coming  here  of  Mr.  Heidsick  yesterday  as  bearer  of 
despatches  sent  me  by  the  Vice-Consul  at  Mobile,  would 
necessarily  prove  that  this  Frenchman  believed  that  in  no 
way  he  could  be  reproached,  for  if  it  is  true  that  he  could 
rely  upon  the  respect  that  is  everywhere  shown  to  bearers  of 
despatches,  he  would  have  nevertheless  hesitated  to  come  to 
town  if  he  had  any  fears  for  his  safety. 

Finally,  the  contents  of  the  packages  which  Mr.  Heidsick 
brought,  cannot  be  invoked  against  him,  for  he  must  have, 
been  as  ignorant  of  them  as  I  was. 

I  hope,  General,  before  inflicting  upon  Mr  Heidsick  —  who 
has,  from  the  testimony  of  all  his  friends,  always  preserved 
the  strictest  neutrality  both  in  words  and  deeds  —  a  punish- 
ment which  is  almost  equal,  at  this  season,  to  an  unacclimated 
man,  to  death  itself,  that  you  will  be  good  enough  to  examine 
anew  an  affair  whch  presents  so  many  phases  that  speak 
favorably  towards  Mr.  Charles  Heidsick. 

I  would  add  that  since  Mr.  Charles  Heidsick  came  to  the 
U.  S.  he  has  been  exclusively  occupied  in  the  arrangement  of 
his  own  business,  which  required  his  presence  in  Mobile,  as 
the  center  of  a  country  where  the  greatest  number  of  his 
creditors  reside. 

Mr.  Heidsick  belongs  to  a  very  highly  respectable  family  in 
France,  and  is  much  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him.  Accept, 
General,  the  assurance  of  my  consideration. 

The  Consul  of  France,  COUNT  MEJAN 

Mr.  Heidsick  has  with  him  neither  clothing,  change  of  linen, 
nor  money. 

Statement  of  Moses  Greenwood 

NEW  ORLEANS,  August  1, 1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

THIS  day  personally  appeared  before  the  undersigned,  a 
Magistrate  legally  appointed,  Moses  Greenwood  of  this  City, 
who,  being  duly  sworn,  states  that  in  May  last  he  was  made 
the  Agent  of  this  City  under  order  No.  19  of  Major  General 

VOL.   II — 9 


ISO       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Butler  to  transport  Flour  from  Mobile,  Ala.,  to  this  City  under 
a  Flag  of  Truce,  that  he  at  once  entered  on  that  duty  and 
chartered  Boats  for  that  purpose.  He  said  order  No.  19  did 
not  permit  passengers  to  be  transported.  He  employed  a 
Capt.  who  engaged  and  shipped  his  Officers  and  Crew;  in  the 
month  of  June  (as  deponent  believes)  there  was  entered  as  Bar 
Keeper  on  the  Boat  the  name  of  Charles  Heidsick,  to  depon- 
ent personally  unknown.  He  saw  him  and  knew  his  name  was 
Heidsick,  but  did  not  know  him  as  Mr.  Charles  Heidsick,  the 
French  Wine  Merchant,  till  far  advanced  on  the  voyage,  when 
Mr.  Heidsick  stated  that  he  had  little  or  nothing  to  do  in  the 
way  of  business,  and  came  in  that  capacity  as  pastime,  and 
to  see  some  friends  if  permitted  to  come  to  the  City.  Mr. 
Heidsick  continued  in  that  Capacity,  and  did  come  into  the 
City.  At  no  time  has  the  deponent  known  of  his  saying  or 
doing  anything  to  advance  an  injury  to  either  Contending 
party,  that  in  closing  the  Mission  on  which  deponent  had 
been  appointed,  the  French  Consul  at  Mobile  applied  to  him 
for  permission  to  send  a  messenger  with  Despatches  for  the 
Consul  in  this  City  in  Company  —  to  which  no  objection  was 
made.  And  Mr.  Heidsick  was  made  such  Messenger,  and 
arrived  with  him  on  the  morning  of  31st  July,  both  reporting 
to  Capt.  Thorton  at  Lake  Ponchartrain. 

MOSES  GREENWOOD 

Sworn  to  and  Subscribed  before  me  this 
5th  day  of  August,  1862 
I.  A.  GRAHAM,  Notary  Public 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  31,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  £35 

The  Picayune  Newspaper,  having  published  an  Editorial 
article  in  today's  issue  directly  in  violation  of  the  proclama- 
tion of  the  Com'd'g  General  of  May  1st,  reflecting  upon  the 
Officers  and  tending  to  influence  the  public  mind  against  the 
Government  of  the  United  States,  the  publication  of  said 
paper  is  discontinued  until  the  publishers  and  editors  shall 
severally  exhibit  their  loyalty  by  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance, 
and  the  office  with  its  properties,  presses,  books,  and  papers 
are  sequestered  until  further  action  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States.  By  Qrder  ^  MAJ  GEN  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   131 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  31,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  232 

THE  Steamer  "Iberville"  has  liberty  to  trade  up  and  down 
the  Coast  within  the  limits  of  our  lines,  and  to  carry  family 
supplies,  each  lot  of  [[same]  to  be  only  in  such  quantities  as 
should  be  properly  issued  to  one  family  or  one  plantation,  and 
not  to  be  issued  for  trading  purposes.  Particularly  no  lot  of 
over  ten  bags  of  Salt  shall  be  issued  to  any  one  consignee. 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  CapL  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

WASHINGTON,  July  31,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  the  pleasure  of  thanking  you 
for  your  very  friendly  letter,  and  of  acknowledging  your  note 
requesting  the  appointment  of  young  Mr.  Nelson  in  the  revenue 
cutter  service. 

It  would  have  given  me  pleasure  to  designate  Mr.  Nelson 
for  examination,  but  he  did  not  appear  to  be  prepared  for  it 
without  some  further  study.  I  contented  myself,  therefore, 
with  expressions  of  good  will,  reserving  the  decision  as  to 
designation  to  a  future  time  when  he  may  again  present  him- 
self. Meanwhile  I  doubt  not  he  will  be  very  useful  to  you. 
I  have  not  seen  Col.  Shepley  since  he  has  been  in  Washing- 
ton, which  I  regret,  for  I  should  have  been  very  glad  to  confer 
with  him  fully  as  to  matters  in  New  Orleans.  It  is  too  late 
to  seek  him  now,  even  if  propriety  did  not  require  that  he 
should  first  call  on  me.  I  say  too  late,  because  it  is  only  within 
five  minutes  that  I  have  learned  that  if  I  would  get  this  letter 
to  New  York  in  time  for  the  steamer  it  must  be  written  forth- 
with. Hence  this  long  sheet  and  hurried  writing. 

Nor  have  I  seen  the  instructions,  if  any  have  been  prepared, 
which  Gen.  Shepley  is  to  take  back  with  him  to  New  Orleans; 
nor  has  it  so  happened  that  I  have  talked  with  either  the 
President  or  Mr.  Stanton  on  the  subject  of  their  instruction. 
All  I  know  of  the  President's  views  is  contained  in  the  two 
letters  enclosed  herewith,  —  one  for  Mr  Bullett  and  the  other 
for  Mr.  Johnson,  which  I  have  heard  read,  and  which  the 
President  left  with  me  today  to  be  sent  to  those  gentlemen. 
All  I  know  positively,  I  mean;  for  I  have  heard  intima- 


132        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

tions  from  the  President  that  it  may  possibly  become  nec- 
essary, in  order  to  keep  the  river  open  below  Memphis, 
to  convert  the  heavy  black  population  of  its  banks  into 
defenders. 

You  will  see  from  what  I  have  written  that  in  what  I  have 
to  say  on  the  important  topic,  touched  in  your  letter  by  way 
of  reply  to  mine  I  shall  express  only  my  own  opinions,  — 
opinions,  however,  to  which  I  am  just  as  sure  that  the  masses 
will  and  politicians  must  come,  as  I  am  sure  that  both  politi- 
cians and  masses  have  come  to  opinions  expressed  by  me 
when  they  found  few  concurrents. 

I  begin  with  the  proposition  that  we  must  either  abandon 
the  attempt  to  retain  the  Gulf  States  in  the  Union  or  we  must 
give  freedom  to  every  slave  within  their  limits.  We  cannot 
maintain  the  contest  with  the  disadvantages  of  unacclimated 
troops  and  distant  supplies  against  an  enemy  enabled  to  bring 
one-half  the  population  under  arms  with  the  other  half  held 
to  labor,  with  no  cost  except  that  of  bare  subsistence  for  the 
armed  moiety.  Still  less  can  we  maintain  this  contest  if  all  we 
do  must  necessarily  enrage  and  alienate  the  military  half, 
while  we  do  nothing  to  conciliate  but  very  much  to  disaffect 
the  laboring  half. 

I  have  not  time  to  argue  this  out  or  even  to  qualify  as  might 
be  necessary  to  avoid  captious  objection  as  to  the  feasibility 
of  my  statement.  Of  its  substantial  accuracy  I  am  certain. 

As  to  the  border  states,  even  including  Arkansas,  a  different 
rule  may  be  adopted.  In  these  states  the  President's  plan  of 
compensated  emancipation  may  be  adequate  to  the  solution 
of  the  slavery  question;  though  I  confess  my  apprehensions 
that  the  slave-holders  of  these  states  will  delay  the  acceptance 
of  the  proposition  until  it  will  become  impossible  to  induce 
the  Congress  to  vote  the  compensation.  Should  compensated 
emancipation  fail  in  these  states,  emancipation  will  not  be  the 
less  a  necessity,  and  prompt  emancipation  as  a  military 
measure  in  the  Gulf  States  will  facilitate  it  by  affording  a 
convenient  and  easy  outlet  for  the  freed  men. 

It  will  not  escape  your  acute  observation  that  military 
emancipation  in  the  Gulf  States  will  settle  or  largely  contrib- 
ute to  settle  the  negro  question  in  the  free  states.  I  am  not 
myself  afraid  of  the  negroes.  If  they  behave  themselves  and 
work  industriously  and  honestly  I  have  not  the  slightest  objec- 
tion to  their  contributing  their  industry  to  the  prosperity  of 
the  state  of  which  I  am  a  citizen,  or  to  their  being  protected  in 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   133 

their  rights  to  life,  liberty,  and  pursuit  of  happiness  by  the 
same  laws  which  protect  me.  But  I  know  that  many  honest 
men  really  think  that  they  are  not  to  be  permitted  to  reside 
permanently  in  the  Northern  States,  and  I  believe  myself 
that  if  left  free  to  choose  most  of  them  will  prefer  warmer 
climes  to  ours.  Let,  therefore,  the  South  be  opened  to  negro 
emigration  by  emancipation  along  the  Gulf,  and  it  is  easy  to 
see  that  the  blacks  of  the  North  will  slide  southward,  and  leave 
behind  them  no  question  to  quarrel  about  as  far  as  they  are 
concerned. 

This  rough  statement  presents  my  general  view  sufficiently. 

Now  for  its  practical  application  to  Louisiana.  Of  course, 
if  some  prudential  considerations  did  not  forbid,  I  should  at 
once,  if  I  were  in  your  place,  respectfully  notify  the  slave- 
holders of  Louisiana  that  henceforth  they  must  be  content 
to  pay  their  laborers  wages.  This  measure  would  settle  it  in 
the  minds  of  the  working  population  of  the  State  that  the 
Union  General  is  their  friend;  would  be  apt  tc*  secure  him  a 
good  deal  of  devotion  among  them;  and  when  he  wanted 
faithful  friends  or  scouts  he  could  find  them.  It  is  quite 
true  that  such  an  order  could  not  be  enforced  by  military  powers 
beyond  military  lines;  but  it  would  enforce  itself  by  degrees  a 
good  way  beyond  them,  and  would  make  the  extension  of 
the  military  lines  quite  easy  comparatively. 

It  may  be  said  the  order  would  be  annulled.  I  think  not. 
It  is  plain  enough  now  that  the  annulling  of  Hunter's  order 
was  a  mistake.  It  will  not  be  repeated. 

Do  the  acts  of  Congress  leave,  indeed,  much  room  for 
choice,  if  these  acts  are  to  be  faithfully  obeyed?  The  act  of 
last  year  declared  the  slaves  of  all  persons,  if  employed  in  aid 
of  the  rebellion,  free.  The  acts  of  this  last  session  declare  free 
the  slaves  of  persons  who  themselves  engage  in  rebellion  or 
aid  and  abet  it;  prohibit  the  return  of  fugitives  by  military 
commanders;  and  authorize  the  employment  of  slaves  in  the 
service  of  the  Union  either  as  laborers,  or  in  arms,  or  both,  at 
the  direction  of  the  President.  How  these  acts  can  be  enacted 
and  slavery  maintained,  especially  where  slaves  are  numerous, 
I  am  at  a  loss  to  conceive. 

I  think  the  President  feels  this  difficulty.  Hence,  he  inti- 
mates in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Johnson,  while  declining  to  interfere 
with  General  Phelps,  that  it  will  be  well  for  the  Louisianians 
to  make  haste  back  into  the  Union  or  worse  evils  than  Gen. 
Phelps  may  befall  them.  Hence  the  other  day,  when  some  con- 


134       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

versation  occurred  about  Gen.  Hunter,  he  was  very  far  from 
expressing  the  same  dissatisfaction  with  his  course  that  he 
would  have  done  four  or  five  weeks  ago. 

The  truth  is,  my  dear  General,  that  there  has  been  a  great 
change  in  the  public  mind  within  the  last  few  weeks.  The 
people  are  resolved  not  to  give  up  the  struggle  for  territorial 
integrity.  They  mean  to  keep  every  inch  of  American  soil  in 
the  United  States.  Whatever  stands  in  the  way  of  this  deter- 
mination has  got  to  get  out  of  the  way.  If  state  organizations 
—  they  must  fall;  if  negro  slavery  —  it  must  be  abolished. 

Now,  it  seems  to  me  that  it  is  just  as  well  to  make  the  short- 
est possible  work  of  this  as  the  longest  possible.  Negro  slavery 
should  first  fall  where  it  has  done  most  mischief,  and  where 
its  extinction  will  do  most  good  in  weakening  rebellion,  and 
incidentally  otherwise  in  the  extreme  South. 

And  who  better  to  begin  the  work  than  my  friend  Gen. 
Butler?  Yet  I  am  told  that  your  policemen  are  now  engaged 
all  the  time  in  returning  fugitives  to  masters,  provided  only 
they  take  the  oath.  Let  me  beg  of  you,  as  one  who  greatly 
esteems  you  and  greatly  desires  your  increasing  honor  and 
affection  among  your  countrymen,  —  let  me  beg  you  to  put  a 
stop  to  this:  simply  see  that  the  acts  of  Congress  are  carried 
out  in  good  faith.  It  would  hardly  be  too  much  to  ask  you  to 
call,  like  Jackson,  colored  soldiers  to  the  defence  of  the  Union; 
but  you  must  judge  of  this.  Of  one  thing  be  assured  —  you 
can  hardly  go  too  far  to  satisfy  the  exigency  of  public  senti- 
ment now. 

You  must  determine  in  the  exercise  of  your  own  good  judg- 
ment what  prudence  will  permit;  but  as  far  as  prudence 
allows  you  may  certainly  well  go. 

I  have  had  a  great  deal  of  practical  experience.  I  have 
observed  opinions  long  and  closely.  I  think  myself  tolerably 
cool  and  practical.  At  any  rate,  I  have  not  made  any  failures 
thus  far.  And  I  give  you  in  this  letter  hastily,  indeed,  and 
roughly,  but  with  substantial  accuracy,  I  think,  my  deliberate 
judgments. 

Whatever  you  may  think  of  them,  believe  me,  dear  general, 
with  the  sincerest  esteem  and  admiration. 

Your  friend,  S.  P.  CHASE 

My  daughter  Katie  tells  me  to  offer  to  you  assurances  of 
her  kindest  regards,  and  to  say  that  she  wishes  you  were  here 
to  keep  the  secession  women  quiet.  Her  displeasure  is  particu- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   135 

larly  excited  this  morning  by  the  report  of  her  chambermaid, 
who  tells  her  that  last  night  some  "ladies  of  the  second  class," 
as  Gassy  calls  them,  going  by  and  looking  over  at  our  poor 
fellows  standing  or  sitting  about  in  front  of  the  hospital  for 
convalescents  established  in  the  church  just  opposite  to  us, 
said  one  to  another,  "the  nasty  Yankees/'  "they've  got  what's 
good  for  them,"  "I'm  glad  of  it,"  etc.,  etc.  I  send  you  a  slip 
from  a  newspaper  which  described  atrocities  which  ought  to 
make  us  blush.  For  Heaven's  sake  don't  let  us  show  ourselves 
by  faithless  treachery,  to  those  who  serve  us  so  loyally  and 
faithfully,  to  be  worse  than  even  our  English  slanderers  make 
us  out  to  be ! 

Please  see  that  the  letters  of  the  President  to  Messrs.  Johnson 
and  Bullett  are  delivered  immediately. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

PRIVATE.     Executive  Mansion,  WASHINGTON,  July  %6lh,  1862 

CNot  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Yours  of  the  16th  by  the  hand  of  Governor 
Shepley  is  received. 

It  seems  the  Union  feeling  in  Louisiana  is  being  crushed  out 
by  the  course  of  General  Phelps.  Please  pardon  me  for  believ- 
ing that  it  is  a  false  pretence.  The  people  of  Louisiana  —  all 
intelligent  people  everywhere  —  know  full  well  that  I  never 
had  a  wish  to  touch  the  foundations  of  their  society,  or  any 
right  of  theirs.  With  perfect  knowledge  of  this,  they  forced 
me  to  send  armies  among  them,  and  it  is  their  own  fault,  not 
mine,  that  they  are  annoyed  by  the  presence  of  General  Phelps. 
They  also  know  the  remedy  —  know  how  to  be  cured  of  Gen- 
eral Phelps.  Remove  the  necessity  of  his  presence.  And 
might  it  not  be  well  for  them  to  consider  whether  they  have 
not  already  had  time  enough  to  do  this?  If  they  can  conceive 
of  anything  worse  than  General  Phelps  within  my  power, 
would  they  not  better  be  looking  out  for  it?  They  very  well 
know  the  way  to  avert  all  this  is  simply  to  take  their  place  in 
the  Union  upon  the  old  terms.  If  they  will  not  do  this,  should 
they  not  receive  harder  blows  rather  than  lighter  ones?  You 
are  ready  to  say  I  apply  to  friends  what  is  due  to  enemies.  I 
distrust  the  wisdom  if  not  the  sincerity  of  friends  who  would 
hold  my  hands  while  my  enemies  stab  me.  This  appeal  of 
professed  friends  has  paralyzed  me  more  in  the  struggle  than 
any  other  one  thing.  You  remember  telling  me,  the  day  after 


136   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  Baltimore  mob  in  April,  1861,  that  it  would  crush  all 
Union  feeling  in  Maryland  for  me  to  attempt  bringing  troops 
over  Maryland  soil  to  Washington.  I  brought  the  troops 
notwithstanding,  and  yet  there  was  Union  feeling  enough  left 
to  elect  a  legislature  the  next  autumn  which  in  turn  elected  a 
very  excellent  Union  U.  S.  Senator. 

I  am  a  patient  man  —  always  willing  to  forgive  on  the  Chris- 
tian terms  of  repentance,  and  also  to  give  ample  time  for  re- 
pentance. Still  I  must  save  the  Government  if  possible. 
What  I  cannot  do  of  course  I  will  not  do;  but  it  may  as^well 
be  understood,  once  for  all,  that  I  shall  not  surrender  this 
game  leaving  any  available  card  unplayed. 

Yours  Truly,  A.  LINCOLN 


Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

PRIVATE.    WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  July  «8«fct  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

CUTHBERT   BULLETT,   Esq.,  NEW   ORLEANS,   LA. 

SIR:  The  copy  of  a  letter  addressed  to  yourself  by  Mr. 
Thomas  J.  Durant  has  been  shown  to  me.  The  writer  appears 
to  be  an  able,  a  dispassionate,  and  an  entirely  sincere  man. 
The  first  part  of  the  letter  is  devoted  to  an  effort  to  show  that 
the  secession  ordinance  of  Louisiana  was  adopted  against  the 
will  of  a  majority  of  the  people.  This  is  probably  true;  and  in 
that  fact  may  be  found  some  instructions.  Why  did  they 
allow  the  ordinance  to  go  into  effect?  Why  did  they  not  assert 
themselves?  Why  stand  passive  and  allow  themselves  to  be 
trodden  down  by  a  minority?  Why  did  they  not  hold  popular 
meetings,  and  have  a  convention  of  their  own,  to  express  and 
enforce  the  true  sentiment  of  the  State?  If  pre-organization 
was  against  them,  then  why  not  do  this  now  that  the  United 
States  Army  is  present  to  protect  them?  The  paralysis  —  the 
dead  palsy  —  of  the  Government  in  this  whole  struggle  is 
that  this  class  of  men  will  do  nothing  for  the  government, 
nothing  for  themselves,  except  demanding  that  the  govern- 
ment shall  not  strike  its  open  enemies,  lest  they  be  struck  by 
accident. 

Mr.  Durant  complains  that  in  various  ways  the  relation  of 
Master  and  Slave  is  disturbed  by  the  presence  of  our  Army; 
and  he  considers  it  particularly  vexatious  that  this,  in  part, 
is  done  under  cover  of  an  act  of  Congress,  while  constitutional 
guaranties  are  suspended  on  the  plea  of  Military  necessity. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   137 

The  truth  is,  that  what  is  done,  and  omitted,  about  slaves, 
is  done  and  omitted  on  the  same  military  necessity.  It  is  a 
Military  necessity  to  have  men  and  money;  and  we  can  get 
neither,  in  sufficient  numbers,  or  amounts,  if  we  keep  from,  or 
drive  from  our  lines  Slaves  coming  to  them.  Mr.  Durant 
cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  pressure  in  this  direction,  nor  of  my 
efforts  to  hold  it  within  bounds,  till  he  and  such  as  he  shall 
have  time  to  help  themselves. 

I  am  not  posted  to  speak  understandingly  on  all  the  police 
regulations  of  which  Mr.  Durant  complains.  If  experience 
shows  any  one  of  them  to  be  wrong,  let  them  be  set  right.  I 
think  I  can  perceive,  in  that  freedom  of  trade  which  Mr. 
Durant  urges,  that  he  would  relieve  both  friends  and  enemies 
from  the  pressure  of  blockade.  By  this  he  would  serve  the 
enemy  more  effectively  than  the  enemy  is  able  to  serve  him- 
self. I  do  not  say  or  believe  that  to  serve  the  enemy  is  the 
purpose  of  Mr.  Durant,  or  that  he  is  conscious  of  any  purpose 
other  than  National  and  patriotic  ones.  Still,  if  there  were  a 
class  of  men  who,  having  no  choice  of  sides  in  the  contest,  were 
anxious  only  to  have  quiet  and  comfort  for  themselves  while 
it  rages,  and  to  fall  in  with  the  victorious  side  at  the  end  of  it, 
without  loss  to  themselves,  their  advice  as  to  the  mode  of 
conducting  the  contest  would  be  precisely  such  as  his  is.  He 
speaks  of  no  duty  —  apparently  thinks  of  none  —  resting 
upon  Union  men.  He  even  thinks  it  injurious  to  the  Union 
cause  that  they  should  be  restrained  in  trade  and  passage 
without  taking  sides.  They  are  to  touch  neither  a  sail  or  a 
pump,  but  to  be  merely  passengers  —  dead  heads  at  that  — 
to  be  carried  snug  and  dry,  throughout  the  storm,  and  safely 
landed  right  side  up.  Nay  more;  even  a  mutineer  is  to  go 
untouched  lest  these  sacred  passengers  receive  an  additional 
wound. 

Of  course  the  rebellion  will  never  be  suppressed  in  Louisiana 
if  the  professed  Union  men  there  will  neither  help  to  do  it, 
nor  permit  the  government  to  do  it  without  their  help. 

Now,  I  think  the  true  remedy  is  very  different  from  what  is 
suggested  by  Mr.  Durant.  It  does  not  lie  in  rounding  the 
rough  angles  of  the  War,  but  in  removing  the  necessity  for 
the  war. 

The  people  of  Louisiana  who  wish  protection  to  person  and 
property  have  but  to  reach  forth  their  hands  and  take  it.  Let 
them,  in  good  faith,  reinaugurate  the  national  authority,  and 
set  up  a  State  Government  conforming  thereto  under  the 


188   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  * 

Constitution.  They  know  how  to  do  it,  and  can  have  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Army  while  doing  it. 

The  Army  will  be  withdrawn  so  soon  as  such  State  Govern- 
ment can  dispense  with  its  presence;  and  the  people  of  the 
State  can  then,  upon  the  old  Constitutional  terms,  govern 
themselves  to  their  own  liking.  This  is  very  simple  and  easy. 

If  they  will  not  do  this,  if  they  prefer  to  hazard  all  for  the 
sake  of  destroying  the  government,  it  is  for  them  to  consider 
whether  it  is  probable  I  will  surrender  the  government  to 
save  them  from  losing  all.  If  they  decline  what  I  suggest,  you 
scarcely  need  to  ask  what  I  will  do.  What  would  you  do  in 
my  position?  Would  you  drop  the  war  where  it  is?  or  would 
you  prosecute  it  in  future  with  elder  stalk  squirts,  charged 
with  rose  water?  Would  you  deal  lighter  blows  than  heavier 
ones?  Would  you  give  up  the  contest,  leaving  any  available 
means  unapplied? 

I  am  in  no  boastful  mood.  I  shall  not  do  more  than  I  can, 
and  shall  do  all  I  can  to  save  the  government,  which  is  my 
sworn  duty  as  well  as  my  personal  inclination. 

I  shall  do  nothing  in  malice.  What  I  deal  with  is  too  vast 
for  malicious  dealing.  j^  ^  A  LmcoLN 

From  General  Hurly 

NEW  OBLEANS,  August  1st,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Esq. 

SIR:  The  undersigned  is  a  special  officer,  he  has  been  amongst 
some  of  the  secessionists  and  got  information  that  there  was 
private  organization  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  he  said  he 
would  like  to  join  them  on  purpose  to  find  out  where  the 
Lodge  was  kept,  and  was  told  there  was  827  men  in  the  Lodge, 
and  that  they  would  admit  an  Irish  or  Dutchman  if  he  was  a 
secessionist;  they  say  they  expect  to  hang  Major  General 
Butler  and  Judge  Bell  before  a  month  passes  by.  I  am  afraid 
to  go  round  among  them  without  weapons  to  defend  myself, 
so  I  hope  you  will  be  kind  enough  to  let  me  have  the  use  of  a 
Colt's  revolver,  and  I  will  endeavor  to  find  out  their  Lodge  or 
die  in  the  attempt. 

There  is  several  men  belonging  to  the  Union  Association 
that  I  suspect  of  giving  information  to  the  enemy.  I  am  a 
member  of  the  association  myself. 

Your  Most  Obedient,  JEREMIAH  HURLY 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER   139 

From  Moses  Bates 

Louisiana  State  Penitentiary,  BATON  ROUGE,  LOUISIANA,  Aug.  I,  1862 

General  B.  P.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  DepL  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  Having,  by  the  aid  of  a  military  escort,  procured  some 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five  bales  of  cotton,  I  have  set  the 
machinery  of  the  Penitentiary  in  motion,  and  the  prisoners 
are  now  at  work.  Because  of  the  discovery  of  other  cotton 
which  may  be  obtained,  I  have  applied  to  Brig.  Gen.  Williams 
for  a  permanent  detail  and  transportation,  which,  having  been 
refused,  I  then  applied  for  a  special  escort  and  transportation 
to  procure  cotton  and  beef  for  the  penitentiary,  but  this  also 
is  declined.  And  the  Lieut,  in  charge  of  my  escort  is  informed 
by  Gen.  Williams'  A.  A.  G.,  Mr.  Elliot,  that  "Gen.  Williams 
has  no  confidence  in  Mr.  Bates,  and  will  grant  him  no  more 

privileges  than  he  can  avoid."  n         ^  lf    „ 

Respectfully  Yours, 

MOSES  BATES,  Supt.  La.  State  Penitentiary 
From  Governor  Andrew  Johnson 

State  of  Tennessee,  Executive  Department,  NASHVILLE,  Aug.  \st,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  P.  BUTLER,  Commanding  at  NEW  ORLEANS 

DEAR  SIR:  Fully  aware  of  the  many  and  laborious  duties 
which  your  position  imposes  upon  you,  I  do  not  desire  to 
increase  them,  but  the  criminal  appropriation,  by  rebels,  of  all 
the  resources  of  the  Treasury  of  Tennessee  compels  me  to 
make  every  effort  in  my  power  to  furnish  means  for  carrying 
on  the  civil  and  military  powers  of  the  state.  My  high  regard 
for  your  patriotism  and  ability  has  induced  me  to  refer  to  you 
for  collection  a  list  of  Notes  and  Drafts,  assets  of  the  Bank  of 
Tennessee,  and,  of  course,  the  property  of  the  state. 

By  application  to  Mr.  Geo.  A.  French,  cashier  of  the  Union 
Bank  of  New  Orleans,  you  can  in  all  probability  obtain  the 
Notes  and  Drafts  mentioned  in  this  list. 

I  shall  by  the  same  mail  write  to  Mr.  French  to  furnish  you 
with  all  the  assets  of  the  Bank.  If  you  can  by  any  means 
collect  these  assets,  you  will  confer  a  favor  which  will  be  grate- 
fully received  by  the  patriotic  and  loyal  people  of  the  state.  I 
shall  be  happy  to  hear  from  you  as  soon  as  you  have  had  an 
opportunity  to  take  the  subject  into  consideration. 

I  hope  that  success  may  continue  to  crown  your  patriotism, 
zeal,  and  ability  in  the  great  cause  of  our  common  country  and 


140   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

constitutional  liberty.    With  sentiments  of  the  highest  regard 
and  esteem,  Your  obedient  Servant,  ANDREW  JOHNSON 

From  Joseph  S.  Fowler 

State  of  Tennessee,  Comptroller's  Office,  NASHVILLE,  Augst.  1st,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  at  NEW  ORLEANS 

DEAR  SIR:  You  will  find  in  my  letter  the  list  of  assets  of 
the  Bank  of  Tennessee  referred  to  by  Governor  Johnson. 

If  the  cashier  of  the  Union  Bank  should  give  you  a  note 
drawn  by  R.  H.  Elam  to  the  order  of  John  Williams  and  Co., 
for  the  sum  of  $2169.32,  dated  26th  Dec.  1861,  payable  in  six 
months  from  date,  I  would  be  pleased  to  have  it  forwarded  to 
me  in  Nashville.  yourg  ^  respedSully> 

Jos.  S.  FOWLER,  Comptroller 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  (2nd),  1862 

Flag  Officer  FARRAGUT,  Comdg.  Western  Gulf  Squadron 

DEAR  SIR:  I  enclose  you  Capt.  Porter's  Letter  to  me  for 
your  information.  I  will  send  him  a  Steam  Tug  of  whose  ser- 
vices he  can  avail  himself. 

I  would  strongly  urge  that  one  of  the  light  draft  Double- 
Enders  be  sent  to  him,  say  the  "Westfield,"  "Clifton,"  or 
"Miami,"  to  clear  out  Red  River. 

As  to  the  suggestion  as  to  fortifying  Baton  Rouge  on  the 
river  side,  it  is  simply  impossible  for  want  of  Guns.  If  the 
fleet  cannot  hold  the  river  against  the  enemies'  rams  or  other 
boats,  the  quicker  we  abandon  Louisiana  the  better.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  yery  j^spectfuUy9  Your  Obt.  Svt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

SMh  July,  1862.     U.  S.  Gun  Boat  ESSEX,  Off  BATON  ROUGE 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Gen.  BUTLER,  Head  Qts.  U.  S.  Forces,  Comdg. 
NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  respectfully  to  lay  before  you 
the  following  facts. 

After  running  the  blockade  at  Vicksburg,  my  Orders  were 
to  proceed  to  Baton  Rouge,  raking  in  supplies,  and  then  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        141 

ascend  the  Mississippi,  constantly  cruising  between  this  point 
and  Vicksburg. 

^  The  Gun  Boats  "Katahdin"  and  "Kenio,"  also  the  Ram 
"Sumpter,"  were  left  with  me  here  as  a  protecting  force  — 
the  two  former  Boats  have  their  machinery  so  deranged  that 
they  are  absolutely  useless  for  active  service  until  thoroughly 
overhauled  and  repaired.  The  "Sumpter"  has  but  four  men, 
and  the  Capt.  of  her  is  the  only  Officer  free  from  sickness. 

There  are  two  Rebel  Gun  Boats  upon  the  Red  River  which 
should  be  seen  to,  but  with  my  present  Force  it  would  be  im- 
practicable to  attack  them  with  success  without  some  other 
light-draught  Gun  Boats,  the  low  stage  of  water  in  the  Red 
River  would  prevent  the  "Essex"  going  up. 

The  enemy  are  also  fortifying  at  "Ellis"  Cliffs,  some  below 
Natchez,  and  unless  speedily  seen  to  will  eventually  cause 
much  trouble. 

A  powerful  Steam  Tug  to  tow  the  "Essex"  up  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  also  to  convey  sufficient  Coal  supply,  I  respectfully 
solicit  may  be  sent  me  as  early  as  practicable.  In  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  this  city  large  bodies  of  rebel  troops  are  con- 
centrating, and  I  would  respectfully  suggest  the  immediate 
fortification  of  the  place,  both  of  the  land  and  river  side.  The 
Ram  "Arkansas"  is  still  above  water,  and  could  without 
doubt,  if  the  "Essex"  were  absent,  retake  the  city. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Servt. 
W.  D.  PORTER,  Comdg.  Division  of  Western  Flotilla, 

below  VICKSBURG 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qtrs.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  4>th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Captain  PORTER,  Comdg.  Flotilla,  BATON  ROUGE 

CAPTAIN:  By  the  recent  Act  of  Congress  your  Flotilla  is 
placed  under  the  charge  of  Navy  Department.  It  is  impossible 
for  me  therefore  to  answer  your  requisitions  as  such,  but  will 
do  everything  in  my  power  to  advance  your  desire  to  aid  the 
public  service. 

I  have  therefore  directed  my  Quartermaster  to  assist  your 
Paymaster  in  procuring  such  a  Boat  as  you  may  need,  and  will 
make  the  same  terms  we  should  do  if  it  were  our  own  contract. 
Flag  Officer  Farragut  tells  me  he  will  forward  the  necessary 
supplies.  I  will  endeavor  to  give  you  the  money  upon  a  draft, 
as  explained  to  your  Paymaster.  In  any  other  thing  I  can  do 


142        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  aid  you,  please  command  me.  I  beg  to  call  your  attention 
to  the  absolute  necessity  of  having  the  "  Sumpter  "  or  yourself  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Red  River,  would  suggest  the  mouth  of  the 
Black  River,  as  the  place  to  be.  Baton  Rouge  will  not  be  at- 
tacked at  the  present,  in  my  judgment.  I  will  see  to  it  that  your 
Mails  are  forwarded  to  that  Post  Office.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  yery  fancifully  9  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  Aug.  9d,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  beg  leave  to  enclose  to  you  copies  of  orders  and  cor- 
respondence with  General  Phelps  upon  the  subject  of  arming 
and  employing  the  negroes. 

Gen.  Phelps,  without  orders  and  without  my  knowledge, 
has  organized  five  companies  of  Negroes,  and  the  first  official 
information  I  had  of  his  doings  in  that  behalf  was  a  requisition 
for  arms  and  equipments  there. 

It  became  more  necessary,  in  my  judgment,  to  employ  them 
differently,  and  I  thought  by  that  means  I  would  find  employ- 
ment for  all,  not  raising  the  question  offensively  between  Gen. 
Phelps  and  myself  until  it  was  settled  at  Washington.  There- 
fore I  sent  the  order  to  employ  the  negroes  without  sending  an 
answer  to  his  requisition.  But  his  letter  of  resignation  has 
left  me  no  choice  but  insist  that  my  order  should  be  obeyed.  I 
submit  the  whole  matter  to  the  department.  I  need  not  dis- 
cuss it.  Gen.  Shepley,  who  has  been  with  you,  can  do  it  much 
better  than  I  can.  Mr.  Roselius,  whom  I  have  sent  you  by  the 
"Connecticut,"  can  tell  you  much  more  fully  than  it  were 
possible  to  do  in  a  despatch  what  has  been  the  effect  of  the 
course  of  Gen.  Phelps. 

An  insurrection  broke  out  amongst  the  negroes  a  few  miles 
up  the  river,  which  caused  the  women  of  that  neighborhood 
to  apply  to  an  armed  boat  belonging  to  us,  passing  down,  for 
aid,  and  the  incipient  revolt  was  stopped  by  informing  the 
negroes  that  we  should  repel  an  attack  by  them  upon  the 
women  and  children. 

All  is  for  the  determination  of  the  department,  to  which  I 
shall  give  the  fullest  obedience.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com'd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   143 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  2,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  3.  W.  PHELPS,  Commanding 

GENERAL:  By  the  act  of  Congress,  as  I  understand  it,  the 
President  of  the  United  States  alone  has  the  authority  to 
employ  Africans  in  arms  as  part  of  the  Military  forces  of  the 
United  States.  Every  law  up  to  this  time,  raising  volunteer 
or  Militia  forces,  has  been  opposed  to  their  employment.  The 
President  has  not  as  yet  indicated  his  purpose  to  employ  the 
Africans  in  arms. 

The  arms,  clothing,  and  camp  equipage  which  I  have  here 
for  Louisiana  Volunteers,  is,  by  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of 
War,  expressly  limited  to  white  soldiers,  so  that  I  have  no 
authority  to  divert  them  however  much  I  may  desire  so  to  do. 

I  do  not  think  you  are  empowered  to  organize  into  Com- 
panies Negroes,  and  drill  them  as  a  Military  organization,  as 
I  am  not  surprised  but  unexpectedly  informed  you  have  done. 
I  cannot  sanction  this  course  of  action  as  at  present  advised, 
specially  when  we  have  need  of  the  services  of  the  Blacks  (who 
are  being  sheltered  upon  the  outskirts  of  your  Camp),  as  you 
will  see  by  the  orders  for  their  employment  sent  you  by  the 
Assistant  Acting  Adj't  Gen'l. 

I  will  send  your  application  to  the  President,  but  in  the 
meantime  you  must  desist  from  the  formation  of  any  Negro 
Military  Organization.  I  am, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  2nd,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  PHELPS,  Comdg.  U.  S.  Forces  at  CAMP  PARAPET 

GENERAL:  I  am  somewhat  surprised  to  receive  your  resigna- 
tion for  the  reasons  stated. 

When  you  were  put  in  command  at  Camp  Parapet,  I  sent 
Lieut.  Weitzel,  my  Chief  Engineer,  to  make  a  reconnoissance 
of  the  lines  of  Carrolton,  and  I  understand  it  was  agreed 
between  you  and  the  Engineer  that  a  removal  of  the  wood 
between  Lake  Ponchartrain  and  the  right  of  your  intrench- 
ment  was  a  necessary  military  precaution.  The  work  could 
not  be  done  at  the  time  because  of  the  stage  of  water  and  the 
want  of  men.  But  now  both  water  and  men  concur.  You  have 


144   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

500  Africans  organized  into  Companies,  you  write  me.  This 
work  they  are  fitted  to  do.  It  must  either  be  done  by  them  or 
my  soldiers,  now  drilled  and  disciplined. 

You  have  said  the  location  is  unhealthy  to  the  soldier.  It 
is  not  to  the  negro.  Is  it  not  best  that  these  unemployed 
Africans  should  do  this  matter  at  the  present  time?  —  because 
there  are  reports  of  demonstrations  to  be  made  on  your  lines 
by  the  rebels,  and  in  my  judgment  it  is  a  matter  of  necessary 
precaution  thus  to  clear  the  right  of  your  line,  so  that  you  can 
receive  the  proper  aid  from  the  Gunboats  on  the  Lake,  besides 
preventing  the  enemy  from  having  cover.  To  do  this,  the 
Negroes  ought  to  be  employed,  and  in  so  employing  them  I 
see  no  evidence  of  " slave-driving"  or  employing  you  as  a 
slave  driver. 

The  soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  did  this  very 
thing  last  summer  in  front  of  Arlington  Heights.  Are  Negroes 
any  better  than  they? 

Because  of  an  order  to  do  this  necessary  thing,  to  protect 
your  front  threatened  by  the  enemy,  you  tender  your  resigna- 
tion and  ask  immediate  leave  of  absence.  I  assure  you  I  did 
not  expect  this  either  from  your  courage,  your  patriotism,  or 
your  good  sense.  To  resign  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  has  not  been 
the  highest  plaudit  to  a  soldier,  specially  when  the  reason 
assigned  is  that  he  is  ordered  to  do  that  which  a  recent  act  of 
Congress  has  specially  authorized  a  Commander  to  do,  i.e. 
employ  the  Africans  to  do  the  necessary  work  about  a  Camp  or 
upon  fortifications. 

General,  your  resignation  will  not  be  accepted  by  me;  leave 
of  absence  will  not  be  granted,  and  you  will  see  to  it  that  any 
orders,  thus  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  City,  are  faith- 
fully and  diligently  executed,  upon  the  responsibility  that  a 
soldier  in  the  field  owes  to  his  superior. 

I  will  see  that  all  proper  requisitions  for  the  food,  shelter,  and 
clothing  for  these  negroes  at  work  are  at  once  filled  by  the 
proper  departments. 

You  will  also  send  out  a  proper  guard  to  protect  the  laborers 
against  the  Guerilla  force,  if  any  there  may  be  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, lam,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        145 

From  General  Phelps 

CAMP  PARAPET,  LA.,  August  2,  '62 

Maj.  GenL  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  Depart,  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  Two  communications  from  you  of  this  date  have  this 
moment  been  received.  One  of  them  relates  to  the  raising  of 
Volunteer  or  Militia  forces,  stating  that  "I  must  desist  from 
the  formation  of  any  negro  military  organization/'  and  the 
other  declaring  in  a  spirit  contrary  to  all  usages  of  military 
service,  and  all  the  rights  and  liberties  of  a  citizen  of  a  free 
Government,  that  my  resignation  will  not  be  accepted  by  you, 
that  a  leave  of  absence  until  its  acceptance  by  the  President 
will  not  be  granted  me,  and  that  I  must  see  to  it  that  your 
orders  which  I  could  not  obey  without  becoming  a  slave  myself 
are  "faithfully  and  diligently  executed." 

It  can  be  of  but  little  consequence  to  me  as  to  what  kind  of 
slavery  I  am  to  be  subjected,  whether  to  African  slavery  or  to 
that  which  you  thus  so  offensively  propose  to  me,  giving  me 
an  order  wholly  opposed  to  my  convictions  of  right  as  well  as 
of  the  higher  scale  of  public  necessities  in  the  case,  and  insist- 
ing with  my  complying  with  it  faithfully  and  diligently,  allow- 
ing me  no  room  to  escape  with  my  convictions  or  my  principles 
at  any  sacrifice  that  I  may  make.  I  cannot  submit  to  either 
kind  of  slavery,  and  cannot,  therefore,  for  a  double  reason, 
comply  with  your  order  of  the  31st  of  July,  in  complying  with 
which  I  should  submit  to  both  kinds,  —  both  to  African 
slavery  and  to  that  (to)  which  you  resort  in  its  defence.  Desir- 
ing to  the  last  of  serving  the  public  interest  involved,  I  appeal 
to  your  sense  of  justice  to  reconsider  your  decision,  and  make 
the  most  of  the  cause  out  of  the  sacrifice  which  I  offer,  by  grant- 
ing the  quiet,  proper,  and  customary  action  upon  my  resig- 
nation. By  refusing  my  request  you  would  subject  me  to 
great  inconvenience,  without,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  any  advan- 
tage to  yourself  or  the  service. 

With  the  view  of  securing  myself  a  tardy  justice  in  the 
case,  being  remote  from  the  Capitol,  where  the  transmission 
of  the  mails  is  remarkably  irregular  and  uncertain,  and  in 
order  to  give  you  every  assurance  that  my  resignation  is 
tendered  in  strict  compliance  with  paragraph  29  of  the  reg- 
ulations, to  be  unconditional  and  immediate,  —  I  herewith 
enclose  a  Copy  for  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  Army  which  I 
desire  may  be  forwarded  to  him,  to  be  laid  before  the  Presi- 
dent for  as  early  action  in  the  case  as  his  Excellency  may  be 

VOL.    II — 10 


146   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

pleased  to  accord.  *  And  as  my  position,  sufficiently  unpleasant 
already,  promises  to  become  much  more  so  still  by  the  course 
of  action  I  am  sorry  to  find  you  deem  it  proper  to  pursue,  I 
urgently  request  his  Excellency,  by  a  speedy  acceptance  of 
my  commission,  to  liberate  me  from  that  sense  of  suffocation, 
from  that  darkling  sense  of  bondage  and  enthralment,  which, 
it  appears  to  me,  like  the  snake  around  the  muscles  and  sinews 
of  Laokoon,  is  entangling  and  deadening  the  energies  of  the 
Government  and  the  Country,  when  a  decisive  act  might  cut 
the  evils  and  liberate  us  from  their  baneful  and  fascinating 
influence  forever. 

In  conclusion  of  this  communication,  and  I  should  also 
hope  of  my  services  in  this  Department,  I  deem  it  my  duty  to 
state,  lest  it  otherwise  might  not  come  to  your  notice,  that 
several  parties  of  the  free  colored  men  of  New  Orleans  have 
recently  come  to  consult  me  on  the  propriety  of  raising  one  or 
two  regiments  of  Volunteers  from  their  class  of  the  population 
for  the  defence  of  the  Government  and  good  order,  and  that  I 
have  recommended  them  to  propose  the  measure  to  you,  hav- 
ing no  power  to  act  upon  it  myself.  I  am 

Very  respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Svt., 

J.  W.  PHELPS,  Brig.  Gen. 

Monday,  August  4>th,  1862 

P.S.  The  negroes  increase  rapidly.  There  are  doubtless  now 
six-hundred  able-bodied  men  in  Camp.  These,  added  to  those 
who  are  suffering  uselessly  in  the  prisons  and  jails  of  New 
Orleans  and  vicinity,  and  feeding  from  the  general  stock  of 
provisions,  would  make  a  good  regiment  of  one  thousand  men, 
who  might  contribute  as  much  to  the  preservation  of  law  and 
good  order  as  a  regiment  of  Caucasians,  and  probably  much 
more.  Now  a  mere  burden,  they  might  become  a  beneficient 
element  of  Government  power.  —  J.  W.  P. 

From  General  Phelps 

CAMP  PARAPET,  LA.,  August  2,  1862 

General  LORENZO  THOMAS,  Adj.  Gen'L, 

WASHINGTON,  D.C. 

SIR:  Finding  it  impossible  to  serve  in  this  department 
without  doing  violence  to  my  convictions  of  right  and  public 
necessity,  I  respectfully  tender  you  the  resignation  of  my  com- 
mission as  an  Officer  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   147 

request  as  early  an  acknowledgment  of  its  acceptance  as  con- 
veniently possible.    I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  PHELPS,  Brig.  General 

From  General  Shepley 

PRIVATE  &  UNOFFICIAL.    PORTLAND,  MAINE,  August  2,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLEK 

GENERAL:  Immediately  upon  my  arrival  I  proceeded  to 
Washington,  and  there  had  an  interview  with  the  President 
and  Secretaries  of  State  and  War.  I  stated  to  them  fully  the 
condition  and  wants  of  Louisiana. 

They  were  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  sending  more 
troops,  and  promised  to  send  the  fifteen  thousand  I  asked  for 
when  they  could  get  them  to  send.  But  they  said  more  troops 
were  called  for  now  in  every  Department,  and  it  would  be 
impossible  to  send  them  at  present. 

In  relation  to  the  negro  question,  they  frankly  stated  the 
difficulties  which  surrounded  them,  and  gave  me  discretion 
to  act  as  I  thought  best,  which  will  be  to  continue  the  policy 
pursued  by  you  up  to  this  time.  I  will  explain  this  more  fully 
to  you  when  I  return. 

I  infer  from  what  was  said  upon  the  subject  of  Brigadier 
Generals,  that  they  will  send  out  any  two  you  may  designate 
that  are  available. 

I  suggested  the  appointment  of  Weitzel,  and  Stanton  received 
it  very  favorably,  and  I  think  if  you  make  a  formal  request 
for  his  appointment  he  will  receive  it. 

The  Secretary  of  War  suggested  that  I  had  better  return 
home  and  wait  a  few  days,  and  he  would  send  despatches  and 
a  messenger  to  me  when  his  despatches  were  ready.  I  reached 
home  Tuesday  night  (29th) 9  and  now  (August  2nd),  not  hav- 
ing heard  from  the  Secretary,  I  shall  leave  Monday  morning 
for  Washington  direct,  and  after  remaining  there  one  day 
leave  as  soon  as  possible  for  New  Orleans. 

You  can  have  no  conception  how  strong  and  universal, 
with  the  people,  is  the  feeling  of  approbation  and  appreciation 
of  your  course  in  New  Orleans.  They  all  contrast  what  has 
been  done  in  New  Orleans,  with  the  insufficient  force  and 
scanty  means  of  transportation,  with  the  failures  in  Virginia 
of  such  a  vast  Army,  so  magnificently  supplied  with  all  the 
appliances  of  modern  warfare.  The  contrast  is  so  striking  in 


148   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

your  favor  that  the  remark  is  almost  universal  that  "if  Butler 
had  been  in  command  he  would  have  got  into  Richmond  before 
this  time  some  how." 

Mortar  fleet  Porter  has  been  attacking  you  in  Washington. 
I  found  he  had  been  doing  this  before  he  arrived,  and  I  pre- 
sume, as  he  has  been  in  Washington  since,  he  has  repeated  his 
attacks.  He  has  been  charging  you  with  employing  tug  boats 
and  steamers  for  private  speculations,  and  neglecting  to  supply 
him  with  means  to  tow  his  vessels.  I  told  the  Secretary  it  was 
false,  that  Porter  was  a  humbug,  and  explained  to  him  Porter's 
cowardice  about  the  "Louisiana,"  and  told  him  how  invariably 
you  had  rendered  to  Porter  and  the  Army  every  possible 
facility. 

When  I  return  to  Washington  I  will  find  out  what  new  lies 
Porter  has  told  on  his  arrival  there,  and  will  endeavor  to  set 
history  right  with  the  President  and  Secretary  of  War.  I 
believe  Porter  and  his  motives  are  pretty  well  appreciated 
now. 

I  suggested  Gushing  as  Brigadier  General,  but  found  it 
hopeless  to  attempt  anything  in  that  quarter. 

Hoping  soon  to  see  you  in  New  Orleans,  and  that  your 
health  is  fully  restored,  I  am 

Very  respectfully,  and  truly  yours, 
G.  F.  SHEPLEY,  Brig.  Gcn'l.  U.  S.  Vols. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  %dt  1862 

MY  DEAREST  WIFE:  Four  days  later  from  New  Orleans.  All 
well  so  far  as  health  is  concerned.  The  city  never  healthier  — 
not  a  single  case  of  yellow  fever. 

Phelps  has  gone  crazy.  He  is  organizing  the  negroes  into 
regiments,  and  wants  me  to  arm  them.  There  has  been  a 
slight  insurrection  up  the  Coast,  as  it  is  called,  meaning  twenty 
miles  up  the  river.  I  told  him  he  must  set  the  negroes  to  work 
and  not  drill  them,  and  he  thereupon  has  resigned.  I  have 
sent  the  whole  matter  to  the  President.  Reverdy  Johnson  has 
gone  home,  I  trust  with  a  flea  in  his  ear.  What  do  you  think 
of  the  letter  about  order  No.  28?  I  did  not  mean  Carney 
should  publish  it,  but  he  has  done  so.  Perhaps  it  is  well 
enough.  What  do  you  think  of  the  picture?  Is  not  the  posi- 
tion an  easy  one?  Be  sure  and  send  me  those  I  wrote  for. 
Farragut  has  come  down  the  river  and  given  up  Vicksburg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       149 

So  we  go,  perhaps,  over  to  Mobile.    I  have  so  large  a  force  I 
can  go  anywhere,  of  course. 

A  truce  with  this  business,  but  don't  let  Fisher  forget  to 
send  the  oats  and  the  hoop  poles  by  steamer.  We  send  home 
the  "Saxon."  She  will  start  the  5th  with  a  freight  list  worth 
10,000  dollars  —  will  take  a  month  to  go  home.  She  will  go 
to  New  York,  so  let  Fisher  look  out.  She  will  be  home  about 
the  20th. 

By  the  by,  I  want  you  to  look  in  my  "scrap  book"  and 
find  the  speech  I  made  at  the  John  Brown  meeting  in  Lowell 
some  time  in  the  winter  of  1859.  Let  Blanche  transcribe  it, 
and  put  it  into  the  next  mail  for  me.  If  she  will  do  it  I  will 
send  her  something  handsome.  Don't  fail  in  this.  Now, 
dearest,  how  do  you  get  on?  Summer  more  than  f  gone,  and 
we  not  together.  Are  you  gay?  You  must  be.  Laugh  and 
grow  fat.  Don't  think  too  much.  Don't  fret  yourself  at  all. 
Play  with  the  children.  Kiss  all  for  me  again  and  again,  and 
then  reserve  a  kiss  for  yourself.  Keep  it  warm  and  happy  till 
I  get  back. 

They  have  an  absurd  story  here  that  Banks  is  to  be  sent 
down  to  take  my  place.  I  wish  to  heaven  he  would  come! 
Write  me  every  day,  never  mind,  the  mails  will  bring  them 
sometime,  although  the  "Creole"  has  got  aground  on  the 
Florida  reefs  and  we  have  not  heard  a  word  by  mail  since 
July  6th.  Don't  bother  yourself  about  furnishing  the  house. 
Perhaps  I  shall  aid  you  from  here. 

Truly  as  ever  your  own  BENJ.  with  the  coziest  nook  in  his  heart 
always  yours. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  3rd,  1862 

Flag  Officer  D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Western  Gulf 

Blockading  Squadron 

SIR:  I  have  just  been  informed  by  reliable  persons  that 
since  yesterday  morning  a  great  number  of  field  guns  have 
been  placed  between  here  and  Baton  Rouge  by  the  rebels, 
the  avowed  object  being  to  sink  my  transports  in  the  absence 
of  your  cruisers.  This  information,  taken  in  connection  with 
despatches  received  from  Gen'l.  Williams,  informing  me  that 
he  expects  an  attack  by  a  large  force,  leads  me  to  believe  that 
my  information  is  truthful.  I  consider  it  therefore  my  impera- 
tive duty  to  ask  you  to  cause  one  at  least  of  your  Gunboats  to 
cruise  between  here  and  Baton  Rouge  at  once,  so  that  I  can 


ISO   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

keep  my  communication  open  with  my  forces  at  that  point, 
at  least  during  the  time  danger  is  anticipated.    I  am,  Sir 
Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Augst.  Srd,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  WILLIAMS,  Commanding  at  BATON  ROUGE 

GENERAL:  I  received  your  note  by  the  hand  of  John  Mann, 
who  was  in  my  confidential  service.  While  his  information 
may  be  relied  upon  as  correct,  yet  all  the  inferences  may  not 
be  which  he  draws. 

The  truth  is  this,  as  I  gather  it  from  various  sources.  On 
the  25th  of  July  I  sent  an  expedition  of  500  men  on  an  expedi- 
tion around  the  Lake  at  Mandeville  and  Madisonville.  The 
movement  was  delayed  48  hours,  and  in  that  time  word  was 
sent  to  the  enemy  that  it  was  to  go  out.  Thereupon  Breckin- 
ridge  was  telegraphed  down  to  Camp  Moore  with  four  Regi- 
ments to  proceed  to  Madisonville,  but  it  so  happened  that  Col. 
McMillan  on  the  same  day  sent  out  to  the  Amite  River  a 
reconnoitering  party  of  two  companies,  and  they  made  an 
attack  on  a  Guerilla  Camp  there. 

News  of  this  came  to  Camp  Moore,  and  they  concluded 
that  the  expedition  to  Madisonville  was  but  a  feint  while  the 
real  attack  was  to  be  Camp  Moore,  immediately  counter- 
marched to  get  back  to  repel  the  expected  assault  upon  the 
Camp. 

This  is  the  cause  of  the  Assembly  of  the  troops  at  Camp 
Moore.  While  I  would  not  have  you  relax  your  vigilance,  I 
think  you  need  fear  no  assault  at  present.  When  it  does  come, 
I  know  you  will  be  ready.  I  should  much  like  to  see  you,  if 
possible  to  be  absent  from  your  command.  There  are  many 
things  upon  which  I  wish  to  consult. 

The  matter  of  the  charges  against  several  Officers  will  be 
submitted  to  a  Court  Martial.  I  am 

Very  Truly  Yours, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

P.S.    I  have  communicated  with  the  Flag  Officer  concerning 
the  Boat  at  Red  River.    B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       151 

From  Colonel  Deming  to  General  Butler 

HARTFORD,  August  UK  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  reached  the  North  in  the  height  of 
the  panic  caused  by  McClellan's  disaster  and  the  President's 
order  for  three  hundred  thousand  additional  volunteers.  The 
time  was  somewhat  unfavorable,  as  you  can  readily  see,  for 
my  application  for  reinforcements,  and  the  only  reply  which  I 
could  extract  from  the  Secretary  of  War  was,  "Gen.  Butler 
must  recruit  in  New  Orleans." 

The  other  matters  contained  in  your  brief,  he  informed  me, 
had  been  answered  by  orders  and  instructions  sent  to  you  by 
Reverdy  Johnson,  and  by  the  Confiscation  Act  which  had 
just  passed. 

The  plates  I  delivered  to  Mr.  Secretary  Chase  and  the 
swords  to  the  President.  The  flags  I  sent  by  Adams  Express  to 
General  Dix.  I  delivered  the  draft  for  $25,000  to  the  Vice 
President  of  Adams  Express  Company,  and  took  his  receipt 
therefor;  Mr.  Chase  said  that  though  the  drafts  were  irregular, 
inasmuch  as  money  could  not  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury 
except  by  authority  of  law,  he  would  endeavor  to  contrive 
some  way  to  protect  them. 

Mr.  Stanton  would  not  at  the  present  time  entertain  my 
proposition  to  resign,  and  would  only  condescend  to  grant  me 
a  furlough  of  thirty  days  from  July  30th,  at  the  expiration  of 
which  I  hope  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  in  New  Orleans. 

I  have  been  afflicted  with  an  attack  of  dysentery  since  my 
arrival  here,  but  hope  that  quiet  and  good  nursing  will  soon 
restore  me  to  my  usual  health.  I  am 

Truly  your  friend  and  servant, 
HENRY  C.  DEMING,  Col.  12th  Reg.  C.  V. 

From  General  Butler 

TELEGRAM.    Head  Quarters,  August  4/A,  1862 

Gen.  Dow 

Do  not  let  any  person  or  vessel  from  an  infected  port, 
specially  from  Havana  come  up. 

This  order  is  imperative. 

BBNJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 


152       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  4,  1862 

GENBKAL  OBDBRS  No.  55 

IT  appears  that  the  need  of  relief  to  the  destitute  poor  of 
the  city  requires  more  extended  measures  and  greater  outlay 
than  have  yet  been  made. 

It  becomes  a  question  in  justice  upon  whom  should  this 
burden  fall.  Clearly  upon  those  who  have  brought  this  great 
calamity  upon  their  fellow-citizens. 

It  should  not  be  borne  by  taxation  of  the  whole  municipality, 
because  the  middling  and  working-men  have  never  been  heard 
at  the  ballot-box,  unawed  by  threats  and  unmenaced  by 
"Thugs'*  and  paid  assassins  of  conspirators  against  peace  and 
good  order.  Besides,  more  than  the  vote  that  was  claimed  for 
secession  have  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  United 
States. 

The  United  States  Government  does  its  share  when  it  pro- 
tects, defends,  and  preserves  the  people  in  the  enjoyment  of 
law,  order,  and  calm  quiet.  Those  who  have  brought  upon  the 
city  this  stagnation  of  business,  this  desolation  of  the  hearth- 
stone, this  starvation  of  the  poor  and  helpless,  should,  as  far 
as  they  may  be  able,  relieve  these  distresses. 

There  are  two  classes  whom  it  would  seem  peculiarly  fit 
should  at  first  contribute  to  this  end.  First,  those  individuals 
and  corporations  who  have  aided  the  rebellion  with  their 
means;  and  second,  those  who  have  endeavored  to  destroy 
the  commercial  prosperity  of  the  city,  upon  which  the  welfare 
of  its  inhabitants  depend. 

It  is  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Commanding  General 
that  a  subscription  of  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars  was  made  by  the  corporate  bodies,  business  firms,  and 
persons  whose  names  are  set  forth  in  schedule  "A"  annexed 
to  this  order,  and  that  sum  placed  in  the  hands  of  an  illegal 
body  known  as  the  "Committee  of  Public  Safety,"  for  the 
treasonable  purpose  of  defending  the  city  against  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,  under  whose  humane  rule  the  city 
of  New  Orleans  had  enjoyed  such  unexampled  prosperity  that 
her  warehouses  were  filled  with  trade  of  all  nations  who  came 
to  share  her  freedom,  to  take  part  in  the  benefits  of  her  com- 
mercial superiority,  and  thus  she  was  made  the  representative 
mart  of  the  world. 

The  stupidity  and  wastefulness  with  which  this  immense 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   153 

sum  was  spent  was  only  equalled  by  the  folly  which  led  to  its 
being  raised  at  all.  The  subscribers  to  this  fund,  by  this  very 
act,  betray  their  treasonable  designs  and  their  ability  to  pay 
at  least  a  much  smaller  tax  for  the  relief  of  their  destitute  and 
starving  neighbors. 

Schedule  "B"  is  a  list  of  Cotton  Brokers,  who,  claiming  to 
control  that  great  interest  in  New  Orleans,  to  which  she  is  so 
much  indebted  for  her  wealth,  published  in  the  newspapers,  in 
October,  1861,  a  manifesto  deliberately  advising  the  planters  not 
to  bring  their  produce  to  the  city,  a  measure  which  brought 
ruin  at  the  same  time  upon  the  producer  and  the  city. 

This  act  sufficiently  testifies  the  malignity  of  these  traitors, 
as  well  to  the  Government  as  their  neighbors,  and  it  is  to  be 
regretted  that  their  ability  to  relieve  their  fellow-citizens  is 
not  equal  to  their  facilities  for  injuring  them. 

In  taxing  both  these  classes  to  relieve  the  suffering  poor  of 
New  Orleans,  yea,  even  though  the  needy  be  the  starving  wives 
and  children  of  those  in  arms  at  Richmond  and  elsewhere 
against  the  United  States,  it  will  be  impossible  to  make  a  mis- 
take save  in  having  the  assessment  too  easy  and  the  burden 
too  light. 

It  is  therefore  Ordered  — 

1st.  That  the  sums  in  schedules  annexed,  marked  "A"  and 
"B,"  set  against  the  names  of  the  several  persons,  business 
firms,  and  corporations  herein  described,  be  and  hereby  are 
assessed  upon  each  respectively. 

3d.  That  said  sums  be  paid  to  Lieut.  David  C.  G.  Field, 
Financial  Clerk,  at  his  office  in  the  Customhouse,  on  or  before 
Monday,  the  llth  inst.,  or  that  the  property  of  the  delinquent 
be  ^forthwith  seized  and  sold  at  public  auction,  to  pay  the 
amount,  with  all  necessary  charges  and  expenses,  or  the 
party  imprisoned  till  paid. 

3d.  The  money  raised  by  this  assessment  to  be  a  fund  for 
the  purpose  of  providing  employment  and  food  for  the  deserv- 
ing poor  people  of  New  Orleans. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  5th,  1862 

MY  DEAR,  DEAR  WIFE:  I  am  only  going  to  write  you  a  word 
to  let  you  know  what  you  fear  may  not  be  so  —  that  I  am  in 


154   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

good  health,  and  trust  you  are  enjoying  the  same  blessing. 
And  also  to  let  you  know  what  you  know  already  —  how  much 
I  miss  you  and  love  you. 

Love  to  all  —  Kiss  the  children.  Write  me  every  day, 
grow  fat  and  saucy  —  and  tell  me  how  I  can  get  home  to  you 
out  of  this.  We  have  not  heard  a  word  till  today.  The  mail 
is  just  in  —  the  first  mail  since  the  6th  of  July.  Thirty  days 
without  a  mail!  I  am  longing  for  it  to  be  opened,  as  I  shall  get 
a  letter  from  you,  one  at  least,  I  hope  more.  I  shall  have 
trouble  with  Phelps.  He  is  mad  as  a  March  Hare  on  the 
"nigger  question/'  He  is  arming  them  against  all  law,  and 
refuses  to  have  them  work.  My  respect  for  him  will  lead  me  to 
treat  him  very  tenderly  but  firmly,  and  I  hope  involve  myself 
no  more  than  is  absolutely  necessary  for  my  duty.  That  I 
will  do  in  any  event.  All  else  is  well  here.  The  Rebels  threaten 
Baton  Rouge,  but  I  do  not  believe  in  an  attack.  Let  them  come 
on,  I  want  a  fight.  All  else  is  well.  Your  hmbandi  BENJ 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  5th,  1862 

To  Brig.  Gen.  PHELPS 

GENERAL:  Your  communication  of  today  has  been  received. 
I  had  forwarded  your  resignation  on  the  day  it  was  received  to 
the  President  of  the  U.  S.,  so  that  there  will  be  no  occasion  of 
forwarding  a  duplicate.  General,  not  at  liberty  to  accept  your 
resignation,  I  cannot,  consistently  with  my  duty  and  the  orders 
from  the  War  Department,  grant  you  a  leave  of  absence  until 
it  is  accepted  by  the  President  of  the  U.  S.,  for  want  of  Officers 
to  supply  your  place.  I  see  nothing  unusual,  nor  do  I  intend 
anything  so,  in  the  refusal  to  accept  the  resignation  of  an 
officer  when  his  place  cannot  be  at  the  present  moment  supplied. 

I  pray  you  to  understand  that  there  was  nothing  intended 
to  be  offensive  to  you  in  either  the  matter  or  manner  of  my 
communication  in  directing  you  to  cease  military  Organiza- 
tions of  the  negroes.  I  do  only  carry  out  the  law  of  Congress  as 
I  understand  it,  and  in  doing  which  I  have  no  choice.  I  can 
see  neither  African  nor  other  slavery  in  the  Commander  of  a 
Post  clearing  from  the  front  of  his  line,  by  means  of  able- 
bodied  men  under  his  control,  the  trees  and  underbrush  which 
would  afford  cover  and  shelter  to  his  enemies  in  case  of  attack, 
especially  when  the  very  measure  is  a  precautionary  one  advised 
by  yourself,  and  while  in  deference  to  your  age  and  experience 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        155 

as  a  soldier,  and  the  appreciation  I  have  of  your  many  good 
qualities  of  heart,  I  have  withdrawn  and  do  withdraw  any- 
thing you  may  find  offensive  in  my  communication,  still  I 
must  request  a  categorical  answer  to  this  question:  Will 
you  or  will  you  not  employ  a  proper  portion  of  the  negroes  in 
cutting  down  the  trees  which  afford  cover  to  the  enemy  in 
front  and  right  of  your  line? 

I  pray  you  to  observe  that  if  there  is  anything  of  wrong  in 
this  order,  that  wrong  is  mine,  for  you  have  sufficiently  pro- 
tested against  it.  You  are  not  responsible  for  it  more  than  the 
hand  that  executes  it  —  it  can  offend  neither  your  political 
nor  moral  sense.  With  sentiments  of  the  utmost  kindness  and 
respect,  I  am,  y^  obedieni  Servant,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 


From  General  Butler  to  General  Phelps 

PRIVATE  AND  UNOFFICIAL.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  5,  1862 

DEAR  GENL.  :  I  send  you  enclosed  herewith  the  President's 
order,  which  came  in  this  morning's  mail,  before  you  make 
your  final  answer  to  my  official  communication. 

You  will  see  that  I  cannot  do  otherwise  than  I  have  done, 
and  I  beseech  you  do  not  put  yourself  in  an  attitude  apparently 
hostile  to  me,  when  the  only  feelings  I  hold  toward  you  are 
those  of  kindness  and  good  will. 

I  have  in  this  frank  manner  written  to  assure  you  that  I 
only  wish  to  carry  out  the  orders  of  the  Government,  and  not 
to  embarrass  you. 

I  would  like  to  meet  you  in  personal  conversation  to  see  if 
I  might  not  aid  you  in  avoiding  this  difficulty.  Believe  me, 

Your  friend,  BENJ.  F. 

From  General  Phelps 

CAMP  PARAPET,  August  [6^],  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comd'g.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf  at 
NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
communication  of  yesterday,  proposing  a  question  for  a  cate- 
gorical answer,  which  came  to  hand  at  a  quarter  before  one 
o'clock  P.M.  to-day. 

To  propose  a  question  either  specific  or  abstract  of  obedience 
to  orders,  after  I  had  tendered  my  resignation  immediate  and 
unconditional,  seems  to  me  hardly  compatible  with  the  "senti- 


156   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

merits  of  kindness'5  that  you  express.  If  I  am  to  be  detained 
here  against  my  wishes  because  at  present  my  place  cannot  be 
supplied,  then  at  least  I  ought  not  to  be  troubled  with  unneces- 
sary issues  between  my  sense  of  obedience  to  orders  and  my 
convictions  and  principles.  I  am  willing  to  fill  a  place  tempo- 
rarily and  perform  the  routinary  duties  of  my  profession  until 
the  acceptance  of  my  resignation;  but  as  I  am  left  wholly  des- 
titute of  the  proper  power  and  authority  to  meet  the  urgent 
and  practical  questions  that  come  every  day  for  solution,  it 
would  seem  to  me  idle  to  comply  with  merely  one  measure 
among  many,  especially  when  we  have  work  enough  already 
for  our  negroes  to  do,  and  when  the  Order  proposed,  if  extended 
to  other  obstructions  as  well  as  trees,  would  occasion  a  great 
amount  of  unnecessary  labor  and  destruction. 

My  dear  Sir,  it  is  not  a  question  of  obedience  to  Orders 
between  us.  I  fully  appreciate  the  difficulties  of  your  position, 
and  the  varied  abilities,  patriotism,  and  untiring  diligence 
which  you  have  shown  in  meeting  them;  and  it  is  with  great 
reluctance  and  regret  that  I  have  to  trouble  you  with  anything 
my  own;  but  at  a  crisis  in  our  national  affairs  so  important 
as  this,  I  should  not  be  doing  my  duty  either  to  the  Country 
or  to  the  Government,  I  should  mislead  them  both,  were  I 
to  remain  quietly  at  my  post  with  the  semblance  but  without 
the  power  of  fulfilling  the  duties  incumbent  upon  it.  I  should 
endanger  and  complicate  public  interests  in  this  way  rather 
than  serve  them. 

The  distance  of  this  Station  from  the  Capitol  of  the  country, 
the  irregularity  and  studied  uncertainty  of  the  mails;  the 
ungenial  character  of  Latin  laws  and  education  and  slave 
labor  to  democratic  institutions;  the  speculating  character  of 
the  people  habituated  to  conspiratorial  associations,  idle  com- 
binations, and  fraudulent  collusions,  —  all  these  and  many 
other  elements  of  disorder  and  opposition  to  legitimate  author- 
ity, Lilliputian  as  they  are  when  viewed  by  themselves,  seem 
threatening  to  entangle  the  feeble,  hesitating,  and  undecided 
action  of  the  Government,  and  render  its  great  and  beneficent 
power  of  no  avail.  As  it  is,  we  seem  to  be  in  a  foreign  coun- 
try rather  than  in  the  United  States,  not  so  much  from  the 
character  of  the  people  as  from  the  want  of  action  of  the 
Government  upon  it. 

You  ask  me  whether  I  will  obey  a  certain  Order  or  not. 
With  perfect  respect  and  deference  for  yourself  and  your  posi- 
tion, I  beg  to  be  permitted  in  return  to  submit  the  following 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   157 

propositions  to  his  Excellency  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  as  those  under  which  I  could  alone  consent  to  serve. 

1st.  The  people  purchased  a  large  region  of  country  called 
Louisiana,  which  at  the  time  of  purchase  embraced  a  very 
considerable  portion  of  the  South  West,  and  they  have  a  right 
to  this  Territory  for  the  purposes  designed  by  their  constitu- 
tion, viz:  to  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty  to  themselves  and 
their  posterity. 

2nd.  The  people  are  temporarily  withheld  from  a  full,  per- 
fect, and  peaceable  possession  of  this  territory  by  a  few  ambi- 
tious leaders  and  their  deluded  partisans. 

3rd.  Every  State  of  the  Union  is  bound  to  furnish  her  share 
of  taxes  and  her  quota  of  men  for  the  suppression  of  domestic 
insurrection,  and  the  quota  of  men  of  the  Slave  States  should 
be  based  upon  the  total  number  of  whites  and  three-fifths  of 
all  other  persons  in  those  States. 

4th.  Society  here  is  on  the  verge  of  dissolution,  and  it  is  the 
true  policy  of  the  Government  to  seize  upon  the  chief  elements 
of  disorder  and  anarchy,  and  employ  them  in  favor  of  law  and 
order.  The  African,  ignorant  and  benighted,  yet  newly- 
awakened  to  liberty,  threatens  to  be  a  fearful  element  of  ruin 
and  disaster,  and  the  best  way  to  prevent  it  is  to  arm  and 
organize  him  on  the  side  of  the  Government. 

5th.  The  Slave  States  have  already  gone  through  the  chief 
suffering  incident  to  a  state  of  revolution;  and  to  return  them 
to  their  former  condition  would  be  as  impolitic  as  it  would  be 
cruel  and  impossible. 

6th.  The  system  of  labor  in  the  South  is  ripe  for  and 
demands  a  change,  and  a  transition  from  forced  to  paid  labor 
is  of  easy  and  necessary  accomplishment. 

7th.  Military  art  and  science,  the  most  potent  and  perhaps 
the  only  rudimentary  element  of  civilizing  power  which  has 
not  yet  been  brought  to  the  African  during  his  bondage  in 
America,  is  essential  for  extending  the  Colony  of  Liberia  and 
opening  up  to  civilization  the  cane  and  cotton  lands  of  Africa. 

Enclosing  herewith  a  report  of  Major  Peck  which  discloses 
the  condition  of  things  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Ponchartrain, 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain,  with  sentiments  of  high  esteem, 
Very  respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Servt. 

J.  W.  PHELPS,  Brig.  Genl. 


158   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

By  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  6tht  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  844 

THE  City  Surveyor  and  Street  Commissioner  are  authorized 
to  employ  not  less  than  One  thousand  men  (including  those 
now  employed)  to  work  on  the  Streets,  wharves,  and  canals; 
in  the  selection  of  these  laborers  married  men  will  have  the 
preference.  These  men  to  be  paid  out  of  the  employment  and 
relief  fund,  raised  by  General  Order  No.  55. 

While  this  force  was  paid  by  taxation  of  the  property  of 
the  City,  the  Commanding  Genl.  felt  authorized  to  employ  it 
only  in  most  economical  manner,  but  it  now  being  employed 
at  the  expense  of  their  rebellious  neighbors,  the  Commanding 
General  proposes  that  they  shall  be  paid  the  same  sum  that 
was  paid  them  by  the  same  party  for  work  on  the  fortifica- 
tions, to  wit:  One  Dollar  and  a  half  for  each  day's  labor.  The 
rations  heretofore  a  gift  to  the  laborers  by  the  United  States, 
will  now  be  discontinued. 

This  Order  is  to  take  effect  from  and  after  the  first  Monday 

in  August  1862.  z>    ^  j       -  ^       „        ^ 

0  By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  6th,  1862 

Lt.  WEITZEL,  U.  S.  Engineers,  Chief  Engineer  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 
THE  General  wishes  me  to  say  to  you  that,  upon  careful 
examination  of  facts  and  rumors,  he  is  convinced  that  the  main 
attack  has  been  made  on  Baton  Rouge,  and  that  it  is  not  a 
feint  to  cover  any  assault  on  this  place.  The  enemy  have  12 
Regiments  &  two  Batteries,  in  all  about  6  or  7000  men.  With 
the  force  you  have  he  thinks  you  can  hold  Baton  Rouge;  at 
all  events,  he  wishes  you  to  make  the  utmost  efforts  to  do  so, 
and  if  you  repulse  the  rebels  to  follow  them  and  use  them  up  as 
much  as  possible.  If  you  are  obliged  to  evacuate  the  town, 
though,  he  wishes  to  leave  much  to  the  discretion  of  yourself 
and  the  Commanding  Officer,  his  own  impression  is  that  the 
place  should  be  burned.  Please  keep  us  informed  by  every 
opportunity  of  all  that  occurs  with  you.  I  am 

Most  respt.,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  General 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        159 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  1th,  1862 

Col.  HALBERT  E.  PAINE,  4th  Regt.  Wis.  Vols.9  at 
BATON  ROUGE 

COLONEL:  I  have  the  report  of  Col.  Cahill  of  the  affair  at 
Baton  Rouge.  From  it  I  am  inclined  to  change  the  opinion 
which  I  had  when  you  left  me  with  Lt.  Weitzel.  Do  not  evacu- 
ate Baton  Rouge,  at  least  at  present. 

Let  Lt.  Weitzel  examine  and  determine  the  best  positions 
for  holding  the  town.  Take  advantage  of  the  Village  and 
buildings  for  that  purpose  aided  by  temporary  earthworks 
and  abatis,  if  necessary  in  conjunction.  The  political  impor- 
tance of  the  place  has  decided  me  under  the  change  of  appear- 
ing facts.  Breckinridge  has  12  regiments,  14  pieces  of  Cannon, 
effective  strength  about  5000  men,  and  that  is  the  entire  force 
he  has  anywhere  under  his  Command.  Let  Lieut.  Weitzel 
report  to  these  Head  Quarters  as  soon  as  he  has  done  what  he 
can. 

Send  back  most  of  the  transport  and  all  the  wounded  and 
prisoners.  Let  each  Officer  Comdg.  a  Regt.  make  a  detailed 
report  of  the  facts  of  the  day.  Let  Lt.  Col.  Cahill  make  a  full 
report  as  Commander  of  the  Action  of  all  the  facts,  events, 
captures,  with  the  full  list  of  killed,  wounded,  and  missing.  I 
desire  this  as  the  proper  means  of  making  my  own  report  to 
the  Government.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  Genl. 

From  Colonel  Thomas  W.  Cahill 

Headquarters  Second  Brigade,  BATON  ROUGE,  August  6th  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Captain  R.  S.  DAVIS,  A.  A.  A.  Gen. 

CAPTAIN:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  an  attack  was 
made  early  yesterday  morning  by  a  Confederate  force  of  about 
10  Regiments,  under  Command  of  Maj.  Gen'l.  J.  C.  Breckin- 
ridge, and  that,  after  a  fight  of  four  hours  duration  and  of 
great  severity,  the  enemy  was  repulsed. 

I  regret  to  state  that  Brig.  Gen'l.  Williams  was  killed  on 
the  field  by  a  rifle  ball  through  the  chest. 

During  the  battle,  our  forces  were  obliged  to  retire  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  our  original  position,  and  the  enemy 


160   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

were  thus  able  to  occupy  temporarily  the  Camps  of  the  21st 
Indiana,  7th  Vermont,  and  14th  Maine  Regiments,  and  to 
destroy  much  of  the  baggage  and  Camp  Equipage.  They 
were,  however,  driven  out,  but,  our  numbers  being  much 
exhausted  by  fatigue  and  heat,  it  was  deemed  inexpedient  to 
pursue. 

*  I  am  unable  as  yet  to  give  a  report  of  our  casualties  which, 
I  am  sorry  to  say,  are  considerable.  The  enemy  has  retired 
several  miles,  and  from  all  I  can  learn  are  still  retiring.  I  am 
expecting  it  possible  they  may  receive  reinforcements,  and 
am  disposing  my  troops  in  the  strongest  positions.  Our  force 
engaged  numbered  less  than  2500,  the  enemy  had  about  5000 
with  twelve  or  fourteen  field  pieces  and  some  Cavalry. 

The  Ram  "Arkansas"  approached  with  intentions  of  engag- 
ing our  gunboats,  but  grounded  above  the  point  at  a  distance 
of  about  6  miles,  and  to-day  was  engaged  by  the  iron-clad 
"Essex"  and  destroyed. 

Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  communication  received  by  Flag 
of  Truce  from  Maj.  Gen.  Breckinridge,  and  my  reply  thereto. 
You  will  see  by  the  latter  that  Brig.  Gen.  Clark  and  his  Aid 
de  Camp  have  delivered  themselves  up  as  prisoners  of  War. 
I  have  also  fully  70  wounded  prisoners  that  were  left  on  the 
field,  also  about  30  captured.  I  would  like  instructions  as  to 
the  disposition  you  wish  made  of  them.  Some  express  a  wish 
to  be  paroled. 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  Servant, 

THOS.  W.  CAHILL,  Col.  Comd'g.  Post 

From  General  Breckinridge 

Headquarters  Confederate  forces  in  the  field.    Near  BATON  ROUGE, 

August  6th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Commanding  officer  U.  S.  forces,  at  BATON  ROUGE,  LA. 
I  HAVE  sent  Major  De  Baur  with  a  flag  of  truce,  with  the 
request  that  he  will  be  allowed  to  attend  to  the  burial  of  our 
dead  who  may  have  been  left  within  your  lines.  Major  Haines 
accompanying  desires  to  communicate  with  Brig.  Gen.  Chas. 
Clark,  that  he  may  supply  him  with  money  and  clothing,  and 
such  articles  as  may  contribute  to  his  comfort. 

Respectfully,  Sir,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
JOHN  C.  BRECKINRIDGE,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        161 

From  Colonel  T.  W.  Cahill 

Headquarters  U.  S.  forces,  BATON  ROUGE,  August  6th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

M aj.  Gen.  J.  C.  BRECKINRIDGE,  Commanding  Confederate 

Forces 

GENERAL:  In  reply  to  your  communication  of  this  morning 
under  a  flag  of  truce,  I  have  the  honor  to  say  that  we  are  now 
engaged  in  the  burial  of  your  dead  within  our  lines,  and  that 
we  shall  soon  finish  the  now  nearly  accomplished  work. 

Gen'l.  Clark  and  his  Aid  de  Camp,  Lieut.  Yager,  have  sur- 
rendered themselves  as  prisoners  of  war,  and  are  being  cared 
for  by  our  Surgeons.  A  friend  of  Gen'l.  Clark  from  this  City 
will  attend  to  his  pecuniary  wants. 

Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

THOS.  W.  CAHILL,  Col.  Commanding 


From  General  Butler 

TELEGRAM.     Head  Quars.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  7th,  1862 

Gen.  Dow,  FORT  ST.  PHILIP 

GLORIOUS  victory  at  Baton  Rouge.  Breckinridge  attacks 
with  6000  men,  is  repulsed  with  great  loss,  three  Brig.  Genl. 
killed  and  wounded  and  prisoners.  Gen.  Williams  killed.  The 
Ram  "Arkansas"  destroyed.  -o  -p 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Guff,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  7,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  56 

THE  Commanding  General  announces  to  the  Army  of  the 
Gulf  the  sad  event  of  the  death  of  Brig.  Gen.  Thomas  Williams, 
commanding  Second  Brigade,  in  Camp,  at  Baton  Rouge. 

The  victorious  achievement  —  the  repulse  of  the  division  of 
Major  General  Breckinridge  by  the  troops  led  on  by  Gen. 
Williams,  and  the  destruction  of  the  mail-clad  "  Arkansas" 
by  Capt.  Porter  of  the  Navy  —  is  made  sorrowful  by  the  fall 
of  our  brave,  gallant,  and  successful  fellow-soldier. 

Gen.  Williams  graduated  at  West  Point  in  1837;  at  once 
joined  the  4th  Artillery  in  Florida,  where  he  served  with 
distinction;  was  thrice  breveted  for  gallant  and  meritorious 
services  in  Mexico,  as  a  member  of  Gen.  Scott's  staff.  His  life 
was  that  of  a  soldier  devoted  to  his  country's  service.  His 


VOL.    II — II 


162       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

country  mourns  in  sympathy  with  his  wife  and  children,  now 
that  country's  care  and  precious  charge. 

We,  his  companions  in  arms,  who  had  learned  to  love  him, 
weep  the  true  friend,  the  gallant  gentleman,  the  brave  soldier, 
the  accomplished  officer,  the  pure  patriot  and  victorious  hero, 
and  the  devoted  Christian.  All,  and  more,  went  out  when 
Williams  died.  By  a  singular  felicity,  the  manner  of  his  death 
illustrated  each  of  these  generous  qualities. 

The  chivalric  American  gentleman,  he  gave  up  the  vantage 
of  the  cover  of  the  houses  of  the  city  —  forming  his  lines  in 
the  open  field  —  lest  the  women  and  children  of  his  enemies 
should  be  hurt  in  the  fight! 

A  good  general,  he  made  his  dispositions  and  prepared 
for  battle  at  the  break  of  day,  when  he  met  his  foe! 

A  brave  soldier,  he  received  the  death-shot  leading  his 
men. 

A  patriot  hero,  he  was  fighting  the  battle  of  his  country,  and 
died  as  went  up  the  cheer  of  victory! 

A  Christian,  he  sleeps  in  the  hope  of  a  blessed  Redeemer! 

His  virtues  we  cannot  exceed  —  his  example  we  may  emu- 
late, —  and,  mourning  his  death,  we  pray,  "may  our  last  end 
be  like  his." 

The  customary  tribute  of  mourning  will  be  worn  by  the 
officers  in  the  Department. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  1th,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  246 

A  COMMISSION  of  Relief  to  take  charge  of  the  distributions 
of  the  provisions  of  the  Poor,  to  consist  of  five  members,  one 
from  each  District,  and  a  President. 

The  Committee  will  have  the  entire  management  of  the 
business  of  gratuitous  distribution  of  food. 

They  will  make  requisitions  upon  the  Chief  Commissary 
for  provisions,  and  establish  the  Stores  of  distribution  as 
necessary  in  each  District  as  economy  and  efficiency  may 
need. 

They  will  receive  and  decide  upon  all  applications  for  relief, 
making  careful  inquiry  in  all  cases  into  the  character  and  cir- 
cumstances of  the  applicants,  so  managing  as  to  encourage 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   163 

loyalty  to  the  Union,  but  to  relieve  the  deserving  women  and 
children,  although  not  loyal. 

They  will  make  requisitions  upon  the  financial  Clerk  for 
the  sums  needed  to  pay  expenses  and  labor  of  distribution. 

They  will  keep  separate  accounts  of  food  distributed.  1st. 
Families  of  Federal  Recruits.  2nd.  Widows  and  friendless 
destitute.  3d.  Families  of  Confederate  Soldiers. 

They  will  carefully  keep  in  a  systematic  manner  all  the 
Books  and  Records  necessary  to  show  in  a  clear  and  concise 
manner  all  their  transactions,  ready  and  subject  at  all  times  to 
the  inspection  of  the  Government  Officers,  who  may  be  ap- 
pointed or  detailed  to  examine  or  supervise  them. 

They  will  report  to  the  Commanding  General  weekly  the 
number  of  families  supplied  and  the  quantity  of  provisions 
distributed. 

They  will  suspend  and  abolish  the  so-called  Free  Market 
so  soon  as  they  are  ready  to  make  distributions. 

Messrs.  B.  F.  FLANDERS,  Presd.,  T.  B.  THORPE,  E.  HEATH, 
E.  WHITEMORE,  J.  B.  HUBBARD,  are  appointed  as  such 

Commissioners.  n    n  j       ^AT       ^         T> 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 
From  George  Coppell,  Acting  Consul 

PRIVATE.     British  Consulate,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  8th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  much  regret  that,  through  unavoidable  & 
unforeseen  circumstances,  the  Flag  of  this  Consulate  was  not 
lowered  whilst  the  Funeral  of  the  late  Brig.  GenL  Williams 
was  passing.  I  may  observe  in  explanation  that  I  had  but 
just  arrived  at  my  office,  did  not  know  that  the  Funeral  was 
to  take  place  today  —  let  alone  pass  the  Consulate,  and  that 
my  porter  was  absent.  I  am  sorry  that  the  matter  should 
have  been  noticed  by  you,  for  when  the  orderly  came  to  the 
office  I  had  sent  for  a  person  to  lower  the  Flag.  I  beg  to  remain, 

General>  Your  faithful  Servant, 

GEORGE  COPPELL,  Acfg  Consul 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  Sth,  1862 

DEAREST:  I  have  been  alone  today,  no  one  in  the  house  but 
myself  and  servants.  Tonight  I  feel  tenderly  toward  you> 


164   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

inexpressibly  kind  and  pitiful.  What  happiness  it  would  be 
to  see  you  coming  up  the  avenue,  even  greater,  that  there 
would  be  none  to  greet  you  but  me.  We  should  not  say  much, 
happy  enough  to  sit  down  together,  and  look  on  one  of  the 
loveliest  views  in  nature,  satisfied  that  this  is  home;  and 
when  you  are  a  little  more  weary  of  the  turmoil  of  life,  and 
the  tempests  of  feeling  have  ceased  to  afflict  me,  the  home, 
where  we  shall  find  peace  and  content,  a  deeper,  fuller  happi- 
ness than  we  have  yet  known,  for  you  will  yet  believe,  time 
will  bring  faith,  that  the  love  (though  it  is  kindled  on  earth) 
that  has  absorbed  the  highest  and  noblest  emotions  of  our 
nature  is  yet  a  spark  from  heaven,  that  will  glow  with  finer 
glory  when  it  has  passed  the  ordeal  of  earth,  and  will  help 
to  lift  us  to  heaven  from  whence  it  came.  Do  you  wish  to 
have  me  with  you  again?  I  will  come  whenever  you  wish  me. 
It  will  not  be  so  fearful  as  before.  I  will  take  a  favorable  time 
and  escape  the  storms.  Fisher  has  bought  a  steamer  and  will 
have  her  freighted  by  Monday.  This  letter  will  go  by  her.  He 
is  trying,  too,  for  a  sailing  vessel,  to  purchase  it.  And  has 
spoken  to  Thurston  about  the  horses,  but  is  confident  they 
cannot  be  got  there  for  the  price  you  mention.  The  steamer 
is  an  English  vessel  that  I  think  he  found  at  New  Bedford.  I 
think  he  is  running  a  great  risk,  but  these  are  times  when 
men  will  venture  all,  the  chances  are  great  either  to  win  largely 
or  to  lose  titterly.  Whitney  is  engaged  with  him  in  the  pur- 
chase. Farragut  we  hear  has  gone  down  to  New  Orleans. 
Why  may  not  the  "Arkansas,"  when  repaired,  follow  and 
drive  him  out  of  the  river  and  take  you  all  prisoners? 

Gen'l.  Shepley  has  not  been  to  see  me.  I  hear  from  his 
daughter  Nelly  he  is  already  on  his  way  back.  Emancipation, 
and  arming  the  negroes  is  held  in  check  for  a  little,  the  border 
states  will  not  submit  to  it,  soon  as  there  is  a  plausible  hope 
of  success  it  will  be  brought  forward  again.  The  only  man  in 
the  Administration  who  approves  is  Seward.  If  you  look  at 
Port  Royal  you  will  see  that  Hunter  is  kept  in  place,  and  carries 
out  all  that  his  Proclamation  put  forth.  The  President's  veto 
was  not  decisive.  Phelps'  policy  prevails  instead  of  yours. 
The  abolitionists  will  have  this  a  war  to  free  the  slaves  at 
once  if  possible,  nothing  else  is  thought  of.  The  Administra- 
tion will  assent  to  it  just  as  fast  and  as  far  as  the  country  will 
sustain  it.  It  has  taken  a  step  or  two  in  advance,  and  been 
obliged  to  draw  back.  But  events  may  give  the  opportunity. 
They  will  be  seized  on  fast  as  they  arise.  B^ow  strange  it  is 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        165 

to  be  alone  in  the  house.  I  thought  I  should  be  better  pleased 
with  it  for  a  little  while.  Haggerty  is  nearly  at  New  Orleans 
by  this  time.  I  thought,  when  I  gave  him  the  letter,  I  could 
never  while  away  the  time  till  he  reached  there,  but  it  is  nearly 
over,  —  you  will  comply  with  my  request  soon  as  you  have  my 
letter,  and  that  trouble  will  be  done  away  with.  I  shall  be 
happier  when  I  think  he  has  reached  there.  Paul  has  writ- 
ten a  few  lines  in  pencil,  but  gave  up,  thinking  it  too  un- 
worthy to  send.  I  shall  enclose  it.  With  a  little  help  it  might 
have  been  quite  neat.  He  is  very  proud  of  your  letter  to  him, 
and  requests  it  may  be  put  with  the  one  from  Capt.  George, 
about  the  fox.  He  desires  me  to  tell  you  that  he  won  the 
prizes  for  the  best  lessons.  Benny  was  almost  in  doubt  about 
going  away,  for  fear  he  might  lose  the  sight  of  his  present 
when  it  first  comes.  What  became  of  the  pearls,  —  that  were 
captured  with  the  plate?  I  think  ladies  can  never  hear  of 
such  pretty  baubles  without  a  desire  to  behold  them,  and  it 
is  apt  to  increase  with  indulgence.  I  wonder  if  you  really 
miss  me,  or  if  you  only  say  so  because  I  shall  be  sorry  if  you 
do  not.  Ah  me !  there  is  such  a  wide  difference  between  man's 
thought  and  woman's.  If  it  is  as  healthy  as  you  say,  why 
might  I  not  return  at  any  time?  Blanche  goes  back  to  school 
in  little  more  than  a  week  after  her  return.  She  seems  rather 
languid,  and  is  not  quite  so  straight  as  she  was.  I  dread 
another  year  of  confinement  for  her.  If  she  were  through  with 
this  year  I  would  take  her  with  me  wherever  I  went.  You  see 
I  am  at  the  end  of  my  sheet.  Only  room  for  o 

Tonight  I  drove  to  Mrs.  Read's.  The  clouds  rolled  up  for 
a  thunderstorm.  The  swallows  in  thousands  fluttered  over 
the  willows.  Do  you  remember  we  walked  there  years  ago, 
and  thought  it  the  prettiest  spot  in  the  world?  Kiss  me  kindly 
for  the  remembrance.  Adieu! 

From  Major  George  C.  Strong  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Aug.  8,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Don't  stop  to  read  this  if  you  are 
busy,  for  its  almost  entirely  on  two  penny  subjects. 

Have  been  waiting  and  waiting,  up  the  river  here,  for  Ryan 
to  come  on  with  my  Ordnance  papers,  but  I  hear  nothing 
from  him. 

Health  is  very  good.    Am  on  my  way  Eastward  now.    Shall 


166   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

return  here  toward  the  end  of  the  month,  and  sail  for  New 
Orleans.  Met  Shepley  at  the  "Astor"  this  morning,  for  the 
first  time  since  he  came  North.  He  says  he  might  have  got  me 
some  promotion  if  he  had  asked  for  it,  —  viz :  a  Colonelcy  or 
some  "Regular  Major  General's"  Staff,  with  orders  to  report 
to  you.  Pope  and  several  other  Volunteer  Major  Generals 
have  had  it  done.  I  thought  of  asking  Mr.  Stanton  myself 
(with  what  influence  I  could  bring  to  bear  here)  to  do  it,  but 
have  concluded  that  it  would  be  more  seemly,  were  it  done  at 
all,  that  it  be  done  by  you. 

"Because  he  was  ambitious  I  slew  him."  I  hope  /  may 
not  be  thus  slewed,  tho'  tis  true  we  have  a  custom  of  "Wetting" 
a  new  Commission.  At  present  I  am  ranked  by  Turner, 
Shaffer,  and  Kinsman,  and  of  course  it  would  be  pleasant  for 
me  (modest  as  the  remark  may  seem)  to  have  a  commission 
antedating  theirs.  So  much  plain  speaking  on  that  subject. 
One  more  of  the  same  sort,  for  there's  a  young  gentleman  of 
this  city,  Frederick  Martin,  that  perhaps  will  go  out  with  me, 
for  whom  I  would  like  to  ask  you  to  retain  a  First  Lieutenancy 
in  one  of  your  new  Louisiana  Regiments. 

Dr.  Kellogg  will  go  out  to  New  Orleans  next  week.  I  hope 
he  will  prove,  what  I  predict,  a  valuable  man.  He  received 
your  order  to  report,  and  will  go  at  the  earliest  possible  moment, 
and  much  regrets  that  he  couldn't  have  settled  up  his  affairs 
earlier  than  next  week.  Sent  yesterday  (it  was  not  published 
this  morning  and  perhaps  will  not  be)  to  the  Herald  a  com- 
munication in  answer  to  that  infamous  charge  of  corruption 
made  by  Whipple  against  you  (before  the  Contract  Investigat- 
ing Committee)  in  the  contract  for  hats. 

It  is  an  unmitigated  lie  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  and  no 
doubt  Whipple  knows  it;  for  the  remarks  that  were  made 
in  jest  in  your  Office  that  day  never  could  have  been  taken  in 
earnest  by  him.  He  got  angry  with  Captain  George  at  Lowell, 
and  determined  to  make  a  good  advertisement  by  implicat- 
ing the  whole  establishment. 

Glad  to  see  so  much  venison  ("Dear")  in  your  correspond- 
ence with  Reverdy  Johnson!  I  expected  a  row. 

General  Shepley  will  tell  you  all  the  news  in  this  hot  climate. 
Very  respectfully  &  truly  yours, 

GEORGE  C.  STRONG 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       167 

From  F.  Bauer 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  9th,  1868 
Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  U.S.A.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  By  General  Order  No.  55,1  "schedule  A.,"  I  am  to 
pay  $181.25  from  an  investment  of  $725  in  the  Bonds  of 
the  City  of  New  York,  which  money  is  the  money  of  orphan 
children,  which  I  have  invested  as  much  as  I  can  make  out 
in  accordance  of  the  laws  of  the  State  of  La.,  "for  minor  chil- 
dren," such  funds  to  be  invested  in  the  Bonds  of  the  City  or 
State.  I  have  therefore,  by  investing  that  money  in  the  City 
Bonds,  not  done  any  more  than  minding  my  own  business  and 
doing  my  duty  according  to  my  humble  knowledge. 

I  had,  at  the  time,  no  idea  that  I  should  hereafter  be  looked 
upon  as  an  offender  against  laws  or  order,  but  solely  that  I 
was  minding  my  business  and  doing  my  duty  in  providing 
the  interest  of  these  orphan  children,  whom  I  have  fed  and 
clothed  and  sent  to  school  for  8  or  9  years  under  my  humble 
station  and  occupation  as  a  Truant  Master,  adding  from 
year  to  year  the  interest  to  the  capital,  by  which  acts  it  was 
brought  up  to  the  present  amount. 

General!  If  it  pleases  you,  let  me  pray  you  for  a  release  of 
that  fine,  as  I  am  not  a  man  of  much  means,  and  the  paying 
of  such  an  amount  now  would  likely  bring  me  to  the  turning 
of  these  children  on  the  public,  and  allow  me,  if  it  pleases 
you  "General!"  if  it  pleases  you,  a  personal  appearance  before 
you  when  I  intend  of  fully  satisfying  you  of  all  required,  — 
most  respectfully  soliciting  forgivingness  should  I  have  in  the 
aforegoing  committed  any  offences,  and  permit  me  Sir,  to  sign 

myse    as  Your  most  humble  servant, 

F.  BAUER 
GENERAL! 

NOT  having  been  permitted  entrance  to  your  office  for 
three  days,  I  beg  to  send  this  pr.  Post  Office,  having  this 
evening  paid  the  aforegoing  fine,  but,  should  I  find  favor  in 
the  Commanding  General  for  a  personal  interview,  I  may  be 
found  at  22  Magguire  Street. 

Answer:  Having  invested  your  wards'  money  in  an  unusual  and 
improper  security,  you  are  personally  accountable  to  them  for 
the  amount  as  you  are  per  this  assessment.  B  F  B 

1  General  Order,  No.  55  August  4th  1862. 


168        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Sutler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Augst.  9th,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

OWING  to  the  withdrawal  of  the  fleet  from  before  Vicks- 
burg, it  may  become  necessary  to  return  Williams'  Brigade 
at  Baton  Rouge. 

The  services  before  Vicksburg  had  weakened  very  much 
that  force  by  sickness,  the  overflow  of  the  river,  and  the  number 
of  dead  animals  in  the  swamps,  made  a  fearful  malaria,  but 
which,  while  it  caused  illness  in  almost  the  entire  command, 
did  not  produce  a  large  mortality.  The  healthy  air  and  water 
at  Baton  Rouge  rapidly  recruited  the  troops. 

The  cessation  of  operations  at  Vicksburg  allowed  the  enemy 
to  concentrate  a  very  large  part  of  his  available  force  at 
Camp  Moore,  about  60  miles  from  Baton  Rouge.  From  thence 
he  marched  to  attack  the  Post,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
5th  instant  appeared  before  our  lines. 

His  force  consisted  of  2  Louisiana  Regts.,  2  Miss.  Regts., 
2  Tennessee  Regts.,  an  Alabama,  a  Texas  and  a  Georgia  Regt., 
14  pieces  of  Artillery,  and  a  large  force  of  Guerilla  Cavalry. 
These  were  under  Command  of  Major  General  Breckinridge, 
Brig.  Gens.  Ruggles,  Robert  G.  Helme,  Allen,  and  Clark. 
They  were  supported  by  the  Ram  "Arkansas,"  which  inspired 
them  with  the  greatest  hope  and  the  utmost  confidence  in 
their  attack.  To  oppose  this  formidable  force,  Brig.  General 
Williams  had  the  14th  Maine,  7th  Vermont,  9  companies  of 
the  9th  Conn.,  the  21st  Indiana,  4th  Wisconsin,  and  6th 
Michigan  Regts.,  Nim's,  Everett's,  Manning's  Mass.  Batteries, 
and  Magee's  Company  of  Mass.  Cavalry,  nearly  one  half  of 
whom  were  on  the  sick  list. 

Leaving  two  Regiments  in  the  village  for  a  Reserve,  with 
high  chivalry  Gen'l  Williams  formed  his  lines  at  daybreak 
nearly  a  mile  beyond  the  town,  in  an  admirably  chosen  position. 

The  enemy  made  the  attack  in  two  divisions  on  the  right 
and  left,  and  massing  his  forces  endeavored  to  force  our 
inferior  numbers  back,  by  extending  his  lines  to  flank  us. 
His  first  attack  was  partially  successful  by  the  failure  of  our 
Regiment  to  do  its  duty.  The  enemy  was  repulsed,  however, 
thrice  over  returned  to  the  charge;  upon  the  final  repulse, 
after  6  hours  of  continuous  fighting,  retired  from  the  field,  and 
sent  a  flag  of  truce  for  leave  to  bury  their  dead  (A  copy  of  the 
Correspondence  is  annexed). 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   169 

The  Boat  which  brought  down  the  despatches  to  me  from 
Col.  Cahill,  upon  whom  the  Command  developed  after  the 
death  of  General  Williams,  collided  with  the  Gunboat  "Oneida" 
and  sunk,  so  that  I  am  not  able  by  this  mail  to  give  the  details, 
as  I  hope  to  do  by  the  next  despatch.  Our  loss  was  very  heavy, 
say  90  killed  and  250  wounded.  We  mourn  the  loss  of  General 
Williams,  Col.  Roberts,  7th  Vermont,  killed,  Lt.  Col.  Keith, 
21st  Indiana,  severely  wounded,  a  large  number  of  lower  of- 
ficers killed  and  wounded,  whose  names  I  am  unable  to  give 
for  the  reason  above  stated,  and  upon  such  matter  a  mistake 
should  not  be  made. 

The  casualties  of  the  enemy  were  very  much  larger.  They 
have  lost  Brig.  Gen.  Clark  wounded,  probably  mortally,  and 
a  prisoner  with  his  aid;  Brig.  Gen'l.  Allen  killed,  Brig.  Gen'l. 
Helme  disabled  by  a  fall  from  his  horse;  Brig.  Gen'l  Ruggles 
is  reported  dead,  and  a  very  large  number  of  field  and  line 
officers  killed  and  wounded.  We  have  buried  already  more 
then  300  of  their  dead,  and  they  have  left  their  wounded  in 
every  cabin  on  their  line  of  retreat.  Their  killed  and  wounded 
more  than  equal  one-half  of  our  men  actually  engaged  against 
them.  The  enemy's  forces  were  at  least  6000  effective  men, 
while  we  had  not  over  2000  in  the  action.  The  necessities  of 
the  ground  caused  General  Williams  to  form  his  line  of  battle 
in  rear  of  the  Camps  of  the  14th  Maine  and  21st  Indiana  Regts., 
so  that  the  enemy  for  the  hour  were  permitted  to  occupy  these 
Camps  and  destroyed  much  Camp  Equipage. 

Upon  the  first  report  of  the  engagement  reaching  me,  I 
sent  up  Lieut.  Weitzel  of  my  Staff  to  report  the  condition  of 
affairs,  and  to  see  what  further  dispositions  were  necessary  to 
meet  a  renewed  attack  if  any  need  be  feared.  Although  sup- 
ported by  the  rebel  Steamers  "Webb"  and  "Music,"  the 
"Arkansas"  did  not  choose  to  come  down  and  attack  our 
Gunboats,  the  "Essex,"  "Sumter,"  and  "Kenio,"  and  so  did 
not  cooperate  with  the  land  forces. 

Flag  Officer  Farragut  went  immediately  up  the  river  to 
attack  the  "Arkansas."  But  upon  the  6th  the  "Essex" 
steamed  up  to  the  rebel  fleet.  The  "Webb"  and  "Music" 
fled,  and  the  "Arkansas,"  after  firing  a  few  shots,  was  on  fire 
and  blew  up. 

Please  find  appended  the  reports  of  Lieut.  Weitzel,  as  well 
as  the  General  Orders  issued  from  this  Department  upon  the 
sad  event  of  General  Williams'  death  and  the  victory  at  Baton 
Rouge. 


170   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  trust  the  actions  of  my  brave  men  will  receive  your  appro- 
bation. I  have  the  honor  to  be  *7  L  •,.  .  0  , 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  9th,  1862 

Col.  H.  E.  PAINE,  4th  Wis.  Regt.  Vols.,  BATON  ROUGE,  LA. 

SIR:  In  throwing  up  earthworks,  digging  trenches,  or  in 
any  labor  that  is  to  be  performed,  you  will  employ  all  the 
contrabands  that  you  can  seize,  and  if  necessary  you  will 
impress  into  the  service  any  white  secessionists.  I  send  today 
an  Order  to  Lt.  Weitzel  to  report  in  person  to  these  Head 
Quarters.  I  am  Sir, 

Most  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Svt., 
By  order  of  MAJOR  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  Genl. 

From  J.  O'Brien 

BATON  ROUGE  LA.,  Augst,  9th,  1862 

Maj.  Genl.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  Gulf 

HONORED  SIR:  Having  read  that  Alexander,  Napoleon, 
Washington,  and  others  have  at  times  condescended  to  receive 
and  hear  the  opinions  of  and  suggestions  of  private  soldiers  on 
important  subjects,  and  hoping  this  will  not  give  offense  or 
intrude  too  much  on  your  valuable  time,  I  venture  to  write 
my  thoughts,  which  you  can  take  for  what  they  are  worth. 
The  intent  of  the  late  attack  on  this  place  has  changed  in 
appearance  very  much,  and  from  looking  like  a  desire  of  the 
Commanders  to  make  a  dashing  charge  in  and  out  again,  for 
the  mere  purpose  of  amazing  you,  harrassing  the  Garrison, 
and  troubling  the  fleet,  it  now  shows  itself  to  be  a  regular 
movement  of  a  Division  of  the  Army  undoubtedly  planned  at 
and  ordered  from  Headquarters  at  Richmond  Va.  for  some 
important  purpose,  the  intent  of  which  is  only  known  to  the 
Chiefs. 

To  enable  us  to  judge  of  their  intentions,  we  must  place 
ourselves  in  their  position,  and  consider  what  we  would  do, 
and  what  good  policy  and  all  the  precedents  in  this  war  justify 
us  in  supposing  they  intend  to  do.  They  have  never  yet  risked 
an  encounter  without  having  a  position  to  fall  back  upon,  and 
routes  clear  of  the  Enemy  by  which  to  reach  it.  The  Chiefs 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   171 

of  the  Rebel  army  and  leaders  in  the  Secession  movement 
know  that  whatever  mercy  may  be  shown  to  subaltern  officers 
or  soldiers,  they  may  expect  none,  so  that,  before  risking  a 
great  Battle  between  the  two  grand  Armies  in  and  near  Rich- 
mond, where  it  is  possible  they  might  be  defeated  and  pursued, 
it  would  be  of  the  greatest  importance  for  them  to  have  a  por- 
tion of  the  Mississippi  clear  of  the  Fleet,  that  they  might  cross 
the  Army,  collected  from  different  points  in  their  march  over 
into  the  Red  River  and  Texas  country,  where  they  could  hold 
out  and  trouble  the  Government  for  a  long  time,  or  at  least 
until  they  could  obtain  their  terms  of  surrender,  or  it  may  be 
that  they  expect  men  and  supplies  by  way  of  Mexico  and 
Texas,  for  the  crossing  of  which  it  would  be  equally  important. 
But  no  matter  for  what  purpose,  it  is  evident  they  intend  to 
take  this  place  and  fortify  it,  so  as  to  keep  the  Gulf  Fleet  be- 
low here  and  the  upper  Fleet  above  Vicksburg,  by  doing  which 
they  will  have  Red  river  and  the  South  West  open  to  them. 

Now,  Sir,  this  place  can  be  taken  and  command  of  the 
river  obtained  in  spite  of  the  fleet  and  the  small  Garrison  here, 
if  the  Commander  is  determined  and  has  the  skill  and  forces 
to  do  it  with. 

If  you  will  look  at  the  map  of  this  place  you  will  see  that 
the  principal  part  of  the  City  is  surrounded  by  a  broad  and 
deep  hollow  on  the  river  side,  in  which  the  enemy  would  be 
almost  secure  from  the  fire  of  the  fleet  if  the  Garrison  was 
driven  out,  and  which  would  be  a  good  natural  base  line  for  a 
system  of  approaches  to  the  River.  You  cannot  spare  men 
enough  to  fight  the  forces  they  can  bring  here,  but  you  have 
plenty  of  old  24  and  32  Ib.  Guns  and  carriages  in  and  about 
New  Orleans,  which  are  good  enough  for  defence  purposes, 
which,  if  properly  placed  around  the  City  on  the  edge  of  that 
hollow  or  gully  with  breastworks  and  rifle  pits  in  front,  and 
the  land  for  about  a  half  mile  around  cleared  of  houses,  timber, 
and  old  fences,  the  place  could  be  held  with  the  aid  of  a  few 
Boats  against  any  Army  the  enemy  can  at  present  spare  to 
send  here.  This  would  not  cost  much  labor  or  expense,  the 
unnecessary  negroes  around  here  under  a  fort  man  assisted  by 
the  troops,  could  do  the  labor  in  a  few  days,  for  Genl.  Gladden 
of  the  Rebel  Army  with  half  of  his  Brigade  entrenched  a  part 
of  the  Camp  near  Corinth  one  and  three  (If)  quarters  miles 
long  with  breastworks  five  feet  high,  and  rifle  pits  five  feet 
deep,  in  less  than  a  week.  You  have  plenty  of  heavy  Artillery 
men  here,  who  learned  their  business  in  the  Rebel  Service. 


172   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

There  is  not  a  moment  to  spare,  the  Enemy  is  in  force  all 
around  us,  and  evidently  mean  business. 

Hoping  that  this  may  gain  your  attention,  I  remain 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
Private  J.  O'BRIEN,  Camp  "B"  14th  Me.  Vols. 

P.S.  Please  excuse  the  style.  I  have  written  the  same  as  I 
would  speak  to  a  comrade,  and  for  God's  sake  don't  expose 
this,  or  I  will  be  the  jest  of  the  Regiment  if  you  do  not  ap- 
prove it. 

[Endorsed:  Thanks  for  suggestions  good  and  timely.  Keep 
this  in  remembrance.  —  B.  F.  B.J 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  9,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  57 
Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Gulf 

YOUR  successes  have  heretofore  been  substantially  bloodless. 
Taking  and  holding  the  most  important  strategic  and  commer- 
cial positions  with  the  aid  of  the  gallant  Navy,  by  the  wisdom 
of  your  combinations  and  the  moral  power  of  your  arms,  it 
has  been  left  for  the  last  few  days  to  baptize  you  in  blood. 

The  Spanish  conqueror  of  Mexico  won  imperishable  renown 
by  landing  in  that  country  and  burning  his  transport  ships,  to 
cut  off  all  hope  of  retreat.  You,  more  wise  and  economical 
but  with  equal  providence  against  retreat,  sent  yours  home. 

Organized  to  operate  on  the  sea-coast,  you  advanced  your 
outposts  to  Baton  Rouge,  the  capital  of  the  State  of  Louisi- 
ana, more  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  into  the  interior. 

Attacked  there  by  a  division  of  our  rebel  enemies,  under 
command  of  a  Major  General  recreant  to  loyal  Kentucky, 
whom  some  of  us  would  have  honored  before  his  apostacy,  of 
doubly  superior  numbers,  you  have  repulsed  in  the  open  field 
his  myrmidons,  who  took  advantage  of  your  sickness  from  the 
malaria  of  the  marshes  of  Vicksburg,  to  make  a  cowardly 
attack. 

The  Brigade  at  Baton  Rouge  has  routed  the  enemy. 

He  has  lost  three  Brigadier  Generals,  killed,  wounded,  and 
prisoners;  many  Colonels  and  field  officers.  He  has  more 
than  a  thousand  killed  and  wounded. 

You  have  captured  three  pieces  of  artillery,  six  caissons, 
two  stand  of  colors,  and  a  large  number  of  prisoners. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   173 

You  have  buried  his  dead  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  are 
caring  for  his  wounded.  You  have  convinced  him  that  you 
are  never  so  sick  as  not  to  fight  your  enemy  if  he  desires  the 
contest. 

You  have  shown  him  that  if  he  cannot  take  an  outpost 
after  weeks  of  preparation,  what  would  be  his  fate  with  the 
main  body?  If  your  General  should  say  he  was  proud  of  you, 
it  would  only  be  to  praise  himself;  but  he  will  say,  he  is  proud 
to  be  one  of  you. 

In  this  battle,  the  Northeast  and  the  Northwest  mingled 
their  blood  on  the  field  —  as  they  had  long  ago  joined  their 
hearts  —  in  the  support  of  the  Union. 

Michigan  stood  by  Maine,  Massachusetts  supported  Indiana, 
Wisconsin  aided  Vermont,  while  Connecticut,  represented  by 
the  sons  of  the  ever-green  shamrock,  fought  as  our  fathers  did 
at  the  Boyne  Water. 

While  we  all  mourn  the  loss  of  many  brave  comrades,  we, 
who  were  absent,  envy  them  the  privilege  of  dying  upon  the 
battle-field  for  our  country,  under  the  starry  folds  of  her  vic- 
torious flag. 

The  colors  and  guidons  of  the  several  corps  engaged  in  the 
contest  will  have  inscribed  on  them  "Baton  Rouge." 

To  complete  the  victory,  the  iron-clad  steamer  "Arkansas," 
the  last  naval  hope  of  the  rebellion,  hardly  awaited  the  gallant 
attack  of  the  "Essex,"  but  followed  the  example  of  her  sisters, 
the  "Merrimac,"  the  "Manassas,"  the  "Mississippi,"  and  the 
"Louisiana,"  by  her  own  destruction. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt. 

From  Governor  Frederick  Holbrook 

State  of  Vermont,  Executive  Department,  BBATTLEBORO,  Aug.  10,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  You  are  doubtless  rejoiced,  like  every  patriot 
in  the  Country,  at  the  two  recent  calls  of  the  President  for 
additional  troops.  You  may  not  know  the  secret  springs  of 
these  late  movements.  They  come  from  the  people,  the  loyal 
masses,  rather  than  from  Washington.  It  would  surprise  and 
please  you,  could  you  be  back  here  at  this  time,  and  observe 
the  serious  earnestness  of  the  people.  They  are  everywhere, 
even  in  the  most  secluded  and  unfrequented  rural  districts, 
ready  for  any  necessary  sacrifice,  and  will  never  be  content 


174   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

till  they  know  there  are  at  least  a  million  men  under  arms, 
and  that  the  Government  is  using  so  much  of  the  vast  resources 
of  the  Country  as  may  be  necessary  to  succeed  in  this  war. 
They  see  clearly  that  everything  they  prize  is  at  stake  in  this 
struggle,  and  that  utter  ruin  and  destruction  must  ultimately 
follow  a  failure  to  crush  this  rebellion. 

I  hope  that  out  of  the  600,000  fresh  troops  now  being  organ- 
ized for  the  war,  the  Department  will  be  largely  strengthened, 
that  you  may  be  able  to  sweep  around  you  at  will.  You 
ought  to  number  at  least  50,000  good  troops;  and  if  it  were 
twice  that  so  much  the  better. 

Permit  me  to  express  my  gratification  at  your  great  success, 
so  far,  and  your  admirable  management  at  New  Orleans.  I 
suppose  you  and  your  forces  have  been  much  exposed,  but  I 
hope  you  will  soon  be  so  strongly  reinforced  as  to  be  able  to 
move  at  pleasure  in  any  direction,  and  produce  new  and 
marked  results. 

I  beg  you  to  feel  fully  assured  that  I  shall  be  happy  to  aid 
you  in  all  possible  ways.  Perhaps  no  man  has  been  more 
earnest  and  persistent  than  myself  in  urging  our  National 
authorities  to  make  the  last  two  calls  for  fresh  troops.  They 
are  both  in  accordance  with  letters  addressed  by  me  to  the 
President  and  Secretary  of  War  —  only  that  I  wished  the  last 
300,000  men  could  have  been  called  out  for  a  longer  period 
than  nine  months. 

I  hope  the  "Green  Mountain  Boys"  you  have  with  you 
uphold  the  honor  and  credit  of  Vermont.  The  climate,  I 
presume,  must  be  very  trying  to  them,  and  I  see  by  the  papers 
that  the  7th  Regiment,  near  Vicksburg,  have  suffered  a  good 
deal  by  sickness.  But  I  doubt  not  you  will  take  all  the  pre- 
cautions that  circumstances  will  permit  to  get  them  safely 
through  the  heated  season.  If  more  surgeons  are  needed, 
please  inform  me  immediately,  and  I  will  send  them  forthwith 
to  both  the  Vt.  Regiments. 

My  son,  Major  Holbrook,  of  the  7th  Regt.,  I  hear  is  getting 
on  well,  which  of  course  is  gratifying  to  me.  He  is  a  dear  boy 
to  me,  General,  and  I  believe  he  is  a  good  soldier,  more  accom- 
plished in  the  military  profession  than  the  generality  of  Volun- 
teers. At  any  rate,  he  has  had  good  advantages  of  instruction 
heretofore.  Please  bear  him  in  mind  for  my  sake,  as  well  as 
his  own,  and  if  you  can  give  him  opportunities  to  grow,  and 
to  show  what  is  in  him,  I  have  no  doubt  he  will  gratify  you  as 
well  as  myself,  in  the  performance  of  duty  in  responsible  posi- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   175 

tions.    He  always  had  good  judgment,  considerably  in  advance 
of  his  years. 

With  my  best  wishes  for  your  continued  success  in  your 
responsible  position,  and  for  your  health  and  happiness  I  am, 
with  high  regard,  Your  friend  and  Obt.  Servant, 

FREDERICK  HOLBROOK 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Sunday  evening ;  LOWELL,  Aug.  Wth,  1862 

DEAREST:  I  have  been  to  Dracut  and  given  letters  to  Mr. 
Read  to  be  carried  in  the  morning  to  the  Capt.  of  the  vessel 
Fisher  has  lately  bought.  She  sails  tomorrow  for  New  Orleans. 
Yet  you  see  I  begin  writing  again  this  evening.  I  am  still 
alone  in  the  house.  The  night  is  so  extremely  beautiful  I 
cannot  forbear  telling  you  of  it.  I  have  opened  the  window  of 
our  room  that  looks  on  the  greenhouse.  Such  a  flood  of  light 
and  beauty  you  never  gazed  on.  The  moon  is  full  —  the  wind 
cool  and  fragrant,  waving  the  long,  pendent  willows  that  float 
like  a  woman's  hair  on  the  sighing  breeze.  The  long,  dark 
shadows  sweep  over  the  lawn  and  roads.  It  is  not  calm  and 
still.  The  deep  sighs  and  whispering  among  the  trees  make  it 
a  night  of  strange,  mysterious  beauty.  The  air  is  alive  with 
spirits,  agitated  with  sudden  news,  they  float  tremulously  in 
and  out  among  the  trees  like  phantoms  as  they  are.  I  feel,  in 
gazing,  as  though  I  belonged  to  them,  and  could  easily  pass  the 
space  and  put  my  hands  up  on  your  shoulders  and  look  you 
in  the  face.  I  wonder  if  you  would  start  back  from  me,  or 
naturally  fold  me  in  your  arms.  I  shall  find  out  by  my  dreams 
tonight.  Ah,  dearest,  I  wish,  and  you  would  be  glad  to  be 
here  tonight. 

I  began  this  on  Sunday  as  you  see.  On  Monday  morning 
two  letters  from  you,  one  saying  you  had  no  letters  from  me  for 
twenty-two  days,  and  the  other  desiring  the  children's  pictures 
by  the  first  mail.  The  children  are  all  away,  but  after  some 
hesitation  I  concluded  to  take  all  the  originals  taken  some 
years  ago,  including  my  own,  box  them  up,  and  send  them  on 
board  the  steamer  Fisher  is  fitting  out.  Webster  took  them  to 
Boston  this  morning.  The  vessel  was  expected  to  go  yester- 
day, and  I  had  given  letters  to  Read  on  Sunday  that  were 
to  go  by  her.  She  could  not  be  ready  until  today  (Tuesday), 
and  tonight  Webster  brought  back  the  box,  for  the  vessel  in 
starting  burst  her  escape  pipes,  and  she  will  not  be  able  to 


176   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

leave  before  Thursday.  I  shall  put  this  letter  into  the  mail, 
and  have  no  idea  when  you  will  get  it,  or  the  others;  one  in 
the  box  with  the  pictures  and  another  in  charge  of  the  Captain. 
If  I  lose  the  pictures  it  will  be  a  great  pity.  How  sad  it  is  that 
you  do  not  get  my  letters.  Yours  come  regularly,  and  you 
know  what  ship  you  send  them  by.  Ours  are  put  in  the  mail, 
and  we  do  not  know  when  they  will  reach  you.  If  they  get  on 
board  the  "Rhode  Island"  or  "Connecticut"  they  are  three 
weeks  or  more  on  the  way.  Oh,  dear,  this  is  a  poor  way  of 
communication!  But  we  must  be  patient.  I  will  write  oftener 
still,  and  trust  you  may  get  them  more  frequently.  We  are 
having  another  battle  now,  Banks  has  the  worst  of  it  again. 
Capt.  Abbott  was  reported  killed,  now  wounded  and  missing. 
The  family  of  course,  in  great  trouble.  What  is  to  become  of 
us  with  these  defeats?  The  country  here  is  in  a  terrible  state 
of  gloom.  The  people  are  disheartened.  We  are  a  little 
relieved  to  hear  the  "Arkansas"  is  destroyed,  and  that  the 
fleet  have  gathered  about  New  Orleans.  How  slowly  these 
days  go  by !  You  do  not  write  in  your  letters  as  if  you  expected 
me  to  return  to  you.  Well,  time  will  bring  us  together  some- 
where if  one  can  but  be  content  to  let  things  take  their  course. 
When  you  have  read  my  letters  I  wish  you  would  send  them 
back  with  yours,  then  I  shall  know  you  have  received  them, 
that  they  are  not  lost  or  in  somebody's  possession  who  ought 
not  to  have  them.  The  children  return  tomorrow,  unless  they 
find  it  very  pleasant.  I  am  writing  this  hurriedly,  as  I  want  it 
to  go  out  in  the  morning.  The  others  are  delayed,  and  I 
want  to  get  something  started.  Do  you  spend  your  time  at 
the  Custom  House,  or  at  the  house  you  live  in?  I  wonder  if 
you  would  be  glad  to  have  me  there  again.  You  write  that 
you  love  and  miss  me  very  much.  I  shall  believe  this,  because 
it  would  hurt  me  so  to  think  differently,  and  because  you 
really  do,  you  really  do,  beyond  the  strength  of  words. 

Ever  affectionately,  SARAH 

If  you  get  my  picture,  and  the  artist  thinks  it  best  to  paint 
the  figure,  let  the  dress  be  plain,  not  stripped,  and  make  it  as 
much  prettier  as  he  can. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

August  IQth  [1862] 

MY  DEAR  SARAH:  I  am  afraid  you  have  been  troubled  by 
many  reports,  but  be  assured  we  are  all  right  here.  We  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   177 

had  a  terrible  struggle  at  Baton  Rouge  and  a  glorious  victory. 
I  think  that  assures  our  safety,  because  the  fools  were  really 
thinking  of  an  attack  on  New  Orleans.  Let  them  come  on. 
My  health  is  as  usual  when  you  were  here  —  good  one  day,  bad 
the  next.  We  have  had  no  case  of  the  fever  here  yet.  Our 
troops  here  are  healthy,  but  they  suffered  terribly  at  Vicksburg. 
I  will  not  write  more  details  —  you  will  see  all  in  the  papers. 

I  wish  I  were  with  you  now,  if  I  could  return,  as  I  must  not 
be  away  if  there  is  to  be  trouble,  even  to  be  with  you. 

Kiss  the  children.    Love  me  as  well  as  you  can.    Be  of  good 

heart.    Get  strong  and  well.  ^       , 

6  BENJM. 

From  William  T.  Eustis 

BOSTON.  August  l\tht  1862 

General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  should  feel  that  it  was  an  unauthorized 
liberty  to  intrude  on  your  time  and  attention  with  a  matter  of 
an  exclusively  private  character,  as  I  am  well  aware  that  matters 
of  public  duty  must  occupy  all  your  energies  and  in  reference 
to  the  latter,  therefore  I  feel  justified  in  calling  your  attention 
to  a  matter  combining  public  with  private  interest. 

I  observe  by  the  papers,  and  have  learned  from  other 
sources,  that  Moses  Greenwood  has  occupied  a  rather  con- 
spicuous position  since  you  had  control  of  New  Orleans,  and 
has  seemed  to  enjoy  your  confidence  as  a  good  Union  man.  I 
hope  most  sincerely  that  he  is  in  heart  what  he  professes  to 
be,  but  "consistency  is  a  jewel,"  and  I  am  not  disposed  to 
have  him  enjoy  the  confidence  of  Union  men  without  consist- 
ent action. 

Early  in  the  Spring  of  1861,  S.  S.  Kimball  of  Dardanelle, 
Ark.,  sent  cotton  worth  a  large  sum  to  Moses  Greenwood, 
with  directions  to  sell  and  remit  to  Boston  some  $11,000 
(say  eleven  thousand  dollars)  to  pay  amount  due  here  from 
him,  Kimball,  advising  parties  here  to  whom  he  was  indebted 
that  he  has  done  so;  not  hearing  from  Greenwood,  parties 
here  wrote  to  him  making  inquiries.  He  replied  that  Kimball 
had  sent  him  Cotton  for  this  purpose,  that  he  had  shipped  it 
to  England  in  a  British  vessel  to  keep  it  away  from  old  Abe's 
pirates,  and  had  ordered  the  proceeds  returned  in  gold,  —  if  the 
difficulties  were  over  when  it  came,  he  should  remit  as  directed 
by  K.,  otherwise  he  should  do  as  he  saw  fit  with  the  proceeds. 
This  is  substantially  the  tenor  of  his  communication,  I  may 
not  quote  his  exact  words. 

VOL.    II — 12 


178       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Immediately  after  your  brilliant  occupation  of  New  Orleans, 
Greenwood  was  written  to,  calling  his  attention  to  the  matter, 
requesting  an  adjustment  of  the  affair.  No  reply  can  be 
had  and  no  explanation  is  given.  The  inference  is,  that  he  is 
resolved  to  hold  on  to  the  funds  belonging  to  Union  men  here, 
who  are  making  sacrifices  by  giving  themselves  and  their  money 
to  put  down  this  infamous  rebellion,  and  by  so  doing  he  is 
aiding  to  the  extent  of  his  ability  in  sustaining  this  stupendous 
wickedness. 

My  desire  is  that  he  should  be  called  to  account,  if  my 
statement  is  true  that  he  should  be  compelled  to  disgorge 
the  amount  with  interest.  I  understood  the  original  value  of 
the  cotton  was  about  $50,000,  but  $11,000  was  all  that  was  to 
be  remitted  here. 

I  have  known  Moses  Greenwood  for  more  than  thirty  years, 
and  until  this  transaction  always  considered  him  a  man  of 
honor  and  integrity,  and  actuated  by  sincere  religious  principle. 
I  cannot  but  hope  that  he  may  be  ready  to  do  justly  without 
constraint,  and  be  able  to  explain  his  conduct  satisfactorily. 
Very  respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

A  WM.  T.  EUSTIS 

Answer 

DEAR  SIR:  If  you  will  put  your  claim  in  definite  shape, 
Greenwood  shall  pay  it.  He  is  a  secessionist  still,  and  I  have 
only  dealt  with  him  as  such,  and  shall  be  delighted  to  deal 
with  him  again.  B  R 


From  Commodore  Porter 

On  U.  S.  Gun  Boat  ESSEX,  Off  BAYOU  SARA,  LA.,  August  llth,  1862 

General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  find  in  the  New  Orleans  Picayune  of  the  9th 
inst.  a  Copy  of  your  Genl.  Orders  No.  57  and  in  it  the  following 
clause. 

"To  complete  the  victory,  the  iron  clad  Steamer  'Arkansas/ 
the  last  naval  hope  of  the  rebellion,  hardly  awaited  the  gallant 
attack  of  the  'Essex,'  but  followed  the  example  of  her  sisters, 
the  'Merrimac'  the  'Manassas,'  the  'Mississippi,'  and  the 
'Louisiana,'  by  her  own  destruction." 

The  facts  Sir,  are  as  follows:  On  the  6th  inst.  A.M.  I  steamed 
up  the  river  to  attack  the  "Arkansas,"  and  on  our  turning  the 
point  of  the  Bend,  four  miles  above  Baton  Rouge,  she  immedi- 
ately opened  fire  on  this  Ship,  at  about  the  distance  of  one 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   179 

mile.  I  stood  on  until  I  considered  myself  near  enough  for 
my  shot  to  penetrate  her  iron-clad  sides,  when  I  replied  to  her 
fire.  We  continued  the  action  for  nearly  half  an  hour,  when  a 
shell  from  this  ship  penetrated  her  side  and  set  her  on  fire. 
Your  statement  in  your  General  Order  No.  57  is  therefore 
incorrect. 

I  wrote  you  previously  to  the  attack  on  Baton  Rouge, 
suggesting  reinforcements,  and  in  your  reply  you  state,  "In 
my  (your)  judgment  Baton  Rouge  will  not  be  attacked." 
You  also  state  to  Flag  Officer  Farragut  "that  no  dependence 
could  be  placed  on  the  '  Essex. ' "  The  letter  is  in  my  possession. 

I  have  therefore  to  request  that  you  will  at  once  correct  the 
above  clause  in  your  order  No.  57,  or  I  shall  certainly  believe 
you  have  intentionally  and  maliciously  attempted  to  vilify 
my  character. 

I  beg  to  state  another  fact.  It  was  entirely  owing  to  the 
presence  of  the  "Essex"  and  "Sumpter,"  both  under  my  com- 
mand, that  your  army  at  Baton  Rouge  was  saved  from  defeat, 
for  I  now  have  convincing  information  that  Genl.  Breckin- 
ridge  had  a  force  in  connection  with  the  Ram  "Arkansas"  to 
accomplish  this  object. 

It  is  well-known  to  all  who  know  anything  of  the  attack  on 
Baton  Rouge  that  the  left  wing  of  our  force  gave  way  —  that 
the  Rebels  advanced,  and  at  one  time  had  part  possession  of 
the  Penitentiary,  at  the  head  of  the  town,  until  the  fire  from 
the  "Essex,"  over  our  own  men,  drove  them  from  that  build- 
ing and  forced  them  beyond  their  original  lines. 

Very  respectfully  Your  obedt.  Servant 

W.  D.  PORTER,  Comd'g  Division  of  Flotilla  on  Western  Water 

P.S.  The  "Essex"  was  the  only  vessel  present  at  the  action, 
and  on  the  "Arkansas"  starboard  side  I  counted  fourteen  shot 
holes  through  her  new  plating,  put  on  at  Vicksburg.  You, 
Sir,  were  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  off,  and  could  know 
nothing  of  it.  I  was  within  300  yds.  of  her,  and  was  on  deck 
and  traced  every  shot  to  her.  It  is  not  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  so  brave  an  Officer  as  her  Commander,  H.  K.  Stephens, 
formerly  of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  would  burn  his  vessel  merely  on 
the  "Essex"  heaving  in  sight,  when  he  knew  his  vessel  was 
of  superior  force  in  plating,  speed,  Guns,  and  Crew,  and  when 
he  had  on  a  former  occasion  encountered  her;  when  he  also 
knew  that  to  set  fire  to  his  vessel  would  be  to  forfeit  his  life 
to  the  so-called  Government  of  the  Confederate  States,  and  I 


180   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

have  the  fact  in  my  possession  that  he  had  coaled  up  a  mile 
above  the  position  of  attack,  and  that  it  was  his  intention  to 
attack  the  Gun  Boats  at  Baton  Rouge  that  evening  at  6 
o'clock.  —  W.  D.  P. 


From  Captain  E.  H.  Perkins 

U.  S.  Steamer  CAYUGA,  off  MOBILE,  September  17th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  I  read  a  letter  this  morning  from  Captain  Ran- 
som of  the  "Kineo"  to  Captain  Fairfax  of  this  vessel. 

Captain  Ransom  writes  that  he  learned  through  you,  that 
Captain  W.  D.  Porter  of  the  "Essex"  said  that  during  the 
fight  between  the  "Essex"  and  the  Ram  "Arkansas"  "we 
ran  away." 

Not  wishing  you  to  retain  a  wrong  impression  of  Captain 
Fairfax,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  address  you  a  few  lines. 

In  the  first  place,  there  was  no  fight  between  the  "Essex" 
and  the  "Ram,"  only  a  few  shots  exchanged  at  the  distance  of 
a  mile  and  a  half  apart,  when  the  "Ram"  was  set  on  fire  by 
her  officers,  and  burnt  up.  During  the  exchange  of  these 
shots,  we  were  in  supporting  distance  of  the  "Essex,"  and 
ready  to  engage  at  the  first  opportunity,  and  remained  so 
until  ordered  down  the  river  by  Captain  Porter. 

The  character  of  these  two  men  is  too  well-known  in  the 
Navy  for  Captain  Fairfax  to  be  injured  by  anything  that 
Captain  Porter  says  of  him,  and  the  report  you  have  heard  I 
hope  you  will  not  believe,  as  it  is  false.  Believe  me  to  be, 

Yours  sincerely,  E.  H.  PERKINS 

From  Captain  D.  M.  W.  Fairfax 

U.  S.  Steam  Gun  Boat  CAYUGA,  Sept.  18,  1862.    Off  MOBILE 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Comdg.  Gulf  Dept. 

DEAR  SIR:  Captain  Ransom  has  recently  informed  me  of 
Commo.  Porter's  extraordinary  conduct  in  assailing  me  in 
my  absence,  and  that  among  entire  strangers.  He  asserts 
that  "I  did  run  away"  and  leave  the  "Essex"  to  fight  the 
Ram  "Arkansas"  alone. 

Captain  Ransom  has  done  me  no  more  than  justice  in  pro- 
nouncing this  report  of  Wm.  D.  Porter's  "an  infamous  false- 
hood." It  can  be  shown  that  the  "Essex"  did  not  engage  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        181 

Ram  "Arkansas"  at  all  —  unless  laying  beyond  the  range  of 
either  vessels'  guns,  and  occasionally  firing  a  shot,  can  be  so 
designated! 

The  "Arkansas"  was  destroyed  by  her  own  crew,  and 
abandoned  before  our  little  fleet  then  on  duty  at  Baton  Rouge, 
—  it  was  the  presence  of  the  "Essex,"  more  than  a  match  for 
"Arkansas,"  and  our  Gun  Boats,  and  the  crippled  condition 
of  "Ram"  that  induced  Capt.  Stevens  to  destroy  her.  Com- 
mander Porter  failed  to  bring  his  vessel  into  action  as  he 
assured  me  he  would,  at  the  same  time  asserting  that  he 
"knew  the  'Arkansas/  and  that  the  'Essex'  could  readily 
whip  her."  Lt.  Perkins  had  my  orders  what  to  do  in  the  event 
of  an  attack  —  to  keep  within  supporting  distance  of  "Essex." 
My  plan  was  to  pass  up  stream  and  engage  Ram  at  her  vul- 
nerable point  —  her  stern  —  while  "Essex,"  fighting  upstream, 
kept  her  in  position  favorable  to  my  plan. 

It  is  scarcely  worth  your  time  to  read  a  statement  of  the 
whole  matter,  as  I  have  sent  one  to  Capt  Ransom  and 
requested  him  to  give  you  all  the  particulars.  You  know  Lt. 
Perkins  —  he  has  the  reputation  of  being  brave  and  truthful, 
in  my  opinion  they  are  necessary  to  each  other.  Do  you  think 
it  likely  that  I  would  run  from  a  fight  with  such  a  man  at  my 
side?  General  Butler,  I  hold  such  relations  to  this  rebellion 
that  I  would  die  a  thousand  times  rather  than  give  my  Southern 
acquaintances  an  opportunity  to  say  that  the  only  coward  of 
a  brave  people  deserted  his  State  and  hearth-side  to  fight  on 
the  stronger  side.  But  I  will  not  longer  detain  you,  —  you 
will  greatly  oblige  me  by  showing  this  to  those  of  your  officers 
who  were  present  when  Commodore  Porter  forgot  himself, 
and  assailed  one  of  his  profession  behind  his  back  —  at  the 
same  time  seeming  to  be  friendly  when  last  we  met.  Had 
Porter  not  assailed  me  I  should  never  have  spoken  of  the 
Ram  —  leaving  it  to  his  own  conscience  entirely  whether  he 
destroyed  her  —  or  her  own  officers  and  crew.  As  it  is,  I 
shall  have  all  possible  light  thrown  upon  the  whole  matter. 
If  you  will  give  Ransom  anything  to  show  officially  what 
Porter  asserted  about  me,  you  will  confer  a  great  favor. 

Yours  very  respectfully,  D.  M.  W.  FAIRFAX 


182   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Flag  Officer  Farragut 

F.  S.  HARTFORD,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  llth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  just  returned  from  an  official  visit 
to  the  Spanish  Commander  of  the  Steamer  of  War.  He  in- 
formed me  that  his  Ship  was  out  of  provisions,  and  that  his 
Store  vessel  with  all  his  Despatches  from  the  Government 
were  below,  but  that  he  could  not  get  them.  That  he  could 
say  nothing  to  the  authorities  for  fear  of  being  refused, — 
but  that  in  all  his  intercourse  with  nations  he  had  never  before 
been  deprived  of  despatches,  but  that  they  were  usually  passed 
through  vinegar  and  a  .  .  .  ,  and  asked  me  with  great  timidity 
as  to  whether  he  could  not  get  them  by  some  course  or  other, 
and  I  told  him  I  would  mention  it  to  you,  and  that  you  would 
say  what  was  to  be  done  in  the  premises. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Flag  Officer 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  llth,  1862 

To  the  Captain  of  the  Spanish  War  Steamer 
"BlascodeGary" 

I  HAVE  learned  through  Rear  Admiral  Farragut  that  owing 
to  the  arrival  and  necessary  Quarantine  of  your  supply  ships 
from  Havana  you  are  embarrassed  in  the  matter  of  provisions. 

Anything  in  the  Commissariat  of  the  United  States  in  the 
Department  is  at  your  service,  precisely  as  we  supply  our  own 
Navy.  In  regard  to  your  mail  on  board  the  "Cardenas,"  I 
will  take  measures  to  have  the  same  properly  fumigated  and 
passed  to  you  with  as  little  delay  as  possible. 

Any  other  courtesy  or  assistance  in  the  power  of  this  Depart- 
ment, which  can  be  shown  or  given  to  a  vessel  of  War  of  the 
Spanish  Nation,  always  so  friendly  to  the  United  States,  is 
fully  offered.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  sentiment  of  high 
esteem,  your  obedient  Servant, 

B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       183 

From  Flag  Officer  Farragut 

F.  S.  HARTTORD,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  llth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  learned  to-day  that  the  Rebels  are 
clearing  out  Grant's  Pass  to  get  out  the  Gunboats  into  the 
Mississippi  Sound,  where  they  will  annoy  us  very  much,  and 
if  you  don't  have  some  heavy  Guns  in  the  Forts  they  will  come 
through  in  Lake  Ponchartrain  and  fire  on  the  City. 

I  think  this  was  originally  part  of  the  Program  to  make  a 
general  attack  on  Baton  Rouge  and  the  City  by  the  various 
Rams.  —  so  look  to  the  Forts.  The  great  difficulty  with  me 
will  be  vessels  of  draft  to  pursue  them  in  the  shallow  water, 
but  if  I  once  catch  them  out  of  Mobile  Bay  it  will  trouble  them 
to  get  back  again.  y^  ^  ^  r^rf/w%> 

D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Flag  Officer 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  llth,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Western  Gulf 
Blockading  Squadron 

SIR:  As  you  are  about  to  leave  the  Mississippi  River  for  a 
new  scene  of  action,  and  I  trust  victorious  operations,  before 
you  go  I  beg  leave  to  inquire  of  you  whether  during  the  time 
that  the  Navy  have  been  cooperating  with  the  army  in  the 
Expedition  to  the  Southern  Coast,  you  have  found  myself 
and  officers  willing  and  prompt  to  aid  the  naval  operations 
of  the  fleet  to  the  extent  of  our  means  and  ability.  If  we,  or 
any  of  us,  have  been  found  wanting  in  this  regard,  you  will 
do  me  the  favor  to  state  frankly  wherein  we  have  been  deficient, 

Be  not  surprised  at  the  question  to  which  I  pray  for  a  full 
and  specific  answer,  but  allow  me  to  say  it  arises  from  nothing 
on  your  part  in  our  intercourse  with  yourself  or  the  Officers  in 
the  Squadron,  but  the  inquiry  has  now  become  necessary  for  the 
purpose  of  meeting  or  yielding  to  an  accusation.  Believe  me, 

Most  truly,  Your  obliged  friend 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen. 


184   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

PRIVATE.    Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  llth,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  believe  you  might  well  be  surprised  at  my 
official  letter  of  today.  I  need  not  assure  you  that  it  was  not 
caused  by  any  act  or  thought  of  yours.  It  became  necessary, 
however,  to  meet  the  representations  of  Capt.  Porter  of  the 
Mortar  Fleet,  as  to  the  Operations  of  the  Army.  I  assure  you 
that  never  have  I  failed  publicly  and  privately  to  acknowledge 
and  add  my  testimony  to  the  concurrent  thought  of  all  my 
Officers  in  their  appreciation  of  the  gallant  acts  of  the  Navy. 
My  despatches  everywhere  show  this,  and  I  only  call  your 
attention  to  the  fact  in  justification  of  what  I  certainly  deem 
an  unkind  thought  toward  myself.  I  am  not  aware  that  the 
Navy  preserved  my  Army  at  Baton  Rouge,  if  so  I  will  acknowl- 
edge it  with  pride  &  pleasure.  I  assure  you,  my  dear  Admiral, 
that  I  feel  only  the  most  glorious  exultation  at  the  exploits  of 
your  branch  of  the  service.  You  need  no  one  to  speak  of  or 
herald  your  acts.  They  speak  for  themselves. 

The  Navy  need  have  no  jealousy  of  the  Army,  specially  in 
this  department,  and  I  will  acquit  you  of  any  intentional  or 
unintentional  neglect  of  the  Army  of  this  Department,  even 
in  the  official  despatches  of  the  Navy  relating  to  the  Capture 
of  New  Orleans  as  described  by  Capt.  Porter  in  these  words. 
"I  sent  General  Butler  in  the  ' Miami'  round  in  the  rear  of  the 
Forts."  For  this  I  do  not  feel  at  all  aggrieved  by  you  or  your 
Officers.  On  the  contrary,  I  beg  to  repeat  that  towards 
yourself  personally  and  the  Officers  of  the  Squadron  I  have 
none  but  the  most  Cordial  Feelings.  Believe  me  truly, 

Your  friend  &  Servant,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  F.  B.  Thorpe 

Surveyor's  Office,  City  of  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  llth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  Commandant  Dept.  Gulf 

SIR:  The  pressure  for  work,  or  rather  for  bread,  is  so  great 
that  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  what  to  do.  I  am  satisfied  that  I 
can  obtain  willing  labor  at  $1  per  day.  At  this  rate  I  can  put  on 
two  hundred  and  fifty  more  men,  and  not  increase  the  demand 
on  the  fund  from  which  the  pay  for  this  labor  is  taken.  You 
will  be  so  kind  as  to  take  the  matter  in  consideration,  and  give 
me  answer  if  you  deem  it  necessary. 

Most  Respectfully,  F.  B.  THORPE,  City  Surveyor 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        185 

From  Quarter  Master  Meigs 

Quarter  Master  QeneraTs  Office,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  Aug.  12,  1862 

Maj.  GenL  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  The  following  information,  received  from  Col. 
D.  D.  Tompkins,  Asst.  Qr.  Mst.  GenL,  U.S.A.,  New  York,  is 
respectfully  transmitted  for  your  consideration.  The  Officer 
states  "that  in  all  cases  where  shipments  of  private  property 
have  been  made  on  vessels  chartered  to  the  United  States 
bound  to  this  port  (New  York)  for  a  consideration  to  be  paid 
by  its  owner,  the  Government  has  been  greatly  the  loser,  as 
the  time  employed  by  the  vessel  in  finding  a  berth  and  dis- 
charging her  Cargo  cost  the  Government  a  great  deal  more 
than  the  freight  amounts  to."  I  am, 

Respectfully  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

M.  C.  MEIGS,  Quarter  Master  GenL 

Endorsement  by  Colonel  Shaffer 

Office  Chief  Quarter  Master,  DepL  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  21,  '62 

[_ Not  in  chronological  order] 

GENERAL 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  report  that  I  received  from  Qr.  Mst. 
GenL  a  copy  of  this  letter,  and  replied  to  it  that  hereafter  I 
would  send  no  freight  north  on  Government  Transports.  But 
at  the  same  time  I  must  be  allowed  to  insist  that  Col.  D.  D. 
Tompkins'  argument  (that  it  costs  more  to  discharge  vessels 
than  freight  amounts  to)  was,  to  say  the  least,  a  poor  recom- 
mendation in  favor  of  Col.  Tompkins'  capacity  to  discharge 
that  kind  of  business. 

Your  obedt.  Servt.,  J.  W.  SHAFFER,  Col.  Qr.  Mst. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  12,  1862 

MY  DEAR  DEAR  WIFE:  So  you  see  what  a  constant  corre- 
spondent I  am.  I  will  not  say  an  interesting  one,  but  I  have  a 
writing  desk  in  my  room,  and  when  I  get  up  and  have  no 
thought  to  trouble  me,  then  I  love  the  writing  to  you.  It  is 
the  next  thing  to  seeing  you. 

I  am  a  little  bit  out  of  health  —  I  confess  to  so  much  lest  if 
I  should  write  I  am  well  all  the  time  you  would  say  that  I 
am  not  giving  you  the  exact  state  of  my  health.  Caroline 
has  heard  of  her  mother's  death,  and  thinks  she  must  go  home. 


186   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Poor  girl  —  I  must  lose  my  housekeeper.  She  has  done  very 
well,  but  is  not  afflicted  with  neatness.  I  shall  have  to  get 
another.  What  say  you  to  a  young,  dashing,  black-eyed 
brunette,  with  a  strong  tongue  and  sharp  nose,  that  will  make 
us  all  stand  around?  Do  you  know  of  one  you  can  recommend? 

Our  casualties  in  that  battle  are  very  large.  I  spent  yes- 
terday and  Sunday  inspecting  the  hospitals.  We  have  some 
90  killed  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  wounded.  One  regiment 
lost  every  field  officer.  We  are  now  seeing  the  strong  realities 
of  war.  It  is  wonderful  to  see  how  the  poor  fellows  bore  up  — 
only  anxious  to  get  well  to  try  it  again. 

Do  you  think  that  Breckinridge  will  try  it  again?  I  trust 
not,  for  the  sake  of  those  who  must  fall,  but  he  is  welcome  so 
far  as  carrying  our  lines  are  concerned.  We  have  danger  here 
of  an  negro  insurrection.  I  hardly  know  whether  to  wish  it 
or  fear  it  most.  I  shall  arm  the  "free  Blacks,"  I  think,  for  I 
must  have  more  troops,  and  I  see  no  way  of  getting  them  save 
by  arming  the  black  brigade  that  the  rebels  had.  I  send  you 
Rear  Admiral  Farragut's  picture.  When  shall  I  get  yours 
and  the  children's?  I  send  a  large  gun  and  some  swords  as 
trophies,  also  a  bell  for  the  table  —  one  of  the  bells  given  for 
cannon.  A  box  of  wine  is  coming,  the  gift  of  my  friend  Mr. 
Durant,  very  old  and  scarce,  the  vine  is  dead. 

The  summer  is  wearing  away.  In  a  month,  if  I  can  get 
force  enough,  I  shall  be  at  Mobile,  doing  the  rest  of  my  work. 
God  bless  and  keep  you,  dearest  wife  and  best  friend. 

BENJ. 

From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  ISth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  thank  you  kindly  for  your  salute,  and 
hope  that  I  may  be  able  to  return  it  at  some  no  distant  day 
with  interest.  I  feel  proud  of  the  "title,"  because  we  have 
struggled  long  and  hard  for  it  in  the  Navy.  I  feel  proud  of  it 
because  my  country  seems  to  think  I  have  won  it;  and  I 
feel  proud  of  it  because  the  thousands  of  my  brave  companions 
in  arms,  who  shared  in  the  perils  of  the  day,  were  not  forgot- 
ten in  the  resolution  of  Congress  which  accompanied 
my  Commission. 

These  things  are  gratifying,  and  I  only  trust  that  I  may 
continue  to  enjoy  them,  and  that  by  our  combined  movements 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   187 

upon  Mobile  we  may  be  able  to  add  to  our  Country's  obliga- 
tions to  its  army  and  navy.  For  be  assured  that  no  one  will 
be  more  happy  than  myself  to  share  with  the  Army  the  honors 
of  taking  that  or  any  other  place.  Wishing  you  continued 
health  and  happiness,  I  remain,  ^  ^  FW 

D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Rear  Admiral  C'g.  West  Gulf  B'g  Squad. 
From  Colonel  D.  W.  McMillan 

UNOFFICIAL.    BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  August  ISth,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  We  are  again  in  the  midst  of  excitement. 
I  saw  a  very  intelligent  man  just  from  the  enemies'  lines,  who 
says  that  Jeff  Thompson  is  on  the  way  to  join  Breckinridge, 
with  500  men  and  several  siege  guns.  He  thinks  they  must  be 
here  in  36  to  48  hours  at  the  furthest.  Also  that  Van  Dorn, 
Ruggles  and  others,  at  the  head  of  15,000  to  20,000  men,  are 
moving  on  New  Orleans,  all  having  left  Vicksburg  but  a  mere 
garrison.  Also,  that  Moore  is  on  the  opposite  Bank  with 
several  hundred  troops,  with  some  small  field  pieces,  to  annoy 
the  gun  post  in  case  of  attack.  The  same  information  is  given 
by  a  variety  of  sources,  and  I  do  not  hesitate  to  express  my 
belief  of  it.  This  place  has  been  nearly  completely  sacked  by 
the  soldiery.  Scarcely  a  single  house  has  escaped,  all  the  citi- 
zens having  fled.  We  are  getting  quite  strong  "breastworks," 
but  Demoralization  weakens  more  than  dirt  strengthens  us, 
and  it  seems  officers  are  indifferent  or  powerless  to  stop  it. 
Even  officers'  tents  are  filled  with  furniture  from  deserted 
houses.  I  am  no  alarmist,  but  I  am  terribly  exercised  by  our 
present  condition. 

Disobedience  of  orders  is  the  order  of  the  day,  and  negro 
men  and  women  cast  a  dark  shade  over  our  whole  camp. 
The  "Essex"  is  up  at  Bayou  Sara  getting  sugar.  I  am  dear 

enera  Very  respectfully  your  obt.  servt., 

D.  W.  MCMILLAN,  Col.  Vols. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  13th,  1862 

Capt.  W.  D.  PORTER,  Commanding  Mortar  fleet 

SIR:   There  is  one  fact  that  I  desire  to  set  right  in  letter  of 

July  15th,  which  has  just  come  to  hand. 

The  assault  on  Fort  St.  Philip,  as  soon  as  the  vessels  had 


188   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

passed  it  so  that  the  Quarantine  Station  could  be  occupied, 
was  determined  upon  months  before  the  landing  was  made, 
i.e.  on  the  23rd  of  February.  Lieut.  Weitzel,  of  the  Engineers, 
who  finished  the  Fort,  was  with  me  for  that  purpose;  scaling 
ladders  were  prepared  —  boats  procured  —  and  the  scheme 
fully  matured,  and  the  ground  found  practicable  from  actual 
experiment. 

Please,  Captain,  do  not  judge  of  our  profession,  yours  will 
furnish  you  with  sufficient  scope. 

I  have  directed  measures  to  be  taken  to  guard  against  the 
very  assault  we  intend  to  make  upon  Fort  St.  Philip. 

Respectfully, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
+ 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quars.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  I4th,  1862 

Count  MEJAN,  French  Consul 

SIR:  Your  official  note  to  Lieut.  Weitzel,  assistant  Military 
Commandant,  has  been  forwarded  to  me. 

I  see  no  just  cause  of  complaint  against  the  order  requiring 
the  arms  of  private  Citizens  to  be  delivered  up.  It  is  the  usual 
course  pursued  in  cities  similarly  situated  to  this,  even  without 
any  exterior  force  in  the  neighborhood. 

You  will  observe  that  it  will  not  do  to  trust  to  mere  pro- 
fessions of  Neutrality.  I  trust  most  of  your  countrymen  are 
in  a  good  faith  neutral,  but  it  is  unfortunately  true  that  some 
of  the  men  are  not.  This  causes  the  good,  of  necessity,  to 
suffer  for  the  acts  of  the  bad. 

I  take  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  the 
United  States  forces  gave  every  immunity  to  Mons.  Bonne- 
gass,  who  claimed  to  be  French  Consul  at  Baton  Rouge,  allowed 
him  to  keep  his  arms,  and  relied  upon  his  neutrality,  but  his 
son  was  taken  prisoner  on  the  battlefield  in  arms  against  us. 

You  will  also  do  me  the  favor  to  remember  that  very  few 
of  the  French  subjects  here  have  taken  the  oath  of  neutrality, 
which  was  offered  to  but  not  required  of  them  by  my  Order 
No.  41,  although  all  the  officers  of  the  French  legion  had  with 
your  knowledge  and  assent  taken  the  oath  to  support  the 
constitution  of  the  Confederate  States.  Thus  you  see  I  have 
no  guarantee  for  the  good  faith  of  bad  men. 

I  do  not  understand  how  it  is  that  arms  are  altered  in  their 
effectiveness  by  being  "personal  property,"  nor  do  I  see  how 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       189 

arms  which  will  serve  for  personal  defense  ("qui  ne  puivent 
servir  que  pour  leur  defense  personelle")  cannot  be  as  effec- 
tively used  for  offensive  warfare. 

Of  the  disquiet  which  you  say  there  are  signs  manifesting 
themselves  among  the  black  population,  of  a  desire  to  break 
their  bonds  which  bind  them  to  their  masters  ("certaine  dis- 
positions a  rompee  les  liens  qui  les  attachment  a  leurs  maitres"), 
I  have  been  a  not  inattentive  observer,  without  wonder,  because 
it  would  seem  natural,  when  their  masters  had  set  them  the 
example  of  rebellion  against  constituted  authorities,  that  the 
negroes,  being  an  imitative  race,  should  do  likewise. 

But  surely  the  representative  of  the  Emperor,  who  does 
not  tolerate  slavery  in  France,  does  not  desire  his  countrymen 
to  be  armed  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  negroes  from 
breaking  their  bonds. 

Let  me  assure  you  that  the  protection  of  the  United  States 
against  violence,  either  by  negroes  or  white  men,  whether 
citizens  or  foreign,  will  continue  to  be  as  perfect  as  it  has  been 
since  our  advent  here,  and  by  far  more  manifesting  itself  at 
all  moments  and  everywhere  ("tous  les  instants  et  partout") 
than  any  improvised  citizen  organization  can  do. 

Whenever  the  inhabitants  of  this  City  will,  by  a  public  and 
united  act,  show  both  their  loyalty  and  neutrality,  I  shall  be 
glad  of  their  aid  to  keep  the  peace,  and  indeed  to  restore  the 
city  to  them.  Till  that  time,  however,  I  must  require  the  arms 
of  all  the  inhabitants,  white  and  black,  to  be  under  my  control. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  v         ,    , .     .  0 

Y  our  obedient  Servant, 

B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g 
From  Kendall  Holbrook 

Office  of  the  Picayune,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  I4th,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  The  order  of  Lieut.  Weitzel,  for  the  surrender  of 
all  the  arms  in  possession  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  is 
producing  a  great  deal  of  uneasiness  in  the  community. 

Dr.  Mercer  has,  as  we  learn,  explained  to  you  with  some 
fullness  the  nature  of  these  fevers,  in  the  excited  state  of  a 
large  portion  of  the  people  in  the  city;  and  we  are  gratified  to 
hear  that  you  expressed  a  willingness  to  alleviate  this  appre- 
hension and  obviate  this  danger  as  far  as  consistent  with  your 
object  of  securing  your  forces  from  any  attempt  at  violence 
from  within.  We  feel  assured  that  the  great  body  of  our  citi- 


190   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

zens  share  in  these  sentiments  with  you,  and  would  cheer- 
fully comply  with  any  conditions  which  would  leave  them  the 
means  of  self-protection,  and  at  the  same  time  satisfy  your 
wishes.  It  is  the  opinion  of  gentlemen  with  whom  we  have 
had  consultation  on  this  subject,  that  regulations  which  you 
might  prescribe  for  these  joint  objects  would  be  hailed  with 
satisfaction,  and  scrupulously  observed  by  the  great  mass  of 
the  community. 

Without  undertaking  to  indicate  this  mode  for  effecting 
this,  they  ask  you  to  take  the  subject  into  your  consideration. 
The  shortness  of  the  time  allowed  for  this  execution  of  this 
order  induces  us  further  to  suggest  that  a  suspension  of  the 
execution  for  a  few  days,  to  give  opportunity  for  a  fuller  con- 
ference, if  needed,  will  meet  with  your  approbation. 
Very  respectfully  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

KENDALL  HOLBKOOK 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

H'd  Q'rs  Dep't  of  the  Gulf,  N.  O.,  Aug.  llth,  1862 

MY  POOK  DEAR  WIFE:  Was  ever  a  good,  kind,  loving  wife 
so  afflicted  with  her  own  sad  fancies?  And  your  letter  fell 
upon  me  like  a  stone.  Why,  I  have  had  nothing  but  the  warm- 
est, most  cordial  thoughts  of  you  since  you  left,  and  the  first 
letter  sought  for  has  been  yours  —  a  sad  feeling  whenever  the 
mail  did  not  give  one,  and  a  joyous  beating  of  the  heart  when 
the  little,  rose-coloured  package  made  its  appearance.  To 
you  alone  have  I  ever  been  a  constant  correspondent,  and 
because  you  were  sad  and  because  I  delighted  to  write  to  you. 
But  how  sad,  how  terrible  was  your  last  letter.  What  have  I 
done  to  deserve  it!  What  strange  thoughts,  what 
(letter  torn) 

business  portion  of  your  letter.  I  will  not  speak  of  Andrew, 
or  what  he  may  or  may  not  do.  I  know  your  wishes  upon  this 
subject,  and  will  be  guided  by  them  so  far  as  I  may.  Of  other 
business  matters  I  will  take  very  good  care  of  myself,  but 
these  are  trivial  to  me. 

You  will  remember  that  in  no  letter  of  mine  has  a  thought 
entered  that  did  not  breathe  the  purest  affection  and  love  — 
not  a  rose-leaf  would  have  been  crushed  by  the  words  I  have 
written.  All  were  joyous  towards  you.  Kind,  playful,  breath- 
ing home  and  homelike  thoughts.  I  knew  your  depressed 
spirits.  I  strove  to  cheer  them.  I  felt  your  sadness.  I  en- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        191 

deavored  to  minister  unto  it.  No  vessel  has  left  this  port  to 
my  knowledge  without  some  letter  or  token  of  remembrance 
of  home  and  you.  Why  recount  all  this?  To  show  you  how 
one  feels  when  he  receives  the  forked  lightning  out  of  a  clear 
sky  (letter  torn) 

From  I.  F.  Taylor  to  General  Butler 

WA8HINGTON,    Aug.  Utk,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  your 
favor  of  the  28th  ultimo,  and  also  the  sword  presented  to  my 
late  brother,  General  Zachary  Taylor,  by  the  Legislature  of 
Kentucky,  which  was  handed  to  me  by  our  esteemed  friend, 
the  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson. 

Believe  me  I  most  highly  appreciate  the  compliment  you 
pay  me  by  placing  in  my  charge  so  valuable  and  interesting  a 
token  of  the  recognition  of  my  late  brother's  services  by  my 
native  state. 

With  many  thanks  for  your  kind  expression  of  regard  and 
esteem,  I  remain,  my  dear  General, 

Your  most  obliged  and  obedient  servant. 

I.  F.  TAYLOR,  Corny.  Genl.  Subsistence 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  14,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  Since  the  attack  on  Baton  Rouge,  of  which  I  sent 
you  the  general  description  in  my  last,  I  have  directed  that 
place  to  be  slightly  intrenched  and  put  in  condition  of  defence. 
My  judgment  has  been  to  hold  the  point,  not  for  any  special 
military  but  for  political  importance.  If  pressed  here,  however, 
I  must  evacuate  it,  but  shall  destroy  it  before  I  leave  it. 

We  are  now  threatened  by  the  whole  western  division  of 
the  southern  army  under  Generals  Van  Dorn,  Breckinridge, 
and  Jeff  Thompson,  together  with  whatever  troops  can  be 
gotten  from  Texas  or  on  the  western  bank  of  the  river.  The 
withdrawal  of  the  troops  at  Vicksburg,  and  the  apparent 
inactivity  or  withdrawal  of  troops  from  Corinth,  has  allowed 
the  concentration  of  all  their  troops  upon  me.  Vicksburg  is 
essentially  bare  of  troops.  We  are  considerably  weakened  by 
disease  and  discharges  of  those  whom  months'  service  have 
shown  unfit  for  such.  I  have  largely  caused  the  regiments  to 
be  filled  up  by  enlistments  here,  and  I  doubt  not  in  all  I  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

enlisted  a  thousand  men  in  the  old  regiments,  and  I  have  now 
1200  being  organized  as  the  first  regiments  of  Louisiana  Volun- 
teer National  Guards,  and  two  companies  of  cavalry.  I  think 
I  shall  get  two  regiments  beside,  but  that  is  work  of  time. 

I  need  reinforcements  very  much;  without  them  I  cannot 
co-operate  with  the  navy  against  Mobile. 

Indeed  we  are  threatened  with  an  attack  on  the  City  of 
New  Orleans.  I  am  not  specially  disturbed  at  that.  If  it 
becomes  at  all  imminent,  I  shall  call  on  Africa  to  intervene, 
and  I  do  not  think  I  shall  call  in  vain.  I  have  determined  to 
use  the  services  of  the  free  colored  men  who  were  organized 
by  the  rebels  into  the  "Colored  Brigade,"  of  which  we  have 
heard  so  much.  They  are  free,  they  have  been  used  by  our 
enemies,  whose  mouths  are  shut,  and  they  will  be  loyal. 

I  would  like  an  experienced  Brigadier  General  in  place  of 
the  lamented  Williams,  and  would  again  press  the  appoint- 
ment of  Lt.  Weitzel  of  the  Engineers. 

If  I  am  to  have  any  troops  I  would  prefer  New  England 
Soldiers,  not  that  they  are  any  better  than  others,  but  that  I 
know  them  better.  I  would  not  ask  more  than  5000  of  the 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  Quota. 

I  have  need  of  more  cavalry  in  order  to  hunt  out  the  gueril- 
las, a  regiment  with  what  I  have  would  do  immense  service. 

May  I  ask  prompt  action  in  regard  to  the  reinforcements. 
More  than  four  months  since  my  ordnance  officer  made  requi- 
sition for  some  ammunition,  54-100  Calibre,  and  it  has  not 
yet  come.  Our  54  rifles  are  useless.  The  invoices  have  come 
but  no  cartridges. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  ^^    R  BuTLER-] 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  I6tk,  1862 

Senor  Don  CALLEJON,  Spanish  Consul 

SIR:  I  have  this  moment  received  the  letter  with  which 
you  have  honored  me. 

I  am  not  aware  that  I  have  imposed  any  different  quaran- 
tine upon  Spanish  Vessels,  sailing  from  Havana,  from  any 
other  nations.  My  orders  are  imperative  the  Quarantine 
officers  not  to  allow  any  vessel  from  an  infected  port  to  pass 
without  strictest  quarantine.  Those  orders  have  been  obeyed. 
In  one  instance,  when  a  vessel  did  not  touch  the  shore  at 
Havana,  I  believe  they  were  relaxed. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    193 

I  beg  to  assure  you,  and  the  Government  of  her  most  Catholic 
Majesty,  that  personally  and  officially  I  entertain,  as  I  have 
always  entertained,  feelings  of  the  utmost  cordiality  toward 
that  Government,  and  any  vessel  coming  from  Spain  or  any 
portion  of  her  Majesty's  dominions,  not  infected  with  "Epi- 
demic Yellow  Fever,"  which  is  the  bill  of  health  of  the  "Pinta," 
will  be  allowed  to  pass  as  the  most  favored  nation.  It  is  only 
a  desire  to  save  the  inhabitants  of  New  Orleans,  as  well  Spanish 
as  others,  from  that  deadly  scourge,  the  Epidemic,  that  makes 
me  rigid  in  quarantine. 

I  cannot,  therefore,  put  any  weight  of  tobacco  against  the 
lives  of  those  in  my  charge.  With  assurances  of  the  utmost 
respect,  I  remain 


From  General  Butler 

Head  Quars.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  Wh,  1862 

Colonel  H.  E.  PAINE 

COLONEL:  Upon  the  most  mature  consideration,  in  view  of 
of  the  evident  preparations  to  attack  the  City  of  New  Orleans, 
which  requires  a  concentration  of  our  forces,  I  am  constrained 
to  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  necessary  to  evacuate 
Baton  Rouge. 

We  have  demonstrated  our  ability  to  hold  the  place,  but  it 
is  now  a  question  of  utility.  You  will  therefore  begin  the 
movement  quietly  and  rapidly,  get  everything  off  except  your 
men,  and  then  see  to  it  that  the  town  is  destroyed. 

After  mature  deliberation,  I  deem  this  a  military  necessity 
of  the  highest  order,  much  more  than  the  burning  of  Hampton 
by  Magruder.  That  town  was  burned  by  its  own  friends  in 
August,  to  prevent  its  shelter  to  our  troops.  The  shelter  of 
Baton  Rouge  to  them  is  a  necessity  in  the  long  winter  cam- 
paign, to  say  nothing  of  the  advantage  as  a  summer  residence. 

In  regard  to  the  poor  prisoners,  they  will  be  between  two 
fires.  Use  in  regard  to  them  your  best  judgment. 

I  do  not  know  that  I  can  aid  you  further  by  any  observa- 
tions. I  am,  Most  Respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

By  order  of  MAJOR  GENERAL  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  Gen. 

P.S.    With  regard  to  the  prisoners  in  the  penitentiary,  what- 
ever disposition  you  make  of  them,  do  not  bring  them  down  here. 

R.  S.  DAVIS 

VOL.    II  —  13 


194   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  16th,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  This  will  be  handed  you  by  Joseph  M.  Bell,  Esq., 
late  law  partner  and  son-in-law  of  our  friend  the  lamented 
Rufus  Choate.  Mr.  Bell  has  been  serving  with  me  since 
November  last  as  Volunteer  Aid  de  Camp  and  Military 
Secretary,  more  recently  as  Provost  Judge  of  the  City  of  New 
Orleans,  wherein  he  has  won  golden  opinions  from  all  right- 
minded  persons. 

Major  Bell  goes  North  for  a  movement  of  recruitment,  as 
he  has  good  cause  to  do,  and  I  am  pleased  to  be  able  through 
him  to  communicate  so  directly  with  the  War  Department. 

I  have  but  little  doubt  that  I  shall  be  attacked  here  within 
the  next  20  days  or  thereabouts.  As  I  predicted  some  months 
ago,  in  my  despatch  to  the  War  Department,  I  am  in  danger 
from  the  debris  of  Beauregard's  army  at  Shiloh.  Some  19  or 
20  Regiments  and  several  Batteries  from  it  are  gathering  upon 
us.  I  have  ordered  the  evacuation  and  destruction  of  Baton 
Rouge,  which  will  be  effected  unless  an  attack  is  made  upon 
it  by  Van  Dorn  before  we  shall  get  away.  In  that  case  we 
shall  fight.  The  pendency  of  a  contest  there  is  imminent.  It 
seems  to  be  the  tactics  of  the  enemy  to  attempt  to  drive  us 
out  of  New  Orleans  at  all  hazards.  They  agree  the  town  will 
be  destroyed  in  so  doing,  but  they  reason  that  there  is  so 
large  a  foreign  interest  here,  that  the  destruction  of  the  town 
will  embroil  us  with  foreign  powers. 

Whether  that  be  so  or  not,  I  do  not  propose  to  be  driven 
out,  or  if  I  am  driven  out,  there  will  be  no  New  Orleans. 
This  is  clearly  a  necessity.  If  we  had  five  Regiments,  or  5000 
men  more  in  our  old  Regiments,  there  would  be  no  attack. 

Major  Bell,  however,  understands  the  whole  subject  of  our 
difficulties  here  thoroughly,  and  will  give  you  the  fullest 
information  upon  those  you  may  desire. 

Ten  thousand  men  could  be  advantageously  employed  here, 
however,  and  any  expedition  to  Texas  could  start  from  here.  I 
am  anxious  to  lead  one.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obedient  servant, 
B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        195 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  16,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  60 

ORDERED,  That  after  Tuesday,  19th  inst.,  there  be  paid  for 
information  leading  to  the  discovery  of  weapons  not  held 
under  a  written  permit  from  the  United  States  authorities, 
but  retained  and  concealed  by  the  keepers  thereof,  the  sums 
following: 

For  each  serviceable  Gun,  Musket  or  Rifle $10 

"       "    Revolver .              7 

"    Pistol                      5 

"       "    Sabre  or  Officer's  Sword                                      .                  ...  5 

"       "    Dirk,  Dagger,  Bowie-knife  or  Sword-Cane   .  .            3 

Said  arms  to  be  confiscated,  and  the  keeper  so  concealing 
them  to  be  punished  by  imprisonment. 

This  crime  being  an  overt  act  of  rebellion  against  the  au- 
thority of  the  United  States,  whether  by  a  citizen  or  an  alien, 
works  a  forfeiture  of  the  property  of  the  offender,  and,  there- 
fore, every  slave  giving  information  that  shall  discover  the 
concealed  arms  of  his  or  her  master,  shall  be  held  to  be 
emancipated. 

II.  As  the  United  States  authorities  have  disarmed  the 
inhabitants  of  the  Parish  of  Orleans,  and  as  some  fearful 
citizens  seem  to  think  it  necessary  that  they  should  have 
arms  to  protect  themselves  from  violence,  it  is  ordered, 

That,  hereafter,  the  offenses  of  robbery  by  violence  or 
aggravated  assault  that  ought  to  be  repelled  by  the  use  of 
deadly  weapons,  burglaries,  rapes,  and  murders,  whether  com- 
mitted by  blacks  or  white,  will  be,  on  conviction,  punished 

^    ea  By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  1 6th,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  268 

COL.  JOHN  W.  TURNER,  Chief  Commissary  of  this  Depart- 
ment, will  sell  at  public  auction  all  Sugar  taken  from  rebel 
owners  within  the  Department,  and  not  wanted  for  consump- 
tion by  the  troops.  By  Qrder  Q/  GEN  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 


196   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  16th,  1862 

DEAREST:  Your  letters  of  July  30th  and  Aug.  2nd  came 
on  Thursday,  Aug.  13th.  I  write  the  date,  that  you  may  know 
how  long  it  takes  for  them  to  reach  here.  I  wish  you  would 
mention  when  you  get  my  letters,  and  the  dates.  I  could  not 
tell  how  many  I  have  written,  if  they  should  fall  into  other 
hands  I  should  never  know  you  had  not  received  them.  Cer- 
tainly they  would  read  strangely  to  others.  I  wish  you  would 
return  them  when  read,  that  I  may  be  sure  they  reach  you. 
Your  pictures  came  enclosed.  You  ask  me  if  I  do  not  think 
the  position  easy?  I  do,  and  like  the  picture  very  much.  I 
sat  for  one  the  day  previous.  In  the  contrast  of  these  two 
faces,  the  difference  of  expression  is  the  history  of  life  that  is 
never  written.  I  have  sent  you  by  the  steamer  Fisher  sends 
out  pictures  (taken  in  better  times)  of  myself,  Blanche,  Paul, 
and  Benny.  Paint  from  these,  I  can  get  none  better  of  the 
children,  and  for  me,  I  am  too  weary.  I  shall  sink  below  the 
centre,  before  rest  and  peace  will  find  and  fold  me.  This  is 
one  of  the  times  when  hope  comes  not,  and  the  eye-lids  are 
heavy  with  unshed  tears.  It  would  be  better  if  I  should  not 
write  now  but  feeling  badly  we  are  apt  to  grope  about  for 
sympathy,  even  if  sure  we  cannot  find  it.  "Every  one  can 
master  a  grief  but  he  that  hath  it."  "And  if  he  cannot  master, 
let  him  hide  it"  saith  the  world,  and  wisely  is  that  said  too. 
I  must  lie  down  and  rest.  When  I  begin  again  it  will  be  in  a 
pleasanter  vein. 

Ah  me!  resting  does  not  refresh  me,  I  must  write  on  as  I 
have  begun,  or  not  write  at  all.  If  we  were  together,  you  might 
aid  me  a  little  by  some  kindly  words,  if  it  were  not  too  much 
trouble  to  speak  them.  How  well  I  understand  what  Father 
felt,  when  he  said,  "I  have  such  a  weight  of  weariness,  the 
bed  cannot  bear  me  up ;  I  shall  sink  through  it  and  then  sink 
lower  yet."  How  far  away  this  looks  to  you  with  health,  hope, 
and  ambition,  all  your  own,  satisfied,  as  your  picture  shows 
you,  yet  eager  to  win  more  yet.  Long  may  you  wear  that 
look,  and  you  will,  too;  hope  with  you  is  triumphant,  if  it 
were  darkened  or  killed,  you  could  easier  die  than  bear  the 
difference.  The  children  have  returned  from  the  Beach,  with 
burned  faces,  noisy  and  happy.  Week  after  next  Blanche  goes 
back  again.  Goodnight,  it  is  late,  they  are  all  asleep  but  me. 
And  you  —  I  wonder  if  you  are  sleeping  too!  I  should  like 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   197 

to  look  in,  but  I  feel  too  timid  to  take  the  liberty.    Too  poor 
—  for  aught,  but  "God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner!" 

Today  we  have  been  to  Capt.  Abbott's  funeral.  I  wound  a 
wreath  of  geranium  leaves,  and  a  bouquet  of  flowers.  He  was 
buried  in  Lowell  by  request  of  the  Authorities  of  the  Town  and 
at  the  city's  expense.  The  military's  four  companies  followed 
in  procession  —  the  funeral  was  very  large.  Being  Sunday, 
Merrimack  and  Central  streets  were  full  of  people.  The 
"Saxon"  came  in  last  Friday.  Whitney  went  to  New  York. 
The  vessel  with  the  pictures  has  not  yet  left  Boston.  I  hear 
she  will  leave  tomorrow  or  Tuesday.  This  letter  I  shall  send 
by  New  York.  How  poor  and  unsatisfactory  it  will  read  to 
you.  Still  the  same  despondency,  you  say!  Even  so;  it  is 
killing  or  driving  me  to  madness,  much  depended  on  you.  If 
I  could  have  had  the  summer,  with  only  the  anxiety  that  I 
expect  to  endure,  fears  for  your  health,  parting  with  children, 
I  think  I  could  bear  it,  and  while  so  constantly  assured  of  your 
health,  even  have  grown  stronger,  and  gained  some  cheerful- 
ness. After  I  left,  the  change  you  made  shook  me  with  dis- 
quiet. It  was  some  time  before  I  heard  of  it,  then  an  age 
before  a  letter  can  reach  you,  and  even  then,  I  feel  no  assurances 
you  will  heed  me;  the  pressure  is  too  heavy  for  me!  You  say 
my  views  of  life  are  Utopian.  To  you  they  seem  so.  Perhaps 
they  would  to  others,  yet  they  are  true  and  honorable,  I  shall 
never  be  able  to  change  them.  If  I  could  force  my  thoughts  to 
rest  here,  and  shut  out  all  but  care  of  the  children,  there  would 
be  hope  in  it.  Alas,  I  cannot  do  it!  You  will  reproach  me  for 
feeling  and  writing  so,  and  I  reproach  myself;  but  I  am  too 
unhappy  to  be  angry  with.  If  you  can  say  anything  to  com- 
fort me  it  is  better  to  do  that.  T7  „  . .  A  ,  0 

very  affectionately,  bARAH 

Your  mother  wants  Jackson  to  send  her  his  picture.    I  shall 
feel  better  in  a  few  days  and  can  write  differently.    But  not 

more  earnestly.  v          -.    ,.       .   ™ 

J  Your  affectionate  WIFE 


From  Honorable  Edward  Everett  to  General  Butler 

BOSTON,  August  16,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  understand  that  an  application  has 
been  or  will  shortly  be  made  to  you  on  behalf  of  Mrs.  J.  Oliver 
Miltemberger,  of  Chicago,  daughter  of  Mrs.  Robb  of  New 
Orleans,  deceased.  Mrs.  M.  wishes  to  obtain  possession  of 


198        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

certain  bonds  of  the  New  Orleans,  Jackson,  and  Great  Northern 
R.  R.  Co.,  belonging  to  her,  the  proceeds  of  her  share  of  her 
late  mother's  estate,  and  now  held  in  trust  by  the  Judge  of 
the  Second  District  Court  of  New  Orleans,  to  the  amount  of 
about  $32,000. 

The  requisite  papers  to  substantiate  this  claim,  as  well  as 
the  similar  claims  of  the  other  children  of  Mrs.  Robb,  have, 
I  understand,  been  forwarded  to  New  Orleans. 

The  object  of  this  letter  is  earnestly  to  solicit  your  powerful 
and  friendly  aid,  if  it  should  be  needed,  in  obtaining  possession 
of  these  bonds.  Mrs.  Miltemberger  and  her  husband  are 
among  my  most  valued  friends.  Mr.  M.  is  of  Pittsburgh,  but 
settled  in  business  at  Chicago,  a  loyal  and  patriotic  citizen; 
and  I  shall  esteem  any  service  you  may  render  to  these,  my 
friends,  as  doubly  rendered  to  myself. 

I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  cordially  thanking  you  for 
your  kindness  to  my  nephews,  the  Messrs.  Durivage,  espe- 
cially the  deceased.  The  family  and  friends  of  that  excellent 
young  man  feel  themselves  under  very  great  obligations  to 
you  for  your  unvarying  goodness  to  him.  I  remain,  my  dear 
General,  with  very  great  respect, 

Faithfully  yours,  EDWARD  EVERETT 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  17,  1862 

MY  DEAR  SARAH:  Maj.  Bell  will  take  this  home  to  you. 
He  will  inform  you  as  to  my  health  and  prospects.  I  doubt 
not  we  shall  be  attacked  here,  and  he  goes  home  for  reinforce- 
ments. We  shall  give  a  good  account  of  ourselves  in  all  events. 
You  shall  not  be  ashamed  of  me. 

Do  not  fret  yourself  with  vain  imaginings.  They  will  do 
you  or  me  no  good.  Above  all,  do  not  think  of  coming  out 
here  at  present.  Maj.  Bell  is  to  return  immediately,  but  I 
have  given  special  directions  that  he  shall  not  take  you  back 
with  him.  A  month  later,  and  we  shall  either  be  victorious 
and  I  shall  be  coming  home,  or  there  will  be  no  occasion  for 
you  to  come  here. 

Forget  what  I  have  written  harshly  in  my  last  letter  to  you. 
Remember  me  kindly  always,  and  believe  me  your  loving 

husband.  ^ 

BENJ. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   199 

P.S.  I  send  by  Maj.  Bell  a  pistol  case  of  which  you  will  find 
the  key  inside  this.  Caroline,  who  goes  in  the  same  vessel, 
has  a  little  token  for  you.  It  is  of  New  Orleans  manufacture. 

B. 

P.S,  2nd.  Preserve  the  case  of  pistols  very  carefully.  They 
were  a  present  to  me.  —  B. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  18th,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  ARNOLD,  Comdg.  at  PENSACOLA,  FLA. 

GENERAL:  Major  General  Butler  has  to-day  received  an 
order  from  the  War  Department  at  Washington,  transferring 
your  command  from  the  Department  of  the  South  to  this 
Department. 

He  congratulates  himself  upon  having  such  an  able  Officer 
and  such  a  fine  body  of  troops  added  to  his  command,  and 
would  like  to  have  you  make  as  early  a  report  as  possible  of 
the  forces  at  your  disposal.    I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  order. 
By  order  of  MAJOR  GENERAL  BUTLER 

By  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  WASHINGTON,  Aug.  8,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  98 

WEST  Florida  is  detached  from  the  Department  of  the  South 
and  annexed  to  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral L.  G.  Arnold  will  report  to  Major  General  Butler 
accordingly.  By  order  ^  ^  SECRETARY  OF  yyrAR 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND,  Asst.  Adj.  General 

From  General  Dow 

Headquarters,  Fort  Street,  PHILADELPHIA,  August  ISth,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  From  some  Contrabands  I  learned  that  a  Mr. 
Lasart,  near  point  La  Hache,  was  actively  engaged  in  raising 
a  Company  of  Guerillas.  On  Saturday  night,  at  10  o'clock, 
I  send  a  party  consisting  of  forty  men,  under  Lieut.  Brainard, 
in  the  Steamer  "Labarge,"  to  meet  him  and  his  Lieut.,  of 
whom  I  also  had  information.  My  orders  were  to  seize  all 
arms  of  every  sort,  and  if  full  proof  were  found  upon  the  spot 


200       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

against  Lasart,  the  Lieut,  was  at  liberty  to  take  any  of  his 
property,  useful  as  necessary  to  the  troops.    Lasart  is  a  trader. 

Several  shot  guns  were  found  there,  a  Confederate  Flag,  a 
full  uniform  and  side-arms,  and  Lasart  confessed  that  he  was 
engaged  in  raising  a  Company,  having  already  seventeen  men 
enrolled. 

The  party  arrested  several  persons  who  were  paroled,  but 
the  Capt.  and  his  Lieut,  are  now  in  Fort  Jackson. 

Two  mules,  a  cart,  and  harness  were  brought  away,  also 
two  Milch  Cows  with  their  calves,  some  cases  of  wine  for  the 
hospital,  some  stout  shoes,  a  fishing  net  and  lines.  Nothing 
was  taken  from  the  house.  The  mules,  cows,  and  fishing-gear 
were  needed  here. 

The  seizures  of  the  Capt.  and  Lieut,  will  effectually  check 
all  recruiting  in  that  quarter. 

Lemonade  is  much  needed  by  our  soldiers,  as  a  preventive 
and  corrective  of  bilious  difficulties,  but  their  sugar  ration  is 
not  sufficient.  There  are  many  large  sugar  planters  near  here 
who  are  disloyal,  with  large  stock  of  sugar  on  hand.  I  have  not 
done  anything  about  appropriating  any  for  use  at  the  Forts, 
lest  it  might  not  comport  with  your  views,  I  would  like 
instructions. 

Respectfully,  NEAL  Dow,  Brig.  Gen.  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  ISth,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  278 

THE  resignation  of  Joshua  L.  Sawyer,  Capt.  Comp.  G. 
13th  Reg.  Maine  Vols.,  is  hereby  accepted,  to  take  effect  from 
this  date,  and  he  is  hereby  dishonorably  discharged  from  the 

Service 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

The  written  resignation  of  the  within-named  Capt.  Sawyer 
has  been  indorsed  by  the  Major  General  Comdg.  as  follows, 
viz.: 

Any  Officer  who  makes  business  affairs  a  reason  for  quitting 
the  Service  at  this  Juncture  has  dishonored  himself  and  should 
be  dishonorably  discharged,  as  is  done  in  the  case  of  Capt. 

yer*  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com'd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       201 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  l&th,  1862, 

DEAREST:  The  news  came  this  morning  that  the  rebels 
have  attacked  Baton  Rouge  and  been  repulsed,  that  Gen. 
Williams  had  his  head  blown  off  by  a  cannon  ball.  Who  is  to 
take  his  place?  Ah  me,  who  have  you  left  but  Phelps,  and  he 
so  unmanageable.  New  Orleans,  if  you  can  keep  the  fleet, 
is  invincible;  why  do  they  go  to  Pensacola?  I  sent  you  a 
letter  this  morning,  would  I  could  recall  it,  written  from 
depression  I  could  not  overcome.  If  it  adds  to  your  perplexi- 
ties I  shall  never  forgive  myself.  Why  did  I  not  stay  with 
you?  It  would  have  been  better  for  both  of  us.  If  we  live  to 
meet  again  we  will  remain  together.  May  there  not  be  some 
mistake  about  Gen.  Williams?  I  believe  he  has  a  wife  and 
children,  what  heart-aches  all  over  the  country!  His  death  I 
must  weep  for,  a  truly  noble  gentleman,  always  kind  and 
courteous.  What  will  you  do  without  him?  An  experienced 
officer  is  wanted  at  Baton  Rouge  if  you  still  hold  it,  and  you 
have  so  few.  Is  it  not  wrong  you  should  be  left  there  with  so 
small  a  force.  But  yet  you  can  hold  it,  New  Orleans  I  mean, 
against  the  whole  south  if  they  have  not  ironclad  vessels  to 
destroy  the  fleet.  And  hold  it  you  will,  you  are  more  able 
when  pressed  with  danger  and  with  few  resources.  Use  every 
precaution,  and  treat  Phelps  kindly  as  possible.  Oh,  how 
much  I  wish  I  was  with  you!  Dearest,  I  can  go  anywhere 
with  you,  I  am  not  afraid  of  danger,  but  I  cannot  sit  down 
apart  and  think;  it  unfits  me  for  anything.  I  hope  you  will 
not  get  this  morning's  letter  until  you  receive  this.  I  would 
not  add  a  feather's  weight  by  telling  you  I  am  troubled.  The 
death  of  Gen.  Williams  has  nerved  me  like  steel.  Would  I 
were  a  man.  I  am  stronger  in  the  hour  of  danger,  for  then  I 
forget  myself  and  woman's  cares,  and  feel  all  the  high  enthusi- 
asm that  leads  to  deeds  of  fame,  and  for  this  reason  it  is  better 
I  should  be  with  you.  I  could  never  pull  you  back  from  what 
I  thought  it  your  duty  to  do,  but  should  urge  you  forward,  and 
help,  with  all  the  wit  I  have.  I  shall  look  for  any  news  now. 
If  you  are  firm  as  you  will  be,  careful  and  far-seeing,  the  rebels 
cannot  reach  you.  Kiss  me,  dearest,  and  believe,  me  your 

Affectionate  WIFE 

P.S.  Weitzel  is  wise  and  experienced,  you  will  have  every 
defence  complete  to  the  last  degree.  Fisher's  vessel  leaves 
today,  but  I  send  this  by  New  York. 


202        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Fisher  sends  out  a  sailing  vessel  besides  the  steamer.  The 
"Saxon"  came  in  on  the  15th.  Your  letter  of  Aug.  5th  came 
this  morning.  Would  it  were  possible  for  you  to  come  home, 
but  you  cannot  leave  in  the  hour  of  danger.  The  rebels  will 
soon  make  the  attempt,  if  they  make  it  at  all,  and  then  it 
will  be  quiet  again.  The  fall  will  come,  and  you  will  return  or 
I  shall  go  to  you,  though,  believe  me,  I  do  not  flatter  myself 
that  the  last  will  be  the  same  to  you  as  coming  home.  But  it 
will  be  better  than  nothing,  do  not  you  think  so?  Say  yes, 
and  look  for  me  soon.  I  thought  to  have  written  one  page, 
and  I  have  run  all  over  the  paper.  Once  more,  kiss  me  and 

believeme  Ever  yours,  SARAH 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  18th,  1862 

DEAREST:  We  have  further  news  this  afternoon  of  the  battle 
at  Baton  Rouge.  The  vessel  has  arrived  with  the  body  of 
Gen.  Williams.  The  papers  are  out  in  large  letters,  stating 
the  particulars.  It  was  really  a  gallant  fight,  and  bravely 
Gen.  Williams  led  them  on  to  battle.  Three  horses  shot 
under  him,  before  he  lost  his  own  brave  life.  Oh!  the  pity 
that  he  was  killed !  The  loss  of  such  a  man  is  woeful.  There 
are  so  few  that  are  so  capable,  and  we  are  pressed  at  every 
point.  I  am  greatly  relieved  that  the  "Arkansas"  is  de- 
stroyed; there  is  no  chance  of  the  rebels  taking  New  Orleans 
without  iron-clad  vessels,  yet  do  not  omit  your  vigilance  for  a 
moment.  If  they  wrest  it  from  you,  you  and  the  country  lose 
everything.  Do  you  think  I  could  have  borne  the  climate 
through  the  summer?  I  do  not  know,  I  was  so  thin  it 
seemed  there  would  be  nothing  left  of  me.  I  sent  you  a  let- 
ter this  morning,  another  this  afternoon,  and  yet  this  evening 
I  am  writing  again.  I  have  been  so  unhappy  the  last  week, 
painfully  so,  but  I  will  not  write  again  when  I  feel  so  badly. 
These  ships  that  have  come  in  will  bring  me  more  letters  to- 
morrow. It  is  the  only  pleasure  I  get.  You  are  kind  enough 
to  write  often.  I  would  gladly  repay  you  in  kind,  but  fear 
I  may  not  always  be  able  to  do  it.  Haggerty  must  be  with 
you  nearly  a  week.  The  "Ocean  Queen"  was  spoken  with 
by  one  of  these  vessels  that  came  today  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Mississippi,  so  that  she  arrived  directly  after  these  left.  Good 
night,  dearest,  I  shall  not  finish  this  till  I  get  one  from  you 
tomorrow. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   *OS 

Dearest,  your  letter  came  this  morning  as  I  expected.  I 
am  so  glad  not  to  be  disappointed.  Your  Order  No.  54  is 
capital.  The  only  thing  to  lament  is  the  great  loss  of  Gen. 
Williams  and  those  who  fell  with  him.  Do  not  feel  too  secure 
that  they  will  not  make  another  attack.  I  hope  things  will 
not  come  to  extremities  between  you  and  Gen.  Phelps;  I 
thoroughly  like  and  respect  him.  The  Government  I  trust 
will  decide  it.  It  is  evident  your  health  is  not  reliable  from 
what  you  write  —  not  as  good  as  I  had  hoped.  I  wish  it  were 
possible  you  could  come  home  if  only  for  a  short  time,  but  I 
dare  not  ask  it.  We  have  entered  upon  this  sea  of  troubles 
and  must  meet  its  perils.  Thank  Heaven,  the  summer  is 
almost  over,  and  thus  far  you  have  escaped  the  fever.  It  is 
thought  to  be  too  late  for  it  now,  but  enforce  the  quarantine 
until  the  first  frost.  That  has  been  your  safety  thus  far.  I 
have  not  yet  heard  if  Kinsman  went  out  with  Capt.  Haggerty 
but  believe  he  did.  On  Thursday  I  shall  go  to  Boston  and  try 
once  more  for  a  picture.  I  think,  after  all,  my  picture  had 
better  be  painted  with  the  figure,  the  dress  can  be  plain  not 
striped.  The  vessel  did  not  start  till  yesterday.  The  pictures 
and  letters  have  been  on  board  a  week.  Do  not  leave  my 
letters  where  others  can  read  them  —  enclose  and  send  them 
back  with  your  own.  Fisher  has  been  telegraphed  by  Whitney 
to  go  on  to  New  York  and  take  his  papers  with  him  this  morn- 
ing. But  he  has  no  papers.  I  suppose  they  will  manage  some 
way.  Wanting  to  see  you  so  much,  I  am 

Your  affectionate  WIFE 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  19th,  1862 

Col.  H.  E.  PAINE,  Commanding  at  BATON  ROUGE 

COLONEL:  Upon  your  representations,  through  Mr.  Bates, 
of  the  state  of  the  public  charitable  and  penal  institutions  at 
Baton  Rouge,  wherein  the  orphan,  the  insane,  and  the  helpless 
are  confined  and  housed,  so  that  the  innocent  and  helpless 
must  be  so  greatly  the  sufferers,  I  am  inclined  to  countermand 
my  order  for  burning  the  town. 

You  will  leave  it  as  whole  as  you  can,  unless  you  are  obliged 
to  burn  it  as  a  matter  of  defensive  action.  I  have  not  changed 
my  opinion  of  the  great  military  advantage  it  will  be  to  the 
enemy  to  have  it,  but  I  am  impelled  by  a  sense  of  just  humanity 
to  overlook  this  advantage.  Its  importance  is  not  such  to 


204        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

justify  that  destruction  upon  the  unoffending.  With  New 
Orleans  it  would  be  different,  which  must  be  held  at  all  hazards 
or  destroyed.  It  is  the  key  to  the  River,  and  the  Arsenal  and 
Banking  House  of  the  rebellion.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M  aj.  General  Commanding 

P.S.  You  will  not  delay  the  movement  on  account  of  the 
Statue  of  Washington;  leave  it  in  safety  if  you  do  not  bring 
it  away. 

From  James  T.  Whitney  to  Mrs.  Butler 

St.  Nicholas  Hotel,  Aug.  19,  1862 

MADAM:  The  steamer  "Saxon"  I  have  advertised  to  sail 
for  New  Orleans  Friday  next.  The  vessel  will  be  most  happy 
to  take  —  free  of  charge  —  anything  you  may  wish  to  forward 
to  the  noble  General,  your  husband.  The  "Saxon"  will  take 
on  mail  and  will  make  speedy  return  to  this  Port.  With  the 
highest  respect,  Your  QU  ^^  JAMES  T  WHITNEY 


From  General  Butler  to  the  Captain  of  the  "Cardenas9' 

Head  Qrs.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  19,  1862 
SIR:  In  making  you  the  proposition  in  my  former  note,  I 
by  no  means  intended  to  enter  into  a  correspondence  which 
would  add  to  my  official  labors.  You  have  "grasped"  the 
opportunity  to  bring  to  my  notice  several  matters,  wherein 
you  complain  of  my  action  toward  the  Spanish  residents  and 
merchants.  I  cannot  take  time  to  reply  to  these  at  length, 
but  the  respect  due  to  your  official  character  demands  that  I 
should  at  least  set  you  right  in  regard  to  some  of  them.  In 
respect  to  the  Spanish  merchant  who  is  consul  here,  I  was 
informed  that  he  refused  to  give  a  bill  of  health  to  the  American 
vessel,  the  "Roanoke,"  when  this  city  was  wholly  free  from 
epidemic,  and  said  that  he  did  this  because  I  refused  to  allow 
the  "Cardenas"  to  come  up.  I  sent  for  him,  and  told  him 
that  if  he  did  not  give  precisely  the  same  bill  of  health  to  the 
"Roanoke"  as  he  would  have  done  and  was  required  to  do  by 
the  laws,  irrespective  of  "Cardenas,"  I  would  send  him  to 
the  Captain  General  at  Cuba. 

To  this  he  replied  that  he  should  be  glad  to  go  —  but  that 
the  Captain  General  would  send  me  no  more  vessels.  To  that 
I  replied  that  he  would  give  my  compliments  to  Captain 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   S05 

General,  and  say  that  he  could  do  me  no  so  great  a  favor  as 
to  send  me  no  more  vessels  of  any  sort  (Spanish  or  others) 
from  Cuba  until  the  sickly  season  was  over.  And  I  submit  to 
yourself,  Captain,  as  a  man  of  honor,  if  in  either  case  I  was 
wrong,  acting  upon  the  information  I  had  received. 

Upon  the  seizure  of  the  house  of  Puig  Brothers,  the  Spanish 
Consul  addressed  me  a  note  in  substance  saying  that  he  desired 
to  know  the  cause  of  the  seizure.  To  that  I  answered  in  sub- 
stance that  if  he  would  bring  Mr.  Puig  with  him  to  me,  I 
would  be  glad  to  explain  the  cause  of  the  seizure  of  his  house. 
To  that  the  Consul  replied  that  such  was  not  his  custom. 

After  the  arrest  and  punishment  of  a  criminal  official  by  me, 
a  clerk  of  Puig  made  a  reclamation  of  such  character  that  I 
have  put  it  under  investigation,  and  I  hope  to  show  its  falsity 
and  be  able  to  punish  the  claimant.  While  this  matter  is  being 
investigated  I  have  not  answered  the  communication  enclosing 
it.  I  am  not  aware  of  any  other  letter  of  the  Spanish  Consul 
that  seemed  to  require  an  answer  that  has  not  been  replied 
to.  If  there  is,  it  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  press  of  official 
correspondence  and  business  which  has  caused  it  to  be 
overlooked. 

As  regards  the  correspondence  of  the  Consul,  I  can  assure 
you  that  no  letter  of  his,  coming  through  the  regular  channels 
of  communication,  has  been  examined,  although  I  reserve  to 
myself  the  right  so  to  do  as  the  commander  of  a  Military  post. 
I  found  a  large  bundle  of  letters  on  board  a  vessel  running  the 
blockade  directed  to  the  Spanish  Consul;  these  were  opened. 
Again  I  found  a  large  bundle  of  letters  of  the  same  direction 
on  the  person  of  one  whom  I  have  arrested,  a  spy,  being  a 
member  of  a  large  mercantile  house  who  had  smuggled  himself 
between  here  and  the  enemy's  lines  at  Mobile  in  the  disguise  of 
a  bar  keeper.  Finding  letters  directed  to  the  Spanish  Consul 
in  the  hands  of  this  spy,  I  caused  them  to  be  examined,  as  I 
did  letters  thus  surreptitiously  conveyed  here  directed  to  the 
French  Consul. 

If  the  Representative  of  Her  Most  Catholic  Majesty  will 
have  his  letters  come  to  him  through  the  hands  of  spies  and 
smugglers  when  our  mails  are  all  freely  open  to  him,  I  shall 
be  obliged  to  examine  them. 

In  regard  to  the  Quarantine  imposed  upon  the  "Cardenas" 
and  other  Spanish  vessels,  my  orders  are  imperative  and  dis- 
tinct to  my  health  officers  to  subject  all  vessels  coming  from 
infected  ports  to  such  a  quarantine  as  shall  insure  safety  from 


206   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

disease.  You  yourself  will  bear  witness  with  what  success 
this  quarantine  has  been  carried  out  as  regards  the  health  of 
the  city. 

Whether  one  day  or  one  hundred  is  necessary  for  this  pur- 
pose, it  will  be  done.  It  will  be  done  if  it  is  necessary  to  take 
the  vessel  to  pieces  to  do  it,  so  long  as  the  United  States  has 
the  physical  power  (pouvoir  material)  to  enforce  it.  I  have 
submitted  to  the  judgment  of  my  very  competent  surgeon 
at  the  Quarantine  the  question  of  the  length  of  time  and  the 
acts  proper  to  be  taken  to  insure  safety.  I  have  by  no  order 
interfered  with  his  discretion.  If  he  thinks  ten  days  sufficient 
in  a  given  case,  be  it  so,  if  forty  in  another,  be  it  so,  if  one  hun- 
dred in  another,  it  shall  be  so. 

I  should  think,  however,  that  the  Surgeon  would  make  a 
difference  in  length  of  quarantine  between  a  vessel  which  only 
touched  at  Havana  and  one  that  loaded  and  shipped  her 
crew  there.  This  may  account  for  the  different  length  of 
quarantine.  Some  of  the  vessels  you  name  came  earlier  in 
the  season.  But  with  this  I  have  nothing  to  do  except  to  en- 
force rigorously  such  quarantine  as  my  health  officers  think 
proper. 

In  regard  to  the  petty  officer  and  men  of  your  ship,  I  had 
not  been  informed  save  by  your  letter. 

If  you  had  done  me  the  honor  to  notify  me  of  their  arresta- 
tion,  I  would  instantly  have  seen  to  it  that  they  should  have 
had  every  advantage  upon  their  trial.  Convince  me  now  that 
injustice  has  been  done  and  they  shall  be  pardoned.  You  will 
remember  that  I  cannot  personally  superintend  every  admin- 
istrative and  judicial  act.  If  you  have  listened  to  the  unrea- 
sonable complaints  of  bad  men  so  as  not  to  feel  at  liberty 
to  approach  me  with  the  freedom  and  promptness  which  has 
characterised  the  intercourse  of  the  Commanders  of  the 
French  ship  "Milan"  and  the  British  ship,  "Rinaldo,"  — 
whenever  their  country  men  needed  redress,  I  am  sure  you 
will  acquit  me  of  all  blame  so  far  as  official  and  personal 
courtesy  toward  yourself  is  concerned. 

I  have  to  apologise  for  the  delay  in  this  reply.  My  trans- 
later  was  absent,  and  I  do  not  read  your  language  with  suffi- 
cient accuracy  to  allow  myself  to  reply  to  the  language  of 
accusation  without  a  translation.  With  sentiments  of  respect, 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Ywf  Mient  ^^ 

[BENJ.  F.  BuTLEif] 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       SOT 

From  J.  A.  G.  Fisher 

By  Telegraph  from  Quarantine,  August  ZQth,  1862 

To  General  BUTLER 

IN  closely  questioning  the  Capt.  of  the  Bark  "Raamen" 
in  quarantine  from  Key  West,  I  am  satisfied  that  yellow  fever 
exists  at  Fort  Taylor  in  an  epidemic  form  of  a  malignant  type, 
death  occurring  in  number  of  instances  the  first  24  hours.  I 
would  recommend  a  very  strict  quarantine  on  all  vessels  from 

Key  West. 

J.  A.  G.  FISHER,  Quarantine  Surgeon 

From  C.  Roselius 

WASHINGTON,  August  2(M/i,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  I  arrived  here  on  the  llth  instant,  and  immedi- 
ately waited  upon  the  President,  Mr.  Seward,  Mr.  Blair,  and 
Mr.  Stanton,  by  all  of  whom  I  was  well  received;  in  the  differ- 
ent interviews  I  have  had  with  the  President  and  the  Secre- 
taries of  State  and  War  it  was  determined  by  them  to  recall 
Gen.  Phelps  at  once,  and  when  the  resignation  of  that  officer 
was  communicated  by  you,  it  was  at  once  accepted,  as  no 
doubt  you  have  been  already  informed.  As  I  shall  be  home 
almost  as  soon  as  this  letter  reaches  you,  I  prefer  communi- 
cating to  you  verbally  the  particulars  of  my  mission.  It 
appears  from  the  papers  that  you  have  had  stirring  times  since 
my  departure,  and  I  congratulate  you  in  your  success.  I  am, 
dear  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  ROSELIUS 

From  Henry  Copeland 

NEW  ORLEANS,  August  20th,  1862 

To  Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

DEAR  SIR:  It  is  a  duty  that  I  owe  to  my  country  to  present 
the  following  facts  which  I  know  to  be  true  concerning  parties 
in  the  Gas  Works,  who  are  to-day  plotting  treason  against  the 
IT.  S.  Government,  although  claiming  British  protection  — 
have  aided  and  abetted  the  Rebels  in  acts  as  follows,  viz : 

1st.  These  parties  assisted  in  raising  a  Company  designated 
and  known  as  the  "Scotch  Rifles,"  and  sent  them  into  the 
Confederate  Service. 

2nd.  They  furnished  several  steamships  with  Coke  to  run 
the  Blockade  and  prey  on  United  States  commerce. 


208   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

3rd.  They  had  an  experimental  Fire  Raft  made  for  the  pur- 
pose of  testing  it  on  the  water,  it  having  satisfied  them  they 
had  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  Barrels  filled  with  Coal  Tar  to 
use  on  the  Fire  Rafts  on  the  Mississippi  against  the  United 
States  fleet  on  its  arrival  before  the  city. 

4th.  Taking  away  of  the  Specie  from  the  "Merchant's 
Bank,"  hauled  away  with  their  Coke  Carts  to  the  N.  O.  & 
I.  R.  R. 

5th.  Taking  from  the  Gas  Works  a  gang  of  White  laborers 
to  the  R.  R.  Shop  to  remove  Machinery  and  rob  it  of  its 
contents. 

6th.  Making  a  large  amount  of  "Bowie  Knives"  in  the 
Blacksmith  Shop  attached  to  the  Gas  Works,  for  use  in  the 
Confederacy,  and  by  many  other  acts  too  numerous  to 
mention. 

The  names  of  the  parties  in  the  acts  enumerated  above  are 
as  follows,  viz:  P.  N.  Wood,  formerly  President  of  the  Gas 
Co.,  Wm.  McCullough,  Manager,  Robert  Silcott,  Master 
Bricklayer,  McLoughlin,  Gas  Go's.  Office,  125  Common  St., 
Joseph  McCullough,  Master  Carpenter. 

I  will  hold  myself  in  readiness  on  behalf  of  the  United  States 
to  prove  these  facts  before  you  any  time  I  am  called  upon. 

Yours  respectfully,  HENRY  COPELAND 

No.  109  Howard  St.  NEW  ORLEANS 


NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  2(M,  1862 

Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

SIR:  Another  fact  which  I  wish  to  bring  to  your  notice  is 
the  equipment  of  a  company  known  as  the  "Mercier  Guards," 
Capt.  Walker,  by  Dr.  Mercier,  who  gave  one  hundred  dollars 
to  the  first  colored  Company  raised  in  New  Orleans  for  the 
Confederate  Service. 

From  the  Quarter  Master  General 

Quarter  Master  General's  Office,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  Aug.  %lst,  1862 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the 
Gulf 

GENERAL:  The  enclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  received  from 
Moses  Bates  relative  to  the  employment  of  the  convicts  and 
machinery  in  Louisiana  State  Penitentiary,  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  supplies  for  United  States  troops. 

The  Quartermaster  General  directs  me  to  state  that  it  will, 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   209 

in  his  opinion,  be  well  to  employ  the  machinery  and  convicts 
in  the  manufacture  of  tents  and  tent  cloth,  which  is  very 
much  needed.  The  chief  Quartermaster  of  the  Department 
of  the  Gulf  under  the  approval  of  the  Major  General  command- 
ing, can  arrange  the  details. 

Very  Respectfully  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 
By  Order  of  the  Q.  M.  G.,  ALEX.  I.  PEVIE,  Q.  M.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  Zlst,  1862 

Captain  BONFANTI 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  answer  your  same  official  communi- 
cation, in  regard  to  the  exchange  of  commodities  for  cotton,  by 
enclosing  a  Copy  of  a  letter  patent  to  the  officer  Comdg.  Confd. 
forces  at  Mobile.  I  stand  by  its  terms.  My  Government 
seeks  to  do  nothing  by  indirection,  and  its  pledged  faith  has 
never  been  violated. 

Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  22,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  63 

WHEREAS,  on  the  23d  day  of  April,  in  the  year  eighteen 
hundred  and  sixty-one,  at  a  public  meeting  of  the  free  colored 
population  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  a  military  organization, 
known  as  the  "Native  Guards"  (colored),  had  its  existence, 
which  military  organization  was  duly  and  legally  enrolled  as 
a  part  of  the  militia  of  the  State,  its  officers  being  commis- 
sioned by  Thomas  O.  Moore,  Governor  and  Commander-in- 
chief  of  the  militia  of  the  State  of  Louisiana,  in  the  form 
following,  that  is  to  say: 

"The  State  of  Louisiana.     (Seal  of  the  State). 

"By  Thomas  Overton  Moore,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Louisiana,  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Militia  thereof: 

"In  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  State  of 
Louisiana: 

"Know  ye,  that ,  having  been  duly  and  legally 

elected  Captain  of  the  'Native  Guards'  (colored),  1st  Division 
of  the  Militia  of  Louisiana,  to  serve  for  the  term  of  the  war, 

"I  do  hereby  appoint  and  commission  him  Captain  as  afore- 

VOL.    II — 14 


210       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

said,  to  take  rank  as  such  from  the  2d  day  of  May,  eighteen 
hundred  and  sixty-one. 

"He  is,  therefore,  carefully  and  diligently  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  his  office  b'y  doing  and  performing  all  manner  of 
things  thereto  belonging.  And  I  do  strictly  charge  and  re- 
quire all  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  privates  under 
his  command  to  be  obedient  to  his  orders  as  Captain;  and  he 
is  to  observe  and  follow  such  orders  and  directions,  from  time 
to  time,  as  he  shall  receive  from  me,  or  the  future  Governor  of 
the  State  of  Louisiana,  or  other  superior  officers,  according  to 
the  Rules  and  Articles  of  War,  and  in  conformity  to  law. 

"In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  caused  these  letters  to  be 
made  patent,  and  the  seal  of  the  State  to  be  hereunto  annexed. 

"Give  under  my  hand,  at  the  city  of  Baton  Rouge,  on  the 
second  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  sixty-one.  «THQS  Q 


"By  the  Governor:  P.  D.  HARDY,  Secretary  of  State 
(L.  S.) 

(Endorsed} 

"I,  Maurice  Grivot,  Adjutant  and  Inspector  General  of  the 
state  of  Louisiana,  do  hereby  certify  that  -  , 
named  in  the  within  commission,  did,  on  the  second  day  of 
May,  in  the  year  1861,  deposit  in  my  office  his  written  accept- 
ance of  the  office  to  which  he  is  commissioned,  and  his  oath 
of  office  taken  according  to  law. 

"M.  GRIVOT,  Adjt.  and  Insp.  Gen.  La.'9 

And  whereas,  such  military  organization  elicited  praise  and 
respect,  and  was  complimented  in  General  Orders  for  its  patri- 
otism and  loyalty,  and  was  ordered  to  continue  during  the  war, 
in  the  words  following: 

Headquarters  Louisiana  Militia,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  March  24,  1862 

ORDER  No.  4%6 

"I.  The  Governor  and  Commander-in-chief,  relying  implic- 
itly upon  the  loyalty  of  the  free  colored  population  of  the  City 
and  State,  for  the  protection  of  their  homes,  their  property,  and 
for  Southern  rights,  from  the  pollution  of  a  ruthless  invader, 
and  believing  that  the  military  organization  which  existed 
prior  to  the  15th  February,  1862,  and  elicited  praise  and  respect 
for  the  patriotic  motives  which  prompted  it,  should  exist  for 
and  during  war,  calls  upon  them  to  maintain  their  organiza- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

tion,  and  to  hold  themselves  prepared  for  such  orders  as  may 
be  transmitted  to  them. 

"II.  The  Colonel  Commanding  will  report  without  delay 
to  Major  General  Lewis,  commanding  State  Militia. 

"By  order  of  THOS.  O.  MOORE,  Governor 

"M.  GRIVOT,  Adjutant  General" 

And  whereas,  said  military  organization,  by  the  same  order 
was  directed  to  report  to  Major  General  Lewis  for  service,  but 
did  not  leave  the  city  of  New  Orleans  when  he  did: 

Now,  THEREFORE,  the  Commanding  General,  believing  that 
a  large  portion  of  this  militia  force  of  the  State  of  Louisiana 
are  willing  to  take  service  in  the  Volunteer  forces  of  the  United 
States,  and  be  enrolled  and  organized  to  "defend  their  home 
from  ruthless  invaders;"  to  protect  their  wives  and  children 
and  kindred  from  wrong  and  outrage;  to  shield  their  property 
from  being  seized  by  bad  men;  and  to  defend  the  Flag  of  their 
native  country,  as  their  fathers  did  under  Jackson  at  Chal- 
mette,  against  Packenham  and  his  myrmidons,  carrying  the 
black  flag  of  "beauty  and  booty." 

Appreciating  their  motives,  relying  upon  their  "well-known 
loyalty  and  patriotism,"  and  with  "praise  and  respect"  for 
these  brave  men,  it  is  ordered  that  all  the  members  of  the 
"Native  Guards"  aforesaid,  and  all  other  free  colored  citizens 
recognized  by  the  first  and  late  Governor  and  Authorities  of 
the  State  of  Louisiana  as  a  portion  of  the  Militia  of  the  State, 
who  shall  enlist  in  the  Volunteer  Service  of  the  United  States, 
shall  be  duly  organized  by  the  appointment  of  proper  officers, 
and  accepted,  paid,  equipped,  armed,  and  rationed  as  are 
other  Volunteer  Troops  of  the  United  States,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  President  of  the  United  States.  All  such 
persons  are  required  at  once  to  report  themselves  at  the  Touro 
Charity  Building,  Front  Levee  Street,  New  Orleans,  where 
proper  officers  will  muster  them  into  the  service  of  the  United 
btates.  py  commanc[  Of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 

R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Richard  S.  Fay  Jr.  to  General  Butler 

BOSTON,  August  23rd,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  A  fortnight  since  a  draft  was  presented 
purporting  to  be  drawn  by  you  for  $1200,  at  sight.  It  was 
endorsed  by  you,  but  the  signature  as  drawn  was  not  yours. 


212   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

It  was  presented  three  times  by  different  parties,  and  refused 
each  time,  as  none  of  them  could  guarantee  its  genuineness. 
I  ought  to  have  notified  you  at  the  time  but  neglected  to  do 
so.  It  was  not  advised  by  you,  and  Mr.  Carney's  letters 
agreed  with  me  that  the  signature  on  the  face  was  not  yours. 
I  have  been  ill  for  nearly  a  month,  so  as  to  be  barely  able  to 
come  to  my  office  for  three  or  four  hours  every  other  day. 
I  have  therefore  not  been  to  Lowell,  and  have  not  seen  Mrs. 
Butler  again. 

Inflation  rages  under  the  dogstar  and  the  new  levy  of  men. 
Fleece  wool  is  worth  65  cents  (N.B.  we  have  700,000  Ibs.  at 
53  cents,  and  foreign  wool  for  any  goods  cost  35  cents  against 
18  cents  a  year  ago).  That  and  other  property  are  in  propor- 
tion. I  ordered,  about  July  1st,  the  Times  Weekly  Courier 
sent  you  regularly;  I  hope  it  has  gone. 

Under  the  influence  of  your  brother's  encouraging  letters,  I 
am  shipping  more  and  more  goods  to  him,  although  so  much 
has  been  sent  out  that  I  hardly  see  where  the  returns  are  to 
come  from. 

August  28*/z, 

Mr.  Dexter  left  here  to-day,  and  will  probably  go  in  same 
vessel  as  this  letter.  We  have  plenty  of  rumors,  but  nothing 
reliable,  of  abundant  fighting  on  the  Rappahannock.  At  any 
rate,  our  armies  are  united,  if  stock  keeps  up. 

I  have  fairly  broken  down,  and  am  going  into  the  country 
tomorrow  for  a  fortnight  to  recruit.  I  wish  it  were  to  be 
recruited.  The  rumors  lately  current  about  transferring  you 
to  some  other  command  have  all  died  out.  I  never  believed 
them,  for  I  could  not  think  so  ill  of  Mr.  Stanton  as  to  suppose 
his  very  warm  expressions  of  confidence  and  approval  meant 

nothing.  Sincerely  yours,  RICHARD  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  General  H.  W.  Halleck 

Head  Quarters  of  the  Army,  WASHINGTON,  August  23rd,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  You  will  cause  an  immediate  investigation  to  be 
made  of  the  charges  against  Charles  Heidsick,  Esq.,  and  report 
to  these  Headquarters  the  causes  of  his  arrest  and  detention. 

If  in  your  opinion  the  exigences  of  the  public  service  require 
his  detention,  you  will  have  him  confined  in  as  healthy  a 
place  as  may  be  practicable.  But  if  there  be  not  good  cause 
for  his  detention,  you  will  immediately  discharge  him.  It  is 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   213 

expected  that  you  will  report  on  this  case  with  the  least  pos- 
si    e    e  ay.         Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

H.  W.  HALLECK,  Gen.  in  Chief 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  23,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  £94 

THE  Merchants'  Bank  and  Crescent  City  Bank,  having  by 
their  own  showing  not  such  Cash  assets  as  would  under  the 
laws  of  Louisiana  entitle  them  to  continue  to  be  banks  of  issue 
and  deposit,  are  hereby  ordered  to  go  into  liquidation,  and 
to  suspend  all  business  save  the  collecting  of  their  own  assets. 

The  several  Boards  of  direction  are  respectively  made  a 
board  of  trustees  to  wind  up  the  affairs  of  the  bank.  They  will 
issue  no  bills,  pay  no  deposits,  contract  no  new  obligations,  nor 
cancel  any  obligation  without  a  full  equivalent,  in  behalf  of 
the  bank,  and  pay  no  debts  without  further  orders. 

They  will  respectively  make  report,  under  oath  of  a  majority 
of  the  board,  weekly  of  the  exact  condition  of  the  bank,  and  the 
change  from  each  report. 

The  directors  will  send  to  these  Headquarters  a  written 
acceptance  of  the  trust. 

In  order  that  the  public  may  be  assured  in  their  confidence 
in  the  final  redemption  of  the  liabilities  of  the  Bank,  it  is  furthur 
ordered  that  the  slightest  breach  of  good  faith  in  the  officers 
of  the  Bank,  or  in  winding  up  the  affairs  of  the  Bank,  will  be 
summarily  and  exemplarily  punished. 

The  United  States  and  all  Billholders  will  be  preferred 
Creditors,  and  entitled  to  be  first  paid  from  the  assets. 

The  bills  of  the  Merchants'  and  Crescent  City  banks  are 
no  longer  to  be  regarded  as  Currency. 

By  Order,  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Sister  Clara  to  General  Butler 

August  *5th,  1862 

SIR:  I  have  commissioned  Mr.  Gill  to  purchase  some  pro- 
visions for  the  female  orphan  asylum  of  Donaldsonville,  as 
they  are  badly  off  on  account  of  the  troubles  which  have  lately 
occurred  in  that  unfortunate  little  town.  To  my  great  pain 
and  astonishment  the  asylum,  under  the  care  of  the  sisters  of 


214       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Charity,  was  bombarded,  and  I  only  attribute  our  safety  to 
the  miraculous  intervention  of  Divine  Providence.  This 
bombardment  has  caused  us  to  lose  much,  for  although  I 
remained  with  my  sisters  and  orphans  during  the  bombard- 
ment and  the  fire  which  was  set,  yet  I  had  to  leave  the  place 
for  some  time,  as  the  asylum  and  Church  were  threatened  with 
entire  destruction,  should  the  guerillas  fire  again  on  the  TL  S. 
transports.  The  guerillas  having  continued  to  fire,  I  had  to 
seek  an  asylum  at  the  Sacred  Heart  Convent  until  we  are 
either  burned  or  out  of  danger.  Our  house  is  a  poor  institu- 
tion without  income,  as  we  are  there  for  the  poor,  destitute 
children  of  the  village  and  the  orphans.  I  feel  much  grieved 
to  think  that  when  our  sisters  have  been  nursing  the  Federal 
Soldiers  since  the  beginning  of  the  war,  and  one  hundred  more 
who  cheerfully  started  at  the  first  call  to  nurse  your  sick  and 
wounded  at  Fortress  Monroe  and  other  points,  your  command- 
ing officers  should  come  and  bombard  my  family  and  innocent 
orphans,  especially  when  our  house  was  out  of  the  operation 
of  Donaldsonville,  though  near.  Do  you  think  it  just,  General, 
that  our  sisters  or  any  one  of  our  society  should  be  thus  treated, 
when  a  part  of  the  same  society  are  rendering  your  soldiers  all 
imaginable  care  of  soul  and  body?  Is  it  a  just  and  grateful 
return  for  the  services  we  render  your  sick  at  the  risk  of  our 
lives? 

I  trust  you  are  too  much  of  a  gentleman  and  too  generous 
to  approve  such  a  conduct,  and  I  rely  on  your  kindness  for 
my  orphans,  who  are  without  Provisions,  and  who  lost  much 
in  the  moving  I  had  to  undergo.  It  is  in  your  power  to  indem- 
nify them,  and  to  give  them  provisions,  and  by  sending  some 
to  them  you  will  in  some  manner  efface  the  stain  attached  to 
such  an  inhuman  and  atrocious  deed  as  the  one  perpetrated 
against  us.  I  am  sure  President  Lincoln  never  intended  the 
Sisters  of  Charity  to  be  molested  in  this  manner,  and  surely 
you  do  not  approve  either  of  such  cowardly  and  base  feats. 
In  the  name  of  God  I  entreat  you  to  take  into  consideration  all 
our  sufferings  through  your  soldiers  and  officers,  and  extend 
to  the  poor  orphans  a  helping  hand.  By  so  doing  you  will  be 
entitled  to  our  lasting  gratitude,  and  to  our  prayers  for  your 

we  are*  Respectfully  yours, 

S.  M.  CLARA,  Superior  and  Sister  of  Charity 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       215 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  %nd,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

SANTA  MARIA  CLARA,  Superior  and  Sister  of  Charity 

MADAME:  I  had  no  information  until  the  reception  of  your 
note  that  so  sad  a  result  to  the  sisters  of  your  command  had 
happened  from  the  bombardment  of  Donaldsonville. 

I  am  very,  very  sorry  that  Rear  Admiral  Farragut  was 
unaware  that  he  was  injuring  your  establishment  by  his  shells. 
Any  injury  must  have  been  entirely  accidental.  The  destruction 
of  that  town  became  a  necessity.  The  inhabitants  harbored  a 
gang  of  cowardly  Guerillas,  who  committed  every  atrocity, 
amongst  others  that  of  firing  upon  an  unarmed  boat  crowded 
with  women  and  children  going  up  the  coast,  returning  to  their 
homes,  many  of  them  having  been  at  school  at  New  Orleans. 

It  is  impossible  to  allow  such  acts,  and  I  am  only  sorry 
that  the  righteous  punishment  meted  out  to  them  in  this 
instance,  as  indeed  in  all  others,  fell  quite  as  heavily  upon  the 
innocent  and  unoffending  as  upon  the  guilty. 

No  one  can  appreciate  more  fully  than  myself  the  holy, 
self-sacrificing  labors  of  the  sisters  of  Charity.  To  them  our 
soldiers  are  daily  indebted  for  the  kindest  offices.  Sisters  of 
all  mankind,  they  know  no  nation,  no  kindred,  neither  war  nor 
peace.  Their  all-pervading  Charity  is  like  the  boundless  love 
of  "Him  who  died  for  all,"  whose  servants  they  are,  and 
whose  pure  teachings  their  love  illustrates. 

I  repeat  my  grief  that  any  harm  should  have  befallen  your 
society  of  sisters,  and  I  cheerfully  repair  it  as  I  may  in  the 
manner  you  suggest,  by  filling  the  order  you  have  sent  to  the 
City  for  provisions  and  medicines. 

Your  sisters  in  the  city  will  also  further  testify  to  you  that 
my  officers  and  soldiers  have  never  failed  to  do  for  them  all  in 
our  power  to  aid  them  in  their  usefulness,  and  to  lighten  the 
burden  of  their  labors.  With  sentiments  of  the  highest  respect, 
Believe  me,  Your  friend,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Ruggles 

Headquarters,  C.  S.  Troops,  1st  District,  Dept.  No.  2,  Aug.  25,  1862 

To  Comdg.  Officer  Federal  Troops,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

SIR:  Mrs.  Charles  Clarke,  wife  of  Brig.  General  Charles 
Clarke,  C.S.A.,  now  a  wounded  prisoner  in  your  hands,  desires 


216   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  be  allowed  to  remain  with  her  husband  during  his  convales- 
cence; for  this  purpose  she  accompanies  a  "Flag  of  Truce"  to 
your  lines,  trusting  to  your  kindly  consideration.  Having 
every  reason  to  believe  you  will  afford  her  all  necessary  facili- 
ties to  accomplish  her  wishes,  I  have  the  honor  to  remain 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servt. 
DANIEL  RUGGLES,  Brig.  General,  C.  S.  Army 

From  Lieutenant  Colonel  Shields 

Headquarters,  BATON  ROUGE,  August  26th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  Mrs.  CHARLES  CLARKE,  near  BATON  ROUGE,  LA. 

MADAM:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  communica- 
tions received  from  the  General  Comdg.  this  Dept.,  one  order- 
ing an  escort  to  conduct  you  to  the  enemies'  lines,  New  Orleans 
and  the  other  a  letter  to  the  Federal  Commander,  requesting 
safe  conduct  to  the  bedside  of  your  wounded  husband. 

Hoping,  Madam,  you  may  succeed  in  relieving  the  suffering 
of  the  gallant  General,  in  restoring  him  to  health,  I  am  with 
great  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servant,  THOMAS  SHIELDS, 
Lt.  Col.  La.  Vols.y  Comdg.  BATON  ROUGE 

From  Thomas  S.  Burbank  to  General  Butler 

^  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  20th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

DEAR  SIR:  I  regret  to  have  to  trouble  you  with  my  cor- 
respondence, but  out  of  feelings  for  my  Brother  I  am  compelled 
to  do  it.  He  is  now  near  St.  Martinsville,  confined  in  a  hog  pen 
without  a  blanket,  and  almost  without  clothes,  and  covered 
with  vermin.  He  has  been  sick  for  two  weeks  without  any  at- 
tention whatever,  and  he  is  now  failing  quite  fast  and  cannot 
without  some  relief  last  longer.  I  cannot  go  to  him,  and  under 
the  circumstances  I  do  not  see  how  I  can  afford  him  any  relief. 

And  now,  my  dear  Sir,  I  would  beg  that  you  confine  Capt. 
Deslonde  until  my  brother  is  either  released  or  paroled.  He 
is  an  important  character,  as  he  is  brother-in-law  of  Slidell 
and  Beauregard,  and  has  influence  with  the  Rebel  authorities. 
He  can  send  a  messenger  by  your  consent  and  have  my  brother 
paroled,  if  nothing  more,  at  any  time. 

Capt.  Deslonde  is  now  about  the  city  and  enjoying  all  the 
comforts  of  life,  while  my  brother  is  suffering  for  something  to 
sustain  life,  and  has  not  even  a  blanket  to  cover  him  from  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   £17 

night  air.  I  do  beg  and  pray  that  you  would  shut  this  man 
up  at  once,  as  it  will  have  the  desired  effect.  I  thank  you, 
General,  for  the  kindness  you  have  shown  me,  and  hope  that 
it  may  not  be  long  before  I  can  raise  the  glorious  old  Flag 
again  over  my  home,  and  live  in  peace  as  of  old. 

I  am  happy  to  know  that  you  are  now  dealing  with  these 
people  as  they  deserve,  for  severity  is  the  only  thing  that  will 
ever  bring  them  to  their  senses.  I  remain 

Yours  with  much  respect,  THOMAS  S.  BURBANK 

Corner  of  Maggin  and  Gravin  Streets,  NEW  ORLEANS 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Augst,  %5th,  1862 

To  the  Officer  Commanding  Forces  at  OPELOUSAS 

SIR:  I  have  sent  Mr.  A.  Deslonde  to  you,  a  well-known 
gentleman  of  this  state,  who  has  been  captured  and  held  by 
me  under  his  parole,  and  as  one  of  the  hostages  for  the  safety 
of  Win.  Burbank  and  other  peaceable  Citizens  of  the  United 
States  who  have  been  taken  by  your  forces.  He  has  been 
selected  as  a  messenger  because  he  has  peculiar  and  personal 
interest  in  the  question  presented  by  him,  and  goes  under  his 
solemn  parole  to  return  in  any  event. 

Mr.  Deslonde  bears  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Brother  of 
Mr.  Burbank  to  me,  disclosing  a  course  of  treatment  toward  a 
citizen  of  the  State  of  Louisiana  that  I  can  hardly  conceive  to 
be  true. 

One  purpose  I  have  in  sending  this  note  is  to  ask  you  to 
certify  to  me  officially  what  is  the  treatment  accorded  to  Mr. 
Burbank,  so  that  I  may  relieve  the  mind  of  the  brother  from 
what  I  shall  believe,  until  officially  informed  to  the  contrary, 
must  be  an  exaggeration,  and  I  have  also  desired  the  official 
information  so  that  I  might  be  in  condition  to  act  under- 
standingly  upon  this  and  like  cases. 

Mr.  Deslonde  is  farther  desired  to  confer  with  you  whether 
it  is  not  possible  that  some  arrangement  be  entered  into  by 
which  the  citizens  who  are  quietly  at  home  may  be  unmolested. 

Of  course,  this  is  a  matter  as  regards  numbers  that  may  be 
attested  of  much  more  importance  to  the  forces  which  you 
command  than  it  can  be  to  me.  Yet  it  should  seem  to  be 
desirable  that  some  convention  upon  this  subject  might  be 
had,  which  would  relieve  the  war  of  its  pressure  upon  the 
non-combatants  on  both  sides. 


218   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Mr.  Deslonde  is  informally  possessed  of  my  views  upon  this 
topic,  and  he  may  be  able  to  so  far  convey  to  me  the  views  of 
the  authorities  upon  your  behalf  as  to  make  a  basis  of  more 
formal  action.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  Servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  9,5th,  1862,  Monday  Morn 

DEAREST:  Your  letter  of  the  12th  of  Aug.  came  this  morning. 
I  see  you  have  not  received  my  letters,  or  this  matter  of  house- 
keepers would  not  be  presented  either  for  blondes  or  brunettes. 
But  let  that  pass.  Gilman  can  look  that  the  negroes  do  not 
destroy,  there  should  be  no  other  servants  in  your  house.  I 
speak  now  for  your  own  honor,  what  might  be  supposed  to 
affect  me  is  of  little  moment.  None  can  make  me  less  than  I 
hold  myself,  as  expecting  consideration,  if  I  deserve  more  it 
will  be  estimated  hereafter.  Major  Strong  and  family  left 
this  morning  after  a  short  visit.  I  was  very  glad  to  see  them. 
He  sails  next  Saturday  for  New  Orleans,  and  would  be  pleased 
to  have  me  go  with  him  but  does  not  like  to  urge  it.  On  Friday 
I  send  Blanche  back  to  school.  So  that  I  have  but  little  time 
to  be  ready.  And  I  do  not  know  if  you  wish  me  to  come. 
You  write  of  returning  home,  but  nothing  of  my  going  out, 
and  I  do  not  know  if  you  think  it  advisable  for  me  to  be  there. 
I  cannot  but  think  you  would  be  well  pleased  to  see  me,  but 
yet  it  might  be  better  to  wait  until  you  have  said  so.  That 
may  be  in  the  next  letter.  Major  Strong  looks  very  well,  and 
is  in  excellent  spirits,  but  I  fear  he  is  going  a  little  too  soon; 
he  was  so  prostrated  by  the  climate  before.  Mrs.  Strong 
expects  to  go  to  New  Orleans  this  Fall  —  if  you  find  his  health 
failing,  send  him  back  if  you  have  occasion  to  send  despatches, 
and  I  will  go  back  with  them  if  you  would  like  me  to  be  there. 
Major  Strong  has  received  no  promotion.  He  would  like  it, 
of  course,  as  there  are  two  or  three  now  on  your  staff  who 
rank  him.  He  has  shown  himself  able  and  courageous,  and 
he  likes  you  thoroughly.  These  reasons  are  good  enough  for 
me,  if  it  were  in  my  power  to  aid  him.  The  "Saxon"  came  in 
on  the  fifteenth.  Fisher  was  here  but  a  little  while  last  evening 
to  see  Major  Strong.  I  saw  him  only  a  few  minutes  alone.  He 
told  me  what  Whitney  said  his  Captain  reported,  but  said 
there  was  nothing  I  need  write  to  you.  He  said  that  he  told 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   219 

Whitney  that  he  had  better  write  if  he  was  not  satisfied,  just 
as  he  would  in  any  other  business  transaction.  Whitney  on 
reflection  decided  to  let  it  be  for  the  present.  Perhaps  I  ought 
to  say  nothing,  but  it  has  been  usual  for  me  to  write  you 
everything  I  hear  that  relates  to  you.  J  —  n  appeared  as  he 
usually  does,  blustering  and  overbearing,  and  as  though  he 
had  made  a  poor  thing  of  it  to  Capt.  Pepper,  when  it  was 
understood  that  he  had  received  seventeen  thousand  or  more. 
I  cannot  write  this  critically  because  I  had  not  time  to  under- 
stand it,  and  the  payment  for  the  vessel  is  less  than  that  paid 
by  the  government.  You  received  Captain  Pepper  kindly  and 
courteously,  he  said,  and  on  his  statement,  ordered  J  —  n  to 
make  up  his  account.  How  far  it  is  satisfactory  to  Whitney  you 
can  imagine.  Government  offered  him  four  hundred  and  fifty 
a  day  to  run  her  to  Hilton  Head  as  soon  as  she  arrived.  But  he 
has  taken  freight  at  eight  dollars  a  barrel,  and  sent  her  back  to 
New  Orleans.  Whitney  has  great  esteem  for  you,  and  sent  me 
a  very  handsome  note,  offering  to  take  anything  out  in  the 
"  Saxon"  free  of  expense  for  me,  and  praising  you  highly.  The 
one  who  had  his  vessel,  I  think,  he  would  not  care  to  deal  with. 
I  am  writing  you  a  miserable  letter,  but  so  many  things  have 
crowded  along  I  have  no  time  to  think.  After  the  Major  left  I 
started  Paul  and  your  mother  by  the  cars  at  twelve  to  go  to  old 
Dr.  Richardson's,  to  stay  a  week.  I  wish  to  send  this  at  four  for 
the  night  train.  I  have  not  written  for  three  or  four  days,  and 
you  asked  me  to  write  of  tener,  but  I  want  to  see  you  so  much,  so 
very  much,  and  why  could  I  not  start  in  this  vessel?  That 
thought  will  keep  my  head  throbbing  all  the  week.  Would  you 
be  glad  to  see  me?  ^  ^  ^^  and  afiectionateiyy  SARAH 


P.S.     Write  me  precisely  about  your  health  or  I  shall  start 
without  any  word  from  you. 

From  Baron  Fr.  Gerolt 

Prussian  Legation,  WASHINGTON,  Aug.  26,  1862 

Hon.  WILLIAM  F.  SEWARD 

SIB:  I  have  the  honor  of  informing  you  that  by  the  enclosed 
general  order  No.  55,  Aug.  4th,  of  the  Commanding  General  at 
New  Orleans,  Major  General  Butler,  a  contribution  has  been 
enforced  upon  several  commercial  houses  and  persons  at  New 
Orleans  as  a  penalty  for  having  invested  in  a  loan  effected  by 
that  city  on  the  3d.  of  March  last. 


220   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Among  the  persons  assessed  for  the  said  contributions  are 
the  partners  and  heirs  of  the  deceased  William  Vogel,  late 
Consul  of  Prussia,  at  New  Orleans,  and  the  firm  of  Reichard  & 
Co.,  in  liquidation,  in  whose  name  the  subscription  to  the 
forementioned  city  loan  was  made,  invested  the  questioned 
money  in  their  capacity  as  agents  for  account  of  the  foresaid 
heirs  and  partners  of  Vogel  &  Co. 

I  beg  to  enclose  a  true  statement  of  the  case  in  a  letter  of 
the  7th  inst.,  addressed  to  General  Butler  by  the  Acting 
Consul  of  Prussia,  J.  Kruttschnidt,  who  is  liquidator  of  the 
firm  of  Reichard  &  Co.,  and  in  another  letter  from  the  Testa- 
mentary Executor  of  the  late  William  Vogel,  Mr.  F.  Grima, 
to  General  Butler  on  the  same  subject. 

In  presenting  to  you  these  documents,  with  a  copy  of  the 
peremptory  answer  given  by  Gen.  Butler  on  the  12th  inst.,  I 
respectfully  express  the  hope  that  the  explanations  contained 
in  these  letters  will  relieve  you  from  any  doubt  in  regard  to 
the  injustice  done  to  the  parties  concerned,  in  the  proceeding 
of  General  Butler,  and  that  orders  will  be  given  for  the  redress 
of  their  grievances. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Sir,  with  great  respect 

Your  obdt.  Servt.,  BARON  FR.  GERQLT 

From  the  Acting  Consul  of  Prussia 

NEW  ORLEANS  1th  August  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the 
Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  By  your  general  order  No.  55  I  perceive  that, 
amongst  others,  the  firm  of  Reichard  and  Co.  is  assessed  in 
the  sum  of  $2500  as  a  contribution  to  relieve  the  poor  of  the 
city,  and  as  an  offset  for  having  contributed  $10,000  to  the 
city  loan,  effected  under  the  city  ordnance  No.  5949,  approved 
3rd  March  last. 

I,  the  undersigned,  as  liquidator  of  Reichard  and  Co., 
would  respectfully  represent  that  the  subscription,  although 
made  in  the  name  of  Reichard  and  Co.,  in  liquidation,  was 
made  in  their  capacity  as  agents  chiefly,  for  account  of  third 
parties  for  whom  they  had  money  in  hand  waiting  for 
investments. 

The  amount  $5000  was  thus  taken  for  account  of  Mr. 
Vogel,  and  subsequently  I  took  for  the  same  and  in  his  name 
direct  $20,000  more  of  the  loan  in  question,  and  out  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

amount  originally  subscribed  by  the  Citizen's  Bank  (in  schedule 
A,  Widow  Vogel  is  mentioned,  which  is  an  error). 

The  letter,  which  I  addressed  under  date  of  10th  March, 
a.c.  to  Mrs.  Vogel,  residing  in  Paris,  shows  sufficiently  well 
the  reasons  which  prompted  me  in  subscribing  to  the  question, 
moreover,  as  far  as  Mr.  or  Mrs.  Vogel  is  concerned,  my  actions 
were  subordinated  to  the  advice  of  Mr.  C.  Roselius,  who  is 
the  legal  advisor  of  Mrs.  Vogel.  I  wrote  to  Mrs.  Vogel  as 
follows,  which  is  a  translation  copy, 

"NEW  ORLEANS  IQth  March  1862 

The  difficulty  which  exists  today  in  investing  money  with 
security  is  exceedingly  great,  it  is  impossible  to  find  mortgage 
paper  even  @  6%  or  5%.  By  authorization  of  Mr.  Roselius, 
I  agreed  to  take  $5000  of  the  new  city  loan,  the  details  of 
which  will  be  forthcoming  in  my  next.  This  sum  will  reduce 
by  about  one-half  the  funds  which  I  now  hold  for  account  of 
Mr.  Vogel,  and  if  hereafter  I  can  lay  my  hands  on  anything 
like  good  securities,  you  may  rest  assured  that  I  shall  not  let 
the  opportunity  slip  by." 

Uth  March  1862 

P.S.  "Dubois  and  Mish  have  paid,  day  before  yesterday,  by 
anticipation  their  notes  of  together  $28,000,  due  18th  instant, 
and  in  view  of  the  difficulty,  not  to  say  the  impossibility,  to 
invest  money  at  present,  I  thought  I  could  do  no  better  than 
to  take  $20,000  more  of  the  new  city  loan,  of  which  mention  is 
made  above,  for  account  of  Mr.  Vogel,  making  in  all  $25,000 
invested  for  that  account." 

Mr.  Vogel  has  been  an  absentee  for  several  years,  and  has 
been  recently  declared  dead  at  the  beginning  of  June  last  by 
the  second  District  Court,  his  succession  has  been  opened, 
Mr.  F.  Grima  has  been  named  testamentary  Executor,  and  I 
have  delivered  to  him  all  the  assets  pertaining  to  Mr.  Vogel's 
Estate. 

Mr.  Grima,  who  is  also  addressing  you  in  this  matter, 
acknowledges  that  the  succession  of  Mr.  Vogel  is  interested  in 
said  loan  to  the  extent  of  $25,000,  and  I  would  therefore  respect- 
fully request  you  to  have  the  assessment  entered  against 
Reichard  and  Co.  diminished  accordingly. 

In  the  remaining  balance,  Mr.  F.  W.  Schmidt,  of  Hamburg, 
Germany,  is  interested  to  the  extent  of  $2500,  —  and  as  a 
foreign  resident,  I  may  perhaps  ask  in  his  favor  a  total  exemp- 
tion from  the  effects  of  the  assessment. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  submit  this  explanation  to  you  with  a  full  belief  that  your 
sense  of  justice  will  prompt  you  to  grant  relief  in  the  premises, 
and  remain,  General,  with  much  respect, 

Your  very  obdt.  servant,  V.  KRUTTSCHNIDT 

Endorsed:  —  Kruttschnidt  was  a  brother-in-law  of  Benjamin, 
and  business  partner  with  Reichard,  late  Prussian  Consul,  but 
now  a  rebel  Colonel.  Kruttschnidt  is  his  successor. 

General  Butler's  Reply  to  Foregoing  Letter 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  12,  1862 

[ Not  in  chronological  order] 

J.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Esq.,  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  am  directed  by  the  Commanding  Genl.  to  inform  you 
that  you  must  pay  the  amount.  If  there  are  others  also  inter- 
ested, will  issue  orders  to  have  them  pay.  I  have  the  honor 

9  Very  Respectfully -,  Your  Obedt.  Servant, 

WM.  H.  WIEGEL,  1st.  Lieut.  &  A.D.C. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.C.,  August  Wth,  1862 

[[Not  in  chronological  order] 

SIR:  The  enclosed  copy  of  a  communication  from  the 
Department  of  State  is  herewith  transmitted  to  you  by  direc- 
tion of  the  Secretary  of  War,  for  your  information  and  in 
order  that  Mr.  Kruttschnidt  may  be  duly  recognized  by  the 
military  authorities  of  New  Orleans  as  Acting  Consul  of  the 
Republic  of  Bremen  at  that  city.  With  much  respect, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
P.  H.  WATSON,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  28*A,  August,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  Information  has  been  communicated  to  this  Depart- 
ment by  Mr.  Rosing,  Charge  d'Affaires  of  Bremen,  of  the 
appointment  of  Mr.  J.  Kruttschnidt  as  Acting  Consul  of  that 
Republic,  at  New  Orleans,  vice  Mr.  Rudolf  I.  Keus.  Mr. 
Kruttschnidt,  who  is  a  German  by  birth  and  not  a  citizen  of 
the  United  States,  is  also  the  Acting  Consul  of  Prussia  at  New 
Orleans. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  will  thank  you  to  acquaint  the  military  authorities  of  that 
City  with  appointment  of  Mr.  Kruttschnidt,  in  order  that  his 
official  acts  as  Consul  of  Bremen  may  be  duly  recognized.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant,  F.  W.  SEWABD,  Acting  Secretary 

From  General  Halleck 

Head  Quarters  of  the  Army,  WASHINGTON,  Aug.  %6th,  1862 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  etc.  NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  Reinforcements  will  be  sent  to  you  as  early  as 
possible,  the  new  levies  are  only  just  beginning  to  come  in 
and  are  still  unorganized. 

I  cannot  think  that  there  can  be  a  very  large  force  under 
Van  Dorn,  as  the  main  army  that  retreated  from  Corinth  is 
now  operating  against  Buell  and  Morgan  in  Tenn.  and  Ken- 
tucky. They  estimate  Bragg's  forces  at  over  eighty  thousand, 
and  it  is  known  that  very  considerable  detachments  of  Beau- 
regard's  army  are  now  in  Arkansas  and  Miss. 

It  is  deemed  of  the  greatest  possible  importance  to  hold 
New  Orleans,  and  reinforcements  will  be  sent  as  early  as 
possible.  yery  Respectfuiiy9  your  obdt.  Servant, 

H.  W.  HALLECK,  Gen.  in  Chief 

From  George  B.  Loring  to  General  Butler 

SALEM,  August  Z6th,  1862 

MY  DEAR  BUTLER:  I  take  advantage  of  the  return  of  Lieut. 
Allen  to  New  Orleans,  to  remind  you  that  I  still  live,  and 
watch  each  step  of  your  progress  with  the  deepest  interest. 
It  is  not  extraordinary  that  I  should  desire  now  and  then  to 
be  near  you,  when  I  see  the  complications  which  surround  you; 
but  I  am  able  to  subdue  every  anxiety  when  I  remember  the 
patience,  and  skill,  and  prudence,  which  characterized  your 
career  while  you  were  arranging  your  Expedition  here.  How- 
ever much  others  may  have  distinguished  themselves  as  gen- 
erals in  this  war,  no  man  has  carried  into  the  contest  any 
ability  as  a  lawyer,  and  statesman,  and  diplomatist,  to  com- 
pare with  what  you  have  displayed.  I  say  this  not  by  way  of 
flattery,  but  for  the  sake  of  that  encouragement  which  one 
friend  owes  to  another,  and  in  order  to  remind  you  that  in 
proportion  to  the  magnitude  of  your  active  powers,  and  of 
your  sphere  of  operations,  should  be  your  possession  of  all 


224       LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

your  highest  and  best  faculties.  My  sermon  is  ended,  and  I 
doubt  not  you  are  very  glad  of  it. 

The  complications  of  the  war,  as  seen  from  this  point,  are 
amazing.  While  naval  plans  have  been  proposed,  and  naval 
enterprizes  undertaken  by  naval  Generals;  while  the  minds  of 
our  political  leaders  have  been  anxiously  endeavoring  to  dis- 
cover the  most  profitable  use  to  be  made  of  the  negro  ques- 
tion, until  a  sort  of  popular  impatience  of  confusion  has  been 
created  at  the  North,  the  South  have  pursued  their  course  with 
the  concentration  of  the  early  Christians  who  were  of  one  mind 
and  one  heart.  We  have  been  compelled  to  listen  to  lunatics 
when  we  should  have  been  guided  by  generals  and  statesmen. 
The  President  has  given  respectful  audience  to  every  mad 
agitator,  whose  presumption  has  been  increased  by  the  patience 
of  the  administration.  Instead  of  pursuing, the  plain  and 
simple  course  laid  down  by  you  more  than  a  year  ago,  on  the 
subject  of  slavery  and  the  treatment  of  the  negroes,  a  course 
which,  if  adopted  manfully,  would  have  silenced  all  agitation 
long  ago,  and  would  have  disarmed  hundreds  in  the  South, 
and  strengthened  the  border  states,  and  given  encouragement 
to  the  Union  men  of  the  North,  every  foolish  and  exasperating 
expedient  has  been  adopted  for  the  sake  of  preserving  that 
cursed  Chicago  platform  and  the  Party  which  made  it.  The 
consequences  are  just  what  you  might  expect. 

The  opposition  to  all  this  is  rapidly  increasing  among  the 
laboring  men  of  the  North.  They  desire  an  honorable  peace 
based  on  victories  for  the  Union.  And  when  the  tide  is  fully 
turned  that  will  be  the  issue.  I  think  anxiety  for  the  Country 
has  at  last  outstripped  anxiety  for  the  negro;  and  men  are 
looking  for  and  fighting  for  the  blessings  which  we  have  en- 
joyed under  the  Constitution.  Whenever  I  speak  in  public 
now  it  is  for  this  end,  and  I  always  find  an  enthusiastic 
audience. 

But  we  must  have  a  victory  soon  or  we  are  gone,  lost.  Unless 
Richmond  is  occupied  before  winter  by  the  federal  Army  Mr. 
Lincoln  cannot  complete  his  term  of  office.  If  the  question  of 
division  does  come,  God  only  knows  how  it  will  end. 

For  myself,  I  farm  much,  deliver  an  oration  now  and  then, 
and  wait  with  patience.  Ignoble  business,  I  know,  in  this 
crisis.  But  it  is  all  I  can  do.  And  don't  discourage  me  by 
saying  that  the  day  of  the  civilian  is  over.  I  hope  you  military 
gentlemen  will  not  entirely  usurp  all  our  duties. 

I  am  having  an  odd  difficulty  about  the  charter  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        225 

"  Parliament. "  Frazer,  who  agreed  to  pay  me  5  per  cent  on 
the  charter  as  compensation  for  my  services,  and  who,  after 
the  charter  was  taken,  endeavored  to  reduce  the  rate  of  my 
commission,  now  objects  to  paying  anything,  on  the  ground 
that  my  influence  had  nothing  to  do  with  securing  the  charter. 
I  propose  to  fight  him  on  this,  and  beat  him  too.  Did  you  not 
understand  that  George  chartered  the  "Parliament"  at  my 
solicitation? 

God  bless  you  and  bring  you  honorably  and  gloriously 
through  your  task.  Remember  me  to  Shepley,  if  you  think 

Truly  your  friend,  GEO.  B.  LOBING 
P.S.    Lieut.  Allen  is  a  most  worthy  gentleman. 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BOSTON,  August  26<A,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLEB,  Comdg.  Dept. 

DEAB  GENERAL:  This  will  be  handed  you  by  my  friend, 
Mr.  T.  C.  A.  Dexter,  who  goes  out  in  charge  of  some  mer- 
chandise purchased  on  J/a  with  me,  and  with  a  view  to  estab- 
lish connection  for  future  business.  I  have  made  Mr.  Dexter 
my  agent  for  any  business  with  which  I  am  connected  in 
New  Orleans  as  fully  as  it  is  in  my  power  to  do  so,  by  power 
of  atty. 

I  should  like  also  to  transfer  to  him,  for  the  time  being,  the 
kind  protection  and  assistance  with  which  you  would  favor 
me,  were  I  out  there.  I  have  explained  to  Mr.  Dexter  very 
fully  the  position  of  the  business  in  which  you  are  interested, 
and  have  shown  him  my  correspondence  with  the  War  Depart- 
ment and  the  Quarter  Master.  He  is  fully  authorized  to  under- 
take any  new  business  for  me,  and  to  use  my  credit  in  doing 
so.  I  remain  as  ever, 

Sincerely  Yours,  RICHABD  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  26tfc,  '62 

DEAREST:  I  wrote  you  a  letter  yesterday,  but  forgot  some 
things  I  wished  to  say.  The  vessel  Fisher  sends  out  has  been 
delayed  for  almost  a  fortnight.  After  bursting  her  escape 
pipes  in  Boston,  and  stopping  a  week  to  repair,  she  was  obliged 
to  put  into  New  Bedford  from  some  other  damage.  I  believe 
she  is  now  off.  She  has  all  our  pictures  cased  up  in  the  same 

VOL.    II — 15 


226   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

box  you  sent  the  plate  in  with  your  picture  painted  on  it.  If 
they  are  lost  they  can  never  be  replaced.  I  sent  the  originals 
taken  years  ago  of  myself  and  the  children.  Also  the  speech 
copied  by  Blanche  that  you  sent  for.  I  am  very  sorry  they 
were  not  sent  by  the  "Saxon,"  but  we  did  not  know  she  would 
be  here  when  they  were  sent  aboard.  I  trust  they  will  reach 
you  in  safety,  but  fear  it  will  be  a  long  time  before  you  get 
them.  I  do  not  know  the  name  of  the  vessel.  You  write 
of  going  to  Mobile  in  a  month  (that  would  be  a  fortnight  from 
now)  if  you  can  get  force  enough.  Major  Strong  thinks  the 
Government  will  send  you  reinforcements.  But  it  is  not  likely 
at  so  early  a  period.  Nor  are  you  expected  to  make  a  move  by 
any  person  at  the  north.  Indeed  there  is  great  fear  you  will 
not  be  able  to  sustain  yourself  in  New  Orleans.  Do  not  think 
of  making  a  premature  start  and  risk  losing  what  you  have 
gained,  that  would  be  fatal;  wait  till  you  are  fairly  reinforced, 
and  the  weather  cooler.  If  New  Orleans  should  be  taken  from 

us  we  might  as  well  go  into  Canada.    George has  applied 

to  Judge for  information  of  your  life,  and  he  has  referred 

him  to  Fisher.  What  is  there  to  say  that  has  not  already  been 
written?  I  could  write  a  life  that  would  interest  the  reader, 
but  the  public  can  have  but  a  bald  outline,  and  that  is  rarely 
correct.  The  public  life  of  one  man  will  answer  well  enough 
for  another.  The  surface  of  life,  if  it  glitters,  is  enough  for 
the  public.  Do  you  think  of  anything  to  suggest  that  has  not 
been  said?  I  could  write  you  a  brilliant  history  not  altogether 
perfect,  that  is  beyond  nature,  nor  do  we  expect  or  wish  to 
find  it  in  any  character;  it  would  show  but  a  dead  level.  It 
is  the  opposing  elements  in  a  man's  nature,  strongly  developed, 
but  the  good  triumphing,  that  excites  admiration.  These  I 
could  picture  better  than  most  historians.  The  gentleman  wha 
now  offers  to  sketch  your  life  is  an  elegant  writer,  I  wish  he 
knew  you  intimately. 

Aug.  <Ttih 

Oh,  Dearest,  your  letter  of  Aug.  14th  is  here.  Have  I 
hurt  you  so  badly,  or  is  the  last  page  written  to  rouse  me, 
and  show  the  folly  I  have  been  guilty  of  in  writing  to  you  as 
I  did?  If  I  have  shown  to  you  that  my  thoughts  went  beyond 
the  bounds  of  sense  or  reason,  forgive  me!  Do  not  say  you  do 
not  wish  me  to  come  to  you!  Or  that  I  need  write  no  more, 
but  to  say  I  am  well.  I  know  you  do  not  feel  so  now,  and  that 
you  would  be  glad  to  have  me  there,  as  I  should  be  to  be  with 
you.  Say  so,  dearest,  in  your  next  letter,  and  let  me  join  you 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   227 

again.  If  that  good  time  ever  comes  for  us  to  meet,  we  will 
return  together,  or  stay  away  together.  I  will  not  come 
back  alone.  I  am  ready  "to  tread  the  weary  path"  with  you, 
wherever  it  leads,  and  can  find  no  pleasure  in  any  other.  If 
you  are  to  move,  I  shall  find  no  trouble  in  moving  with  you. 
Bear  with  my  infirmities  of  feeling  as  well  as  you  can,  I  shall 
improve,  believe  me.  The  sad  complaining  that  annoys  will 
wear  away.  I  shall  yet  walk  with  "  cheerfulness,"  that  "nymph 
of  healthiest  hue"  and  "hope"  will  sing  again  her  "delighted 
measure!"  Even  "sport"  shall  "leap  up,  and  seize  his  beechen 
spear."  So,  do  not  say  I  must  not  come,  but  tell  me  when  to 
start.  You  did  not  feel  when  you  began  the  letter  so  bitterly 
as  when  you  closed.  Do  not  think  me  entirely  wrong  in  what 
I  wrote.  If  no  meaning  were  given  but  the  one  I  ought  to 
have  shown,  that  is,  how  it  looked  to  others,  you  would  not 
have  cause  to  be  angry  with  me.  For  in  that  I  wrote  truly. 
You  would  be  subject  to  comments.  But  be  subject,  now, 
to  tenderness,  dearest,  forget  your  anger,  kiss  me,  and  tell  me 
to  come,  and  make  happy 


From  James  T.  Whitney  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  August  26,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Did  I  not  know  that  with  all  the  mighty 
cares  of  your  position,  your  heart  has  not  grown  cold  toward 
your  friends,  I  should  not  venture  to  again  address  you  upon 
business  matters  of  my  own.  As  it  is  I  think  I  shall  be 
pardoned. 

The  Steamer  "Saxon"  I  have  ordered  back  to  New  Orleans 
with  freight  on  account  of  Shippers  here.  She  was  offered 
$450,  per  day  by  the  U.  S.  Quarter  Master  here,  to  go  to  Hilton 
Head,  which  I  refused,  as  she  pays  much  more  by  taking 
freight  there,  her  freight  and  passage  money,  both  paying  as 
much  as  30  days,  Government  Charter. 

I  wish  to  bespeak  for  the  "Saxon"  your  kind  indulgence 
when  in  New  Orleans.  She  will  return  immediately  to  New 
York,  and  wishes  to  bring  back  passengers  and  freight.  I 
have  sent  Mr.  Richardson  out  as  Supercargo  of  "Saxon,"  who 
will  call  upon  you.  Mr.  F.  A.  Hildreth  wrote  you  yesterday  in 
relation  to  the  "Saxon"  and  "Relief."  A  few  moments  before 
the  cars  left,  he  received  a  telegram  that  the  "Relief"  has 
stopped  at  New  Bedford,  would  be  detained  four  days  for 
repairs  of  her  machinery,  so  that  the  "Saxon"  will  be  in  New 


228        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Orleans  before  the  "Relief."  Mr.  HildretJh  therefore  requested 
me  to  write  you  that  he  desires  the  "Saxon"  to  take  the  mails 
and  whatever  else  you  may  desire  to  forward.  I  hope  to  for- 
ward with  Major  Giddings  a  box  to  your  Quarters. 

Mr.  Hildreth  left  for  New  Bedford  last  night,  not  having 
time  to  write  you  after  receiving  telegram  in  relation  to 
"Relief." 

And  now,  General,  let  me  say,  your  position  in  your  Phelps 
Correspondence  is  right,  and  the  Country  sustains  it,  and  will 
sustain  and  ultimately  applaud  you.  You  are  the  only  Gen- 
eral in  the  field  whose  correspondence  will  live  in  History. 
Pointing  to  an  impregnable  necessity  in  your  Phelps  letters, 
you  cannot  be  shaken,  and  the  conservative  General  is  the 
one  that  ultimately  receives  the  gratitude  of  succeeding  gen- 
erations, and  the  plaudits  of  the  present. 

May  God  keep  you  still  in  the  path  that  will  (if  anything 
can)  lead  to  a  settlement  of  this  unholy  war!  With  the  highest 

'  Your  obedient  servant,  JAMES  S.  WHITNEY 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  26,  1862 l 

DEAR  Sm:  The  troops  at  Baton  Rouge  have  evacuated  the 
place  without  destroying  it,  and  are  now  joined  to  Gen.  Phelps' 
command  at  Carrolton.  His  effective  force  is  now  about  six 
thousand  men  and  many  guns,  and  is  sufficient  for  the  defence 
of  the  place.  The  fortifications  are  strong,  and  Gen.  Phelps 
has  the  entire  confidence  of  his  men.  An  attack  on  the  City 
was  feared,  and  therefore  the  troops  were  brought  down  from 
Baton  Rouge.  The  secessionists  confidently  expect  the  city 
to  be  taken  soon,  and  had  they  succeeded  at  Baton  Rouge, 
an  attack  on  the  City  would  have  followed  immediately.  I 
do  not  believe  it  will  now  be  made,  but  if  attempted  will 
certainly  be  unsuccessful.  They  expected  aid  in  the  City,  but 
Gen.  Butler  has  disarmed  all  citizens.  About  25,000  arms  of 
various  kinds  have  been  given  up. 

The  first  Louisiana  Reg't.  is  full  and  ready  for  service, 
and  nearly  enough  men  enlisted  to  form  a  second  Reg't. 
The  men  are  generally  foreigners  —  many  Germans  —  and 
will  do  good  service. 

A  free  Colored  Regt.,  formerly  in  Rebel  service,  is  being 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  310. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       229 

organized.  Probably  this  Regiment  will  be  increased  to  a 
Brigade.  I  urged  this  matter  upon  Gen.  Butler,  but  he  had 
already  decided  upon  it  favorably.  The  free  negroes  of  Louisi- 
ana, are  certainly  superior,  as  a  class,  to  the  Creoles  (descend- 
ants of  French  and  Spanish  settlers).  They  are  intelligent, 
energetic,  and  industrious,  as  is  evident  from  the  fact  (as 
stated  to  me)  that  they  own  one-seventh  of  the  real  estate  in 
this  city.  This  is  their  own  work,  for  they  commenced  with 
nothing,  of  course. 

These  men  will  be  good  soldiers.  Gen.  Phelps  has  at  his 
camp  1,500  men  —  escaped  slaves.  Enough  to  make  a  full 
regiment  are  drilled  (without  arms)  and  go  through  all  the 
movements  well.  I  do  not  know  whether  Gen.  Butler  intends 
them  to  have  arms.  They  are  good-looking  men,  and  I  believe 
will  be  good  soldiers. 

The  health  of  the  troops  is  good,  except  those  lately  at 
Vicksburg,  among  whom,  however,  deaths  have  been  few.  The 
City  is  quite  healthy,  and  there  is  no  longer  much  danger 
from  Yellow  Fever.  This  is  owing  to  Gen.  Butler's  severe 
quarantine  regulations.  A  few  more  days  of  health  will  render 
us  perfectly  secure. 

The  Union  sentiment  is  developing  itself  satisfactorily.  The 
laboring  classes  are  our  friends.  When  the  great  Southern 
armies  are  broken  up,  they  will  no  longer  be  afraid,  and  all 
will  be  well. 

Provisions  are  high,  and  there  is  much  suffering  in  the 
City.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  River  was  not 
opened,  so  that  provisions  might  be  cheap.  The  condition  of 
the  people  now  is  scarcely  better  than  under  rebel  rule  —  as 
to  food,  I  mean.  For  other  reasons,  the  opening  of  the  River 
is  of  the  utmost  consequence. 

Much  complaint  is  made  by  Union  men,  and  justly,  that 
those  who  have  been  secessionists  are  frequently  given  em- 
ployment by  the  authorities  to  the  exclusion  of  Union  men. 
Concerning  the  Custom  House,  there  have  been  no  such 
complaints,  I  believe,  for  I  have  been  particularly  careful  in 
selecting  officers,  but  I  regret  to  say  that  other  departments 
have  not  exercised  the  same  care. 

Col.  Butler  is  a  brother  of  Gen'l.  Butler  and  came  out  with 
the  army,  and  immediately  commenced  doing  business.  He 
is  not  in  government  employ.  He  is  here  for  the  sole  purpose 
of  making  money,  and  it  is  stated  by  secessionists  —  and  by 
some  Union  men  —  that  he  has  made  half  a  million  dollars,  or 


280   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

more.  I  regret  his  being  here  at  all,  for  it  is  not  proper  that 
the  brother  of  the  commanding  General  should  devote  himself 
to  such  an  object.  It  leads  to  the  belief  that  the  General 
himself  is  interested  with  him,  and  such  is  the  belief  of  our 
enemies  and  of  some  of  our  friends.  The  effect  is  bad.  Gen- 
eral Butler  seems  entirely  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the 
Government.  I  have  observed  closely  his  brother's  course. 
I  do  not  believe  the  General  is  interested  in  his  speculations. 
I  have  delayed  mentioning  this  matter  until  now,  hoping  to 
be  better  informed.  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson  can  give  you  as 
much  information  as  I  can.  I  believe  Gen.  Butler  is  disinter- 
ested, and  that  he  is  a  most  able  officer,  though  in  a  difficult 
position.  Should  I  learn  anything  further,  you  will  be 
informed.  (GEOKGE  S.  DENISON) 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  27th,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  AKNOLD,  Comd'g  Dist.  of  West  Florida 

GENERAL:  I  send  with  the  "Ocean  Queen,"  Capt  Kensel, 
Chief  of  Artillery,  to  confer  with  you  upon  matters  of  moment. 
Capt.  Kensel  is  fully  possessed  of  my  views. 

It  would  give  me  the  sincerest  pleasure  to  have  you  here  in 
person  to  aid  me  in  defence  of  a  threatened  attack  on  the  City. 
I  am  so  ignorant  of  the  condition  of  your  district  that  I  can 
give  no  order.  I  wish  you  would  send  me  at  least  one  regiment 
and  as  many  of  your  regulars  as  can  be  spared,  by  the  "Ocean 
Queen."  Come  yourself,  if  possible,  if  only  for  a  few  days,  for 
the  purpose  of  consultation. 

If  you  have  a  good  map  of  your  district  please  send  or 
bring  it,  as  I  have  none.  Perhaps,  in  any  event,  an  exchange 
of  troops  might  be  beneficial.  But  this  is  matter  of  arrange- 
ment upon  consultation. 

It  is  needful  that  I  should  have  early  dispatch  with  the 
"Ocean  Queen,"  with  whatever  reinforcements  you  can  spare. 
I  sent  a  quantity  of  political  prisoners  from  Forts  Jackson 
and  St.  Philip  so  as  to  put  the  forts  in  fighting  trim.  You  will 
have  them  confined  in  Fort  Pickens  or  outside  on  the  Island, 
as  you  prefer.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        231 

From  Thomas  S.  Burbank 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  %lth,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  A  messenger  came  through  yesterday  from 
Lafourche  with  the  unwelcome  intelligence  that  my  brother 
was  very  sick  and  not  like  to  recover.  This,  Sir,  is  all  from  the 
inhuman  treatment  he  receives.  They  are  murdering  him 
slowly  to  get  rid  of  him,  so  that  it  will  not  be  said  that  they 
hung  or  shot  him  for  fun,  that  you  might  retaliate  on  those 
that  you  hold  here.  My  brother  is  confined  in  a  filthy  place 
without  bed  or  blanket,  and  not  even  a  change  of  clothes.  He 
is  not  even  allowed  to  go  outside  of  his  prison,  and  is  treated 
to  all  the  vile  epithets  that  can  be  heaped  upon  him.  My 
brother,  E.  W.  Burbank,  who  was  taken  at  about  the  same 
time,  and  afterwards  paroled,  has  after  importuning  a  long 
time  been  allowed  to  go  and  see  him,  and  is  now  on  the  way 
there,  and  will  do  all  that  he  is  allowed  to  for  his  comfort.  I 
do  now  beg  of  you  to  retaliate  on  those  you  hold,  as  it  will 
certainly  procure  his  release  if  alive.  As  long  as  they  are 
permitted  to  go  at  large  and  enjoy  all  the  comforts  of  City  life, 
my  brother  must  remain  in  captivity  and  be  tortured  to  death 
by  those  vile  creatures  that  broke  up  this  glorious  Union. 

There  is  a  few  men  on  the  Coast  above  the  City,  if  it  was 
convenient,  would  be  well  to  arrest.  One  is  Capt.  Joseph  La 
Bourgeois,  who  fed  and  entertained  the  Rebels  the  night  that 
they  arrested  my  brother.  He  had  about  one  month  ago  a 
full  set  of  Cavalry  equipments  that  were  stolen  from  the  arsenal 
at  Baton  Rouge,  but  I  presume  are  now  in  the  use  of  the 
Guerillas.  Also,  James  Godbury  and  Doct  Haidel,  who  joined 
the  Company  in  the  arrest,  and  pointed  out  the  place  where 
my  brother  slept.  If  these  important  characters  were  sent  to 
Fort  Jackson  it  would  have  a  good  effect. 

I  am  instructed  to  ask  you  to  send  a  gunboat  to  Berwick's 
Bay,  if  it  is  possible,  in  order  to  cut  off  the  supplies  of  the 
Rebels  near  the  City.  There  is  now  only  four  Companies 
this  side  of  Lafourche,  but  they  are  expecting  reinforcements 
amounting  to  three  thousand  Militia  and  eight  hundred  Cav- 
alry. They  have  now  but  a  very  little  ammunition  and  but 
one  or  two  small  pieces  of  Artillery,  and  if  a  gunboat  could  only 
be  got  into  Berwick's  Bay  they  could  not  obtain  supplies  of 
any  kind. 

There  is   now  eight  hundred  Guerillas   at  Bonnet   Carre, 


23S   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

thirty  six  miles  above  the  City,  and  it  is  also  reported  that 
they  are  building  bridges  across  the  streams  from  Manchac 
to  the  Mississippi,  and  have  got  them  nearly  completed. 

Gov.  Moore  has  arrested  Gen.  Robert  Martin,  of  Confed- 
erate notoriety,  for  forbidding  any  further  depredations  by 
the  Guerillas  on  the  U.  S.  transports  on  the  River.  The  lesson 
that  was  taught  them  at  Donaldsonville  had  a  good  effect, 
and  I  can  assure  you,  Sir,  that  severity  is  the  only  thing  that 
will  bring  this  people  to  their  senses. 

There  is  a  great  amount  of  sugar  on  the  coast  belonging 
to  the  Confederate  Gov.  Would  it  not  be  well  to  confiscate 
it  before  it  is  all  sent  to  market?  It  was  subscribed  to  the 
produce  loan  of  the  Confederate  Gov.  about  one  year  ago. 

I  presume  you  know  that  the  Confederates  are  pressing  all 
into  the  ranks  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and  that  within 
a  short  distance  of  New  Orleans,  but  they  can  only  arm  them 
with  shot  guns.  I  remain 

Yours  most  respectfully,  THO.  S.  BURBANK 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Aug.  27,  '62 

DEAREST:  You  see  I  cannot  heed  the  request  to  write  no 
more,  but  must  even  go  on  as  if  I  had  not  heard  it.  And  that 
is  what  you  wish  me  to  do.  Blanche  left  home  for  Georgetown 
this  afternoon.  I  went  with  her  to  the  cars.  Fisher  goes  on 
with  them,  but  thinks  he  may  be  obliged  to  bring  them  back. 
All  news  of  the  army  has  been  suppressed  for  the  last  week. 
Today  we  hear  that  Pope  is  broken  up  and  the  rebels  occupy 
Manassas  once  more.  Their  next  move  must  be  for  Wash- 
ington, and  if  our  army  can  do  nothing  but  retreat  why  may 
they  not  take  it?  Fisher  will  go  from  Washington  to  Fortress 
Monroe.  The  steamer  he  has  bought  and  freighted  has  sprung 
a  leak,  and  the  Captain  has  telegraphed  for  him  to  come  on 
and  see  what  can  be  done.  The  Captain  put  in  at  Fortress 
Monroe.  My  box  of  pictures,  letters  from  me  and  Blanche 
to  you,  a  copy  of  the  speech  you  wrote  for,  a  letter  from  me  to 
Mr.  Chubbuck,  —  all  these  were  on  board.  I  despair  of  your 
ever  getting  them.  I  told  Fisher  to  get  the  box  and  put  it  on 
board  another  vessel.  It  is  now  three  weeks  on  Monday  since 
the  letters  were  sent  aboard.  The  house  is  more  lonely  to- 
night than  ever,  we  miss  Blanche  so  much.  I  sent  the  picture 
of  the  Crucifixion  to  the  Directress.  Caroline  came  this  morn- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        283 

ing,  and  brought  a  box  of  lovely  flowers,  for  the  hair.  They 
will  look  sweetly  on  Blanche  for  her  first  ball.  I  never  saw 
anything  more  exquisite.  They  were  sent  to  me,  let  me  thank 
you  a  thousand  times,  kiss  me,  and  say  your  annoyance  and 
bitterness  is  over,  and  that  you  look  for  my  coming  as  the  one 
pleasant  thing  to  expect.  Not  so  pleasant  as  to  return  home, 
but  the  next  best  thing  to  it.  Major  Bell  will  be  here  tomorrow, 
or  on  Monday.  From  him  I  shall  learn  more  of  what  you  are 
doing  and  when  you  expect  me  to  go.  I  will  write  no  more 
tonight.  I  hope  you  are  well  and  happy,  and  feel  kindly  to 
me. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  Aug.  27,  1862 

MY  DEAREST  SARAH:  Your  note  of  August  10th,  finished  on 
the  12th,  reached  me  on  the  26th.  It  was  a  dear,  kind,  loving 
letter  —  such  a  one  as  gives  me  new  life  to  receive.  I  read  it 
over  twice.  Do  write  me  such  letters  or  none.  I  cannot  live 
if  you  write  others  like  those  you  have  written.  They  are 
causeless,  useless,  hurtful.  The  boat  has  not  yet  come  with 
the  Daguerreotypes. 

Your  letters  were  not  lost.  They  sometimes  come  two  or 
three  at  a  time.  Having  written  me  to  burn  them,  which  I 
have  done  save  the  last,  I  cannot  very  well  send  them  back. 
I  have  been  very  well  except  two  days  when  I  was  a  little 
under  the  weather. 

I  am  preparing  for  the  defense  of  New  Orleans,  and  I  shall 
hold  it  too.  Baton  Rouge  has  been  evacuated  by  us  without 
haste,  without  loss,  without  trouble  of  any  sort.  I  could  have 
held  it  till  doomsday  so  far  as  the  enemy  were  concerned,  and 
am  holding  it  now  with  a  couple  of  gunboats,  but  the  whole 
rebel  army  of  the  Southwest  are  concentrating  to  move  upon 
me,  and  I  am  not  in  condition  to  cut  my  force  in  halves. 

I  have  brought  off  the  State  library  and  the  Statue  of 
Washington  by  order,  beside  pretty  much  all  the  plunder  of 
the  town  without  order.  I  have  put  a  stop  to  that,  however. 
We  are  fast  coming,  however,  to  the  point  where  devastation 
is  a  necessity.  We  have  kept  out  the  yellow  fever  so  far,  and 
shall  hardly  have  it  to  any  extent.  I  believe  not  at  all.  They 
have  it  fearfully  at  Key  West. 

As  you  will  see,  the  Government  have  added  Pensacola 
and  General  Arnold  to  my  command.  I  will  send  for  him. 
They  have  sent  me  Genl.  Sherman,  of  Port  Royal  fame,  as 


234       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Brigadier.  You  will  see  my  action  in  regard  to  Phelps,  and 
also  my  raising  the  free  colored  regiment.  Write  me  what  you 
think  of  it.  I  am  succeeding  admirably  with  my  Louisiana 
Volunteers. 

Andrew  is  shipping  Fisher  some  thousand  hogsheads  of 
sugar.  It  will  be  of  prime  quality  and  will  pay,  he  thinks.  I 
do  not  understand  Mr.  Fay  quite,  but  I  think  that  it  is  well 
enough  to  have  the  change  made.  It  would  hardly  do  to 
make  it  earlier. 

Love  to  the  children  and  Blanche.  Tell  her  that  she  must 
write  me  every  week.  I  can't  write  her  so  often  as  I  wish.  If 
she  does  not  write,  I  won't  call  her  little  Buntie  any  more,  but 
Great  Blanche.  A  thousand  kisses  for  you.  Was  the  wreath 

pretty?    It  is  of  New  Orleans  make.  Y> 

BENJ. 

From  the  Adjutant  General 

War  Department  Adjutant  General's  Office,  WASHINGTON,  July  23r<2,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Commanding 

Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  N.  O.,  LA. 

SIR:  It  would  appear  from  documents  submitted  by  the 
Governor  of  Massachusetts  that  Lieutenant  James  B.  Prince, 
Jr.,  of  the  30th  Regiment  of  Mass.  Volunteers,  appointed  by 
His  Excellency  and  duly  commissioned,  has  not  or  had  not 
up  to  a  late  date,  been  allowed  by  you  to  go  on  duty  with  his 
regiment.  The  Secretary  of  War  thinks  there  is  possibly  some 
mistake  in  the  matter,  but  he  desires  you  to  inform  him  of  the 
state  of  the  case;  and,  at  any  rate,  to  recognize  the  com- 
mission of  Lieutenant  Prince,  and  permit  him,  without  opposi- 
tion, to  enter  immediately  upon  his  duties,  if  it  has  not  already 
been  done.  I  am,  Sir, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  28/fc,  1862 

General  L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
yours  of  the  23rd  ult.  relating  to  Lt.  J.  B.  Prince. 

This  Gentleman  came  to  this  department  with  a  commission 
from  the  governor  of  Massachusetts,  having  been  examined  by 
a  board  of  officers  under  act  of  Congress  while  I  was  in  com- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   235 

mand  of  the  Department  of  New  England,  and  rejected  be- 
cause found  deficient,  —  I  thought  it  my  duty  before  placing 
him  in  command  to  have  him  again  examined. 

With  pleasure  I  learned  that  he  had  applied  himself  dili- 
gently to  the  study  of  his  profession,  and  passed  a  very  satis- 
factory examination,  and  he  was  at  once  ordered  to  duty,  and 
I  learn  behaved  very  well  in  the  battle  of  Baton  Rouge. 

I  do  not  think  I  need  a  direct  order  from  the  War  Depart- 
ment to  do  my  duty.  I  shall  respect  Gov.  Andrew's  com- 
missions when  they  are  respectable,  not  otherwise. 

He  has  sent  down  here  commissions  to  annoy  me  to  almost 
every  person  whose  application  for  official  position  I  had 
rejected  while  recruiting  my  troops.  I  have  given  them  their 
positions  when  they  were  qualified,  and  shall  continue  to  do 
what  I  think  ought  to  be  done  until  I  am  retired  from  the 
command  of  the  Department.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obdt.  Servt. 
B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  the  Mayor  of  New  York 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug,  28,  1862 

MR.  MAYOR:  Upon  the  withdrawal  of  the  troops  from 
Baton  Rouge,  to  leave  the  town  under  the  care  of  the  Gun 
boats,  it  seemed  probable,  in  case  it  was  stripped  to  prevent 
the  erection  of  works  there  by  the  enemy,  that  the  State 
House  with  its  contents  would  be  destroyed.  The  bricks  and 
mortar  could  easily  be  replaced,  but  not  so  the  works  of  art 
which  once  lost  are  gone  forever.  I  therefore  ordered  Powers' 
Statue  of  Washington  in  marble  to  be  removed  for  safety, 
and~I  believe  it  has  been  done  without  injury. 

There  is  in  New  Orleans  no  suitable  public  building  wherein 
the  Statue  be  placed.  Besides,  in  the  present  temper  of  mind 
of  the  governing  class  in  Louisiana,  I  do  not  see  what  need 
they  have  of  a  Statue  of  Washington.  They  are  striving  to 
undo  his  work,  to  overthrow  the  Government  which  was  set 
up  more  by  his  agency  than  all  else  human.  If,  indeed,  the 
sight  of  his  calm,  noble  features  would  recall  them  to  a  sense 
of  duty,  loyalty,  and  submission  to  that  government  of  which 
he  was  the  first  President,  then  it  would  be  well  to  retain  the 
marble  here.  But  alas!  Madness  rules  the  hour.  The  good 
people  are  already  loyal,  and  the  bad  will  require  sterner  and 
less  sentimental  arguments  for  conviction  of  their  folly. 


236       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  have  taken  leave,  therefore,  to  send  the  Statue  to  the 
city  of  New  York,  asking  the  city  through  the  chief  executive 
officer  to  hold  it  in  trust  for  the  people  of  the  State  of  Louisiana 
until  such  time  as  they  shall  return  to  their  senses.  When 
loyalty  to  the  Union  and  Constitution  is  restored  as  the  ruling 
sentiment  of  Louisiana,  and  the  Government  of  Washington 
is  recognized  by  the  elected  authorities  of  the  State  there,  let 
the  Statue  be  sent  back  to  a  State  fitted  to  receive  it  and 
appreciate  it. 

The  City  of  New  York  will  accept  this  trust.  With  senti- 
ments of  respect  and  esteem,  I  am, 

Most  truly  yours, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Genl.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

H'd  Q'rs.  Dept  of  the  Gulf,  BOSTON,  Aug.  28,  1862 

MY  DEAREST  WIFE:  The  boat  is  delayed  sailing  a  day,  so 
that  I  can  give  you  one  day  later  from  New  Orleans.  I  was 
out  to  review  Brigade  at  Carrollton  yesterday  where  we  are 
getting  ready,  so  you  will  conclude  I  am  quite  well. 

I  have  sent  to  Pensacola  and  hope  to  get  a  regiment  from 
thence.  Fisher's  vessel  has  not  yet  arrived  here.  The  delay 
is  not  fortunate.  Andrew  is  shipping  much  larger  amounts  of 
sugar  to  Fisher  than  I  supposed.  He  will  tell  you  about  it. 

You  ask  if  I  spend  my  time  at  the  Custom  House  or  at  the 
house?  Shall  I  give  you  a  day's  work?  Get  up  at  six,  write 
an  hour  or  more  in  my  room  .  .  .  then  breakfast,  then  calls 
for  an  hour,  then  go  to  the  office  and  business  till  4  o'clock, 
then  dinner  at  5,  then  opening  mail  and  answering  letters  and 
calls  till  eight,  then  tea;  sometimes  a  walk  of  half  an  hour  in 
the  evening,  then  a  chat  or  writing  till  twelve,  and  then  to 
bed.  And  sometimes  not  to  sleep.  There  you  have  a  day,  as 
like  another  as  two  peas,  save  a  review,  inspection  of  a  hospital, 
or  something  of  that  sort  —  or  telegrams  of  trouble  or  any 
little  diversification. 

You  see  I  am  writing  in  my  room,  having  just  finished  my 
despatches  to  the  Government,  and  Williams  is  waiting  to 
dress.  There  now,  isn't  it  real  good  of  me  to  think  of  you 
and  write  you  now.  Don't  you  think  it  deserves  a  kiss? 

BENJ. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       237 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  August  ZSth,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  326 

IT  is  made  to  appear  to  the  Commanding  General  that 
Marcelin  Licard,  an  old  soldier  of  the  war  of  1815,  under 
Jackson,  did  not  give  his  arms  under  the  General  Order  No. 
60,  and  has  been  sentenced  by  the  Provost  Court  to  imprison- 
ment for  30  days  therefor. 

Knowing  the  love  an  old  soldier  has  for  his  arms,  and  believ- 
ing that  something  is  to  be  pardoned  to  that  fond  feeling,  the 

sentence  is  remitted.          T>    r\  j       **\/r       r*         T> 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 

W.  H.  WIEGEL,  1st  Lieut.  &  A.  A.  A.  G. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  ZQth,  1862 

Brig.  General  L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

GENERAL:  I  herewith  enclose  a  Roster  of  the  Officers  for 
Commission  of  the  1st  Regt.  La.  Vols.  Also  a  form  of  Provi- 
sional Commission  which  I  have  issued  to  them. 

They  being  now  on  the  lines  at  Carrollton  in  presence  of  the 
enemy,  I  thought  it  necessary  for  their  protection  that  the 
Officers  should  have  some  authorization  in  case  of  being  taken 
prisoner. 

Perhaps  it  is  a  very  considerable  labor  to  issue  new  Com- 
missions. A  simple  order  of  the  War  Department  confirming 
the  Provisional  Commission  issued  would  be  sufficient. 

This  Regiment  is  one  of  the  finest  in  its  material  in  the  ser- 
vice, both  as  regards  Officers  and  men. 

The  Recruiting  Fund  not  having  arrived  yet,  from  the 
necessity  of  the  case  I  have  borrowed  ($50,488.00),  fifty 
thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty-eight  Dollars  from  my 
City  Relief  Fund,  to  pay  the  Advance  Pay  and  Bounty,  which 
I  shall  ask  the  disbursing  and  Recruiting  Officer  to  repay 
when  he  arrives.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Comdg. 


£38        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Richard  S.  Fay 

BOSTON,  August  29,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Your  favor  of  August  17th  is  received. 
My  son  left  yesterday  for  a  fortnight's  absence,  being  ordered 
off  by  his  physician,  and  being  completely  used  up. 

I  have  looked  over  the  accounts  to  see  if  I  could  answer 
your  question  about  the  $10,000.  It  stands  rightfully  to  your 
credit,  as  well  as  the  shipment  of  Sugar  on  Government  account, 
no  account  having  been  made  with  the  Government,  and  no 
money  will  be  paid  over  to  it  until  your  return  and  authoriza- 
tion. As  I  understand  the  matter,  Richard  insisted  on  the 
sale  of  the  Sugar  and  the  control  of  the  business,  acting  as 
your  agent,  and  in  order  to  protect  your  interest.  Rely  upon 
it,  my  dear  friend,  that  everything  shall  be  done  properly  and 
in  order,  and  that  your  wife  and  family  whom  may  you  live 
long  to  be  their  honor  and  support,  will  be  cared  for.  God 
grant  you  a  good  deliverance,  for  none  of  them  now  in  the 
field  deserves  it  more  than  yourself.  I  have  forwarded  your 
letter  to  Richard,  but  as  he  will  not  receive  it  in  season  to 
answer  it  by  the  "Roanoke,"  I  have  written  this. 

Very  truly  yours,  RICHARD  S.  FAY 

From  Commodore  Henry  W.  Morris 

U.  S.  Sloop  PENSACOLA,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  29,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  The  U.  S.  Steamer  "Tennessee"  from  Pensacola 
found  it  absolutely  necessary  to  come  up  to  the  city  last  night. 
She  had  broken  her  delivery  valve,  which  is  below  the  water's 
edge,  and  the  water  flowed  into  her  in  a  very  large  stream 
through  it.  She  was  only  able  to  keep  herself  free  by  means  of 
her  steam  pumps,  when  her  engines  were  working;  therefore 
whilst  at  anchor  she  was  in  very  great  danger  of  sinking,  as  her 
hand  pumps  were  not  sufficient  to  keep  her  free. 

In  accordance  with  the  permission  sent  me  last  night  by 
you — "that  if  it  were  an  urgent  necessity  to  prevent  her 
from  sinking,  she  could  remain,"  I  directed  her  to  haul  along 
side  the  "Fearnot"  store  ship,  and  discharge  as  much  of  her 
cargo  as  necessary  to  lighten  her,  to  prevent  her  leaking  any 
more,  —  and  she  is  now  employed  doing  so. 

I  had  written  thus  far  when  your  orderly  brought  me  your 
despatch  in  relation  to  the  "Tennessee's"  coming  up.  I  im- 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        S39 

mediately  sent  to  Capt.  Johnson  to  make  a  written  report  of 
the  causes  which  induced  him  to  break  his  quarantine.  That 
report  I  now  send  you  a  copy  of.  You  will  perceive  by  it  that, 
in  his  opinion,  the  vessel  would  have  sunk  at  her  anchors  in  a 
few  hours  had  she  remained  at  the  quarantine  station.  I  sent 
an  Officer  to  you  last  night  to  explain  these  facts  to  you, 
which  he  did  correctly. 

If  the  "Tennessee"  is  compelled  to  return  to  the  quarantine 
station,  she  will  be  compelled  to  run  upon  the  bank  and  lie 
there.  If  you  require  her  to  do  so,  I  will  send  her  down.  I  am, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
HENRY  W.  MORRIS,  Commodore  and  Senior  0/r. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Augst.  29*/i,  1862 

Commodore  MORRIS 

SIR:  The  Steamer  "Tennessee"  ran  past  the  Quarantine 
Station  without  permission.  She  was  reported  to  me  by  an 
Officer,  purporting  to  come  from  you,  as  having  done  so  be- 
cause she  was  in  a  sinking  condition.  I  am  now  informed  that 
it  is  not  the  fact.  I  assented  to  her  action  upon  the  ground 
only  that  it  was  a  matter  of  necessity. 

The  "Tennessee"  must  therefore  at  once  leave  her  Anchor- 
age and  proceed  below  the  Quarantine  Station.  I  am  grieved 
and  alarmed  at  this  instance  of  insubordination  in  the  Navy. 
I  am  now  engaged  in  a  very  delicate  &  troublesome  Corre- 
spondence with  the  Spanish  Authorities  upon  the  alleged  com- 
plaint that  I  treat  their  vessels  different  from  ours. 

This  action  of  the  "Tennessee"  gives  color  to  the  complaint 
and  may  involve  us  in  a  National  Difficulty.  I  shall  require 
the  amplest  apology  from  the  Officer  Comdg.  the  "Tennessee." 
as  well  as  from  the  Officer  who  made  the  false  report  to  me 
that  she  was  in  a  sinking  condition,  or  I  shall  feel  it  my  duty 
to  report  them  to  the  Department,  and  take  such  other 
measures  as  shall  prevent  all  communication  between  the  fleet 
and  shore  while  an  unquarantined  Vessel  is  suffered  to  have 
communication  with  the  fleet. 

I  have  successfully  thus  far  kept  the  Epidemic  from  the  City, 
and  I  shall  be  sorry  to  report  to  the  Govt.  that  I  have  not  the 
aid  of  the  Navy  in  the  vital  necessary  precaution  for  the  Health 

of  the  City  and  my  troops.  rr       D         .*  n 

J  J         *  Very  Respectfully, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 


240   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Commodore  Henry  W.  Morris 

U.  S.  Sloop  PENSACOLA,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  30,  1862 

Major  General  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  sent  you  yesterday,  by  your  Orderly,  a  letter  in 
relation  to  the  "Tennessee's"  breaking  her  quarantine,  together 
with  a  copy  of  Capt.  Johnson's  report  to  me,  giving  his  reasons 
for  so  doing. 

Will  you  please  inform  me,  by  the  bearer,  what  decision  you 
have  come  to,  as  to  whether  she  is  to  be  permitted  to  dis- 
charge her  cargo  into  the  "Fearnot,"  for  the  purpose  of 
making  her  repairs;  or  whether  she  is  to  go  down  to  the 
quarantine  station,  to  lay  on  the  bank  there  to  prevent 
her  from  sinking.  I  am, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
HENRY  W.  MORRIS,  Comdr.  and  Senior  Officer 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  SOth,  1862 

Commodore  MORRIS,  Commdg.  Naval  Forces  at  NEW  ORLEANS 

DEAR  SIR:  Upon  the  assurance  of  the  Captain  that  the 
"Tennessee"  is  in  a  sinking  condition,  and  must  be  beached 
if  she  is  to  go,  I  must  make  a  virtue  of  necessity  and  allow  her 
to  remain  here  to  discharge  the  Cargo.  It  is  a  matter  I,  a 
landsman,  cannot  understand.  The  "Tennessee"  still  lays  in 
the  stream,  has  lain  there  for  thirty-six  hours,  and  yet  does 
not  sink.  It  shows  well  for  the  quality  of  the  water  at  New 
Orleans.  I  am  now  so  far  relieved  that  I  can  officially  assure 
the  Spanish  authorities  that  the  "Tennessee"  was  only  allowed 
to  come  up  to  save  her  from  sinking.  I  am, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  Moses  Bates 

Office  of  the  La.  State  Penitentiary,  BATON  ROUGE,  August  19th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  There  are  in  this  institution  several  children, 
born  in  the  prison  of  female  convicts,  between  the  ages  of  one 
and  ten  years.  By  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Louisiana  these 
children  are  State  property,  and  the  custom  has  been  to  sell 
them  into  slavery  at  the  age  of  ten  years,  and  appropriate  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   241 

proceeds  to  purposes  of  State  expenditure.  In  view  of  the 
evacuation  of  the  city,  and  possibly  the  abandonment  of  this 
institution,  it  has  become  a  serious  matter.  What  shall  be 
done  with  these  children?  Knowing  your  sentiments  too  well 
to  believe  you  will  order  these  prisoners,  who  have  never  yet 
gone  beyond  the  confines  of  the  Penitentiary,  sent  into  slavery, 
and  not  caring  to  take  a  responsibility  which  you  would  so 
willingly  assume,  I  ask  to  be  directed  with  regard  to  these 
children  of  incarcerated  parents. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

MOSES  BATES,  Supt.  La.  State  Penitentiary 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Aug.  SQth,  1862 

MOSES  BATES,  Esq.,  Superintendent  State  Penitentiary 

SIR:    I  certainly  cannot  sanction  any  law  of  the  State  of 

Louisiana  which  enslaves  any  children  of  female  convicts  born 

in  the  State  Prison. 

Their  place  of  birth  is  certainly  not  their  fault.     You  are 

therefore  to  take  such  care  of  them  as  would  be  done  with 

other  destitute  children. 

If  these  children  were  born  of  female  convict  slaves,  pos- 
sibly the  master  might  have  some  claim,  but  I  do  not  see  how 

the  State  should  have  any.    I  am, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M.  G.  C. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  1st,  1862 

MY  DEAR  WIFE:  This  will  be  handed  you  by  Mr.  Bonfanti, 
who  is  about  visiting  your  city  en  route  to  Europe. 

If  he  is  not  fortunate  enough  to  have  Mr.  Fay  with  him 
when  he  calls,  will  you  get  Mr.  Webster  or  Hildreth  to  show 
him  the  city,  and  especially  the  mills  which  he  much  desires 
to  see. 

Mr.  Bonfanti  has  been  of  some  service  to  me;  you  will  find 
him  a  pleasant  gentleman,  and  he  has  been  kind  enough  to 
desire  to  be  presented  to  you. 

Truly  your  HUSBAND 


VOL.    II 1 6 


LETTERS  OF  GEN,  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  J.  George  Brown 

PARISH  PRISON,  September  1st,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Dept.  Gulf 

GENERAL:  Do  you  know  that  measures  are  being  taken  to 
involve  your  brother,  Col.  Butler,  to  say  nothing  of  yourself, 
with  the  cabinet  at  Washington,  on  the  most  serious  charges 
backed  with  no  light  force?  Rumor  says  you  are  about  to 
leave  —  you  have  treated  my  letters  to  you  with  contempt, 
thinking  I  am  influenced  by  selfish  motives,  had  I  have  been, 
you  would  never  have  received  this.  Enough,  I  shall  not 
trouble  again,  but  remember  the  Mouse  and  the  Lion,  and 
that  to  the  last  I  wished  to  serve  you. 

Do  not  show  this  to  any  of  your  officers,  —  why  should  I 
have  a  powerful  enemy  by  writing  you  this.  Send  for  me. 
With  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Ever  your  well-wisher,  J.  GEORGE  BROWN 

It  is  important  I  should  see  you  before  the  Northern  mail 
leaves. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  1st,  1862 

Major  General  HENRY  W.  HALLECK,  Commander-in-Chief 
Armies  of  the  United  States 

GENERAL:  Nothing  of  interest  has  occurred  to  the  troops 
of  this  Department  since  the  last  despatch. 

Our  disposition  being  made  for  defence,  the  forts  which  the 
enemy  expected  to  surprise  strengthened,  I  am  inclined  to  the 
opinion  that  he  has  for  the  present  abandoned  his  plan  of  attack. 
My  informers  also  confirm  this  view  by  their  intelligence. 

Since  the  plan  of  attack  was  abandoned,  Breckinridge  has 
gone  with  a  portion  of  his  Division  to  Mobile,  and  is  said  to 
be  en  route  for  Virginia. 

The  condition  of  the  people  here  is  a  very  alarming  one. 
They  literally  come  down  to  starvation.  Not  only  in  the  city 
but  in  the  country.  Planters,  who  in  peaceful  times  would 
have  spent  the  summer  at  Saratoga,  are  now  on  their  planta- 
tions, essentially  without  food. 

Hundreds  weekly  by  stealth  are  coming  across  the  Lake  to 
the  City,  reporting  starvation  on  the  Lake  shore.  I  am  dis- 
tributing in  various  ways  about  $50,000  per  month  in  food, 
and  more  is  needed.  This  is  to  the  whites.  My  commissary 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   248 

is  issuing  rations  to  the  amount  of  nearly  double  the  amount 
required  by  the  troops.    This  is  to  the  blacks. 

They  are  now  coming  in  by  hundreds,  nay  thousands  almost 
daily.  Many  of  the  plantations  are  deserted  along  the  "coast," 
which  in  this  country's  phrase  means  the  River,  from  the 
City  to  Natchez.  Crops  of  sugar-cane  are  left  standing  to 
waste.  Guerillas  interfere  with  all  white  labor,  which  would 
be  peaceable,  and  impress  it  into  the  Rebel  army. 

The  act  of  Congress  which  allows  no  proper  punishment  to 
these  marauders  renders  it  impossible  to  restrain  them.  It  is 
useless  to  tell  me  to  try  them,  send  the  Record  to  Washington, 
and  then  to  shoot  them  if  the  Record  is  approved.  Events 
travel  altogether  too  rapidly  for  that.  In  the  meantime,  they 
hang  every  Union  man  they  catch,  and  by  their  proclamation 
(see  Governor  Moore's  on  file  in  the  War  Department)  they 
threaten  to  hang  every  man  who  has  my  pass.  All  this,  while 
they  are  prating  in  their  papers  and  by  the  message  of  Davis 
about  carrying  on  a  civilized  warfare. 

We  have  with  us  a  great  many  Negro  women  and  children, 
barefoot  and  half  naked.  May  I  ask  in  what  way,  in  view  of 
the  coming  winter,  these  are  to  be  clothed?  I  can  house  them. 
There  are  houses  of  rebel  Officers  enough  to  cover  them.  I 
learn  by  the  Secession  Newspapers  that  I  am  to  be  relieved  of 
this  Command.  If  that  be  so,  might  I  ask  that  my  successor 
be  sent  as  early  as  possible,  as  my  own  health  is  not  the  strong- 
est, and  it  would  seem  but  fair  that  he  should  take  some  part 
of  the  yellow  fever  season.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  1st,  1802 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  send  enclosed  General  Order  No.  62  of  this  depart- 
ment, wherein  honorable  mention  is  made  of  several  non- 
commissioned Officers  of  this  Division  for  gallant  conduct  at 
Baton  Rouge.  I  would  suggest  that  the  medals  for  meritorious 
services,  provided  by  the  act  of  Congress  for  soldiers  in  such 
case,  be  forwarded  to  these  brave  men. 

Since  I  wrote  the  Commanding  General,  I  am  more  and  more 
satisfied  that  the  immediate  attack  upon  this  City  is  put  off. 
My  information  confirms  that  from  every  source. 


244        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

The  delay  is  in  part  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  enemy  is 
building  and  altering  two  Gunboats  in  the  Yazoo  River, 
with  which  he  hopes  to  embarrass  the  fleet.  A  movement 
from  above  might  destroy  those  boats,  which  are  only  guarded 
by  small  militia  force.  We  cannot  reach  them  from  below, 
as  we  must  pass  Vicksburg  to  do  it. 

I  take  leave  to  send,  for  the  use  of  your  Office  and  that  of 
the  Commdg.  Genl.,  photographs  of  our  position  at  Carroll- 
ton,  and  the  surrounding  Country,  reduced  from  a  survey  that 
I  have  thought  it  necessary  to  make.  The  health  of  the  City 
continues  admirable,  and  the  troops  are  fast  recovering  from 
their  sickness  and  fatigue  of  the  Campaign  at  Vicksburg. 

I  have  succeeded  wonderfully  in  my  enlistments  of  Volun- 
teers here.  A  full  regiment,  three  companies  of  Cavalry  — 
Six  hundred  to  form  a  new  regiment,  and  more  than  1200 
men  enlisted  in  the  old  regiments  to  fill  up  the  ranks.  I  shall 
also  have  within  ten  days  a  Regiment  1000  strong  of  Native 
Guards  (Colored),  the  darkest  of  whom  will  be  about  the 
complexion  of  the  late  Mr.  Webster. 

I  shall  have  the  honor  to  have  increased  my  Division  by  at 
least  three  thousand  men.  One-fifth  of  the  whole  after  a 
Nine  Months'  Campaign  in  the  unhealthy  South.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be, 


BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  Colonel  S.  Thomas 

Head  Quarters  8th  Regt.  Vt.  Vols.,  ALGIERS,  LA.,  Sept.  3rd,  1862 
^f    .     ~         -o    T«    T»  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

May.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  The  report  of  a  want  of  protection  for 
the  Negroes  is  correct,  and  I  have  been  trying  to-day  to  secure 
suitable  shelter  for  them,  but  they  have  come  in  upon  me  so 
fast  I  have  found  it  very  difficult.  Be  assured  I  will  spare  no 
pains  to  care  for  them,  for  they  are  reliable  friends.  I  am 

Truly  Your  obdt.  Servant, 
S.  THOMAS,  Col  8th  Regt.  Vt.  Vols. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Znd,  1862 
~  ,  .~  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General  PHELPS 

GENERAL:  I  am  informed  that  some  of  the  negro  women 
and  children  who  have  sought  protection  within  your  lines,  are 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   245 

not  sufficiently  provided  with  shelter  from  the  inclemency  of 
the  weather. 

You  will  direct  your  Division  Quartermaster  to  take  pos- 
session of  such  houses  in  your  neighborhood  as  belonged  to 
well-known  and  ascertained  rebels,  as  will  be  sufficient  to 
cover  those  you  have  and  provide  for  those  coming  in.  I  am, 

Respectfully  Yours, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
A.  F.  PUFFER,  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  1st,  1862 

Brig.  GenL  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

GENERAL:  A  press  of  much  more  important  business  engage- 
ments have  prevented  my  reporting  upon  the  letter  of  Captain 
Porter. 

With  the  Commodore,  now  Admiral,  Farragut,  there  has 
been  ever  the  utmost  reciprocity  of  aid  and  the  warmest 
sympathy. 

I  was  very  anxious  that  the  expedition  should  get  off  to 
Vicksburg  as  early  as  possible,  and  I  did  everything  I  could 
do  to  speed  it.  Captain  Porter  in  his  letter  to  me  expressly 
so  states.  The  steamer  "Empire  Parish,"  which  was  a  boat 
belonging  to  a  private  party  here,  that  had  come  to  the  City 
relying  upon  the  safeguard,  was  as  much  within  his  control 
as  mine.  Nay,  at  the  very  time  Capt.  Porter  complains,  as 
will  be  seen  by  the  affidavits  herewith  submitted,  the  "Empire 
Parish"  was  seized  by  him  and  wholly  under  his  control.  It 
will  be  seen  also  that  at  the  very  time  Captain  Porter  com- 
plains to  the  Department  of  the  delays  of  the  Steamer  "Fox," 
she  was  under  the  order  of  Commodore  Morris,  his  senior 
officer,  and  in  his  employ.  I  enclose  the  original  order  which  I 
desire  preserved.  It  is  true  that  the  Master  of  that  steamer 
got  drunk  and  behaved  badly  at  the  Passes.  That  truth  Com- 
modore Porter  states,  but  he  omits  to  state  that  the  Master 
was  punished  by  instant  Discharge. 

Why  suppress  the  fact  which  was  known  to  Capt.  Porter? 
If  there  is  a  Naval  Officer  on  the  station  that  will  not  bear  the 
fullest  testimony  to  the  exertions  of  myself  and  command,  to 
aid  the  Navy  everywhere  and  at  all  times  with  the  exception 
of  Captain  Porter,  they  certainly  will  do  very  differently 
from  what  they  have  personally  stated  to  me. 


S46   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

My  Chief  Quartermaster,  Col.  Shaffer,  knows  the  facts 
relating  to  this  transaction,  and  I  desire  the  fullest  inquiry 
should  be  made  of  him.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obedient  Servant 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Commodore  David  Porter 

U.  S.  Steamer  OCTORARA,  off  VICKBBURG,  July  5th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  U.  S.  Army 

SIR:  I  was  very  much  surprised  to  hear  through  Lt. 
Commdg  Breese  that  my  letter  to  you  of  the  12th  of  June 
had  been  severely  commented  on  by  you,  also  that  you  had 
accused  me  of  making  misstatements.  I  wrote  to  you  at  that 
time  for  the  purpose  of  informing  you  that  your  orders  had 
been  disregarded.  As  far  as  related  to  supplying  the  mortar 
vessels  with  towage,  I  made  no  statements  whatever  other 
than  what  I  received  from  Capt.  Brady  himself,  who  informed 
me  "that  the  Capt.  of  the  'Fox'  got  drunk,  brought  up  two 
merchant  vessels  by  private  arrangements  with  the  Captains, 
and  had  neglected  entirely  the  business  on  which  he  was 
sent."  As  regards  Mr.  Eddy,  I  said  he  was  either  not  sincere 
in  his  efforts  to  carry  out  your  orders,  or  else  he  was  not 
invested  with  the  proper  authority  to  make  his  subordinates 
obey  him.  I  see  no  reason  to  change  the  opinion  I  then  ex- 
pressed. I  am  much  surprised  that  a  gentleman  holding  your 
high  position  should  have  thought  it  necessary  to  have  affi- 
davits taken  to  prove  that  I  had  made  misstatements,  or  that 
he  had  been  zealous  in  the  performance  of  an  important 
public  duty.  As  regards  the  latter,  I  will  add  my  testimony, 
and  unhesitatingly  say  that  you  were  prompt  in  acceding  to 
all  my  requests,  and  desirous  to  promote  the  interests  of  the 
expedition  and  from  the  anxiety  you  displayed  to  get  it  off  I 
was  induced  to  appeal  to  you  again,  when  I  found  your  orders 
were  not  obeyed,  presuming  you  would  be  obliged  to  me.  I 
never  supposed  it  was  a  high  offense  to  inform  a  general  that 
the  public  duty  was  neglected,  nor  did  I  expect  my  expressions 
to  be  misconstrued  into  misstatements. 

Misstatement  is  a  word  I  am  unused  to,  and  an  expression 
that  I  will  permit  no  one  to  apply  to  me.  I  have  made  the 
above  explanation  to  give  you  an  opportunity  of  recalling  the 
very  offensive  language  used  toward  me.  Your  own  sense  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   247 

propriety  will  tell  you  that  no  gentleman  would  rest  quiet 
under  such  an  imputation.    I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 
Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  servant, 

DAVID  D.  PORTER,  Commdg.  Flotilla 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  WASHINGTON,  Oct.  2nd,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  U.  S.  Volunteers^  Comdg.  Dept. 

of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

SIR:    Your  report  of  September   1st,   upon  the  letter  of 
Commander  D.  D.  Porter,  has  been  submitted  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  War,  and  is  satisfactory.    I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 
Very  respectfully,  your  obdt.  Servant, 

L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Monday  morning,  Sept.  1st  [1862] 

YESTERDAY  there  came  a  telegram  from  Pope  that  he  was 
victorious,  had  driven  the  rebels,  taken  a  thousand  prisoners, 
lost  on  our  side  eight  thousand  men  killed;  that  the  rebels 
after  retreating  had  made  a  stand,  and  the  battle  would  be 
renewed  as  soon  as  reinforcements  came  up  on  our  side.  Later 
in  the  day  came  word  that  Stonewall  Jackson  was  taken,  this 
is  not  confirmed.  Last  evening  rumours  were  afloat  that 
Pope  was  cut  up  and  forces  scattered.  I  have  sent  down  this 
morning  for  the  news,  and  trust  we  shall  hear  the  last  report 

is  false.     Tim and  George  Pearsons  were  both  here  last 

night.     Tim will  send  you  a  speech  of  Ward  Beecher's 

wherein  you  are  commented  on  and  praised,  he  says.  Harriet 
has  returned  with  the  news.  The  rebels  have  the  advantage. 
Pope  is  driven  back  to  Centreville.  He  is  reinforced,  and 
will  make  a  stand  there.  Fisher  on  his  return  from  Fortress 
Monroe  will  be  likely  to  bring  the  children  back.  Fifty  sur- 
geons have  gone  to  Washington  from  Boston.  During  Sun- 
day the  churches  were  dismissed,  and  the  ladies  in  great 
numbers  spent  the  day  in  scraping  lint,  rolling  bandages,  and 
packing  luxuries  to  be  forwarded  to  the  sick  and  wounded. 
Tomorrow  may  bring  us  better  accounts.  I  expected  a  letter 
from  you  today.  You  have  not  written  the  two  last  mails. 
Am  I  to  conclude  you  have  adopted  what  you  proposed  to 
me,  to  send  only  a  bulletin  of  health?  In  your  case,  the  news- 


248       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

papers  would  make  the  announcement.  In  those  sent  to  Mr. 
Webster  there  is  no  mention  of  your  health,  so  I  trust  you  are 
well,  and  every  day  the  danger  is  growing  less.  When  you 
receive  this  letter  I  wish  you  to  answer  it,  and  tell  me  truly 
whether  I  am  to  go  or  not;  write  just  as  you  desire  it.  With 
earnest  love  and  tenderest  regard, 

Your  affectionate  WIFE 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

September  1st,  1862 

MY  DEAHEST  SARAH:  The  "Secesh"  newspapers  say  that  I 
am  to  be  relieved  from  my  command.  Be  it  so.  I  shall  be 
very  glad  to  get  home  to  you  and  the  children.  No  better 
thing  can  happen  to  me  personally,  but  God  help  Genl.  Dix 
if  he  is  to  manage  this  people  for  the  next  six  months  —  and 
especially  without  previous  experience. 

Get  Home!  is  it  possible  there  is  any  such  good  hope  for  me. 
I  trust  so.  I  do  not  feel  aggrieved  at  this  order  —  it  is  all  for 
the  best  for  me  personally,  and  I  am  in  condition  to  be  relieved, 
having  borne  all  the  burden  and  heat  of  summer.  It  is  right, 
of  course,  that  another  should  come  here  when  it  is  healthy. 
Now,  then,  to  count  the  days  until  I  see  you  and  home.  I 
send  you  by  bearer  a  little  package  which  will  speak  of  repose. 
When  I  come  I  shall  bring  you  the  nicest  washer,  mender, 
ironer,  and  chamber  girl  you  ever  saw,  that  takes  the  best 
possible  care  of  my  clothes,  —  has  no  possible  fault  but  a 
devil  of  a  temper,  and  is  much  attached  to  your  humble  ser- 
vant. She  is  not  quite  as  black  as  the  ace  of  spades,  but  about 
the  color  of  "maple  molasses."  I  say  attached)  for  she  quarrels 
with  all  the  servants  for  stealing  my  cigars,  and  insists  upon 
my  wearing  a  fresh  pair  of  white  pantaloons  every  day.  If 
that  isn't  proof  of  attachment,  as  she  has  to  wash  them,  I 
should  like  to  know  what  is.  She  has  no  master;  he  has  run 
away,  so  I  shall  be  interfering  with  nobody's  rights.  I  have 
had  no  letter  yet  since  the  tenth  of  August  —  we  are  expecting 
a  mail  every  day. 

Now,  dearest,  get  fat,  saucy,  and  lively,  and  we  will  throw 
away  all  care  and  have  such  a  good  time.  I  mean  to  do  noth- 
ing but  stay  at  home  all  through  the  Indian  summer,  and 
ride  out  on  horseback  with  you.  Don't  you  want  to  ride? 
Kiss  Paul  and  Bennie  for  me  —  tell  them  I  am  coming  home 
and  that  we  will  play  "tag."  Say  to  them  that  I  am  not  so 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   249 

fat  as  I  was  last  fall,  so  I  can  run  better  and  have  better  sport. 

Goodbye,  dearest,  for  a  while.  ^        „ 

Your  HUSBAND 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  &£,  1862 

Senor  JUAN  CALLEJON,  Spanish  Consul 

SIR:  I  enclose  to  you  for  information  a  copy  of  a  report  of 
the  Quarantine  Physician.  I  have  directed  the  two  Spanish 
vessels  to  be  allowed  to  come  up  at  once  in  accordance  with  the 
recommendation  of  the  Health  Officer. 

The  "Cardenas"  will  be  up  as  soon  as  her  Cargo  is  loaded. 

You  will  see  the  wretched  state  of  health  of  the  Italian  Bark, 
showing  the  necessity  of  the  strictest  Quarantine.  With  senti- 
ments of  regard  and  esteem,  I  am 

Your  Obdt.  Servant,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  Joseph  Elliott 

NEW  ORLEANS,  September  2,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  From  some  Military  authority  I  was  told  that 
you  was  going  to  leave  New  Orleans,  for  some  other  quarter; 
I  am  really  sorry  to  learn  that  news.  If  you  would  confer 
a  favor  to  me,  I  will  ask  you  to  let  me  send  you  my  fine  car- 
riage and  driver  every  day  until  you  leave  us;  I  shall  be 
proud  if  you  satisfy  my  wishes,  for  all  your  kindness  to  me  in 
several  occasions.  Please  send  word  to  me  by  Gilbert.  I 

Very  respectfully  Yours,  JOSEPH  ELLIOTT 

Endorsed:  Thank  Mr.  Elliott  for  his  consideration. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  td,  1862 

The  Quartermaster  General 

SIR:  I  am  desired  to  give  Messrs.  Stanton  &  Palmer  Cer- 
tificates of  the  use  of  their  boats,  the  "St.  Charles"  &  the 
"Anglo  American."  The  one  was  taken  possession  of  on  the 
first  of  May  by  the  Army,  and  the  second  on  the  12th  of  May, 
and  been  used  till  the  28th  of  July. 

I  give  this  Certificate  because  there  is  nowhere  any  Quarter- 
master whose  knowledge  covers  the  whole  time  as  mine  does. 


250   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

There  are  large  repairs  done  on  the  "Anglo  American" 
before  she  was  fit  for  use.  The  "St.  Charles "  was  at  least 
one-quarter  owned  by  admitted  rebels. 

Having  agreed  that  Messrs.  Stanton  &  Palmer  should  have 
their  bpats,  having  been  recovered  from  the  rebels  —  one  of 
them  captured  in  rebel  military  employ,  I  think  the  Govt. 
has  done  its  full  duty  to  these  Gentlemen,  specially  as  the 
Agent  of  their  firm  was  kept  in  existence  here  all  through  rebel 
rule  here,  and  the  firm  actually  subscribed  $500  to  the  Two 
Million  defence  Loan  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans.  In  other 
words,  I  believe  the  Government  has  done  its  duty  to  them 
quite  as  well  as  they  have  to  the  Government,  and  if  the  matter 
was  within  my  discretion  I  should  not  allow  the  Claim  for 
use  of  the  Boats.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLEK,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  K  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BOSTON,  MASS.,  September  Znd,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  Your  favor  of  the  20th  instant  has  come  to 
hand.  I  note  your  draft  on  me  for  $25,000  in  gold,  and  as  it  is 
rising  I  have  telegraphed  to  New  York  for  the  purchase  of  it, 
by  the  advice  of  my  father.  Shall  write  you  fully  when  the 
purchase  is  complete  and  the  draft  paid.  Yesterday,  gold 
was  quoted  in  New  York  at  say  117  to  117£. 

Very  truly  yours,  R.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  September  2d,  1862 

To  Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding,  &c., 

NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  I  enclose  herewith  for  your  information  copies 
of  several  communications  addressed  by  the  Department  of 
State  to  the  diplomatic  representatives  of  Great  Britain, 
France,  and  the  Netherlands  in  this  city,  growing  out  of  the 
conflict  between  the  military  authorities  and  the  consuls  of 
those  Countries  at  New  Orleans.  y  r  rruiu 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Sec.  of  War 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       251 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Department  of  Stale,  WASHINGTON,  ZQth  Aug.,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Honorable  WILLIAM  STUART 

SIR:  In  the  matter  of  the  seizure  in  New  Orleans  of  certain 
sugars,  made  by  the  order  of  Major  General  Butler,  and 
claimed  by  certain  Greek,  English,  and  other  foreign  mer- 
chants, I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  the  same,  under  the 
authority  of  the  President,  was  investigated  by  the  Honorable 
Reverdy  Johnson,  during  his  recent  mission  to  New  Orleans, 
and  that  he  has  reported  to  this  Department  that  the  sugars 
should  be  returned.  This  report  having  been  approved  by 
the  President,  directions  will  be  given  to  the  Major  General, 
or  the  commanding  officer  of  the  United  States  at  New  Orleans, 
to  release  the  sugars  to  the  claimants.  A  copy  of  so  much  of 
Mr.  Johnson's  report  as  relates  to  the  transaction  is  herewith 
enclosed  for  your  information. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  high  consideration,  sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  ZQth  August,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Viscount  TREILHARD 

SIR:  You  have  already  been  informed  that  the  complaint 
made  by  your  Legation  to  this  Department,  concerning  a 
request  or  requirement  made  by  Major  General  Butler,  com- 
manding at  New  Orleans,  upon  Count  Mejan,  the  French 
Consul  there,  that  he  would  retain  ($716,196)  seven  hundred 
and  sixteen  thousand,  one  hundred  and  ninety-six  dollars 
which  he  said  was  deposited  with  him  by  Messrs.  Dupasseur 
&  Co.,  was  by  me  referred  to  the  examination  of  the  Honorable 
Reverdy  Johnson,  who  had  been  appointed  by  the  President 
as  a  Commissioner  for  this  Department. 

I  have  now  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  Mr.  Johnson  has 
performed  the  duty  confided  to  him,  and  has  submitted  his 
report  thereupon.  I  think  it  proper  to  furnish  you  with  so 
much  of  Mr.  Johnson's  general  report  as  relates  to  that  trans- 
action, and  I  have  further  to  state  that  it  has  been  approved 
by  the  President. 

In  accordance  with  the  conclusions  of  the  report,  I  have  the 
honor  to  advise  you  that  instructions  will  at  once  be  given  to 
Major  General  Butler,  or  the  actual  military  authority  at 


352       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

New  Orleans,  to  relinquish  all  claim  on  behalf  of  the  United 
States  upon  the  fund  in  question,  so  that  Count  Mejan  will 
be  at  liberty  to  pay  it  to  whomsoever  may  be  entitled  to 
receive  the  same. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  renew  to  you,  Sir,  the 
assurances  of  my  high  consideration. 

WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  2(MA  August,  1862 
£Not  in  chronological  order] 

Mr.  ROEST   VAN   LlMBTJRG,    &C.9  &C.9  &C. 

SIR:  The  Honorable  Reverdy  Johnson,  who,  as  you  have 
heretofore  been  informed,  was  appointed  by  this  Depart- 
ment as  Commissioner  to  proceed  to  New  Orleans  and  investi- 
gate, among  other  affairs,  transactions  which  occurred  there 
affecting  the  Consul  of  the  Netherlands  and  certain  subjects  of 
the  King  of  the  Netherlands,  under  the  direction  of  Major 
General  Butler,  has  performed  that  duty,  has  submitted  his 
reports  concerning  the  same,  and  they  have  been  approved  by 
the  President. 

I  have  thought  it  not  improper  to  furnish  you,  for  the  infor- 
mation of  your  Government,  a  complete  copy  of  so  much  of 
those  reports  as  relates  to  the  transaction  herein  above 
mentioned. 

As  a  result  of  the  approval  of  Mr.  Johnson's  proceeding 
in  the  premises,  I  have  now  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the 
eight  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  coin  which  was  taken  by 
Colonel  Shepley,  under  direction  of  Major  General  Butler, 
from  the  possession  of  Amedie  Conturie,  the  Consul  of  the 
Netherlands  at  New  Orleans,  and  which  was  claimed  to  have 
been  deposited  with  him  to  the  use  of  Messrs.  Hope  and  Com- 
pany of  Amsterdam,  and  which  is  more  particularly  described 
in  the  correspondence  which  has  heretofore  taken  place  between 
yourself  and  this  Department,  will  be  restored  by  the  Major 
General,  or  other  United  States  officer  commanding  at  New 
Orleans,  to  either  Mr.  Conturie,  the  Consul  of  the  Netherlands, 
or  to  Mr.  Forstall,  as  the  agent  of  Messrs.  Hope  and  Company, 
or  to  the  Citizen's  Bank  of  Louisiana,  whichsoever  of  them  you 
may  designate.  I  refer  the  designation  to  yourself,  because 
your  Government  has  intervened  in  regard  to  the  transaction, 
whereby  its  consent  to  the  designation  has  become  necessary, 
and  it  will  of  course  be  conclusive. 

Secondly,  I  proceed  to  speak  of  the  articles  of  property 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   253 

other  than  coin,  described  specifically  by  part  Number  Two, 
in  a  statement  of  the  said  Consul,  Mr.  Conturie,  dated  May 
13th,  1862,  and  which  was  submitted  to  this  Department  by 
you,  —  as  follows : 

"One  tin  box,  to  which  we  give  the  name  of  a  Bank  box  in 
this  city  locked,  containing  1st.  Ten  bonds  of  the  consolidated 
debt  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans  for  (1000)  One  thousand  dollars 
each,  making  the  nominal  value  of  Ten  thousand  dollars. 
2nd.  Eight  bonds  of  the  city  of  Mobile  of  the  value  of  (1000) 
One  thousand  dollars  each,  the  nominal  value  of  which  is 
(8000)  Eight  thousand  dollars,  claimed  by  Mr.  Conturie  to 
have  been  deposited  with  him  on  the  12th  day  of  April  last 
by  Edmund  J.  Forstall,  Esq.,  in  the  capacity  of  Agent,  and 
as  the  property  of  Messrs.  Hope  and  Company.  3rd.  Divers 
papers,  being  titles  and  deeds,  the  Consular  Commission  of 
Mr.  Conturie  and  his  Executor; 

"No.  3.  Six  other  tin  boxes,  marked  with  the  name  of 
Amedie  Conturie,  containing  private  deeds,  silverware,  &c., 
which  boxes  are  claimed  to  be  the  property  of  divers  persons 
for  whom  he  was  acting  as  agent. 

"No.  4-  Two  or  more  tin  boxes,  the  property  of  the  Hope 
Insurance  Company  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans,  which  occu- 
pied a  portion  of  the  premises  in  which  the  Consulate  is 
located." 

The  extracts  from  Mr.  Johnson's  report  will  show  you  that 
under  his  direction  all  this  property  would  have  been  delivered 
to  Mr.  Conturie  if  he  had  not  declined  to  accept  it,  for  reasons 
specified  by  him  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Johnson.  Upon  his  thus 
declining,  the  eighteen  bonds  were  delivered  by  Major  General 
Butler,  under  Mr.  Johnson's  direction,  to  Mr.  Forstall  as 
agent  for  Messrs.  Hope  and  Company;  a  copy  of  his  receipt 
for  the  same  is  herewith  transmitted  to  you,  and  the  original 
will  be  handed  to  you  or  given  to  whomsoever  you  may  indi- 
cate. The  other  articles  named  in  said  statement  No.  Two, 
will  be  delivered  by  Major  General  Butler,  or  other  officer 
commanding  at  New  Orleans,  to  Mr.  Conturie,  unless  you 
shall  designate  some  other  person  to  receive  them. 

In  your  note  of  the  28th  of  July  last,  you  informed  me  that 
your  government  shared  the  satisfaction  which  you  had 
experienced  when,  on  a  previous  occasion,  I  announced  to 
you  that  the  President  and  Government  of  the  United  States 
viewed  the  conduct  of  the  military  authorities  of  New  Orleans, 
in  regard  to  the  transactions  in  which  Mr.  Conturie,  the  Con- 


254       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

sul  of  the  Netherlands,  was  concerned,  as  a  violation  of  the 
Law  of  Nations,  and  that  they  disapproved  of  it  and  disap- 
proved the  sanction  which  had  been  given  to  it  by  Major 
Genl.  Butler.  You  added,  however,  that  your  Government 
flattered  itself  that  the  United  States  would  go  farther,  and 
that  in  the  view  of  the  government  of  the  Netherlands  the 
gravity  and  publicity  of  the  outrage  (as  you  are  pleased  to 
call  these  transactions)  demand  that  the  Government  of  the 
United  States  give  public  evidence  of  its  regret,  for  example 
by  manifesting  by  some  public  act  its  dissatisfaction  with 
Major  General  Butler. 

You  further  add  that  the  Government  of  the  Netherlands, 
considering,  until  proof  is  received  to  the  contrary,  that  Mr. 
Conturie,  its  Consul,  has  acted  in  good  faith,  expects  that  the 
Government  of  the  United  States  will  not  refuse  to  do  like- 
wise, and  that  it  will  please,  consequently,  to  invite  the  Consul, 
who  on  the  avowal  of  the  American  Government  itself  has  been 
very  ill-used,  to  resume  his  Consular  functions. 

I  cannot  avoid  thinking  that  these  requests  are  made  by 
your  Government  under  a  mistaken  idea  that  the  United 
States  for  some  reason  desire  in  some  way  to  cover  or  conceal 
from  the  World  the  proceedings  which  they  have  taken  in 
regard  to  these  questions.  If  this  be  true,  your  Government 
has  fallen  into  a  serious  error.  The  whole  of  the  proceedings 
have  been  direct,  frank,  and  unreserved.  The  United  States, 
as  you  are  aware,  did  not  only  express  their  regret  for  the 
transaction  and  their  dissatisfaction  with  General  Butler  in 
the  premises  in  the  language  you  have  quoted,  but  they  also 
sent  an  Agent  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the  injuries  which 
were  complained  of,  to  the  end  that  they  might  promptly  be 
redressed  and  that  restitution  might  be  made. 

That  redress  has  now  been  made,  and  that  restitution  ordered 
immediately  upon  the  facts  on  which  it  depended  having  been 
established.  Moreover,  you  were  advised  in  my  former  com- 
munication that,  simultaneously  with  the  appointment  of 
Mr.  Johnson  as  Commissioner,  Major  General  Butler  was 
relieved  of  his  functions  as  Military  Governor  of  New  Orleans, 
and  Brigadier  General  Shepley  was  appointed  military  Gov- 
ernor of  that  city.  The  Military  authorities  were  at  the  same 
time  directed  to  invite  Mr.  Conturie  to  resume  his  Consular 
functions.  These  proceedings  fully  appear  in  the  official  cor- 
respondence which  has  taken  place  between  yourself  and  this 
department.  This  correspondence  is  not  a  private  but  a  public 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   255 

one,  which  your  government  is  at  entire  liberty  to  promul- 
gate without  reserve  whenever  it  shall  please  to  do  so;  and, 
whether  your  government  shall  think  proper  to  so  promulgate 
it  or  not,  it  will,  according  to  our  national  habit,  be  communi- 
cated without  any  reservation  to  Congress  on  their  assembling 
here  on  the  first  Monday  of  December  next.  Nor  is  it  at  all  a 
matter  of  reserve  on  the  part  of  this  Government  that  the  dis- 
satisfaction with  Major  General  Butler's  precipitancy  and 
harshness  in  the  transactions  concerned  were  among  the  causes 
for  transferring  the  administration  of  public  affairs  at  New 
Orleans  to  General  Shepley.  It  is  very  true,  Sir,  as  you  remark, 
that  Mr.  Conturie  has  been  very  ill-used,  and  upon  that  ground 
General  Shepley  will  be  directed  to  invite  him  to  resume  his 
consular  functions  at  New  Orleans,  if  indeed  he  has  not  done  so 
already  under  previous  instructions.  But  I  must  nevertheless 
accompany  this  invitation  with  the  declaration  that,  in  the 
judgment  of  this  Government,  Mr.  Conturie  has  acted  through- 
out the  transactions  which  have  been  reviewed,  and  even 
throughout  the  investigation  of  them  which  has  taken  place, 
in  a  manner  that  was  very  indiscreet,  and  calculated,  though 
I  presume  not  intended,  to  embarrass  the  relations  between 
your  country  and  our  own,  and  that  unless  his  conduct  hence- 
forth shall  exhibit  more  of  consideration  for  the  authority  of 
the  United  States,  it  must  not  be  expected  that  the  President 
will  be  content  with  his  remaining  in  the  Consulate  at  New 
Orleans. 

I  trust,  Sir,  that  your  government  will  be  satisfied  that  the 
United  States  have  resolved  the  questions  which  have  been 
discussed  in  a  spirit  not  only  of  good  faith,  but  also  of  friend- 
ship and  good  will  towards  their  ancient  and  esteemed  friend, 
the  Netherlands. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  renew  to  you,  Sir,  the 
assurance  of  my  very  high  consideration. 

WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  Z5th  Aug.,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Honorable  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  you  that  this  Depart- 
ment has  been  informed  by  the  Minister  of  the  Netherlands, 
accredited  to  this  Government,  that  since  the  10th  day  of 
May  last  Mr.  Amedie  Conturie  has  not  exercised  the  func- 
tions of  Consul  of  the  Netherlands  at  New  Orleans,  and  that 


256   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  Count  de  Mejan,  the  Consul  of  France  at  the  same  port, 
is  charged  ad  interim  with  these  functions.  The  Count  de 
Mejan  has  consequently  been  recognised  as  the  temporary 
Consul  of  the  Netherlands  for  that  port.  I  am  sir 

Your  obedient  Servant,  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Wednesday  evening,  LOWELL,  Sept.  Sd,  '62 

DEAREST:  Major  and  Mrs.  Bell  came  today.  He  brought 
me  your  note  and  the  pistol  case.  They  come  up  on  Friday 
next  to  spend  the  day.  I  was  very  glad  to  get  your  note,  and 
so  thankful  your  annoyance,  perhaps  I  should  say  your  anger, 
is  passed  in  part.  But  you  are  grave,  and  do  not  wish  me  to 
join  you.  From  anything  that  I  know,  I  see  no  likelihood  or 
very  little  of  your  returning  home  this  winter.  If  you  are  to 
remain,  I  should  be  very  sorry  to  pass  the  winter  here.  After 
the  month  of  October  is  past,  I  should  have  more  fear  of  en- 
countering storms  on  the  coast.  I  had  decided  to  start  the 
fairest  time  in  the  month.  I  do  not  think  you  will  be  recalled; 
if  someone  else  is  sent  to  New  Orleans,  you  may  still  be  kept 
somewhere  about  the  Gulf.  If  you  are  to  change  from  point 
to  point,  fighting  your  way,  remember  I  do  not  trouble  you  in 
times  of  danger;  indeed,  I  hope  not  to  do  so  at  any  time,  but 
rather  to  encourage  and  sustain  so  far  as  my  slight  ability 
will  permit.  Think  then,  again,  if  the  chances  are  that  you 
remain,  as  I  think  they  must  be,  if  you  still  consider  it  better 
to  stay  there  for  the  next  six  months  without  me.  If  you  have 
a  reluctance  lest  I  should  embarrass  your  movements,  or  any 
reason  why  you  do  not  wish  me  to  go,  I  must  cease  to  urge  it. 
That  I  would  rather  go  is  very  clear.  In  truth,  I  know  not 
very  well  how  I  can  stay.  Major  Strong  is  on  the  way  to  join 
you,  give  him  my  regards  and  the  other  gentlemen  whom  I 
knew  best.  Say  to  Mr.  Chubbuck  that  he  has  a  letter  from 
me,  three  weeks  on  the  road,  and  I  hear  it  is  now  no  further 
advanced  than  Fortress  Monroe.  Fisher  has  not  yet  returned 
from  Washington.  The  news  is  of  the  most  doleful  kind.  The 
rebels  are  within  twelve  miles  of  Washington,  and  Jackson  is 
reported  to  be  advancing  on  Baltimore  by  Leesburg  with 
forty  thousand  men.  McClellan  commands  the  defences  about 
Washington.  The  hospitals,  hotels,  the  college  at  Georgetown, 
and  even  the  White  House,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  all  are  filled 
with  the  wounded  and  dying.  The  newspapers  pour  forth  ex- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       257 

clamations,  and  urge  the  new  regiments  to  hurry  forward.  The 
women  are  packing  delicacies  and  scraping  lint.  Cincinnati 
is  threatened.  The  Gov.  has  proclaimed  martial  law,  stopped 
business,  and  ordered  the  citizens  to  prepare  for  defence.  The 
excitement  has  never  been  greater  or  the  danger  more  alarm- 
ing. I  think  Fisher  will  not  return  without  the  children.  The 
coming  week  will  have  a  fearful  story  for  one  side  or  the 
other;  in  fact,  for  both.  The  rebels  are  attacking  at  all  points, 
and  you  expect  them  at  New  Orleans.  But  if  you  have  the 
Fleet  there  I  cannot  think  they  will  venture  it.  Yet,  they  seem 
desperate,  so  it  is  well  to  expect  them.  Believe  me,  I  am 
proud  enough  of  you  already,  and  do  not  want  a  danger  to 
enhance  that  feeling.  My  "affections  do  not  that  way  tend," 
nor  will  I  disturb  you  hereafter  with  vain  imaginings,  but 
write  to  you  all  I  can  gather  that  I  think  will  interest.  I  am 
glad  you  think  your  last  letter  a  little  too  severe.  Nothing  can 
exceed  the  kindliness,  the  tenderness,  I  feel  toward  you,  the 
sympathy  and  pity,  obliged  to  stay  in  that  hot  town  while  the 
summer  lasts.  I  have  but  one  regret,  that  I  did  not  stay  with 
you,  yet  I  believe  I  should  have  died  if  I  had  tried  it.  And  you 
could  not  spare  me  very  well,  trouble  as  I  am.  The  children 
are  very  well,  and  talk  much  of  what  you  are  doing.  I  shall 
be  all  ready  when  you  send  for  me. 

Most  affectionately,  Your  WIFE 

I  wish  you  would  destroy  all  my  letters  or  send  them  back, 
lest  they  should  be  read,  or  even  published  if  they  fell  into  the 
wrong  hands.  The  news  today  is  no  better.  Heaven,  keep, 
save  and  bless  you!  SARAH 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS.  Sept.  4th,  1862 

To  the  Treasurer  of  the  City  of  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  Enclosed  herewith  please  find  Three  thousand  and 
one  hundred  and  eighty-two  50/100  Dollars,  ($3182.50),  being 
the  amount  recovered  by  my  order  from  Mr.  Pelie,  late  City 
Surveyor,  which  was  taken  from  the  Treasury  unjustifiably 
under  the  following  circumstances. 

Messrs.  Pelie,  father  and  son,  have  held  the  office  of  City 

Surveyors  for  forty  years  or  thereabouts.    Of  course,  in  the 

execution   of  that  Office,   it  was  their  duty  without  other 

reward  than  their  salaries  to  have  put  upon  the  City  books  all 

VOL.  11—17 


258   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  real  property  of  the  City  which  had  come  to  their  knowl- 
edge, and  this  they  did  do,  —  but  Pelie,  the  younger,  being 
about  to  resign  his  Office  on  the  1st  of  June  last,  because  he 
would  not  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  claimed  of  the  City 
five  per  cent  Commission  for  property  to  which  he  had  ascer- 
tained the  title  of  the  City  and  put  upon  his  books.  This 
claim  covered  the  time  from  1846  to  the  present. 

The  finance  committee  of  the  Government,  themselves  about 
to  retire  for  the  same  reason,  being  the  same  men  who  had 
wrongfully  invested  almost  one-third  of  a  million  of  the  Charity 
fund  of  the  City  entrusted  to  them,  approved  that  bill  by 
means  whereof  these  Three  thousand  Dollars  were  taken  out 
of  the  City  without  the  knowledge  of  the  acting  Mayor. 

This  seemed  to  be  part  of  the  last  desperate  plunge  of  the 
hands  of  unprincipled  men  in  the  City  Treasury,  and  this 
amount,  as  soon  as  it  came  to  my  knowledge,  I  caused  to  be 
disgorged  and  now  return  it  to  you.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Sept.  5,  '62 

DEAREST:  Major  Bell  came  today  and  took  dinner  with 
us.  Mrs.  Bell  was  sick,  she  will  come  up  with  him  next  week 
to  pass  the  day.  Of  course,  I  had  time  to  ask  a  great  many 
questions,  and  from  what  he  tells  me  I  see  no  reason  why  you 
should  not  come  home.  When  Gen.  Shepley  is  fairly  estab- 
lished nothing  could  give  me  so  much  pleasure,  and  I  know 
well  enough  how  you  would  rejoice  to  come.  But  for  a  man 
holding  a  position  like  yours  a  change  requires  consideration. 
What  can  the  Government  do  with  you?  It  would  be  easier 
for  them  to  send  you  reinforcements  to  attack  in  the  Gulf, 
than  find  a  place  for  you  here,  unless  there  is  an  opening  ready 
for  you.  They  cannot  allow  a  man  like  you  to  rest  quietly  at 
home.  You  have  shown  such  efficiency  there  would  be  clamour 
if  you  were  not  employed  in  these  disastrous  times.  You 
might  leave  for  a  time,  and  try  your  own  powers  of  persuasion 
for  reinforcements  at  Washington,  but  I  cannot  see  how  you 
can  be  withdrawn  from  the  Gulf  until  you  can  be  transferred  to 
another  place.  If  Gen.  Shepley  takes  the  full  authority  of  a 
Military  Gov.,  it  is  clear  there  is  nothing  left  for  you  to  do  in 
that  one  town.  If  he  has  the  ability  and  energy  to  hold  it 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   259 

with  the  force  you  have  there,  then  it  is  equally  clear  that  you 
want  a  force  to  do  service  elsewhere.  But  I  think  you  will 
have  to  come  north  to  get  it.  And  then,  if  you  go  back  I  will 
return  with  you.  Fisher  and  George  have  gone  to  Baltimore 
to  put  their  freight  on  a  sailing  vessel,  the  steamer  is  to  be 
returned  to  New  York  and  put  on  the  stocks  for  repairs.  I 
advise  them  to  sell  the  freight  and  start  new.  I  shall  know 
when  they  return.  I  have  told  Fisher  to  bring  back  the  pic- 
tures. If  ever  I  get  them  they  will  not  be  sent  again,  but  I 
will  forward  copies  as  soon  as  I  can  get  them  taken,  by  mail. 
Blanche  and  Florence  have  returned.  Our  army  is  driven 
clear  back  to  their  old  entrenchments.  Two  days  ago  there 
was  a  report  that  Jackson  with  forty  thousand  men  was  in 
Baltimore,  etc.  Fisher  did  not  dare  to  leave  them.  I  shall 
send  them  back  as  soon  as  there  is  a  feeling  of  confidence. 
Mr.  Maginnis  called,  I  carried  him  over  to  Dracut  to  see  Mrs. 
Parker  at  Milton's  request,  and  showed  him  all  necessary 
attentions.  He  told  me  a  Mr.  Baldwin,  to  whom  you  entrusted 
a  letter  to  me,  desired  him  to  say  to  me  that  the  letter  was 
blown  overboard  with  some  letters  of  credit  of  his  own,  by  care- 
lessly pulling  them  out  of  his  pocket  while  he  was  on  deck. 
I  hope  the  letter  contained  nothing  of  importance.  I  think  it 
safer  always  to  send  by  mail  unless  an  intimate  friend  is 
coming  to  the  same  town  you  wish  to  send  it.  Now  I  must 
tell  you  something  funny.  You  sent  me  the  key  to  the  pistol 
case,  and  asked  me  to  be  careful  of  it  as  you  valued  it  highly 
as  a  present.  I  took  one  glance  and  felt  no  further  curiosity 
until  today,  nearly  a  week  from  the  time  it  came.  I  must  say 
on  examination  they  are  the  finest  possible.  I  do  not  wonder 
you  desired  me  to  take  care  of  them.  They  are  the  prettiest 
gems  of  pistols,  —  if  ever  I  fight  a  duel  it  shall  be  with  these, 
and  you  shall  figure  as  second.  What  do  you  think,  dearest, 
the  summer  is  over  with  us,  almost  with  you,  how  I  have 
wished  it  away;  one  month  more  and  the  danger  of  climate  is 
over.  I  am  less  oppressed  with  anxiety  and  restlessness,  and 
am  really  getting  flesh,  and  spirits  to  move  with  life  and  pleas- 
ure. Would  you  like  to  see  me  gay,  saucy,  and  a  little  boister- 
ous when  you  return?  If  you  are  thin,  the  voyage  home  will 
bring  you  up,  and  after  a  week  at  home  the  whole  expedition 
with  all  its  attendant  dangers  will  seem  like  a  romance  read 
of  another's  life.  You  will  be  welcomed  by  all,  but  by  none  so 
dearly  as  I  shall  welcome  you. 

Ever  most  affectionately,  SARAH 


260       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Gen.  George  F.  Shepley 

State  of  Louisiana,  Executive  Department,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  5th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the 
Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  copy  of 
letter  from  the  Hon.  W.  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of  State,  in 
relation  to  the  case  of  Mr.  McLaurin,  a  British  subject,  whose 
release  is  requested  as  a  favor  by  Earl  Russell,  as  you  will  see 
by  the  papers  which  accompanied  the  letter  of  the  Secretary 
of  State,  and  which  are  herewith  submitted  for  your 
examination. 

If  McLaurin  is  not  already  released,  I  have  the  honor  to 
request  that  you  will  discharge  him,  if,  in  your  opinion,  con- 
sistent with  the  public  interest.  With  great  respect,  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

G.  F.  SHEPLEY,  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana 

(After  perusal,  please  return  the  documents  other  than  the 
letter  of  the  Secy,  of  State.) 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  ISth  August  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  General  GEORGE  F.  SHEPLEY,  Military  Governor  of 

NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  enclose  a  copy  of  an  instruction  from  Earl  Russell  to 
the  British  Charge  d'Affairs  here,  and  of  the  papers  by  which 
it  was  accompanied,  asking  for  the  release  of  a  Mr.  McLaurin, 
a  countryman  of  his,  who,  it  appears,  has  been  imprisoned  on 
a  charge  of  being  concerned  in  the  importation  of  rifles  at 
New  Orleans  for  the  use  of  the  insurgents.  As  the  release  is 
asked  for  as  a  favor,  on  account  of  the  age  of  the  prisoner,  and 
of  his  having  a  dependent  family,  it  would  be  advisable  to 
grant  it  under  the  circumstances,  unless  there  should  be  objec- 
tions of  which  we  are  not  aware.  The  case  is  accordingly  com- 
mended to  your  favorable  consideration  by 

Your  obedient  Servant ,  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       261 

Foreign  Office,  August  2nd,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Honorable  WILLIAM  STUART,  &c.,  &c.9  &c. 

SIB:  I  enclose  a  letter  from  Mr.  Scholefield,  the  Member  of 
Parliament  for  Birmingham,  forwarding  a  Declaration  sworn 
to  by  Mr.  Goodman,  the  Chairman  of  the  Birmingham  Small 
Arms  Trade,  relating  to  Mr.  McLaurin,  a  native  of  Scotland, 
established  in  business  at  New  Orleans,  who  is  reported  to 
have  been  placed  under  arrest  on  suspicion  of  being  implicated 
in  the  purchase  and  importation  of  Rifles  for  the  Confederate 
Army. 

I  have  to  instruct  you  to  take  an  early  opportunity  of  plac- 
ing these  papers  unofficially  in  Mr.  Seward's  hands,  and  sug- 
gesting to  him  that  as  I  am  informed  Mr.  McLaurin  is  advanced 
in  years,  and  has  a  family  entirely  depending  upon  him,  and 
entire  credence  may  be  given  to  any  statement  supported  by 
Mr.  Scholefield,  it  would  be  an  act  of  kindness  on  Mr.  Seward's 
part  if  he  were  to  use  his  good  offices  in  procuring  Mr. 
McLaurin's  immediate  release.  I  am  with  great  truth,  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant,  RUSSELL 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  6tkt  1862 

Hon.  Geo.  F.  SHEPLEY,  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  yours  of  the  5th, 
with  enclosure  of  Hon.  W.  H.  Seward  and  Earl  Russell  in 
regard  to  Archibald  McLaurin. 

Mr.  McLaurin  was  arrested  upon  information  that  arms 
were  consigned  to  him,  and  that  he  was  engaged  in  selling  them 
to  the  Confederates,  —  being  a  breach  of  our  laws  and  the 
Proclamation  of  Her  Majesty  the  Queen. 

After  his  arrest,  Mr.  McLaurin  made  a  full  apparently  frank 
statement  under  oath  of  the  facts  in  relation  to  the  arms  and 
his  connection  therewith,  which  statement  exculpates  him 
and  inculpates  the  President  of  the  Birmingham  Arms  Co. 
This  affair  I  have  already  had  the  honor  to  forward  to  the 
State  Department.  Mr.  McLaurin  was  therefore  discharged 
upon  his  parole  to  appear  as  a  witness  when  wanted.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com. 


262        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr.,  to  General  Butler 

NIAGARA  FALLS,  Sept.  6,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  My  father  has  forwarded  to  me  yours 
of  17th  with  his  answer,  which  I  confirm  as  precisely  correct. 
Your  misapprehension  arises  from  my  having  opened  two 
accounts  with  you  on  my  books,  one  for  the  money  and  divi- 
dends you  left  with  me,  and  the  other  for  our  business  transac- 
tions since  your  departure.  So  far  from  crediting  the  Govt. 
the  Naval  Paymasters'  draft  $10,000.00,  I  have  credited  the 
Govt.  nothing.  Everything  shipped  by  you,  or  its  proceeds, 
stands  to  your  individual  credit,  and  is  subject  to  your  draft 
or  order,  with  the  exception  of  the  profits  upon  your  first  four 
shipments.  These  amounts  I  cannot  pay  to  any  one  until  it 
is  decided  between  you  and  the  Dept.  to  whom  it  belongs.  I 
am  joint  agent  of  yourself  and  the  Govt.,  and  I  mean  to  do 
my  duty  equally  to  both.  It  is  only  since  Col.  Butler  has  sent 
me  corrected  invoices  of  these  shipments  that  I  have  known 
what  these  profits  were.  From  your  present  letter  I  presume 
that  12%  exchange  for  prem.  on  gold  is  to  be  added  to  the  cost 
of  the  goods,  and  I  shall  so  add  it.  Please  remark  that  this 
is  the  first  time  that  I  have  had  the  materials  for  making  up 
this  account  correctly  furnished  to  me. 

On  my  return  to  Boston,  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  send- 
ing you  account  sales  of  these  cargoes,  having  already  sent 
Col.  Butler  sales  of  all  subsequent  ones.  I  shall  also  enclose 
you  a  copy  of  your  letter  accompanying  the  first  invoices, 
containing  distinct  instructions  to  offer  this  mdse.  to  the  Govt., 
and  enclosing  a  letter  to  the  Sec'y.  of  War  offering  them  your- 
self. In  my  opinion  the  letter  is  capable  of  but  one  construc- 
tion, that  upon  which  I  acted.  You  say  in  the  letter  I  have 
just  received,  "I  wish  to  know  that  I  am  not  wronged  in  the 
account.'*  If  you  alluded  to  my  account,  or  to  my  acts  for 
your  account,  I  shall  feel  obliged  if  you  will  name  some  one 
versed  in  business  to  whom  I  may  turn  over  your  affairs, 
after  satisfying  him  that  my  stewardship  has  been  honest  if 
not  able.  I  do  not  think,  however,  you  have  any  such  mean- 
ing, but  are  annoyed  through  the  misapprehension  I  have 
already  alluded  to.  I  am  very  sorry  to  learn  that  you  are  in 
trouble  at  New  Orleans  through  the  neglect  of  the  Dept.  No 
one  has  deserved  its  cordial  support  so  well,  and  if  through 
their  fault  you  lose  the  splendid  position  you  have  gained,  they 
will  deserve  and  obtain  the  unbounded  execration  of  every 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   263 

decent  man  at  the  North.  The  administration  has  forfeited 
all  confidence,  it  is  unsuccessful  in  everything,  in  choice  of 
men  and  planning  of  measures,  it  has  proved  utterly  weak, 
vacillating,  and  cowardly.  I  believe  as  fully  as  I  believe  any- 
thing that  there  are  impending  such  disasters  as  will  compel  a 
change  not  only  of  our  rulers  but  of  our  form  of  Government, 
and  that  we  shall  be  purified  by  fire  to  a  better  order  of  things, 

If  matters  in  New  Orleans  take  the  course  you  apprehend. 
I  suppose  any  shipments  there  will  be  nearly  a  total  loss.  It 
will  take  pretty  nearly  all  I  am  worth,  but  I  should  care  little 
for  that  compared  to  the  injury  to  the  cause  that  the  loss  of 
the  city  would  prove. 

The  story  of  the  recent  fighting  before  Richmond  is  as  usual, 
defeat  and  disaster  to  our  forces.  If  the  enemy  does  not  take 
Baltimore,  it  will  be  because  he  does  not  want  it.  I  am  here 
for  my  health,  which  is  very  much  impaired  by  my  hard  sum- 
mer's work.  I  return  to  Boston  in  about  a  week 

Very  truly  yours,  RICH.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  6th,  1862 

Rev.  J.  T.  CHAMPLIN,  President  of  Waterville  College 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Your  note  informing  me  of  the  very  kind 
and  complimentary  action  of  the  board  of  Trustees  of  Water- 
ville College  has  reached  me  here. 

Deeply  affected  by  the  remembrance  of  my  Alma  Mater, 
cheering  me  in  the  path  of  duty,  for  the  performance  of  which 
her  solid  teachings  were  an  appropriate  fitting,  I  shall  cherish 
her  smiles  as  the  highest  reward  I  can  receive  for  any  effort. 

Please  carry  to  the  Trustees  individually  my  regards  and 
thanks  for  the  degree  conferred  upon  me.  I  am 

Most  truly  your  friend,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  Sidney  S.  Norton 

Custom  House,  NEW  YORK,  4th  Division,  Collector's  Office,  Sept.  6,  1862 

Hon.  WILLIAM  BARNEY,  Collector  of  Customs,  N.Y. 

SIR:  Since  the  first  day  of  June  last,  the  date  of  the  Presi- 
dent's Proclamation  declaring  the  ports  of  New  Orleans, 
Port  Royal,  and  Beauport  open  to  the  Commerce  of  the  World, 
one  hundred  and  sixty-two  vessels,  many  of  them  large  Steam- 
ers, have  been  cleared  at  this  port  with  Cargoes  for  the  port 


264       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

of  New  Orleans  alone.  On  opening  these  ports,  it  was  deemed 
prudent  by  the  Treasury  Department  to  declare  certain  goods 
contraband  of  War,  a  list  of  which  has  been  furnished  this 
office,  and  by  which  we  have  been  governed. 

This  list,  it  will  be  perceived,  left  a  wide  margin  for  ship- 
ments, and  our  merchants  have  availed  themselves  very 
largely  of  the  privilege  of  shipping  such  goods  as  are  not  in- 
cluded in  this  Schedule,  on  which,  in  some  instances,  fortunes 
have  been  made  by  a  single  venture. 

Steamers  have  been  chartered,  at  the  round  sum  of  one 
thousand  dollars  per  day,  for  a  voyage  out  and  back,  usually 
occupying  at  least  three  weeks,  and  the  charterers  have  in 
some  instances  paid  the  entire  amount  of  the  charter  by  the 
sale  of  the  single  article  of  flour  on  arrival  out.  Immense 
quantities  of  almost  every  variety  of  goods,  among  which  may 
be  mentioned  the  item  of  ninety  thousand  barrels  of  flour, 
have  been  sent  from  this  port:  more  than  sufficient,  it  would 
seem,  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  city,  and  it  is  believed  that 
a  large  portion  of  the  goods  thus  hurried  into  New  Orleans 
will  find  its  way  into  the  hands  of  those  who  favor  the  interest 
of  the  rebels. 

The  high  prices  ruling  in  rebeldom  on  certain  articles  offer 
great  inducements  to  men  of  "easy  loyalty"  to  supply  the 
wants  and  necessities  of  the  rebels,  and  when  trade  is  so  brisk 
and  so  varied  as  it  necessarily  must  be,  at  the  present  time,  it 
cannot  reasonably  be  expected  that  the  rules  be  confined  to 
loyal  persons. 

Take,  for  example,  the  article  of  Sulphate  of  Quinine,  which 
is  not  included  in  the  list  of  articles  declared  contraband  by 
the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  we  can  see  at  once  the 
extraordinary  inducements  offered  to  smuggle  it  into  the  rebel 
army.  It  is  estimated  that  at  least  twenty-five  thousand 
ounces  of  this,  to  them  indispensable  medicine,  have  been 
shipped  at  this  port  alone  for  New  Orleans  since  the  first  day 
of  June;  an  amount  which  no  one  for  a  moment  believes  is 
required  or  needed  for  the  use  of  our  army,  or  the  loyal  people 
at  that  port.  While  the  prices  here  have  varied  from  two  to 
two  and  a  half  dollars  per  ounce,  the  rebels  have  paid  as  high 
as  sixty  dollars  per  ounce  for  it.  Other  articles  of  a  similar 
character,  such  as  morphine,  chloroform,  surgical  instruments, 
and  many  other  articles  sadly  needed  in  the  rebel  army,  it  is 
believed,  have  found  their  way  into  rebel  hands  by  reason  of 
the  enormous  prices  ruling  there,  and  if  so,  the  opening  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       £65 

these  ports  may  be  considered  of  doubtful  benefit  and  may 
perhaps  be  the  means  of  prolonging  the  War. 

Respectfully  submitted,  SIDNEY  S.  NORTON 

From  Major  General  R.  Taylor 

Head  Quarters  Dist.  Westn.  La.,  THIBODEAUXVILLE,  Sept.  8,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces  at 
NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  send  the  Hon.  R.  C.  Wickliffe,  a  distinguished 
citizen  and  a  former  Governor  of  the  state  of  Louisiana,  as 
the  bearer  of  this  communication  to  you. 

My  object  in  making  it  is,  in  the  first  place,  to  inform  you 
that  by  appointment  of  my  Government  I  am  in  command  of 
all  that  portion  of  Louisiana  which  lies  west  of  the  Mississippi 
river,  and  farther  to  state  that  the  troops  with  which  I  have 
hitherto  conducted  and  shall  continue  to  conduct  military 
operations  in  this  District,  are  men  only  as  have  been  regularly 
enrolled  in  the  service  of  the  Confederate  States,  together 
with  the  State  forces  which  have  been  turned  over  to  me  by 
the  Governor  of  Louisiana  under  the  laws  of  the  State  and  of 
the  Confederate  States. 

My  main  object,  however,  is  to  address  you  as  the  Senior 
officer  of  the  United  States  Government  in  charge  of  its  forces 
waging  war  in  this  portion  of  the  Confederate  States,  with 
respect  to  some  recent  occurrence  in  this  state  by  troops  under 
your  command. 

Marauding  expeditions,  started  either  from  the  city  of  New 
Orleans  or  from  some  point  on  the  Opelomay  Rail  Road,  have 
fallen  upon  the  line  of  coast  on  both  banks  of  the  Mississippi 
River  for  a  space  of  at  least  thirty  miles  above  the  city.  Their 
track  has  been  marked  with  devastation  and  ruin.  The  dwell- 
ings of  its  peaceable  and  unoffending  inhabitants  have  been 
entered  and  pillaged  by  a  ruthless  soldiery.  Every  movable  ob- 
ject upon  their  plantation  and  in  their  homes  has  been  either  car- 
ried off  or  destroyed  —  nor  has  there  been  any  distinction  of 
person  or  of  sex.  The  rich  and  the  poor  made  to  suffer  alike, 
women  and  children  have  been  exposed  to  indecent  search,  and 
articles  of  apparel  or  of  ornament  taken  from  their  person. 

I  do  not  derive  the  knowledge  of  this  condition  of  things 
from  the  sufferers  alone  —  letters  written  and  diaries  kept  by 
officers  and  men,  some  of  the  very  parties  engaged  in  these 
lawless  and  inhuman  acts,  whom  the  fortune  of  war  has  placed 


266        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

in  my  hands,  discloses  a  scene  the  horrors  of  which  no  language 
can  exaggerate. 

I  hesitate  to  believe  that  these  excesses  can  have  been  sanc- 
tioned by  the  authorities  of  the  United  States,  who  are  respon- 
sible for  the  proper  conduct  of  their  troops  in  the  localities 
they  occupy;  or  that  the  well-known  perpetrators  of  them  will 
be  permitted  to  go  unpunished.  I  need  not  say  that  this  is 
not  civilized  warfare,  and  that  the  sanction  or  tolerance  of  it 
by  your  Government  will  lead  to  the  most  summary  reprisals 
by  my  own. 

I  have  in  my  possession  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  of  your 
officers  and  men,  the  survivors  of  one  of  these  predatory 
bands.  Many  of  them  when  taken  were  found  with  objects  of 
more  or  less  value  which  they  had  plundered  from  our  help- 
less citizens.  I  have  determined  to  suspend  the  operation  of 
the  General  cartel  with  respect  to  these  men,  until  I  can  com- 
municate with  and  receive  instructions  from  my  Government. 
But  in  order  to  protect  for  the  future  the  non-combatants 
residing  within  my  district  from  the  repetition  of  their  acts  of 
lawless  violence,  I  shall  be  compelled  to  work  the  most  strin- 
gent measures  I  have  it  in  my  power  to  adopt. 

I  have  accordingly  to  notify  you  that  upon  a  repetition  of 
them,  I  shall  select  by  lot  from  among  the  prisoners  in  my 
hands  ten  officers  and  men  for  immediate  execution;  leaving 
the  responsibility  for  inaugurating  this  sytem  of  warfare  to 
act  upon  your  Government,  to  which  for  its  toleration  of  this 
conduct  of  its  troops  it  will  properly  belong.  I  am,  General, 

Your  obt.  servt.,  R.  TAYLOR, 
M aj.  Gen.  Comdg.  Dist.  Western,  La. 


By  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Qidf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  IQth,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

General  RICHARD  TAYLOR,  Commanding 

GENERAL:  I  received  your  letter  by  the  Hon.  R.  C.  Wick- 
liffe,  in  whom  I  at  once  recognized  a  gentleman  of  the  highest 
respectability,  but  I  take  leave  to  suggest  that  a  flag  of  truce, 
bearing  communications  from  one  military  officer  to  another, 
is  usually  in  charge  of  an  officer  of  the  Command  of  the  party 
sending  it. 

I  am  pleased  to  be  informed  as  to  the  Command  of  the 
Confederate  forces  on  the  Western  side  of  the  Mississippi. 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   267 

No  information  has  reached  these  Headquarters,  save  by 
your  note,  of  the  occurrences  of  which  you  write.  The  troops 
at  the  Bayou  des  Allemands  were  an  advance  post  guarding 
a  Railroad  bridge,  and  not  an  expedition  at  all,  nor  were  they 
allowed  to  go  on  any  expedition  up  the  coast  or  elsewhere,  so 
that  upon  this  topic  I  am  constrained  to  believe  you  were 
misinformed. 

I  need  not  say  that  acts  such  as  you  describe  are  neither 
ordered  nor  tolerated  by  the  Government  or  by  myself.  I 
enclose  a  copy  of  my  General  Orders  and  also  the  Orders  of 
the  War  Department  upon  this  subject. 

That  unlicensed  acts  are  committed  by  troops  on  march- 
ing service  is  the  well-known  fact  of  all  civilized  warfare. 

If  any  deeds  such  as  you  describe  have  been  committed, 
and  you  will  send  me  the  written  evidence  which  you  may  have, 
together  with  the  parties,  my  acts  heretofore  should  convince 
you  that  they  will  be  properly  punished.  Therefore,  if  you 
have  the  guilty  parties  you  will  do  well  to  allow  them  to  be 
exchanged,  as  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  ascertain  their 
guilt  if  you  retain  them. 

I  could  have  wished  that  this  answer  to  your  communica- 
tion could  have  ended  here,  and  that  you  could  have  contented 
yourself  not  to  threaten. 

It  is  true  you  have  136  men  duly  enlisted  in  the  8th  Ver- 
mont Regiment,  including  their  officers.  But  how  captured? 
In  part  by  ambush  of  a  supply  train.  This  savors  rather  of 
Indian  than  of  civilized  warfare.  "But  the  worst  remains 
behind."  I  am  informed  that  the  Guerilla  force  which  made 
the  capture  of  the  Post  at  Bayou  des  Allemands  raised  a  flag 
of  truce,  that  it  was  answered  by  another  flag  from  my  men, 
the  bearers  of  which  were  seized  and  detained.  That  a  second 
flag  was  sent  out  to  request  the  return  of  the  first,  that  this 
also  was  seized,  and  the  bearers  of  both  were  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  advancing  column  so  that  my  men  could  fire  only 
upon  their  friends.  Is  this  civilized  or  savage  warfare?  It 
reads  precisely  like  the  history  of  similar  strategy  by  Tous- 
saint  POuverture  toward  the  French  forces  in  San  Domingo, 
and  would  seem  therefore  to  be  not  even  original. 

I  say  most  unhesitatingly,  General,  that  I  do  not  suspect 
even  that  this  act  was  in  any  way  known  to  or  sanctioned  by 
yourself,  educated  in  the  United  States  and  the  son  of  one 
who  led  the  United  States  Army  to  victory,  and  died  the 
recipient  of  his  whole  country's  highest  honors. 


268   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

The  mischief  arises  from  the  employment  of  a  Guerilla 
force  of  undisciplined  and  lawless  men,  brought  from  a  neigh- 
boring state  into  ,a  community  where  they  have  neither  inter- 
est nor  restraint.  Now,  I  am  aware  that  your  authorities 
have  called  this  force  "Partisan  Rangers,"  but  that  neither 
alters  their  conditions,  their  habits,  their  disposition,  or  acts. 
Lawless  violence  has  been  and  will  ever  be  the  distinguishing 
character  of  such  force.  Organized  originally  in  Spain  and 
Mexico,  from  a  part  which  these  men  came,  it  is  known  what 
they  will  do,  nay  what  they  must  do.  Now,  although  I  have 
some  thirty  of  the  very  men  who  so  abused  a  flag  of  truce,  I 
shall  make  no  threats  of  reprisal. 

I  take  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  I  sub- 
mitted through  Mr.  Deslonde  a  proposition  to  you  that  some 
arrangement  may  be  made  by  which  non-combatants  might 
have  some  protection  from  the  severities  and  hardships  of 
war.  You  are  reported  to  me  by  Thos.  O.  Moore,  who  assumed 
to  be  the  Commander  of  the  forces  at  Opelousas,  and  took 
upon  himself  to  answer  my  communication  to  that  officer, 
through  some  supposed  Adjutant  General,  to  have  declined 
any  arrangement  for  the  protection  of  non-combatants, 
because  they  would  need  none  if  the  war  was  conducted  on 
our  side  as  the  Confederate  Government  has  always  conducted 
it,  according  to  the  rules  of  civilized  warfare. 

I  am  at  a  loss  to  distinguish  between  the  conduct  of  the 
State  and  the  Confederate  Governments. 

If  the  proclamation  of  the  late  Governor  Moore,  which 
promises  short  shrift  to  those  who  may  even  buy  provisions 
to  keep  them  from  starving  in  New  Orleans,  which  threatens 
each  person  leaving  my  lines  with  my  pass  with  imprison- 
ment; if,  in  its  intent,  its  meaning,  and  scope  that  Proclama- 
tion is  according  to  any  rules  or  usage  of  either  civilized  or 
uncivilized  warfare,  I  have  failed  to  have  been  informed  of 
them. 

That  burning  cotton  of  peaceable  planters,  rolling  their 
sugar  into  the  river,  and  destroying  their  sugar  houses,  as 
has  been  done  all  along  the  river  by  "Partisan  Rangers," 
and  that  too  to  their  very  friends  and  sympathizers  for  the 
crime  of  only  desiring  to  sell  their  crop  and  getting  something 
to  buy  provisions  for  themselves  and  their  negroes,  is  not  civil- 
ized, I  certainly  need  not  remind  a  late  soldier  of  the  United 
States  Army. 

Firing  upon  an  unarmed  boat  filled  with  women  and  female 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        269 

school  children,  and  almost  with  those  only,  is  neither  civilized 
nor  brave. 

As  an  example  of  the  unacquaintance  [with]  the  rules  of 
civilized  warfare  of  a  portion  of  the  forces  under  your  com- 
mand, please  take  the  firing  of  thirty  men,  protected  by  a 
village,  with  double-barrel  shot-guns,  upon  a  United  States 
Steam  Sloop  of  War  passing  quietly  down  the  river. 

I  shall  only  fatigue  you  by  enumeration.  I  have  within 
my  lines  and  my  power  five  times  one  hundred  and  thirty 
officers  and  men  of  the  Confederate  Service  as  prisoners  of 
war,  from  a  Brigadier  General  to  the  inconsiderate  lad  of  six- 
teen. I  shall  treat  these  with  every  courtesy  due  their  posi- 
tion. No  hair  on  the  head  of  one  of  my  captured  soldiers 
ought  to  be  touched  upon  any  pretext  of  reprisal  or  retalia- 
tion. I  trust  you  will  reconsider  your  determination  to  do  so 
in  any  event. 

That  I  punish  the  guilty  marauders  with  promptness,  the 
women  and  children  of  New  Orleans  who  sleep  in  calm  undis- 
turbed quiet  under  our  flag  will  tell  you.  That  I  deal  gener- 
ously with  my  enemies,  a  thousand  and  nineteen  families  of 
Confederate  soldiers,  now  being  fed  from  my  rations  will 
testify.  That  I  will  take  care  of,  protect,  and  avenge  the  wrongs 
and  lives  of  my  fellow-soldiers,  confided  to  my  care,  you,  as 
a  soldier,  can  judge.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Comd'g 

P.S.  Since  writing  this  note,  I  have  received  a  letter  from 
Commander  Porter.  If  true  it  only  adds  another  example  of 
the  infelicity  of  employing  such  Partisan  forces.  If  false,  it 
shows  the  danger  of  reprisals  and  retaliation  upon  any  report 

whatever-  Respectfully,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Commodore  W.  D.  Porter 

On  board  U.  S.  Gunboat  Essex,  of  NEW  ORLEANS 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  understand  you  have  this  day  captured  some 
Guerillas. 

On  the  15th  August  my  fourth  Master,  Mr.  Spencer  Kellogg, 
with  four  of  my  seamen  from  the  "Essex,"  were  made  prison- 
ers by  some  Guerillas  at  Port  Hudson,  when  engaged  in  cutting 
adrift  some  flatboats  used  by  the  Rebels  for  conveyance  of 


270   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

supplies  from  West  Bank  to  the  East  Bank  of  the  Mississippi; 
the  next  day  they  were  hanged.  So  I  understand  from  a 
citizen  of  Bayou  Sara,  in  whom  I  have  much  confidence. 

I  would  ask  you  under  the  circumstances  that  retribution 
be  carried  out,  and  would  respectfully  suggest  that  for  each 
seaman  of  mine  hanged,  one  Guerilla  be  shot  and  for  my 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant, 
W.  D.  PORTER,  Commodore  U.  S.  Navy. 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase 

NEW  ORLEANS,  September  9th,  1862  * 

DEAR  SIR:  The  newspapers  which  I  send,  will  give  you  most 
of  the  local  news. 

One  Regiment  of  the  Free  Colored  Brigade  is  full,  and  about 
500  more  are  already  enlisted.  Surgeons  and  officers  speak 
highly  of  the  physical  qualities  of  the  men.  Most  of  them  are 
a  very  light  color,  and,  I  believe,  will  make  good  soldiers.  I 
admire  the  characteristic  shrewdness  with  which  Gen.  Butler 
has  managed  this  affair.  By  accepting  a  regiment  which  had 
already  been  in  Confederate  Service,  he  left  no  room  for  com- 
plaint (by  the  Rebels)  that  the  Government  were  arming  the 
negroes.  But,  in  enlisting,  nobody  inquires  whether  the  recruit 
is  (or  has  been)  a  slave.  As  a  consequence,  the  boldest  and 
finest  fugitives  have  enlisted,  while  the  whole  organization  is 
known  as  the  "Free  Colored  Brigade."  Without  doubt  it 
will  be  a  success. 

It  is  understood  here  that  Gen.  Phelps'  resignation  has 
been  accepted.  The  controversy  between  Generals  Butler  and 
Phelps  is  much  regretted  by  the  best  Union  men.  Gen. 
Phelps  is  beloved  by  his  soldiers,  and  no  man  has  suspected 
his  integrity  and  disinterestedness.  This  is  not  strictly  true 
of  Gen.  Butler,  for  while  all  admire  his  great  ability,  many  of  his 
soldiers  think  him  selfish  and  cold-hearted,  and  many  soldiers 
and  citizens  —  Union  and  Secessionists  —  think  he  is  inter- 
ested in  the  speculations  of  his  brother  (Col.  Butler)  and  others. 

Sometimes  circumstances  look  very  suspicious,  but  if  I 
happen  to  hear  his  explanation  of  the  same  circumstances, 
suspicion  almost  entirely  disappears.  I  have  never  been  able 
to  discover  any  good  proof  that  Gen.  Butler  has  improperly 
done,  or  permitted,  anything  for  his  own  pecuniary  advan- 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  312. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       271 

tage.  He  is  such  a  smart  man,  that  it  would,  in  any  case,  be 
difficult  to  discover  what  he  wished  to  conceal. 

But  it  is  the  general  impression  here  that  money  will  accom- 
plish anything  with  the  authorities.  It  seems  probable  that 
this  impression  would  not  exist  without  some  foundation.  It 
is  much  to  be  regretted,  but  Gen.  B.'s  abilities,  shrewdness, 
and  just  severity  toward  secessionists  —  and  proper  appre- 
ciation of  the  whole  rebellion,  cause  him  to  be  respected  and 
admired  even  by  his  enemies.  I  believe  Gen.  Butler's  opposi- 
tion to  the  enlistment  of  negroes  by  Gen.  Phelps  was  not  a 
matter  of  principle.  Gen.  Phelps  had  the  start  of  him,  while 
Gen.  B.  wanted  the  credit  of  doing  the  thing  himself,  and  in 
his  own  way.  And  he  is  doing  it,  shrewdly  and  completely, 
as  he  does  everything. 

Notwithstanding  the  impression  above  mentioned,  it  would 
be  difficult  to  find  a  man  capable  of  filling  Gen.  Butler's 
place,  and  who  would  give  the  same  satisfaction  to  Union 
men. 

The  City  is  very  healthy,  and  the  coming  of  Yellow  Fever 
is  no  longer  feared. 

The  Iron  Clad  Gunboat  "Essex"  is  here  from  up  the  River. 

(GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  9th,  1862 

MY  DEAR  WIFE:  I  enclose  your  two  last  letters  according 
to  request,  and  farther  give  you  an  account  of  my  health  in 
full  as  you  request.  I  cannot  write  at  length  as  my  right  hand 
is  quite  stiff  from  the  effects  of  a  large  boil  on  the  back  of  it. 
I  have  one  or  two  more  on  various  parts  of  the  arm  which 
are  quite  troublesome.  Otherwise  my  constitutional  health 
is  good.  We  are  all  troubled  here  with  what  is  known  as 
"prickly  heat,"  i.e.,  eruptions  on  various  parts  of  the  body, 
like  the  rash.  This  I  have  had  to  some  extent  on  the  arms 
and  legs.  It  seems  to  be  nothing  more  or  less  than  this.  The 
skin  kept  in  a  high  state  of  perspiration,  and  thus  moist, 
becomes  at  last  inflamed,  and  thus  endeavors  to  restore  itself, 
but  the  eruptions  being  over  so  large  a  surface  cannot  allow 
the  skin  to  clear  itself  of  all  the  secretions,  and  therefore  they 
are  discharged  through  larger  eruptions  known  as  boils.  I 
learn  that  all  this  people  are  afflicted  with  boils,  and  some  of 
them  to  a  fearful  extent.  My  surgeon,  Dr.  McCormick,  tells 


272   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

me  that  when  he  formerly  practised  here  he  knew  one  lady 
that  had  three  thousand,  land  another  five  thousand  boils, 
but  the  last  died  of  them.  All  this  disappears  when  the 
weather  becomes  cooler.  We  have  all  had  it,  especially  the 
fleshy  ones  —  Andrew  and  French,  although  I  hardly  reckon 
myself  amongst  that  number. 

The  city  still  continues  healthy.  My  command  is  saved 
wonderfully  in  health.  Many  of  the  officers  have  been  fright- 
ened home  by  fear  of  yellow  fever,  which,  although  they  have 
managed  to  get  it  in  the  fleet  over  at  Pensacola,  and  I  have 
[it  3  down  at  the  Quarantine  here,  yet  we  have  kept  out  of  the 
city. 

You  did  me  great  wrong  in  your  letter,  and  I  replied  to  it 
as  I  felt  —  pity,  anger,  sorrow,  indignation,  all  were,  as  they 
rose,  penned  down.  Why  do  you  take  such  foolish  notions? 
I  can  take  care  of  my  own  honor  among  women  or  men. 

We  are  in  receipt  here  of  very  terrible  news  from  the  Poto- 
mac, nothing  less  than  the  rout  of  McClellan's  entire  army.  If 
true,  I  shall  have  trouble  enough  here,  but  fear  not.  We  shall 
hold  New  Orleans.  Indeed  I  think  they  had  better  move  the 
Capital  here  as  the  safest  place.  Do  not  doubt  that  I  would 
be  glad  to  see  you  and  have  you  here.  It  is  not  time  now  to 
come.  No  need  to  expose  yourself  either  to  fever  on  land  or 
the  hurricane  at  sea.  I  will  write  you  when  I  think  you  can 
come.  Another  difficulty  is  if  you  come  we  shall  have  every 
soldier  in  the  division  asking  to  bring  his  wife;  they  are  begin- 
ning to  do  it  now.  The  "Relief"  (Fisher's  Boat)  has  not  yet 
made  her  appearance.  I  know  not  what  her  cargo  is,  no  invoice 
having  been  sent  forward,  but  this  delay  will  make  it  an  un- 
profitable one.  Fisher  need  not  come  out  here,  indeed  he 
must  not. 

But  why  do  I  talk  of  this.  If  the  news  is  true,  we  are  all 
required  to  look  a  sterner  reality  in  the  face  than  has  yet  been 
done.  This  war  must  then  be  carried  on  as  one  of  extermina- 
tion until  any  white  man  not  a  United  States  soldier,  or 
openly  and  fully  acting  with  the  Government,  is  exterminated. 
Indeed,  I  don't  see  but  we  must  fight  for  our  own  existence. 
It  is  coming  —  a  "Military  Dictator."  God  grant  the  man 
may  be  one  of  power  and  administrative  capacity.  Let  it 
come  —  the  man  has  not  developed  himself  yet  —  but  he 
will  —  in  the  field  too,  before  long.  The  day  of  small  expedi- 
ents and  small  men  is  getting  by.  Well,  an  empire  is  the 
repose  as  it  is  the  ripeness  of  nations. 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   273 

I  only  wish  they  would  recall  me  from  this  place  —  impor- 
tant enough  no  doubt  —  but  only  Lieutenancy,  something  too 
much  of  this.  Ymmt  B  F  BuTLER 

P.S.  You  will  see,  dearest,  by  the  signature  how  much  the 
mind  wandered  away  from  the  thought  of  writing  you.  I 
do  kiss  you  and  love  you,  but  let  me  do  so  without  wounding 
me.  BENJ. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  9//i,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Western  Gulf 
Blockading  Squadron 

MY  DEAR  ADMIRAL:  A  week  or  two  since  there  were  immi- 
nent threats  of  attack  upon  New  Orleans.  I  believe  now  that 
has  been  put  off  till  about  the  middle  of  October,  when  the  iron- 
clad fleet  in  the  Yazoo  will  be  finished.  This  my  information 
gives  as  the  settled  plan.  The  Government  should  give  us  one 
of  the  new  iron-clads  to  end  these  hopes  of  the  rebels. 

I  have  now  an  expedition  up  river  under  convoy  of  the 
" Mississippi."  The  "Essex"  is  here,  not  at  the  mouth  of 
Red  River  where  she  is  needed. 

I  will  be  able,  I  think,  to  aid  you  at  Mobile;  at  any  rate  I 
will  see  you  within  the  next  ten  days.  It  would  be  impossible 
to  spare  the  "New  London"  on  the  Lake.  I  am  causing  a 
crew  to  be  enlisted  for  the  "Calhoun."  We  shall  need  her 
also  to  be  just  as  we  would  be  in  event  of  an  attack. 

My  advices  are  such  that  I  shall  quarantine  "Pensacola" 
no  longer,  although  it  was  fortunate  I  stopped  the  "Rhode 
Island."  The  health  of  the  City  is  improving.  You  will 
hear  fearful  news  from  Washington,  but  I  hope  it  is  not  so 
bad  as  it  looks. 

You  will  be  pleased  to  hear  of  the  promotion  of  Lieut. 
Weitzel  to  Brigadier  General.  My  ^  ^^ 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  C. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quars.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  9th,  1862 

ORDERED 

THE  Provost  Marshal  General  will  proceed  to  Carrollton 
and  take  possession  of  any  and  all  captured  property,  espe- 
cially horses  and  mules,  and  turn  over  the  same  to  the  Chief 

VOL.    II — 1 8 


274   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Quarter  Master  at  New  Orleans.  He  will  take  the  horses  of 
any  Officer  or  soldier  not  entitled  thereto  by  regulations  as 
captured  property. 

Any  Officer  throwing  any  obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  prompt 
execution  of  this  order,  or  not  disclosing,  when  called  upon, 
the  existence  of  such  property,  will  be  reported  for  investiga- 
tion, and  if  found  guilty  will  be  dismissed  from  the  Service. 
Any  enlisted  man  so  acting  will  be  arrested  by  the  Provost 
Guard  and  brought  to  New  Orleans  for  punishment. 

The  Provost  Marshal  General  will  cause  this  order  to  be  read 
to  each  corps  which  may  be  called  into  line  for  that  purpose. 

From  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  September  Wth,  1862 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  transmit 
herewith  a  copy  of  a  letter  dated  the  9th  instant,  received 
from  the  Department  of  State,  together  with  a  copy  of  the 
translation  of  the  Spanish  Minister's  communication,  to  which 
reference  is  therein  made. 

In  view  of  the  complaints  alleged  by  the  Minister  from 
Spain  against  the  administration  of  the  quarantine  laws  at 
New  Orleans,  the  Secretary  of  War  requests  that  you  will,  as 
early  as  practicable,  submit  to  this  Department  full  explana- 
tion of  the  questions  involved,  and  at  the  same  time,  as  sug- 
gested by  the  Secretary  of  State,  consider  "the  expediency  of 
allowing  the  Spanish  tobacco  ships  mentioned  by  Mr.  Tassara 
their  clearances  as  soon  as  may  be  compatible  with  the  public 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedt.  Servant, 
P.  H.  WATSON,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  September  9,  1862 
[ Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  a  translation  of  a  com- 
munication which  has  been  received  at  this  Department  from 
His  Excellency,  Mr.  Tarsara,  the  Minister  from  Spain,  pre- 
ferring complaints  alleged  by  Spanish  subjects  against  Major 
General  Butler's  administration  of  the  quarantine  laws  at 
New  Orleans,  and  to  call  your  attention  to  allegations  in 
effect  of  a  capricious  discrimination  to  the  prejudice  of  Spanish 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   275 

vessels  trading  at  New  Orleans.  This  Department  does  not 
doubt  that  Major  General  Butler  is  acting  with  perfect  justice 
and  impartiality;  but  it  is  bound  to  acknowledge  that  the 
Spanish  Government  seems  to  be  acting  in  a  very  conciliatory 
and  liberal  spirit  towards  the  United  States.  I  will  thank 
you,  therefore,  to  transmit  a  copy  of  Mr.  Tassara's  communi- 
cation, together  with  a  copy  of  this  letter,  to  Major  General 
Butler,  and  to  ask  him  for  such  detailed  explanations  of  the 
subject  as  will  enable  me  to  give  a  full  and  satisfactory  answer 
to  the  Spanish  Minister. 

I  would  submit  also,  for  General  Butler's  or  General  Shep- 

ley's  consideration,  the  expediency  of  allowing  the  Spanish 

tobacco  ships  mentioned  by  Mr.  Tarsara  their  clearances,  as 

soon  as  may  be  compatible  with  the  public  health.    I  am,  sir, 

Your  obedient  servant,  WILLIAM  H.  SEWAKD 

From  the  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  IQth,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  do  my  duty  in  addressing  you  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Dubos, 
one  of  the  editors  of  the  Compilateur  and  a  French  citizen. 
Mr  Dubos  has  written  me  a  letter  in  which  he  excuses  himself 
for  the  wrong  he  may  have  done  you  or  your  government, 
saying  that  he  had  no  idea  that  you  would  take  in  such  a 
serious  manner  some  articles  written  in  the  style  of  the 
"Vanity's  Fair"  in  New  York,  and  that  he  never  had  the 
intention  to  attack  the  politics  of  the  U.  S.  Government. 

I  do  not  mean  to  defend  the  right  Mr.  Dubos  may  or  may 
not  have  to  publish  these  articles,  but  I  come  to  solicit  your 
generosity  in  behalf  of  a  Frenchman  who  is  more  imprudent 
than  culpable,  and  would  be  seriously  punished  if  he  was  to 
lose  his  liberty  on  account  of  his  imprudence. 

Most  Respectfully,  Your  Obedt.  Servt., 

FAUCONNET,  Acting  French  Consul 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  14th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

lion.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secretary  of  State 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  the  State  Department, 
in  obedience  to  orders,  copies  of  newspapers  with  translations 
of  objectional  articles  marked,  and  to  certify  to  the  Depart- 


276   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ment  that  I  have  caused  the  paper  to  be  suppressed  and  the 
writer  of  the  articles  to  be  imprisoned,  one  Francis  Dubos. 

He  is  a  French  citizen  who  has  come  into  this  country 
within  two  years,  and  feels  himself  competent  to  instruct  us 
in  our  political  and  national  relations.  I  have  judged  other- 
wise, and  have  put  him  out  of  harm's  way  for  the  present.  If 
any  representations  are  sent  to  your  Department,  the  facts 
are  all  before  you.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Merchants  of  New  Orleans 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  10,  1862 

To  Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

THE  undersigned,  merchants  residing  in  New  Orleans,  being 
informed  of  the  arrest  of  Mr.  Chas.  Heidsick  by  your  order, 
respectfully  beg  leave  to  bring  to  your  knowledge  how  sorry 
and  grieved  they  are  to  see  this  gentleman  in  so  painful  a 
position. 

They  take  the  liberty,  General,  of  informing  you  that  they 
have  always  known  Mr.  Heidsick,  who  for  many  years  is 
doing  business  in  the  United  States,  as  an  honorable  man, 
deserving  in  every  respect  the  sympathy  and  esteem  of  all 
persons  acquainted  with  him. 

Mr.  Heidsick  is  a  Frenchman  by  birth,  belonging  to  one  of  the 
most  respectable  families  of  France,  his  reputation  of  integrity 
and  honor  is  well  appreciated  by  our  whole  community. 

In  the  opinion  of  the  undersigned,  Mr.  Heidsick  is  incapable 
of  committing  intentionally  an  indelicate  action,  and  he  would 
be  the  last  man  to  infringe  or  violate  the  obligations  of  neutral- 
ity imposed  upon  strangers  towards  the  Great  American 
Republic  at  this  critical  moment  of  its  political  troubles,  when 
said  strangers  are  so  liberally  tolerated  in  this  country. 

Under  these  considerations,  General,  permit  us  to  ask  of 
you  respectfully  to  extend  your  clemency  on  the  fate  of  Mr. 
Chas.  Heidsick.  We  know,  General,  that  when  sincere  none 
aPply  IB  vain  to  your  clemency.  Pardon,  General,  Mr.  Heid- 
sick. History  will  record  with  your  glory  the  numerous  acts  of 
your  generosity  you  have  so  often  bestowed  on  so  many  per- 
sons during  your  passage  in  this  great  but  unfortunate  city. 

S.  PLAYSON,  T.  BAILEY  BLANCHARD,  JR.,  P.  A.  SIVANLER, 
A.  CARNERE,  PAUL  JUGE,  fils,  PAUL  JUGE  &  TARRY 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       277 

Answer:  Write  Mr.  Playson  that  H.  will  be  released  on  his 
getting  a  first  boat,  and  not  returning  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Wth,  1862 

MY  DEAR  SARAH  :  I  wrote  you  a  long  letter  yesterday  by  the 
"Ocean  Queen,"  but  as  she  goes  by  Pensacola  this  may  reach 
you  first.  My  health  continues  good  save  that  I  am  afflicted 
as  was  Job  with  sore  boils,  which  are  the  plague  of  the  Country, 
while  the  annoyance  of  the  Country  is  "red  ants."  You  saw 
none  of  them  to  speak  of. 

The  "Relief"  has  not  yet  made  her  appearance.  Nor  the 
"  Saxon."  There  need  be  no  different  course  about  the  "  Saxon  " 
than  in  any  other  business.  She  was  retained  in  the  Govern- 
ment service  so  long  as  she  was  serviceable.  Then  a  suitable 
number  of  days  were  allowed  her  to  return  home.  Those 
were  used  in  indispensable  repairs,  and  she  was  run  up  the 
coast  until  a  change  of  military  operations  rendered  it  no  longer 
profitable.  If  there  is  any  reason  to  believe  that  an  untrue 
account  has  been  rendered,  send  the  facts  on  which  the  belief 
is  based  and  I  will  investigate  it.  If  the  Government  pro- 
posed to  give  four  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  a  day  fee  to  go 
anywhere,  I  think  the  owners  were  not  wise  in  not  accepting 
the  proposal.  It  is  more  than  she  is  worth  any  where. 

I  am  very  glad  to  get  your  letter  by  Strong's  vessel.  He  has 
arrived  here  in  good  health  and  spirits.  Your  letter  gave  me 
some  life  about  the  future.  It  breathed  more  of  hope  and 
cheerfulness.  Our  future  may  be  cheerful,  but  Oh,  my  country, 
what  for  thee.  It  seems  as  if  the  devil  has  entered  into  strategy 
of  all  of  us. 

Washington  again  besieged.  Our  work  all  to  do  over  again. 
Let  it  be  well  done  this  time.  I'm  anxiously  waiting  the 
news.  Why  will  not  the  Administration  send  for  the  Army 
of  the  Gulf,  and  let  us  whip  out  those  Rebels  in  Virginia? 

I  suppose  you  will  get  frightened  about  sending  Blanche, 
I  do  not  know  what  to  advise.  Will  do  so  when  I  can  hear  the 
news.  I  do  kiss  and  embrace  you  dearly.  Adieu. 

HUSBAND 


278       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.   10,  1862 

Dr.  W.  N.  MERCER,  Pres.  Bank  of  Louisiana 

SIR:  I  have  carefully  examined  the  memoranda  of  resolu- 
tions passed  by  your  board  of  Directors  and  submitted  to 
me,  on  the  subject  of  drawing  against  the  specie  of  your  Bank 
now  not  in  its  vaults. 

The  proposed  arrangement,  if  carried  out  in  good  faith, 
would  re-assure  the  standing  of  the  Bank,  save  its  stock- 
holders from  loss,  and  benefit  the  currency  of  New  Orleans. 
With  these  views  I  consent  to  it  on  behalf  of  the  United 
States  Government.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  10,  1862 

Major  General  HALLECK,  Commanding  Armies  of  the  U.  S. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  Saturday, 
the  7th,  a  regiment  of  Partisan  Texas  Rangers,  under  the 
command  of  Major  Walles,  ambushed  a  detachment  of  the 
advanced  Pickets  of  the  8th  Vermont  Volunteers  at  the  Bayou 
Des  Allemands,  32  miles  from  Algiers,  on  the  railroad  when 
they  were  coming  down  to  Algiers  for  provisions,  and  wounded 
a  number  of  them.  The  Guerillas  then  proceeded  to  the 
Bayou,  and  by  means  of  abuse  of  a  Flag  of  truce  to  which 
they  induced  an  answer,  and  then  seized  the  bearers  and  put 
them  in  front  of  their  column  of  attack,  caused  a  surrender  of 
the  remainder  before  the  supporting  force  could  reach  them. 

These  supports  were  detained  by  the  unfortunate  accident  of 
running  an  ox  upon  the  track,  which  broke  up  the  train  and 
wounded  several  of  the  troops.  Still,  I  cannot  approve  of  the 
conduct  of  the  pickets  in  not  holding  out  and  making  a  contest, 
as  they  would  have  been  immediately  supported.  Emboldened 
by  this  success,  this  Cavalry  force  made  their  appearance  on 
the  West  River  Bank,  some  thirty  miles  above  the  city.  I  im- 
mediately ordered  Col.  McMillan  to  take  a  portion  of  the  21st 
Indiana  Regiment  and  9th  Conn,  and  land  below  them,  and 
asked  Commodore  Morris  to  send  a  gunboat  up  the  Mississippi 
to  cover  the  landing  in  case  the  enemy  should  be  supported  by 
artillery,  which  request  was  promptly  complied  with. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   279 

The  movement  was  admirably  executed,  and  resulted  in 
hemming  in  between  the  river  and  the  swamp  the  entire 
body  of  Guerillas. 

Upon  being  called  upon  to  surrender,  they  fled  from  their 
horses  into  the  swamp,  and  were  then  pursued  by  our  men, 
who  succeeded  in  capturing  some  forty  prisoners,  including 
several  officers,  250  horses  with  their  equipment,  which  could 
not  be  taken  into  the  swamps. 

The  enemy  lost  8  killed  and  wounded.  This  Guerilla  force, 
which  has  been  the  terror  of  all  that  part  of  the  country,  has 
been  thus  thoroughly  disposed,  dismounted,  and  disorganized. 

I  will  endeavor  as  soon  as  I  get  reinforcements  to  organize 
an  expedition  which  shall  relieve  the  Western  part  of  Louisiana 
from  the  presence  of  any  force  of  enemy. 

I  am  convinced  that  all  attempts  upon  New  Orleans  are 
abandoned  for  the  present,  and  that  the  enemy  await  the 
finishing  of  the  iron-clad  boats  which  they  are  making  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo  River.  These  they  expect  to  finish 
by  the  middle  of  October.  I  am 

Very  truly  Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.C.,  September  llth,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  at 

NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

SIR:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  transmit  to  you 
the  enclosed  copies  of  a  correspondence  which  has  taken  place 
between  the  Minister  of  Spain  and  the  State  Department, 
touching  your  action  in  regard  to  the  house  of  Messrs  Aven- 
dano  Brothers,  at  New  Orleans,  and  to  request  such  explana- 
tions as  will  enable  the  Secretary  of  State  to  answer  the 
complaint  in  question. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

TRANSLATION.    Legation  of  Spain,  WASHINGTON,  26  August,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secretary  of  State  of  the  U.  S. 

THE  undersigned,  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  of  H.  Catholic  Majesty,  has  the  honor  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  Honorable  Secretary  of  State  of  the 
United  States  to  the  facts  which  are  related  in  continuation. 


£80        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

A  Confederate  steamer  being  captured  in  Berwick  Bay, 
coming  from  the  Havana,  there  were  found  on  board  of  her 
some  letters  addressed  to  the  Spanish  house  of  Avendano 
Brothers  at  New  Orleans,  one  of  them  containing  invoices  of 
goods  sent  in  consignment,  but  not  for  account  of  said  house, 
by  different  vessels,  and  a  bill  to  their  order  for  some  hundred 
dollars. 

A  few  days  after  this  event  above  cited  occurred,  Messrs. 
Avendano  received  a  note  from  General  Butler  saying  that  he 
wished  to  see  them.  One  of  the  individuals  of  the  house 
went  to  him,  and  General  Butler  showed  him  the  letter  of 
which  mention  has  been  made,  the  bill  and  two  others  —  sec- 
onds —  for  value  of  1900  sterling  pounds,  on  London,  requir- 
ing payment  of  the  amount. 

The  representative  of  Avendano's  house  assured  him  that 
it  had  nothing  to  do  with  those  bills,  because  they  did  not 
know,  even  by  name,  the  persons,  by  whom  they  were  drawn, 
but  his  protestations  served  no  purpose  unless  to  enrage  the 
General,  who  insisted  on  his  pretentions  under  penalty  of 
imprisonment  in  Fort  Jackson,  &c.,  directing  at  once  that  he 
should  be  kept  under  arrest,  and  next  ordering  an  officer  to 
take  possession  of  the  correspondence  which  should  be  found 
in  the  counting  house. 

In  this  state  of  things,  Messrs.  Avendano  instructed  a  lawyer 
to  see  General  Butler,  and  cause  him  to  understand  the  injus- 
tice he  had  done  against  them.  The  General  admitted  that 
the  bills  and  even  the  goods  pointed  out  by  the  invoices  were 
not  in  fact  the  property  of  these  gentlemen,  but  —  added  he 
—  the  gains  they  must  have  made  by  the  exportation  of  cotton 
and  importation  of  arms  must  have  been  so  much  augmented 
that  they  may  consider  themselves  very  fortunate  if  they  are 
not  compelled  to  pay  a  larger  sum. 

In  face  of  this  violence,  there  was  no  remedy  but  to  yield, 
and  Messrs.  Avendano,  fearing  to  become  the  victims  of  an 
outrage,  signed  a  bill  of  exchange  to  the  order  of  General 
Butler  for  the  value  of  1900  pounds  or  $9000  dollars.  Then, 
and  then  only,  was  the  arrested  partner,  who  had  meantime 
been  at  large  on  bail,  set  completely  at  liberty.  It  should 
still  be  added  that  the  head  of  the  house,  Don  Peregrim  Aven- 
dano, not  yet  knowing  to  what  he  might  not  be  exposed,  judg- 
ing from  the  past  oppressions,  resolved  to  go  to  the  Island  of 
Cuba,  as  in  fact  he  has,  abandoning  his  business. 

The  undersigned  deplores  the  necessity  under  which  he  is 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   281 

placed  of  complaining  so  repeatedly  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Military  Authority  at  New  Orleans  in  regard  to  the  subjects 
of  her  Catholic  Majesty.  The  exaction  of  which  Messrs. 
Avendano  have  been  the  subjects  is  a  new  and  odious  arbitrari- 
ness, and  the  charge  informally  specified  against  them  cannot 
be  anything  else  but  a  pretext  to  cover  it  up. 

The  Spanish  Government  has  no  need  to  repeat  that  it 
withdraws  its  protection  from  those  of  its  subjects  who  break 
the  laws  of  neutrality  in  the  contests  in  this  country.  But 
besides,  vague  asseverations  are  not  sufficient  to  prove  an 
offence,  especially  in  particulars  such  as  the  violation  of  a 
blockade,  which  frequently  bears  its  punishment  with  it,  and 
which,  even  when  established,  cannot  yet  palliate  such  down- 
right injustice  as  that  mentioned. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States  is  therefore  under 
obligation  to  make  restitution  of  the  sum  of  $9000,  extorted 
by  violence  from  Messrs.  Avendano  no  less  than  of  the  cor- 
respondence, which  the  said  house  was  also  compelled  to 
deliver,  being  in  addition  responsible  for  the  damages  and 
indemnities  which  the  case  requires. 

The  undersigned  does  not  question  the  proper  disposition 
of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  to  give  effect  to  its 
protection  of  Spanish  subjects  residing  in  this  country,  but 
in  the  presence  of  facts  of  the  nature  of  those  which  are  tak- 
ing place  at  New  Orleans,  such  protection  seems  to  be  null  or 
insufficient,  and  such  abuses  demand  urgent  remedy. 

The  undersigned  avails  of  this  occasion  to  reiterate  to  the 
Hon.  W.  H.  Seward  the  assurance  of  his  highest  consideration. 

GABRIEL  G.  TARSARA 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  9th,  1862 

Senor  Don  GABRIEL  GARCIA  TARSARA 

SIR:  The  note  which  your  Excellency  addressed  to  me  on 
the  26th  of  August,  during  my  absence  from  this  city,  has  only 
just  now  been  received.  It  prefers  a  complaint  by  your  Gov- 
ernment made  in  behalf  of  the  Spanish  House  of  Messrs. 
Avendano  Brothers,  at  New  Orleans,  for  severities  and  exac- 
tions alleged  to  have  been  committed  there  by  Major  General 
Butler  while  in  the  military  command  of  that  city.  More 
especially  it  alleges  that,  without  sufficient  cause  or  grounds, 
General  Butler  exacted  of  the  aforesaid  house,  under  threats  of 
violence,  a  bill  of  exchange  for  £1900,  equal  to  nine  thousand 
six  hundred  dollars. 


282       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

This  complaint  is  a  very  grave  one.  The  President,  of 
course,  is  not  prepared  to  believe  that  it  is  justly  made.  You 
may,  however,  without  hesitation,  assure  your  Government  that 
an  investigation  of  it  will  be  made  with  the  least  possible  delay, 
and  that  ample  redress  will  be  promptly  given  if  Major  General 
Butler  shall  fail  to  justify  his  proceedings  in  the  transaction. 

The  Government  is  above  all  things  desirous  to  direct  its 
proceedings  in  suppressing  the  present  insurrection  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  do  no  wrong  to  individuals,  and  especially  to  the 
subjects  of  friendly  nations.  The  present  seems  to  be  a  proper 
occasion  for  me  to  inform  you  that  Brigadier  General  Shepley, 
who  some  time  ago  was  appointed  Military  Governor  of  Louisi- 
ana, has  now  assumed  that  office  and  is  charged  with  the  con- 
duct of  civil  affairs  in  that  State. 

It  may  some  time  happen  that  difference  of  opinion  may 
arise  between  this  Government  and  of  Spain  upon  the  merits  of 
complaint  made  by  the  subjects  of  Spain  against  the  American 
authorities,  or  complaints  made  by  citizens  of  the  United 
States  against  the  authorities  of  Spain.  In  view  of  such  a 
possibility,  I  beg  leave  to  suggest  the  expediency  of  establish- 
ing a  joint  commission  for  their  settlement,  to  be  composed  of 
Commissioners  mutually  agreed  upon  by  the  two  Govern- 
ments. A  similar  proposition  has  been  made  by  the  United 
States  to  Great  Britain,  and  it  is  understood  that  there  is  a 
probability  of  its  acceptance. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  occasion  to  offer  to  you  renewed 
assurances  of  my  highest  consideration. 

WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  F.  A.  Hildreth 

LOWELL,  Sept.  llth,  1862 

DEAR  FISHER:  I  wish  you  would  write  me  a  line  if  you  are 
to  be  away  some  time.  I  wish  to  know  if  you  have  my  box  of 
pictures,  and  also  if  you  have  forwarded  my  letters  that  were 
aboard  your  ship,  as  I  wrote  you  to  do  in  a  note  sent  to  the 
St.  Nicholas.  The  box  I  wish  brought  home.  Major  Ladd 
called  yesterday,  and  offered  to  take  the  children  on  to  George- 
town. If  he  could  have  waited  a  day  longer  I  should  have 
sent  them  with  him. 

There  is  a  letter  here  to  you  from  Mr.  Butler.  He  writes 
of  being  recalled  and  Dix  sent  in  his  place.  He  writes  confi- 
dently as  though  he  felt  sure  of  it  from  the  information  he 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   283 

has  got,  but  he  has  received  no  order,  and  I  think  he  is  mis- 
taken in  his  conclusion.  I  do  not  think  he  will  be  recalled 
while  there  is  danger  of  an  attack.  When  that  is  over,  the 
chances  are  that  he  will  be.  He  sends  regards  to  Capt.  George, 
and  is  very  desirous  to  see  and  have  a  long  talk  with  him.  I 
wish  you  would  write  me  how  long  you  are  likely  to  be  in 
New  York.  The  danger  is  over,  and  the  children  ought  to  be 
at  school.  I  could  join  you  there  and  send  them  forward  if 

you  think  it  advisable.  4  -    , .       .  7  ri 

J  Affectionately  yours,  SARAH 

From  Major  Bell  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Sept.  llth,  1862 

GENERAL:  In  the  present  distracted  state  of  affairs  here  at 
the  North,  there  seems  very  little  chance  for  immediate 
assistance  for  those  of  you  at  the  South.  Indeed,  you  can  get 
no  one  to  listen  to  you  at  Washington  on  account  of  the  terror. 
A  very  few  days  will  undoubtedly  set  matters  to  running  in 
the  other  direction,  and  so  soon  as  that  is  done  you  will  have 
no  want  of  troops.  In  the  meantime,  you  must  do  as  you  always 
have  heretofore  done,  take  care  of  yourself  and  of  those  who 
ought  to  assist  you.  There  have  been  nonsensical  rumors 
that  General  Dix,  and  General  Cadwallader,  were  to  super- 
cede  you.  There  is  nothing  whatever  in  this  that  a  reason- 
able man  can  discover.  They  are  mere  newspaper  rumors. 
The  entire  people  here  are  with  you,  great  and  small  and  of  all 
complexions.  I  believe  that  they  would  be  glad  to  see  you  at 
home  to  take  general  command,  but  for  that  and  for  no  less  a 
purpose.  So  said  Mr.  Chief  Justice  Bigelow,  speaking  from 
his  heart.  The  condition  of  the  country  is  lamentable  beyond 
expression,  party  feeling  quite  as  bitter  as  ever,  and  a  general 
distrust  of  everybody  and  everything  the  rule.  Defeats  only 
seem  to  make  this  distrust  more  fearful.  If  a  change  does  not 
speedily  come  over  us  the  result  will  be  fearful.  Nothing  can 
be  done  for  you  here,  you  have  already  done  everything  for 
yourself.  If  any  fool  shall  remove  you  it  will  be  your  gain 
every  way,  but  there  is  no  danger  of  that. 

I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Mrs.  Butler  twice  since 
my  return,  and  found  her  well  and  happy  though  a  little 
anxious.  Your  place  looks  to-day  like  Paradise.  Personally 
I  was  never  so  well  as  at  the  South,  for  I  have  had  a  miserable 
time  since  I  got  home  with  each  particular  bowel  and  inward, 
but  am  pulling  up  and  hope  soon  to  start  on  my  return. 


284        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  found  here  Capt.  Clark  and  old  Shaffer,  who  are  full  of 
good  news.  Please  to  present  my  regards  to  the  staff  and 
believe  me,  General, 

Your  obliged  friend  and  obdt.  servt.,  Jos.  M.  BELL 

From  Dwight  Foster  to  General  Butler 

Sept.  11,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  wished  for  some  time  to  send 
you  a  line  to  congratulate  you  upon  the  success  you  are  meet- 
ing with,  and  the  constantly  augmentative  fame  you  are 
winning  in  your  military  department.  All  classes  of  men  and 
all  shades  of  opinion  unite  in  your  commendation,  and  the 
very  attacks  made  upon  some  of  your  orders  by  the  enemies 
of  the  Union  greatly  promote  you  in  the  affections  of  your 
country -men. 

I  have  watched  your  entire  course  and  read  all  your  printed 
orders  and  proclamations  with  the  greatest  satisfaction,  and 
I  think  you  have  been  equally  felicitous  in  disposing  of  the 
she  adders  and  the  rich  rebels,  who  have  by  their  money 
sustained  the  rebellion  and  the  negro  militia  of  Louisiana. 

I  do  not  know  what  trials  or  even  reverses  may  be  in  store 
for  you,  as  enough  of  calamities  just  now  are  falling  upon  us 
in  every  direction,  but  the  past  is  secure,  and  the  record  of 
your  military  and  political  administration  as  Dictator  in  New 
Orleans,  for  such  in  fact  you  have  been,  will  be  one  that  you 
and  your  children  must  always  read  with  pride  and  unalloyed 
satisfaction. 

It  won't  do  you  any  good  to  know  that  these  are  my  senti- 
ments, but  it  is  a  pleasure  to  me  to  express  them  and  to  sub- 
scribe myself, 

Very  respectfully,  and  Faithfully  your  friend, 

DWIGHT  FOSTER 

P.S.  You  are  fortunate  indeed  to  be  out  of  the  atmosphere 
of  suspicion,  recrimination,  and  mortification  which  has  for 
some  time  enveloped  every  General  commanding  in  Virginia. 

General  Butler's  Reply  to  Foregoing  Letter 

MY  DEAR  FOSTER:  I  see  in  your  note  the  same  kind  hand 
that  shook  mine  so  warmly  when  we  parted  at  the  "Beloy 
House,"  and  left  your  cloak  to  cover  me  from  the  cold  rains 
of  spring.  Believe  me,  I  never  forget  a  friend  or  an  enemy, 


LETTERS   OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        285 

and  if  the  exigencies  of  public  service  in  the  apparent  dis- 
crepancies of  politics  may  keep  our  paths  apart,  yet  the  r^mem- 
brance  and  love  for  your  kindness  is  among  the  warmest  and 
purest  thoughts  of  my  life.  Your  promise  is  most  valuable, 
and  with  it  I  know  I  must  have  the  good  opinion  of  the  patri- 

otic and  just.  ir    .  .     1  -  .     , 

Most  truly  your  friend 

From  John  Clark  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Sept.  llth,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  We  arrived  yesterday.  We  found  public 
affairs  in  the  saddest  condition;  Pope  beaten  and  banished, 
and  the  people  following  leaders  whom  they  fear.  But  you 
will  know  all  this  from  so  many  sources,  it  is  not  worth  while 
for  me  to  trouble. 

We  telegraphed  for  Major  Bell  last  night,  and  he  is  with  us 
this  morning.  His  advice  was  needed.  He  tells  me  —  as  I 
had  learned  the  fact  from  another  source  —  that  Johnson  and 
Bullett  were  working  for  the  negro  men  and  for  the  negro 
men  alone. 

Andrew  was  re-nominated  yesterday.  He  will  be  re-elected. 
Sumner  will  try  hard  for  the  Senatorship,  but  he  will  find 
opponents  in  his  own  party. 

Maine  has  elected  a  Democrat  to  Congress. 

I  find,  among  those  I  talk  with,  little  of  what  we  call  pa- 
triotism. The  leaders  of  "the  Party"  are  selfish. 

I  shall  be  in  Boston  in  a  day  or  two,  and  shall  from  direct 
observation  strive  to  learn  something  of  our  political  condi- 
tion in  Baltimore. 

Major  Bell  and  Col.  Shaffer  have  written  fully  on  the  chief 
matter  in  hand. 

Fletcher  Webster  has  been  killed  and  buried. 

It  is  a  gratifying  thing  to  hear  sensible  men  of  all  parties 
discuss  you.  You  are  greatly  praised.  I  shall  ask  Mrs.  Butler  to 
request  that  you  be  not  vain.  Youn  ^  JQHN 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  13,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  11 

As  in  the  course  of  ten  days  it  may  become  necessary  to 
distinguish  the  disloyal  from  the  loyal  citizens  and  honest 
neutral  foreigners  residing  in  this  Department: 


286       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

It  is  ordered,  that  each  neutral  foreigner,  resident  in  this 
Department,  shall  present  himself,  with  the  evidence  of  his 
nationality,  to  the  nearest  Provost  Marshal  for  registration 
of  himself  and  his  family. 

This  registration  shall  include  the  following  particulars: 

The  country  of  birth;  the  length  of  time  the  person  has 
resided  within  the  United  States;  the  names  of  his  family; 
the  present  place  of  residence,  by  street,  number  or  other 
description;  the  occupation;  the  date  of  protection  or  certif- 
icate of  nationality,  which  shall  be  indorsed  by  the  Pass- 
port Clerk,  " Registered/'  with  date  of  register. 

All  false  or  simulated  claims  of  foreign  allegiance,  by  native 
or  naturalized  citizens,  will  be  severely  punished. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G.,  Chief  of  Staff 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  13,  1862 

MY  DEAREST  WIFE:  Again,  you  see,  I  am  writing  you. 
You  will  say  what  a  constant  correspondent.  My  health,  of 
which  you  will  make  the  first  inquiry,  is  quite  good.  Were  it 
not  for  the  boils  and  "prickly  heat,"  described  to  you  in  my 
last,  I  should  say  very  good. 

We  have  no  news  from  home  directly  since  the  30th.  Your 
last  was  dated  the  27th.  We  have  daily  telegrams  that  Wash- 
ington and  Cincinnati  are  taken  through  secession.  What 
can  be  doing  up  there  unless  all  their  telegrams  are  false.  We 
can  hardly  tell  what  to  think.  We  have  Pope's  despatch 
claiming  a  victory  on  the  30th.  We  have  Davis  appointing  a 
day  of  thanksgiving  for  victory  on  the  same  thirtieth.  "It's 
a  muddle."  Indeed,  I  think  the  only  safe  place  is  New  Orleans. 
They  have  given  up  all  hopes  of  attack  here  for  the  present. 
Have  withdrawn  their  forces,  substantially,  and  left  us  to 
ourselves.  I  am  growing  very  uneasy,  and  shall  soon  follow 
them  and  ship  all  that  remains  of  them  out  of  the  state. 

I  have  heard  nothing  of  the  Steamer  "Relief"  yet.  She 
must  be  now  out  20  days.  Nor  of  the  "Saxon." 

I  am  sure  you  had  better  not  come  out  here  till  the  first  of 
October,  and  then  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  you  if  you  are  in 
good  flesh.  Not  otherwise,  as  you  will  run  down  even  during 
the  Winter.  Seriously,  lovingly,  with  every  kind  thought, 
hope,  and  wish,  I  would  be  very  happy;  very,  very  pleased; 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        287 

very,  very  content;  very  very  much  solaced  to  have  you  come 
if  you  are  only  happy,  contented,  pleased,  solaced.  I  cannot 
endure  to  see  you  unhappy,  that  operates  on  me,  and  from  its 
effect  I  make  you  more  and  more  unhappy. 

I  would  indeed  I  were  at  home  at  once,  if  only  this  war  was 
going  well.  I  hope  for  the  best  for  my  country.  But  these 
reverses  are  hard  to  bear. 

Phelps  goes  home  by  the  Steamer.  He  has  given  his  horse, 
epaulettes,  sash,  and  spurs  to  Weitzel. 

Strong  starts  on  a  little  expedition  tonight.  I  hope  for  his 
sake  it  will  be  successful.  He  hopes  to  win  his  spurs. 

Kiss  the  children  —  ride  on  horseback.  My  rides  are  not 
to  be  at  home.  I  wish  they  had  recalled  me.  Be  happy,  do 
not  muse  on  unpleasant  topics.  Goodbye,  dearest  wife,  with 
a  thousand  kisses  by  HUSBAND 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  I3tkf  1862 

Hon.  GIDEON  WELLES,  Secretary  of  Navy 

SIR:  I  send  enclosed  herewith  the  communication  referred 
to  me  by  Commodore  Morris. 

I  need  not  tell  you  that  I  do  all  in  my  power  to  prevent 
either  pillage  or  plunder.  The  boats  were  sent  to  obtain  sugar 
for  the  Commissaries  of  this  Department,  a  matter  not  sub- 
ject of  criticism  by  Lieut.  Roy. 

The  tenor  of  the  whole  communication  is  so  remarkable  that 
I  forward  it  to  the  Navy  Department  with  the  indorsement 
made  by  me  at  the  time  of  its  receipt.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

U.  S.  Gunboat  KATAHDIN,  Miss.  River,  Sept.  llth,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Commodore  H.  W.  MORRIS,  Commanding  Naval  Forces 

SIR:  I  was  overhauled  yesterday  by  Lieut.  Commd'g 
Lowery  of  the  "Scotia"  while  at  Bonne  Carre'  Point,  and 
directed  by  him  to  follow  on  as  convoy  of  their  transports  of 
the  U.  S.  Army. 

Upon  arriving  at  Donaldsonville  this  day,  the  transports 
landed  at  the  upper  part  of  this  town,  landed  a  party  of  troops 
and  commenced  receiving  on  board  sugar  and  other  merchan- 


288        LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

disc.  A  few  hours  later  I  received  positive  information  that 
a  company  of  these  troops  had  entered  a  large  mansion  situ- 
ated near  the  landing  of  the  Steamer  "St.  Maurice,"  had  pil- 
laged it  in  a  brutal  manner,  and  carried  off  wines,  liquors, 
silver  plate,  and  clothing  belonging  to  ladies.  I  am  informed 
that  several  of  the  soldiers  were  drunk  from  the  use  of  the 
liquor  and  wine  thus  appropriated.  This  house  was  inhabited 
in  the  morning.  During  this  time  the  "Katahdin"  was  at 
anchor  with  her4)ig  guns  trained  upon  the  shore  over  the  "St. 
Matahda,"  and  to  be  used  for  protection. 

I  respectfully  request  instruction  if  the  guns  of  the  "Katah- 
din" are  to  be  used  for  the  protection  of  the  soldiers  upon  a 
marauding  expedition,  and  if  I  am  to  use  them  in  the  protec- 
tion of  drunken,  undisciplined,  and  licentious  troops  in  the 
wanton  pillage  of  a  private  mansion,  of  wines,  plates,  silk 
dresses,  the  misses'  and  female  apparel,  to  say  nothing  of  the 
confiscation  of  sugar,  which  I  believe  to  be  without  proper 
and  lawful  reasons  therefore. 

I  confess,  Sir,  that  I  blush  to  report  that  while  the  troops 
of  the  "St.  Maurice"  were  thus  engaged  in  this  unsoldierly 
and  ungallant,  not  to  say  disgraceful  operation,  I  opened  my 
fire  upon  Guerillas  hovering  in  the  rear,  apparently  occupied  in 
preventing  such  acts  of  the  U.  S.  troops. 

I  feel  quite  ready  to  place  the  "Katahdin"  and  her  guns 
under  the  fire  of  an  enemy.  I  am  desirous  of  encountering 
enemies  and  of  injuring  them  in  every  manly  way,  but  I 
cannot  further  prostitute  the  dignity  of  my  profession,  as  I 
conceive  I  have  done  to-day,  without  an  earnest  and  respect- 
ful appeal  to  your  authority.  It  is  disgraceful  and  humiliat- 
ing to  me  to  be  ordered  on  guard  duty  of  soldiers  employed  in 
pillaging  ladies'  dresses  and  petticoats,  and  I  respectfully 
request  that  I  may  be  relieved  from  such  service. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

T.  A.  ROY,  Lieut.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  13th,  1862 

Lieut.  ROY,  Comdg.  U.  S.  Gunboat  "Katahdin" 

LIEUTENANT:  The  Commanding  General  directs  me  to 
say  that  he  had  referred  to  him  the  paper  sent  by  you  to 
Commodore  Morris.  Upon  that  paper  the  General  made  the 
following  endorsements : 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        289 

"The  acts  of  the  troops  in  pillaging  (if  true)  are  without 
palliation  or  excuse.  Certainly  no  more  to  be  justified  than 
this  improper  bombastic  and  ridiculous  rhodomontade  of  a 
Sub.  Lieut,  of  the  Navy. 

"BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com." 

Sept.  13th,  1862 

and  caused  the  same  to  be  sent  to  the  Secy,  of  the  Navy  with 
a  letter  of  which  the  enclosed  copy  is  sent  you  for  information. 

9       '  Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Svt.9 

WM.  H.  WIEGEL,  1st  Lieut.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr.  to  General  Butler 

BOSTON,  Sept.  14,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  returned  yesterday  from  an  absence  of 
a  fortnight  and  find  your  letters  of  20th  and  1st.,  introducing 
Mr.  Bonfanti  and  advising  drafts,  also  a  letter  from  Col. 
Butler  advising  your  draft  for  $50,000,  and  requesting  me  to 
transfer  his  balance  in  my  hands  to  your  credit,  which  I  have 
done  in  conformity  to  the  amount  of  $20,174.32.  I  charge 
your  drafts:  — 

Sight  1,200.00 

5%  Specie  and  premium       29,212.50 
Sights  25,000.00 

50,000.00 
Mr.  Bonfanti  8,470.00 

$113,882.50 

If  you  can  do  so  without  much  difference,  it  would  be 
much  more  comfortable  to  me  if  you  will  draw  (large  sums) 
at  10  days  or  even  3  days  sight.  My  return  yesterday  was 
fortunate,  as  it  taxed  my  credit  pretty  sharply  to  raise  $75,000 
in  a  morning,  my  money  being  lent  at  7  to  10  days  notice. 

My  father  had  lain  down  under  the  load  and  noted  one 
draft  for  non-acceptance.  I  enclose  to  Col.  Butler  to  look 
over  and  hand  to  you  a  memo  of  your  acct.  to  date.  You  will 
observe  that  I  have  consolidated  your  two  accts.  by  paying 
into  your  business  acct.  the  dividends,  etc.,  I  had  collected. 
Bal.  to  your  Dr.  $63,716.72.  You  have,  as  you  will  see  by 
referring  to  this  and  my  previous  accts.,  been  credited  with 
cash  and  charges  of  every  description,  including  12%  prem.  on 
$60,000,  gold,  on  the  merchandise  assumed  by  Government. 
The  profits  on  this  merchandise,  after  paying  these  various 
charges,  at  present  stand  in  my  hands  as  agent  for  the  Govern- 

VOL.    II 19 


290   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ment,  and  I  should  be  glad  to  be  relieved  of  its  custody.  The 
dept.  is,  however,  in  no  apparent  hurry  for  a  settlement,  and 
I  shall  not  propose  making  one  until  you  are  ready.  I  enclose 
you  a  copy  of  your  letter  to  me  of  June  1st,  which  I  think  will 
convince  you  of  the  injustice  of  the  tone  taken  in  your  letter 

Of m  Unless  words  are  to  be  used  to  conceal  wishes,  I  can 

not  conceive  any  other  interpretation  than  the  one  I  acted 
upon  when  I  went  to  Washington,  and  simply  asked  Mr. 
Stanton  and  Genl.  Meigs  to  take  their  choice.  Furthermore,  I 
can  assure  you,  it  required  all  my  efforts  and  the  strongest 
assurances  of  Fox  and  Mr.  Hooper  as  to  my  character  and 
position,  to  prevent  your  shipments  being  served  as  those  by 
the  "Black  Prince"  from  Ship  Island  were.  Your  drafts 
would  have  had  to  take  care  of  themselves  but  for  my  urgent 
and  peremptory  insisting  that  I  would  accept  neither  Q.  M. 
receipts  nor  vouchers  for  the  merchandise,  and  nothing  but 
the  fullest  agency  in  the  disposal  of  the  property. 

The  prices  of  mdse.  seem  very  low  today;  they  were  enor- 
mous at  the  time,  and  pay  a  very  large  profit  on  the  cash. 
You  will  observe  the  auctioneer's  commission  charged  at  2j%, 
this  is  the  rate  always  charged  the  U.  S.  Should  the  business 
be  decided  within  reasonable  time  to  belong  to  you,  the  charge 
will  be  1%,  and  the  difference  will  be  refunded.  The  auction- 
eers, H.  Harris  &  Co.,  are  the  best  and  wealthiest  auction 
house  in  Boston,  and  their  skill  and  character  is  quite  sufficient 
assurance  (when  backed  by  their  acct.  sales)  that  you  have  not 
been  "wronged"  in  the  disposition  of  the  mdse.  You  see  I 
rather  harp  on  that  word,  though  I  do  not  believe  you  meant  to 
apply  it  to  me. 

I  must  tell  you  a  good  story  of  Lunt,  though  a  long  one. 
My  uncle,  I.  S.  Fay,  my  father,  and  myself  have  supported 
the  Courier  through  the  summer  for  the  sake  of  having  a 
paper  professing  our  principles  kept  afloat.  It  has  cost  us 
about  $500.00  apiece.  A  few  days  since,  my  uncle  sent  Lunt 
an  article  calling  for  the  most  energetic  support  for  you  at 
New  Orleans,  which  Lunt  refused  to  print.  A  day  or  two 
after  he  copied  from  a  New  York  paper  a  paragraph  rather 
ridiculing  you,  upon  which  my  father  wrote  a  remonstrance 
(for  publication)  squashing  the  paragraph  and  appealing  to 
Lunt  not  to  publish  and  lend  sanction  to  such  stuff.  Lunt 
answered  very  shortly  and  impertinently  in  the  third  person, 
declining  to  publish  the  article,  or  to  be  dictated  to  in  his 
choice  of  matter  for  his  paper.  I  cannot  do  better  than  give 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       291 

my  father's  answer  verbatim:  "The  Editor  of  the  Boston 
Courier's  note  is  rec'd.  Mr.  Fay  has  filed  it  with  some  other 
documents  in  his  handwriting,  and  docketted  it  'a  new  way 
to  pay  old  debts.'" 

We  are  waiting  with  intense  interest  for  news  from  Mary- 
land. Newspaper  correspondents  have  been  driven  away,  and 
there  has  been  no  definite  news  from  either  army  for  three 
days.  How  I  wish  we  were  back  at  the  old  place.  By  every 
rule  of  strategy  the  enemy  has  made  a  very  bad  move,  and 
ought  never  to  get  back  into  Virginia.  But  in  this  war  no 
rules  hold,  and  their  dash  and  celerity  may  be  too  much  for 

us  agam'  Sincerely  yours,  RICH.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

By  the  way,  you  signed  your  draft  for  $50,000,  Maj.  Genl. 
etc.  I  have  no  funds  of  yours  in  that  capacity.  Please  con- 
firm it  as  "individual"  by  letter. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  \±th>  1862 

Brig.  Genl.  M.  C.  MEIGS,  Quartermaster  General 

GENERAL:  It  will  be  absolutely  essential  for  the  operation 
of  this  Department  this  Autumn  and  for  the  safety  of  the  city, 
if  we  are  to  be  attacked  through  the  Lake,  that  we  have  two 
or  three  light-draught  steamers  fitted  out  to  go  outside  in  the 
sea  if  necessary,  and  sufficiently  shallow  to  run  up  the  Bayous. 
Besides  their  capability  for  carrying  troops,  they  should  carry 
some  guns  as  a  protection,  with  canister,  against  the  ambush 
of  Guerillas  in  the  canebreak,  and  to  protect  landing.  If  you 
will  cast  your  eye  upon  the  map  of  the  part  of  Louisiana  west 
of  the  river,  and  so  down  the  coast,  you  will  see  the  perfect 
network  of  bayous,  lakes,  rivers,  and  inlets  which  cover  the 
country  and  render  every  part  accessible  by  water,  indeed 
in  no  other  way.  Now,  all  these  bayous  have  this  remarkable 
condition  in  common;  at  the  mouth  of  each  is  a  bar,  leaving 
but  4  or  5  feet  deep  of  water,  while  inside  there  will  be  ten  to 
thirty  feet. 

To  meet  this  state  of  facts  (the  Navy  has  no  boat  that 
draws  less  than  7  feet  when  loaded,  so  that  they  are  useless 
for  service),  I  have  taken  two  steamers  (river),  and  am  so 
altering  and  strengthening  them  for  service  desired.  They 
will  draw  when  loaded  about  4  feet  of  water,  and  I  shall  come 
then  with  power  enough  to  resist  any  Guerilla  attack.  The 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

expense  with  new  boilers  for  one  will  be  in  the  neighborhood 
of  twelve  thousand  dollars. 

There  is  another  difficulty  under  which  we  labor;  these 
are  high  pressure  boats,  which  advertise  their  approach  three 
miles,  so  that  it  is  impossible  to  capture  anybody  or  to  get 
any  supplies  that  can  be  moved  or  got  out  of  the  way. 

I  desire,  therefore,  a  light-draught,  low  pressure  boat  that 
can  burn  hard  coal.  Such  a  one  I  find  here  in  the  "Nassau," 
and  if  she  is  suitable  in  other  respects  I  desire  authority  to 
purchase  her.  I  shall  take  her  until  I  get  a  return  from  this 
note,  and  endeavor  to  do  so  with  privilege  of  buying,  deducting 
her  use. 

The  exigencies  of  public  service  in  my  judgment  clearly 
call  for  the  expenditure.  She  will  cost  in  the  neighborhood  of 
$40,000,  less,  perhaps.  Any  delay  with  the  necessary  altera- 
tions will  embarrass  it  much.  An  early  answer  is  requested. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  Y(mr  ^^  Sm,a^ 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
By  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sep.  14,  1862 

ORDERED 

THAT  the  Commanding  General  having  learned  that  the 
farther  imprisonment  of  Mrs.  Phillips  may  result  in  injury  to 
the  wholly  innocent,  directs  her  to  be  released  if  she  chooses  to 
give  her  parole  that  in  nothing  she  will  give  aid,  comfort,  or 
information  to  the  enemies  of  the  United  States. 

By  command  of  GENERAL  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Uth,  1862 

D.  T.  WALDEN,  NEW  YORK 

SIR:  There  is  referred  to  me  from  Genl.  Shepley  your  letter 
in  regard  to  Philip  E.  Walden,  with  the  enclosure  of  a  letter 
from  M.  Mudget. 

It  is  painful  to  address  a  brother  on  a  brother's  wrongful 
acts.  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  make  a  pretty  severe  example  of 
Philip  Walden.  He  was  the  head  and  front  of  the  robbery  of 
the  U.  S.  at  the  New  Orleans  Custom  House.  He  furnished 
both  brains  and  knowledge  to  guide  the  acts  of  imbeciles. 
Born  a  northern  man,  in  the  employment  of  our  Government, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       893 

he  betrayed  his  birth,  his  education,  his  country,  exhibited 
ingratitude,  and  plundered  her  property  at  the  same  time, 
and  when  called  on  by  me  he  refused  to  give  information  by 
which  the  country  might  recover  some  portion  of  the  plunder, 
apparently  relying  in  his  northern  relation  for  protection.  I 
have  sent  him  to  Fort  Jackson  at  hard  labor,  because  I  see 
no  reason  why  his  country  shall  support  his  idleness.  I  feel 
that  if  I  have  erred  at  all  towards  him  it  has  been  in  leniency. 

The  Collector  of  the  Port  will  give  you  in  detail,  if  you  will 
apply  to  him,  the  mischief  he  has  caused. 

While  I  sympathize  with  your  feelings  as  a  brother,  I  know 
your  justice  as  a  man  will  applaud  my  course.  I  have  the 

honor  to  be,  ^       ™ .   0          . 

Your  Got.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Hth,  1862 

Brig.  General  L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

GENERAL:  I  enclose  the  somewhat  anomalous  application 
of  Major  Holbrook,  Commanding  the  7th  Regiment  Ver- 
mont Volunteers,  with  a  copy  of  the  General  Order  complained 
of.  It  will  be  seen  that  I  only  give  the  result  of  official  re- 
ports, so  that  I  do  not  feel  personally  touched  by  the  matter 
or  manner  of  the  communication. 

Of  the  conduct  of  Major  Holbrook  there  is  no  complaint; 
being  Field  Officer  of  the  day  of  the  Post,  he  was  not  in  the 
action. 

If  consistent  with  the  rules  of  the  service  to  inquire  into 
the  resume  of  the  Commanding  General  of  the  events  of  the 
action,  I  should  be  glad  to  have  it  done,  for  if  the  Regt.  has 
been  unjustly  treated  it  could  give  no  one  more  pleasure  than 
myself  to  see  it  righted. 

As  there  has  been  some  rivalry  of  feeling,  I  do  not  think 
that  it  would  be  best  to  detail  a  Court  from  the  Officers  of  the 
Regiment  at  Baton  Rouge.  I  may  further  say  that  I  suggested 
to  Major  Holbrook  that  he  might  select  his  court  of  Inquiry 
from  any  of  the  officers  here,  not  of  that  Brigade.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be  yery  Respedfuuy  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


294       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

CAMP  WILLIAMS,  LA. 

General  LORENZO  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General,  WASHINGTON 

GENERAL:  In  justice  to  the  regiment  which  I  have  the 
honor  to  command,  the  7th  Vermont  Vols.,  I  find  myself  under 
necessity  of  calling  for  an  examination  into  the  statement 
made  by  the  Major  General  Commanding  the  Department  in 
Orders  No.  62,  dated  Aug.  15th,  1862,  which  is  calculated  in 
my  opinion  to  bring  unmerited  disgrace  upon  the  regiment 
and  the  State  from  which  it  comes. 

I  respectfully  request  that  a  court  of  inquiry  may  be 
assembled  as  soon  as  convenient  to  investigate  and  report 
upon  the  battle  of  Baton  Rouge,  and  the  part  taken  in  that 
engagement  by  my  regiment,  with  the  view  that  justice  may 
be  done  to  it  and  the  service. 

Regretting  exceedingly  to  find  myself  compelled  to  ask  for 
the  scrutiny  of  a  victory  which  should  fill  all  generous  hearts 
only  with  gratitude  and  pride,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obdt.  Sevt. 
W.  C.  HOLBROOK,  Major  Comd'g  7th  Regs.  Vt.  Vols. 

Endorsements  to  Major  Holbrookes  Letter 

Hd.  Quars.  5th  Brigade  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  CAMP  WILLIAMS,  LA., 
Sept.  2,  '62    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Received  Sept.  1st  1862,  and  respectfully  forwarded  to 
Adjutant  General's  Department,  Washington,  B.C. 

N.  A.  M.  DUDLEY,  Act.  Brig.  General 

CAMP  PARAPET,  LA.,  Sept.  2nd,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  a  regiment  in  this  quarter 
should  be  compelled  to  defend  itself  against  unmerited  dis- 
honor from  its  Commanding  General,  as  well  as  against  the 
enemy  and  extraordinary  exposure  and  disease.  But  I  con- 
cur with  Major  Holbrook  in  the  necessity  of  an  investigation 
into  the  facts  connected  with  the  battle  of  Baton  Rouge  by  a 
Court  of  Inquiry,  with  a  view  of  doing  justice  to  the  7th 
Vermont  Vols.,  and  to  the  service. 

J.  W.  PHELPS,  Brig.  General 
The  General  Orders  No.  62 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   295 

From  Governor  Holbrook 

State  of  Vermont,  Executive  Department  BRATTLEBOKO,  Sept.  12, 1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  have  your  note  of  the  25th  ultimo  in  which 
you  remark  that  you  "Have  had  occasion  to  treat  the  7th 
Vermont  with  great  severity." 

I  have  to  say  in  reply,  that,  as  at  present  informed,  I  fear 
that  you  have  also  treated  that  regiment  with  great  injustice, 
and  the  State  of  Vermont  with  at  least  marked  disrespect. 

I  feel  obliged,  therefore,  to  demand  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment an  immediate  Court  of  Inquiry,  to  investigate  and 
report  upon  the  part  taken  by  the  7th  Vermont  Regt.  in  the 
recent  engagement  at  Baton  Rouge,  and  your  charges  against 
the  Regt.  made  in  your  General  Order  No.  62  of  August 
15th,  1862. 

I  am  sorry,  General,  to  be  obliged  to  write  this  letter,  but 
I  hope  that  I  may  not  find  that  my  former  confidence  in  you 

has  been  misplaced.  D         **  n 

^  Respectfully  yours, 

FREDERICK  HOLBROOK,  Governor  of  Vermont 

Endorsement: 

GOVERNOR:  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  have  any  Court  of 
Inquiry  upon  the  conduct  of  the  7th  Vermont  Regiment. 
My  General  Order  was  made  up  from  official  sources,  and  I 
believe  to  be  correct.  I  have  no  disrespect  for  the  State  of 
Vermont,  and  can  have  shown  her  none.  I  must,  moreover, 
do  what  I  conceive  my  duty,  and  if  in  so  doing  I  have  for- 
feited or  shall  forfeit  your  esteem  it  will  be  a  source  of  lasting 
regret.  The  Vermont  7th  did  break,  did  fire  into  the  21st 
Indiana,  and  did  not  go  to  their  succor.  It  pains  no  one 
more  than  myself  to  write  this,  and  I  have  now  joined  them 
to  a  fighting  brigade  to  give  them  an  opportunity  of  redeem- 
ing themselves.  If  they  do,  no  one  sooner  than  myself  will 
give  them  their  due.  I  call  attention  to  the  tone  of  your  note. 
Would  it  have  been  worse  had  the  Court  reported  against  me? 

Respectfully  Your  obt.  Servt.,  B.  F.  B. 


296   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  the  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  15th,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  to  inform  you  of  some  acts  of  violence,  and  I 
may  add  pillage,  committed  by  U.  S.  Soldiers  at  the  domicile 
of  two  Frenchmen  in  the  Parish  Plaquemines. 

I  enclose  you  hereby  copies  of  letters  which  have  been 
addressed  to  me,  in  the  hope  that  you  will  order  inquiries  to 
be  made  on  these  facts,  and  to  do  justice  to  the  complaints  of 
these  Frenchmen.  Accept,  General,  the  assurance  of  my  high 

consideration  ^  4  ..      „       L  ~        , 

FAUCONNET,  Acting  French  Consul 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  15th,  1862 

M.  FAUCONNET,  Actg.  Consul  of  France  at  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 
SIR:  I  have  sent  your  letter  to  Col.  Mafford  in  command  at 
the  Turo  Building,  with  the  following  endorsement: 

"Let  the  persons  guilty  of  this  outrage  be  at  once  arrested 
and  the  affair  investigated.  If  found  guilty  report  them  to 
me  for  exemplary  punishment."  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  Servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  Adjutant  Colonel  Charles  Paine 

NEW  ORLEANS  BARRACKS,  Sept.  15th,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comd'g.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  send  with  a  Corporal  and  guard  three  of  the 
slaves  who  escaped  from  a  plantation  down  the  river  last 
night  among  the  party  fired  on  by  Dr.  Knapp's  patrol  when 
eight  were  wounded.  One  of  the  negroes  had  a  double  barrelled 
shot  gun,  the  only  one  in  the  party  on  their  arrival  here.  The 
party  also  had  three  cane  knives.  Neither  barrel  of  the  gun 
has  been  fired  for  several  days,  both  being  covered  inside  with 
unblackened  rust  of  some  thickness.  One  barrel  is  not  loaded, 
the  other  is  loaded. 

I  also  send  Dr.  Knapp  and  those  of  the  patrol  whom  he 
selects.  Considerable  time  has  been  occupied  in  sending  for 
the  patrol  men.  I  remain,  General, 

Respectfully  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

CHAS.  J.  PAINE,  Adj.  Col.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       297 
From  F.  H.  Knapp 

U.  S.  Barracks,  Monday,  Sept.  14<A,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

General  WEITZEL 

DEAR  SIR:  Last  night  28  negroes,  armed  with  guns  and 
knives,  clubs,  etc.,  tried  to  pass  the  guard  which  was  com- 
missioned under  your  orders.  Some  of  these  negroes  were 
wounded,  and  have  been  taken  into  barracks,  and  Col.  Paine 
has  had  one  arrested  as  a  prisoner  as  I  was  passing  up  this 
morning.  He  has  now  detained  me  here  while  he  goes  up  to 
see  Gen.  Butler  for  further  orders.  May  I  beg  you,  for  God's 
sake,  to  repair  at  once  to  see  General  Butler  while  he  is  there, 
and  if  I  have  done  wrong  have  me  paroled  until  I  can  get  a 
hearing.  I  feel  conscious  of  being  innocent  of  any  wrong. 

I  am  already  under  many  obligations  to  you,  and  your  atten- 
tion will  much  oblige, 

Your  obedient  Servant,  F.  H.  KNAPP 

Endorsement  on  Foregoing  Letter 
Maj.  General  BUTLER 

WHAT  shall  I  do  in  this  case?  By  your  permission  and 
authority  this  armed  police  was  organized.  What  shall  be 
done  with  the  negroes?  Shall  they  be  turned  out  to  the  patrol? 

Very  respectfully  Your  obdt.  Servt., 
G.  WEITZEL,  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  Vols.  and  AssL  Mily.  Com. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  15,  1862 

MY  DEAREST  WIFE:  How  can  you  say  I  have  not  written 
the  two  last  mails.  No  steamer  (with  one  exception,  and  then 
I  sent  the  letter  but  the  stupid  orderly  neglected  going  to  the 
boat  to  meet  her  before  she  left)  has  gone  from  here  without  a 
letter. 

I  have  already  written  on  the  subject  of  your  coming  out 
very  fully.  If  you  come,  bring  Nina  with  you.  No,  that 
would  bring  Read,  and  I  have  no  desire  for  him.  You  do  not 
say  a  word  about  your  own  health.  I  trust  it  is  improving. 

Goodbye,  I  must  write  two  letters  more  before  steamer 

salls'  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 


298        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  September  15,  1862 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  inform  you 
that  he  has  been  advised  by  the  Secretary  of  State  that  the 
Dutch  Minister  has  invited  Mr.  Amedie  Conturie  to  receive 
the  articles,  other  than  the  $800,000  in  coin,  seized  at  his  house 
by  the  military  authorities  of  New  Orleans;  and  to  request 
that  you  will  accordingly,  cause  the  same  to  be  delivered  to 
Mr.  Conturie. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  DepL  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Ztoth,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Eon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  In  reply  to  your  favor  of  the  15th  inst.  I  have  the 
honor  to  state  that  all  the  matters  have  been  delivered  to 
Mr.  Conturie  except  those  that  have  been  delivered  to  their 
owners  and  the  matter  adjusted,  I  believe,  to  their  satisfac- 
tion. I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  the  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.     NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  16th,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  DepL  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  do  not  intend  to  make  any  claim  against  your  Gen- 
eral Orders  No.  71,  concerning  foreign  subjects;  it  is  evident 
that  order  is  one  of  those  authorized  by  the  public  safety  and 
the  present  circumstances.  However,  allow  me  to  tell  you 
that  it  seems  to  me  not  practical,  on  account  of  the  short 
time  you  grant  and  the  enormous  number  of  French  residents 
here;  for  my  part  it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  deliver  to 
the  thousands  of  French  citizens  here  the  required  certificates 
in  the  time  allowed.  The  French  law  does  not  require  of  French 
subjects  in  foreign  countries  to  have  their  names  registered 
on  the  books  of  the  French  Consulates,  —  they  may  be  away 
any  length  of  time,  still  they  remain  French  subjects  unless 
there  is  proof  to  the  contrary;  the  protection  of  France  covers 
them  everywhere  and  always,  and  that  protection  can  never 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        299 

be  refused  as  long  as  they  retain  their  citizenship.  Especially  in 
this  country  of  liberty  and  justice,  where  the  foreigner  had  so 
seldom  occasion  to  make  use  of  his  nationality,  the  French  in  the 
South  as  well  as  in  the  North  of  the  United  States  never  thought 
it  necessary  to  be  inscribed  on  the  Consular  books;  before  this 
impious  war,  the  register  of  the  Consulate  had  50  names,  now  it 
contains  from  300  to  400.  Now,  from  this  number  there  is  a 
great  distance  to  15000,  and  I  must  repeat  it  is  impossible  for 
me  to  do  my  part  of  the  duty  you  call  for  in  Order  No.  71. 

Neither  do  I  understand  at  all  the  reason  why  the  time  to 
comply  with  this  order  runs  out  on  the  day  when  the  Con- 
fiscation Act  begins,  although  the  latter  concerns  only  the 
American  &  adopted  citizens,  and  you  can  without  trouble 
find  out  the  names  of  those  on  the  public  registers. 

If,  therefore,  General,  you  think  it  necessary  to  have  your 
order  carried  out,  I  wish  you  would  give  me  more  time,  that  I 
may  be  able  to  satisfy  all  the  French  subjects  in  this  city, 
and  for  those  who  have  yet  papers  in  their  possession,  as  pass- 
ports, certificates  of  birth,  etc.,  to  take  those  papers  as  certif- 
icates of  their  nationality. 

Allow  me  in  the  same  time  to  call  your  attention  on  the  oath 
of  allegiance  forced  upon  the  foreigner  who  may  be  obliged  to 
claim  of  the  authorities,  either  a  right  or  some  favor.  Although 
the  forms  of  the  two  oaths  have  been  sufficiently  established 
in  your  orders  No.  40  &  41,  still  I  believe  you  will  understand, 
as  I  do,  the  moral  impossibility  of  the  first  and  the  legal 
impossibility  of  the  second,  although  at  some  other  time  the 
latter  has  been  accepted  by  certain  officers  of  the  militia  in 
order  to  let  them  remain  neutrals,  and  to  serve  only  in  such 
capacity  as  you  have  seen  yourself  at  the  time  of  your  entrance 
into  this  city.  I  should  be  happy,  GenL,  if  taking  notice  of 
my  remarks,  you  would  consent  to  abolish  any  kind  of  oath 
from  foreigners,  or  to  modify  it  in  such  a  manner  that  it  will 
really  be  one  of  honest  neutral  foreigners.  I  remain, 
Most  respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

FAUCONNET,  Acfg  French  Consul 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oidf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  16th,  1862 

A.  FAUCONNET,  Acting  Consul  of  France 

SIB:  The  Commanding  General  directs  me  to  reply  to  your 
favor  of  the  15th  inst.  that  the  matter  therein  contained  has 


SOO       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

been  referred  to  Gov.  Shepley,  with  a  request  for  an  investiga- 
tion of  the  matter. 

In  reply  to  your  favor  of  this  date,  the  Commanding  Gen- 
eral directs  me  to  say  that  the  United  States  Government 
never  compels  impossibilities,  and  that  such  time  as  is  neces- 
sary for  the  delivery  of  the  certificates  will  be  allowed.  I 

have  the  honor  to  be  v         *    7  •     .  c         * 

Y our  obedient  servant, 

A.  F.  PUFFER  Lieut.  A.  D.  C. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  of  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  16th,  1862 

M.  W.  BENACHI,  Greek  Consul 

SIR:  In  accordance  with  instructions  contained  in  a  letter 
dated  August  22nd  from  the  State  Department,  and  the  exhibit 
connected  therewith,  sugars  which  were  the  property  of  Messrs. 
Covas  and  Megroponte  are  released  from  all  claims  of  the 
United  States,  so  far  as  this  Department  is  concerned. 

As  the  sugar  during  the  detention  has  risen  from  3  to  9 
cents  a  pound,  I  am  happy  that  the  detention  has  caused 
great  gain  instead  of  loss.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servt., 
BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Walter  G.  Robinson 

Mechanics  and  Traders  Bank,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  I6tht  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  The  23rd  of  Sept.  is  rapidly  approaching.  My  posi- 
tion, and  that  of  the  directory  of  this  Bank,  is  one  of  very 
great  embarrassment,  representing  as  we  do  large  interests 
both  North  and  South  (the  former  you  will  have  seen  by  the 
list  of  New  York  Stockholders  furnished  you),  and  fear  that 
any  voluntary  act  would  jeopardize  the  coin  and  securities 
now  within  the  Confederate  lines. 

The  Mechanics  and  Traders  Bank  have,  as  you  are  aware, 
$250,000  in  coin  in  the  Confederate  lines,  $511,000  City  Bonds 
in  the  hands  of  the  State  Auditor,  deposited  in  conformity 
with  law,  to  secure  the  redemption  of  its  circulation.  The 
Bank  holds  $237,720  in  bonds  or  notes  of  the  Confederate 
States,  $336,833  in  bonds  of  the  State  of  Louisiana,  and  bills 
or  Notes  discounted  amounting  to  upwards  of  $700,000,  the 
payment  of  which  is  mainly  dependent  on  parties  now  in 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER       301 

and  adhering  to  the  Confederacy.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to 
determine  what  action  will  be  taken  by  the  Confederate 
authorities,  and  it  would  be  peculiarly  hard  that  by  any  act 
of  mine  the  interest  of  parties  in  the  United  States  and  Europe, 
holding  stock  in  this  institution,  should  be  rendered  liable  to 
seizure  and  confiscation. 

I  gave  my  parole  on  the  23rd  of  June  in  obedience  to  order 
No.  13.  The  oath  then  administered  was  of  serious  import. 
It  has  been  respected,  and  will  continue  to  be  observed  by 
me,  as  has  every  Order  emanating  from  authority  since  the 
occupation  of  the  city  save  the  one  to  which  your  attention  is 
now  called,  and  which  under  the  circumstances  of  the  case  it 
is  hoped  will  not  be  enforced.  An  early  answer  with  your  views 

Very  respectfully  Your  most  Obedt.  Svt., 

WALTER  G.  ROBINSON,  Prest. 

From  General  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS.  Sept.  17,  1862 

(Brig.  Gen.  M.  JEFF  THOMPSON) 

GENERAL:  Lt.  Wiegel  of  my  personal  staff  is  accredited  to 
you  with  a  flag  of  truce,  for  the  purposes  indicated  in  my  letter 
to  you  of  this  date.  Please  speed  his  return  as  early  as  con- 
sistent with  public  duty.  I  have  the  honor  etc. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  17th,  1862 

Brig.  Genl.  M.  JEFF  THOMPSON,  Commanding,  etc. 

GENERAL:  Your  flag  of  truce,  accrediting  Capt.  Shaw  with 
a  letter  and  enclosures  relating  to  an  exchange  of  prisoners, 
was  duly  entertained  yesterday.  Your  authorities  are  wholly 
misinformed  upon  the  subject  of  those  enclosures. 

I  have  never  refused  the  exchange  of  prisoners  paroled  or 
otherwise  held.  Enclosed  find  a  copy  of  my  Genl.  Orders  upon 
this  topic,  and  the  orders  issuing  from  the  proper  officers  of 
my  command. 

On  the  contrary,  my  action  has  been  taken  without  waiting 
for  an  official  copy  of  the  General  Cartel,  which  I  have  not 
yet  received.  I  have,  indeed,  applied  informally  to  a  bearer 
of  the  flag  of  truce  with  Mrs.  Clark  upon  the  subject. 

It  would  be  exceedingly  inconvenient  and  expensive  to 
both  parties  to  transport  the  prisoners  held  here  and  by  you 


802   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

for  exchange  to  Vicksburg.  If  there  is  no  objection  to  it,  I 
would  propose  that  the  prisoners  be  delivered  at  a  more  con- 
venient point.  If  an  exchange  is  effected,  I  would  propose  to 
place  the  prisoners  at  any  point  on  the  lake  or  river  after  ten 
days  from  date,  on  a  day  designated  that  would  be  most 
convenient. 

The  prisoners  held  by  Gen.  Taylor  on  the  West  bank  can 
be  sent  to  Donaldsonville  or  Bonne  Carre,  or  such  other  point 
as  he  may  prefer,  or  Vicksburg.  Will  you  please  name  a  day 
and  place  for  the  exchange  as  soon  as  other  arrangements  are 
perfected? 

May  I  ask  you  the  favor  to  send  back  with  my  yacht  some 
wounded  men  which  the  want  or  possibility  of  transportation 
rendered  it  indispensable  to  leave  upon  the  occasion  of  the 
late  visit  of  a  reconnoitering  party  to  Pontchatoula. 

I  have  sent  Lt.  Wiegel  of  my  personal  staff  to  receive  them, 
and  have  allowed  Capt.  Blount,  of  the  late  Actg.  Brig.  Genl. 
Allen's  Staff,  now  a  prisoner  of  war  here,  to  go  over  with  your 
flag  in  exchange  for  Capt.  Thornton,  who  is  of  the  same  rank 
and  wounded.  The  other  wounded  men  will  be  considered  in 
exchange.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  Servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  17th,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  M.  JEFF.  THOMPSON,  Commdg. 

GENERAL:  In  another  communication  of  this  date  I  have 
proposed  to  you  arrangements  of  an  exchange  of  prisoners  in 
courteous  answer  to  your  note,  which  I  take  leave  to  call 
attention  was  written  me  by  your  Adjutant  General,  without 
the  apology  of  your  absence,  which  I  afterwards  learned  by 
the  captured  correspondence  between  you. 

There  is,  however,  a  grave  difficulty  in  the  way  of  a  general 
exchange  of  prisoners  so  far  as  this  department  is  concerned. 
Genl.  Taylor,  in  a  letter  received  this  date,  of  which,  from 
accident,  I  regret  I  am  not  able  to  give  you  a  copy,  has  in- 
formed me  that  having  captured  a  hundred  and  thirty-six 
of  the  8th  Vermont  Regiment  he  purposes,  upon  various  pre- 
tences set  forth  in  his  letter,  to  except  them  from  the  cartel 
of  exchange,  and  farther  threatens,  in  certain  contingencies 
therein  set  forth,  to  take  the  lives  of  ten  of  them  by  lot.  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   803 

send    you    a    copy    of    my    reply    to    this    extraordinary 
communication . 

You  will  see,  General,  at  once  that,  consistently  with  my 
duty  to  the  men  entrusted  to  my  care,  I  must  see  to  it  that 
not  a  hair  of  their  heads  is  touched  unjustly  or  wrongly,  while 
I  hope  and  trust  that  General  Taylor  will  reconsider  his,  as  it 
seems  to  me,  ill-judged  determination.  I  shall  be  under  the 
necessity  of  holding  the  prisoners  (while)  I  have  to  await  Genl. 
Taylor's  action  in  the  premises. 

That  Genl.  Taylor  may  have  some  personal  feeling  because 
of  the  deprivation  of  some  property  upon  his  plantation,  taken 
by  my  men,  and  for  the  loss  of  his  father's  sword,  which  was 
found  buried  for  safety  under  a  barn  in  the  city,  I  can  readily 
understand.  But  that  his  "private  griefs"  should  incite  him 
to  forget  his  duty  as  a  soldier,  and  do  so  great  a  wrong  after 
full  reflection,  I  shall  not  believe  unless  constrained  by  the 
fact.  Meanwhile  I  make  no  threats  of  retaliation,  but  deem 
it  my  duty  to  remain  in  position  to  protect  the  lives  of  my  men 
and  the  honor  of  the  United  States. 

When  I  can  be  officially  assured  that  all,  every  one  of  the 
men,  belonging  to  the  Army  of  the  Gulf,  held  by  Genl.  Taylor, 
or  who  have  been  captured  from  this  Army,  will  be  returned  in 
exchange,  I  will  send  forward  every  prisoner  of  war  I  hold 
who  desires  to  be  exchanged  in  accordance  with  the  propo- 
sitions contained  in  my  communications  of  this  date.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obt.  Servt.,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  17,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  M.  JEFF.  THOMPSON,  Commanding  General 

GENERAL:  More  than  a  year  and  four  months  ago  a  de- 
tachment of  the  U.  S.  Army  was  in  some  manner  captured  in 
Texas,  and  are  now  held  as  prisoners  of  war  there  at  a  place 
called  "Camp  Verde."  Of  this  fact  I  have  information, 
but  of  their  numbers  and  regiment  I  have  not  the  precise 
information,  but  I  believe  about  300  men. 

As  these  prisoners  are  a  part  of  the  troops  in  this  Depart- 
ment of  the  Gulf,  I  conceive  it  my  duty  to  request  that  the 
prisoners  of  war  may  be  forwarded  to  some  convenient  point 
for  exchange. 

If  this  matter  is  within  your  province,  General,  will  you 


304        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

communicate  this  note  to  the  proper  parties,  so  that  some 
early  action  may  be  taken  in  the  premises.    I  have  the  honor 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Sept.  17,  '62 

DEAREST:  I  must  write  a  little,  for  a  week  has  passed 
without  sending  a  letter,  and  I  believe  you  wish  one  from 
home  as  often  as  that,  if  I  can  write  pleasantly;  otherwise 
none  at  all.  I  will  do  the  best  I  can,  write  when,  I,  alas,  when! 
I  can  cease  to  speak  of  myself,  that  is  the  best  and  all  I  can 
do.  Major  Bell  talks  as  though  he  should  not  go  back.  Your 
letter  by  him  says  he  will  return  immediately,  and  that  I 
I  must  on  no  consideration  think  of  returning  with  him.  No 
one  here  believes  that  you  will  be  recalled  at  present.  Major 
Bell  thinks  there  is  nothing  to  keep  you  there.  True,  as  it 
is  now,  but  with  reinforcements  that  Department  is  the  most 
important  in  the  country.  If  you  are  recalled,  the  chances  are 
you  will  have  less  power  than  when  you  started  for  Ship 
Island.  What  is  the  reason  that  Major  Bell  does  not  intend 
to  return?  Is  there  no  other  but  that  he  thinks  you  will  come 
home? 

Judge  Abbott  met  Webster  the  other  day,  and  asked  him  if 
it  were  possible  that  you  had  sent  for  Griffin  to  take  the  place 
of  a  man  like  Bell.  He  thought  you  could  not  have  a  worse 
man  about  you,  reckless  and  unprincipled,  with  just  ability 
enough  to  be  dangerous.  He  wondered  that  Hildreth  was 
not  with  you,  a  man  true  as  steel  to  his  friends,  and  whose 
judgment  and  truth  were  undoubted.  I  wrote  you  this  to 
show  you  the  opinion  of  one  man,  though  you  do  not  think 
him  your  friend,  of  Mr.  Griffin.  You  may  have  reasons  for 
wanting  him,  as  he  belongs  to  the  Abolition  party,  that  others 
have  not  thought  of,  but  no  such  man  as  he  is  to  be  compared 
to  Bell.  I  write  what  he  said  about  Fisher  only  to  finish  his 
conversation.  I  have  learned  well  enough  how  repugnant  he 
is  to  you,  and  that  he  can  only  be  of  use  through  other  per- 
sons. One  other  reason  why  I  write  of  Griffin  is  that  there 
are  several  other  men  who  report  that  you  have  sent  for  them, 
and  are  on  the  point  of  starting.  Dean  has  gone,  Farrington, 
Eastman,  Clemence,  etc.  The  first  one  was  never  your  friend. 
The  others  are  auctioneers.  Good  for  their  business,  but  just 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   305 

as  well  if  somebody  else  had  sent  for  them.  Clemence  sent 
word  this  morning  that  he  should  go  in  a  fortnight,  and  would 
like  me  to  go  with  him.  But  I  have  strict  orders  not  to  go.  I 
could  not  take  that  voyage  if  you  do  not  want  me  to  go.  As 
I  have  no  expectation  you  are  coming  home,  I  wait  with  doubt 
and  impatience  for  your  next  letter.  I  have  seen  Capt.  George 
but  three  times  I  think  since  my  return.  Fisher,  too,  has  been 
away  most  of  the  time.  I  sent  for  Fisher  yesterday  to  come 
and  see  me;  he  has  just  returned  from  New  York  and  will 
take  the  children  back  to  Washington  tomorrow.  Blanche 
is  not  well  today,  or  they  would  have  started  this  afternoon. 
I  told  Fisher  I  would  like  to  see  Capt.  George  and  hear  what 
he  had  to  say  these  days.  He  said  it  was  not  much  use.  He 
thought  George  had  no  heart  to  think  and  plan,  that  he, 
George,  said  no  matter  what  was  done,  there  would  always  be 
Jackson  raised  just  above  you,  a  spectacle  for  public  comment 
ready  to  topple  you  down  as  fast  as  others  could  build;  that 
you  did  not  see  it,  and  if  you  did  you  were  reckless  about  it, 
and  would  always  have  him  with  you  or  ready  to  spring  for- 
ward and  grasp  the  power  that  others  had  helped  to  raise  to 
the  disgust  of  all  who  felt  any  interest.  I  know  how  vexed 
he  would  be  if  he  knew  I  wrote  this.  But  no  one  will  tell  you 
anything  of  this  kind  but  me,  and  I  know  it  will  do  no  good, 
and  had  better  be  silent  and  write  nothing. 

Affectionately  yours,  SARAH 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  18,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  73 

I.  ALL  transfers  of  property,  or  rights  of  property,  real, 
mixed,  personal,  or  incorporeal,  except  necessary  food,  medi- 
cine, and  clothing,  either  by  way  of  sale,  gift,  pledge,  payment, 
lease,  or  loan,  by  an  inhabitant  of  this  Department  who  has 
not  returned  to  his  or  her  allegiance  to  the  United  States 
(having  once  been  a  citizen  thereof),  are  forbidden  and  void, 
and  the  person  transferring  and  the  person  receiving  shall  be 
punished  by  fine  or  imprisonment,  or  both. 

II.  All  registers  of  the  transfer  of  certificates  of  stock  or 
shares  in  any  incorporated  or  joint-stock  company  or  asso- 
ciation, in  which  any  inhabitant  of  this  Department,  who  has 
not  returned  to  his  or  her  allegiance  to  the  United  States 
(having  once  been  a  citizen  thereof)  has  any  interest,  are  for- 

VOL.    II — 2O 


S06   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

bidden,  and  the  clerk  or  other  officer  making  or  recording  the 
transfer  will  be  held  equally  guilty  with  the  transferrer. 
By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  Gen. 

From  General  Shepley 

State  of  Louisiana,  Executive  Department,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA., 

September  19th,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
communication  of  September  2,  inclosing  copies  of  several 
communications  addressed  by  the  Department  of  State  to 
the  diplomatic  representatives  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and 
the  Netherlands,  growing  out  of  the  relations  between  the 
military  authorities  and  the  consuls  of  those  countries  at  New 
Orleans.  I  have  advised  M.  Conturie,  the  consul  of  the  Neth- 
erlands, that  the  $800,000  in  coin  taken  from  his  possession 
by  General  Butler,  would  be  restored  to  him  or  to  the  agent  of 
Messrs.  Hope  &  Co.,  or  to  the  Citizen's  Bank  of  Louisiana, 
whichsoever  of  them  he  might  designate.  Copy  of  my  letter 
to  M.  Conturi6  is  herewith  transmitted.  As  the  diplomatic 
correspondence  transmitted  to  me  contains  a  statement  that  I 
should  be  directed  to  invite  M.  Conturie  to  resume  his  con- 
sular functions,  and  also  that  I  should  be  directed  to  cause  to 
be  restored  the  $800,000  seized  by  General  Butler,  I  have 
taken  the  liberty  to  act  upon  these  communications  without 
awaiting  any  more  specific  instructions  from  you  or  from  the 
Department  of  State  on  this  subject.  I  shall  endeavor  in  my 
intercourse  with  the  foreign  consuls  in  New  Orleans,  as  far  as 
possible,  to  avoid  any  causes  of  irritation  tending  to  embarrass 
the  Government  in  its  relations  to  foreign  powers.  With 
great  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
G.  F.  SHEPLEY,  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana 

Official  Records,  Series  3,  Vol.  II,  Page  623. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  19th,  1862 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secretary  of  State 

Sm:   I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  you  the  following  facts: 
C.  McDonald  Fago,  a  British  subject,  resident  many  years 

in  New  Orleans,  is  about  to  make  claim  to  the  property  of 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       807 

Wright  &  Allen  in  New  Orleans,  which  has  been  taken  posses- 
sion of  by  the  U.  S.  authorities  here  under  the  following  state 
of  facts. 

Wright  &  Allen  are  Cotton  brokers  who  claim  to  have  prop- 
erty outside  of  New  Orleans  of  two  millions  of  dollars.  They 
are  most  rabid  rebels,  and  were  of  those  who  published  a 
card  advising  the  planters  not  to  send  forward  their  crops  of 
cotton  for  the  purpose  of  inducing  foreign  intervention. 

Soon  after  we  came  here,  they  mortgaged  their  real  Estate 
here,  consisting  of  a  house,  for  $60,000,  to  planters  in  the  state 
of  Arkansas,  and  there  sold  the  equity,  together  with  their 
furniture  for,  $5,000  to  Mr.  Fago,  paying  about  four  thousand 
five  hundred  dollars  per  annum  interest  on  the  property  and 
to  receive  nothing.  His  only  payment,  however,  was  by  his 
own  note  in  twelve  months,  which  was  sent  to  their  friend  the 
planter  in  Arkansas. 

Wright  &  Allen  were  then  openly  boasting  that  they  would 
not  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  United  States,  and  were 
encouraging  others  to  refuse  and  stand  by  Secession.  In  order 
to  divest  themselves  of  the  last  vestige  of  visible  property 
upon  which  the  confiscation  act  could  take  effect,  having  given 
to  the  widow  of  their  deceased  partner,  an  Irish  woman,  a 
note  or  notes  for  three  thousand  dollars,  they  then  sell  her 
their  plate  for  that  amount,  and  then  have  it  shipped  under 
another  name  to  Liverpool. 

A  large  number  of  others  are  following  their  examples,  and, 
indeed,  all  the  property  of  New  Orleans  is  changing  hands  into 
foreigners  and  women,  to  avoid  the  consequences  of  the  con- 
fiscation acts. 

Believing  all  this  to  be  intolerable,  I  have  resolved  to  make 
this  a  test  case,  and  have  seized  this  property,  and  intend  to 
hold  it  where  it  is  until  the  matter  can  be  submitted  to  the 
Courts. 

Mr.  Fago  has  sent  to  Washington  to  have  this  property 
given  up  as  a  test  case.  If  the  course  of  authority  here  is 
interfered  with  in  this  case,  it  will  be  next  to  impossible  to 
maintain  order  in  this  city.  This  Mr.  Fago  has  first  had  a 
large  amount  of  sugar  belonging  to  his  brother,  an  aid  to 
Governor  Moore,  given  up  to  him  by  the  decision  of  Reverdy 
Johnson.  Emboldened  by  this  experiment,  he  proposes  to 
try  once  more.  If  successful,  I  should  prefer  that  the  Govern- 
ment would  get  some  one  else  to  hold  New  Orleans  instead  of 
myself.  Indeed,  Sir,  I  beg  leave  to  add  that  another  such 


308   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Commissioner  as  Mr.  Johnson  sent  here  would  render  the  city 
untenable.  The  town  got  itself  into  such  a  state,  while  Mr. 
Johnson  was  here,  that  he  confessed  to  me  that  he  could 
hardly  sleep  from  nervousness  from  fear  of  a  rising,  and 
hurried  away,  hardly  completing  his  work,  as  soon  as  he  heard 
Baton  Rouge  was  about  to  be  attacked. 

The  result  of  his  mission  here  has  caused  it  to  be  under- 
stood that  I  am  not  supported  by  the  Government,  that  I 
am  soon  to  be  relieved,  that  all  my  acts  are  to  be  overhauled, 
and  that  a  rebel  may  do  anything  he  pleases  in  the  city,  as 
the  worst  may  be  a  few  days'  imprisonment,  when  my  succes- 
sor will  come  and  he  will  be  released. 

To  such  an  extent  has  this  thing  gone  that  inmates  of  the 
Parish  prison,  sent  there  for  grand  larceny,  robbery,  etc.,  in 
humble  imitation  of  the  foreign  consuls  have  agreed  together 
to  send  an  agent  to  Washington  to  ask  for  a  Government 
Commission  to  investigate  charges  made  by  these  thieves 
against  the  Provost  Marshal,  by  whose  vigilance  they  were 
detected. 

Alexander  the  Coppersmith,  by  his  cry  "Great  is  Diana  of 
the  Ephesians,  the  institution  of  slavery  is  in  danger,"  did  me 
much  harm  in  Louisiana,  from  the  effects  of  which  I  am  just 
recovering,  and  the  only  fear  I  now  have  is  that,  if  the  last 
accounts  are  true,  Mr.  Johnson  will  have  so  much  more  nervous 
apprehension  for  his  personal  safety  in  Baltimore  than  he  had 
in  New  Orleans,  that  he  will  want  to  come  back  here,  now 
the  yellow  fever  season  is  over,  as  to  a  place  of  security. 

I  have  done  myself  the  honor  to  make  this  detail  of  the 
case  at  length  to  the  State  Department,  so  that  all  the  facts 
are  before  it  upon  which  I  act.  The  inferences  from  those 
facts  must,  from  the  nature  of  testimony,  be  left  to  my  judg- 
ment until  the  Courts  can  act  authoritatively  in  the  matter. 

Another  reason  why  I  have  detailed  these  facts  with  such 
minuteness  is  that  in  the  reports  of  Mr.  Johnson  furnished  to 
the  Consuls  to  be  read  here,  every  fact  is  suppressed  which 
would  form  a  shadow  of  justification  for  my  acts,  and  ex  parte 
affidavits,  (by  those)  accused  by  me  of  a  fraudulent  transfer 
of  large  amounts  of  property,  are  the  sole  basis  of  the 
report. 

True,  by  that  report  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  million  of 
specie  is  placed  in  the  hands  of  one  Forstall,  a  rebel,  a  leading 
member  of  the  "Southern  Independent  Association,"  a  league 
wherein  each  member  bound  himself  by  a  horrid  arid  impious 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       809 

oath  "to  resist  unto  death  itself  all  attempts  to  restore  the 
Union."  A  confrere  of  Soul6  in  the  Committee  of  the  City 
which  destroyed  more  than  ten  millions  of  property  by  fire, 
to  prevent  its  coming  into  the  hands  of  the  United  States 
authorities,  when  the  fleet  passed  the  forts. 

I  beg  of  you,  Sir,  to  consider  that  I  mention  the  character 
of  this  report,  not  in  any  tone  of  complaint  of  the  State  Depart- 
ment. If  it  is  necessary  to  suppress  facts,  to  impugn  the 
motives  and  disown  the  acts  of  a  Commanding  Officer  of  the 
Army  in  the  field,  or  to  publish  to  those  plotting  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Republic,  that  he  has  had  all  control  of  public 
affairs  in  New  Orleans  taken  from  him  and  transferred  to  a 
subordinate,  because  of  the  harshness  of  his  administration, 
as  was  done  in  the  despatch  to  the  Minister  of  the  Nether- 
lands, even  if  the  facts  is  not  true,  I  bow  to  the  mandate  of 
"State  Necessity"  without  a  murmur.  I  have  made  larger 
sacrifices  than  this  for  my  country,  and  am  prepared  for  still 
greater  if  need  be,  but  I  only  wish  to  make  them  when  they  will 
be  useful,  and  therefore  have  pointed  the  effect  of  the  Com- 
mission Report  and  despatch  upon  a  turbulent,  rebellious, 
uneasy,  excitable,  vindictive,  brutalised,  half-foreign  popula- 
tion, made  mad  by  exaggerated  reports  of  the  victories  of  their 
fellows,  the  fall  of  the  National  Capitol,  the  invasion  of  the 
North,  and  excited  to  insubordination  by  the  double  hope 
that  either  by  the  success  of  the  arms  of  their  brethren,  or  the 
interference  of  the  National  Executive  in  their  behalf,  they 
shall  soon  be  released  from  the  Government  which  has  ever 
held  the  city  in  quiet  order  or  unplundering  peace.  Awaiting 
instructions,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  the  Acfg  Consul  of  Prussia 

Consulate  of  Prussia,  NEW  ORLEANS,  19th  Sept.,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the 

Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  have  made  two  attempts  to  see  you  at  your 
office,  yesterday  and  the  day  before  yesterday.  I  was  over 
three  hours  in  attendance  without  being  able  to  obtain  admit- 
tance. My  object  was  to  see  you  in  behalf  of  the  Prussian 
ship  "Essex,"  and  I  have  now  the  honor  to  address  you  on  the 
same  subject. 


310       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

On  the  16th  inst.  the  master  of  the  "  Essex "  applied  at  the 
Custom  House  for  a  clearance,  which  was  refused  him,  at 
first  without  assigning  any  reason;  but  subsequently,  on  my 
addressing  a  note  to  the  Collector,  Captain  Klatt  of  the  above- 
named  vessel  was  informed  that  his  vessel  was  detained  on 
account  of  several  packages  of  plate  and  specie  which  were 
shipped  on  board  of  her. 

The  "Essex"  took  in  cargo  on  a  general  permit,  and  I  do 
not  see  that  by  her  receiving  on  board  said  plate  and  specie 
the  revenue  laws  of  the  United  States,  nor  the  more  recent 
regulations  governing  the  intercourse  of  foreign  vessels  with 
this  port,  nor  any  of  your  own  orders,  issued, up  to  the  16th 
inst.,  have  been  infringed,  but  nevertheless  the  "Essex" 
has  now  been  detained  three  days  at  a  considerable  expense. 

I  take  the  liberty  now,  General,  to  request  you  to  allow  the 
"Essex"  to  obtain  her  clearance  without  further  delay,  or 
otherwise  to  inform  me  of  the  cause  of  the  difficulty,  so  that  I 
may  take  steps  to  aid  in  removing  it  if  possible.  I  remain, 

General,  With  much  respect,      T7  .    ,  JA 

Your  most  obdt.  servt., 

J.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Acting  Consul  for  Prussia 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Wh,  1862 

The  Prussian  Consul 

SIR:  Your  note  in  relation  to  the  ship  "Essex"  was  received 
by  me  this  evening.  I  regret  that  the  necessary  press  of  busi- 
ness, a  part  of  which  an  endeavor  to  speed  the  "Essex," 
prevented  my  seeing  you. 

It  is  perhaps  not  the  fault  but  the  misfortune  of  the  "Essex" 
that  contraband  articles  have  found  their  way  on  board  her. 
She  has  been  necessarily  detained  while  these  are  sifted  out. 

I  shall  be  able  to  dispatch  her  as  soon  as  she  has  landed 
certain  parts  of  her  freight,  which  I  will  designate.  I  do  not 
think  that  the  master  of  the  ship  has  intended  any  wrong.  He 
will  get  the  list  of  goods  to  be  landed  in  the  course  of  the  day. 

Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       311 

From  General  Sutler 

UNOFFICIAL.    Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS, 

Sept.  19.  1862 

General  THOMPSON 

GENERAL:  An  unfortunate  and  untoward  occurrence  took 
place  on  board  the  yacht  wherein  your  officers  and  mine  were 
sailing  across  the  lake,  which  I  deeply  regret. 

Major  Shaw,  who  was  assaulted  in  an  insane  somnambulic 
fit  by  one  of  my  officers,  according  to  the  report  of  my  aid, 
Lt.  Puffer,  conducted  himself  with  the  utmost  propriety,  cool 
courage,  and  as  a  high-toned  gentleman.  For  this  allow  me 
through  you,  General,  as  I  have  done  personally,  to  thank 
him,  and  assure  you  that  the  affair  instead  of  slightest  fault 
to  Maj.  Shaw  reflected  on  him  the  greatest  credit. 

Lt.  Wiegel,  the  young  officer  who  was  the  unhappy  cause  of 
the  affair,  declares  it  unwittingly  done,  has  made  the  most 
ample  apology,  and  feels  the  deepest  contrition. 

I  need  not  say  how  much  I  regret  that  anything  should  have 
accidently  happened  to  make  more  unpleasant  than  necessary 
the  trip  across  the  lake. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen. 


From  General  M.  Jeff.  Thompson 

PONTCHATOULA,  LA.,  Sept.  t\8l,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  U.S.A.,  Commanding  U.  S. 
Forces,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  Your  note  of  the  18th  inst.  by  Lieut.  Puffer, 
U.S.A.,  marked  "unofficial,"  was  promptly  delivered.  I  am 
sorry  that  you  should  have  thought  the  incident  important 
enough  to  claim  your  attention,  and  at  the  same  time  I  thank 
you  for  your  actions  in  the  matter.  I  know  so  well  how  young 
gentlemen  will  act  when  turned  loose  by  their  superiors,  that  I 
should  have  laughed  at  the  parties  had  it  been  reported,  first, 
to  me. 

I  will  simply  ask  you  to  caution  Lieutenant  Wiegel  that  if 
he  has  not  a  good  "whiskey  head"  he  had  better  beware  of  the 
"critter,"  for  in  these  war  times  it  is  dangerous  to  be  off  one's 
guard.  Lieut.  Wiegel's  apology  was  perfectly  satisfactory  to 
Major  Shaw,  and  your  explanation  is  more  than  satisfactory 
to  me. 


SIS       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  must  also  thank  you  for  your  excuse  of  my  "thoughtless- 
ness" (through  my  nephew's  inexperience)  in  the  style  of  the 
letter  by  the  Flag  of  Truce  under  Major  Shaw. 

Respectfully,  Your  obt.  servant, 
M.  JEFF.  THOMPSON,  Brig.  Gen.  Comdg. 

General  Butler's  Testimony  on  Sugar  "Speculations"  1 

THERE  is  one  subject  which  it  is  due  to  myself  I  should  say 
something  about.  I  have  heard  something  about  "sugar 
speculations  by  the  commanding  general."  I  desire  to  make  a 
statement  upon  that  subject.  On  the  16th  of  May,  or  about 
that  time,  I  was  in  New  Orleans,  and  had  twelve  or  fifteen 
transport  ships  which  were  under  charter  at  so  much  a  day,  or 
so  much  a  month  —  the  United  States  to  find  them  in  ballast 
to  get  home  again.  Now,  be  it  known,  that  there  is  not  a 
stone  in  all  that  part  of  Louisiana  which  we  occupied  to  throw 
at  a  dog;  and  it  will  not  do  to  put  mud  into  a  transport  vessel 
for  ballast,  because  the  earth  would  settle  to  the  bottom,  and 
the  water  come  to  the  top,  and  wash  about  and  make  trouble. 
The  only  way  to  ballast  these  vessels  was  to  send  them  to  Ship 
Island,  where  there  was  no  wharf  for  a  ship  of  any  draft  of 
water  to  load  at  when  it  got  there;  and  the  only  means  of 
giving  her  ballast  was  to  wheel  white  sand  into  boats,  take 
the  boats  alongside  of  a  vessel,  and  then  hoist  the  sand  on 
board;  and  it  became  a  question  of  importance  to  me  how 
these  vessels  were  to  be  ballasted. 

In  the  meantime,  the  guerillas  were  going  about  all  through 
the  country  advising  the  planters  to  destroy  all  their  cotton 
and  sugar,  telling  them  it  would  be  confiscated  by  the  United 
States  if  they  did  not  destroy  it.  To  put  a  stop  to  that,  I 
issued  a  general  order  saying  that  all  such  stories  were  lies; 
that  if  the  people  would  bring  their  cotton  and  sugar  into 
New  Orleans  it  would  have  safeguard  and  be  bought.  But 
there  was  another  misfortune.  I  had  in  all  $75,  and  that  would 
not  go  a  great  ways  in  buying  cotton  and  sugar.  I  had  no 
quartermaster  at  that  time,  —  he  had  not  got  down,  and  no 
quartermaster's  funds,  and  the  entire  funds  of  the  expedition, 
so  far  as  I  know,  were  the  aforesaid  $75.  I  went  to  a  banker, 
who  had  known  of  me  in  happier  times,  and  agreed  to  borrow 
of  him  $100,000,  giving  him  drafts  therefor,  as  I  used  it,  on 

1  From  Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War,  Part  III, 
Pages  360-362,  37th  Congress,  3rd  Session,  Senate  Report  No.  108. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   313 

my  private  banker;  and  with  that  money  I  caused  to  be  bought 
sugar,  rosin,  turpentine,  etc.,  enough  to  ballast  these  vessels, 
and  for  a  large  vessel  200  tons  of  ballast  would  be  required. 
To  illustrate  the  advantage  of  this:  take  the  steamer  "Mis- 
sissippi," for  instance;  I  had  her  there  with  a  swept  hold; 
if  I  had  sent  her  to  Ship  Island  for  sand,  it  would  have  taken 
her  thirty  hours  to  get  there,  —  call  it  a  day,  —  which  would 
be  $1,500;  then  it  would  take  ten  days  to  put  250  tons  of  sand 
on  board  of  her;  that  would  be  $15,000  more.  It  would 
have  taken  four  days  to  have  got  the  sand  out  of  her  after 
she  had  got  at  the  wharf  in  New  York,  besides  the  expense  of 
carting  it  away  from  the  wharf,  which  would  have  cost  a 
great  deal.  So  that  it  would  have  cost  at  least  the  sum  of 
$20,000  to  get  her  home  in  ballast.  Now,  I  gave  five  dollars  a 
hogshead  for  the  sugar;  the  quartermaster  at  New  York 
complained  that  it  took  two  days  to  unload  that  sugar,  and 
that  it  cost  more  to  unload  it  than  they  could  get  for  it.  He 
did  not  think  that  by  not  putting  in  sand  I  had  saved  some 
$1,200  freight,  in  addition  to  saving  $20,000,  which  I  would 
have  had  to  pay. 

By  Mr.  ODELL 

Question.  "You  chartered  the  vessels  to  deliver  them  back 
in  New  York?" 

Answer.  "Yes,  sir;  at  so  much  a  day  or  month,  to  be  deliv- 
ered in  ballast  in  New  York.  I  bought  $60,000  worth  of  sugar, 
and  tar,  and  turpentine.  At  the  same  time  I  wrote  to  the 
War  Department,  stating  exactly  what  I  had  done,  —  stating 
that  I  had  no  right  to  use  the  money  of  the  United  States  to 
make  these  purchases,  and  even  if  I  had  the  right,  I  had  no 
United  States  money  to  use.  I  wrote  that  I  had  used  my  own 
money,  but  that  the  government  could  take  the  property  I 
had  bought,  and  sell  it  for  the  benefit  of  the  United  States,  if 
they  chose,  provided  they  would  answer  my  drafts  here.  If 
they  did  not  choose  to  cover  my  drafts,  and  would  inform  my 
agent  of  that  fact,  he  would  take  care  of  the  property  for  myself 
and  pay  the  drafts;  for  I  had  bought  the  sugar  at  two  cents 
and  half  per  pound,  when  it  was  selling  in  New  York  at  six 
cents;  and  tar  at  three  dollars  a  barrel,  when  it  was  selling  in 
New  York  at  thirty-eight  dollars.  One  would  therefore  sup- 
pose that  I  would  be  willing  to  take  the  property  if  the  gov- 
ernment did  not  want  it.  Being  the  agent  of  the  government, 
however,  and  paid  for  my  time,  I  had  no  right  to  do  that. 


314   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

"The  government  let  my  drafts  go  to  protest  for  non- 
acceptance,  while  the  matter  was  getting  settled,  but  finally 
concluded  to  assume  the  business  and  paid  my  drafts.  They 
took  the  tar  and  turpentine  for  their  own  use;  they  had  no 
occasion  to  sell  that.  The  shipments  of  sugar  that  went  to 
Boston  alone  paid  to  the  government,  after  all  expenses,  the 
sum  of  $17,550.16,  and  the  freight  upon  it  was  $12,436.32. 
So  it  paid  a  net  profit  to  the  government. 

"As  this  matter  may  be  brought  up  some  time  hereafter, 
when  things  are  not  as  fresh  in  the  mind  as  they  are  now,  I 
make  this  statement  with  your  leave,  for  the  purpose  of  placing 
these  facts  upon  the  record.  I  can  say  that  I  would  have  given, 
if  I  had  been  allowed  the  chance  for  the  speculation,  $100,000 
for  the  profits." 

Question.  "Did  you  consign  this  property  to  your  private 
banker  in  Boston?" 

Answer.  "Yes,  sir,  of  course,  for  I  had  nobody  else  to  con- 
sign it  to.  I  consigned  it  to  my  agent  so  that  he  could  have 
the  property  to  pay  the  drafts.  The  government,  so  far  as 
they  were  concerned,  let  the  drafts  go  to  protest,  and  my 
friends  had  to  raise  the  money  to  pay  them." 

Question.  "Was  all  the  property  bought  and  shipped  through 
your  agency  not  shipped  on  your  account,  and  sold  on  account 
of  the  government?  " 

Answer.  "All  the  property  bought  and  shipped  by  me,  or 
through  my  agency,  was  shipped  not  on  my  account,  but  for 
the  government,  if  they  chose  to  take  it." 

Question.    "And  the  government  did  take  it?" 

Answer.  "Yes,  sir.  I  had  two  views  in  purchasing  it.  One 
was  to  ballast  the  government  transports;  and  the  other  was 
to  let  the  people  there  know  that  if  they  brought  their  cotton 
and  sugar  to  New  Orleans  they  could  sell  it." 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BOSTON,  Sept.  19,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  send  you  herewith  a  complete  statement  of 
the  operations  as  ordered  shipped  by  you  before  June  1st.,  also 
a  memo  account  with  the  U.  S.  which  I  have  not  entered  in  my 
books,  the  net  sum  $17,550.16  standing  to  credit  of  "Sales." 

You  will  observe  that  I  have  charged  the  account  with  cost, 
commissions  to  A.  J.  B.  for  buying,  premium  on  gold,  and 
every  other  possible  item  of  cost,  all  of  which  are  credited  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       315 

your  account.  The  profits,  $17,550.16, 1  hold  as  Agt.  for  both 
parties  in  the  transaction,  and  do  not  propose  to  pay  it  to 
either  without  their  mutual  consent. 

Truly  yours,  etc.,  RICH.  S.  FAY,  JR. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Oulft  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  19th,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  the  enclosed  report  to  the 
State  Department  for  information  as  an  exposition  of  some  of 
the  difficulties  with  which  I  have  contended  here.  The  city 
is  in  a  very  excited  condition  and  sufficiently  uneasy,  but  I 
think  I  shall  have  no  trouble. 

As  the  day  on  which  the  Confiscation  Act  goes  into  opera- 
tion, approaches,  the  uneasiness  and  disquiet  is  more  apparent, 
but  all  will  be  held  firmly,  calmly.  I  believe  all  danger  of 
outward  attack  has  for  the  present  disappeared,  and  as  soon 
as  the  weather  is  less  oppressive  I  propose  to  take  the  offensive. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  ^         7    7-     ,  0          , 

Y our  obedient  o  ervant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  19,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  74 

I.  IT  having  been  made  to  appear  to  the  Commanding  Gen- 
eral that  upon  marches  and  expeditions  soldiers  of  the  United 
States  Army  have  entered  houses  and  taken  therefrom  private 
property,  and  appropriated  the  same  to  their  own  use: 

It  is  therefore  ordered,  that  a  copy  of  General  Orders  No. 
107,  current  series,  from  the  War  Department,  be  distributed 
to  every  commissioned  officer  of  this  command,  and  that  the 
same  be  read,  together  with  this  order,  to  each  company  in  this 
Department,  three  several  times  at  different  company  rolls. 

II.  It  is  further  ordered,  that  all  complaints  that  private 
property  has  been  taken  from  peaceable  citizens  in  contra- 
vention of  said  General  Orders  No.  107,  be  submitted  to  a 
Board  of  Survey,  and  that  the  amount  of  damage  determined 
shall  be  deducted  from  the  pay  of  the  officers  commanding  the 
troops  committing  the  outrage  —  in  proportion  to  their  rank. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G. 


316       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Commodore  Henry  W.  Morris 

U.  S.  Sloop  PBNSACOLA,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  20,  1862 

Major  General  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the 
Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  have  just  received  the  Telegraph  from  Col. 
Dow  to  you,  which  you  have  sent  me,  and  I  herewith 
return  it. 

I  had  not  heard  the  report  of  nine  rams  having  left  "Mobile," 
and  I  place  but  very  little  faith  in  it. 

I  have  directed  all  the  coal  vessels  below  to  move  up  and 
anchor  above  the  Forts.  My  reason  for  this  was  that  some  of 
the  rebel  vessels,  which  had  been  fitted  out  at  Nassau  (N.  P.), 
had  made  their  appearance  off  Havana  and  other  parts  of  the 
coast  of  Cuba,  and  I  apprehended  that  some  of  them  might 
come  in  at  the  S.  W.  Pass  and  capture  or  destroy  the  coal 
vessels,  as  they  were  unprotected  there. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
HENRY  W.  MORRIS,  Commodore  and  Senior  Officer 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  20,  1862 

MY  DEAR  SARAH:  I  write  by  the  "Matanzas"  which  sails 
this  morning.  There  is  on  board  of  her  a  box  containing 
photographs,  which  I  trust  will  arrive  safe.  The  "Saxon" 
came  yesterday.  Her  cargo  is  not  worth  the  freight.  Every- 
thing remains  quiet  here  save  the  excitement  about  the  Con- 
fiscation Act,  which  goes  into  effect  in  three  days.  The  "  ladies  " 
of  New  Orleans  are  in  great  trouble  now  about  their  property, 
and  taking  the  oath.  They  literally  swarm  upon  me.  The 
health  of  the  city  remains  admirable.  We  have  had  one  case 
of  yellow  fever  about  two  weeks  ago,  a  passenger  that  slipped 
by  the  quarantine.  Such  sanitary  measures  were  taken,  how- 
ever, as  to  check  its  spread.  We  have  had  no  other.  Every- 
body well  that  you  know,  and  all  the  command  getting  well. 

I  have  raised  two  regiments  of  the  "chosen  people  of  colour," 
as  Genl.  Jackson  terms  them.  Genl.  Sherman  is  here,  and  has 
taken  Phelps'  place.  General  Arnold  is  here  also  from  Pen- 
sacola,  Gen.  Weitzel,  Shepley,  and  Dow,  so  you  see  I  have 
Brig.  Generals  enough. 

Tell  Fisher  to  write  me  how  he  has  received  sugar,  and  if  in 
funds.  I  may  want  to  draw  on  him  for  150  thousand  dollars. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   317 

Fisher  must  not  think  of  coming  out  here  at  present.  There  is 
too  much  for  him  to  do  at  home.  The  oats  are  not  worth  the 
freight.  They  have  been  too  long  on  the  way.  However,  I 
should  keep  them  awhile. 

Your  letter  containing  photographs  was  received.  I  re- 
enclose  it,  and  will  wait  for  the  pictures.  You  seem  to  take 
pride  in  the  fact  that  yours  is  the  saddest  face  ever  seen. 
Why  do  so?  Why  not  the  gayest  —  the  happiest?  It  is  a 
poor  compliment  to  a  live  husband  and  a  family  of  lovely 
children  that  a  wife  has  a  sadder  face  than  a  specimen  widow. 
From  that  face  one  would  think  that  I  treated  you  like  a 
brute,  that  your  children  were  ungrateful,  your  home  cheerless 
and  gloomy,  your  relatives  had  deserted  you,  and  that  even 
peace  of  conscience  was  denied  you.  Why  then  express  the 
very  contrary  of  all  the  facts  which  surround  you?  It  does  not 
add  to  your  own  happiness,  because  I  never  supposed  you 
were  a  person  who  made  a  luxury  of  woe.  Why  then  so  sad? 
You  have  much  if  not  everything  to  make  you  happy.  Come 
now,  put  on  a  cheerful  face,  smile  and  come  down  here,  and 
make  me  happy  with  the  merriest  face  that  ever  was  seen. 
Why  does  not  that  "little  puss"  Blanche  write  me? 

How  shockingly  everything  has  gone  on  in  Virginia.  How 
it  is  going  on,  I  know  not  now.  The  Government  don't  seem 
to  have  the  energy  and  determination  of  mice.  However,  I 
must  criticize  only  to  you.  Seward  has  played  me  a  scurvy 
trick  by  writing  to  the  Consuls  that  Genl.  Shepley  was  ap- 
pointed Military  Governor  here  because  of  displeasure  of  my 
"harshness"  here.  It  is  not  true,  because  I  asked  Shepley  to 
be  appointed,  as  you  know.  I  have  written  Mr.  Seward  a 
letter  which  if  he  desires  I  will  publish. 

Yours,  Adieu,  BENJ.  F. 

From  the  Acting  Consul  of  Prussia 

Consulate  of  Prussia,  NEW  ORLEANS,  23d  Sept.,  1862 

Major  Genl.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the  Gulf 
GENERAL:  Captain  Klatt  of  the  Prussian  ship  "Essex" 
handed  to  me  yesterday  the  order  issued  under  your  authority 
by  the  Collector  of  this  Port,  asking  for  the  delivery  of  certain 
specified  packages  laden  on  board  his  vessel,  and  informed  me 
at  the  same  time  that  he  refused  compliance. 

You  are  no  doubt  aware  that  the  Bills  of  Lading  for  the 
packages  in  question,  signed  respectively  on  the  9th  and  15th 


318   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

inst.,  are  in  possession  of  the  shippers,  and  in  order  to  hold 
the  vessel  harmless  and  to  avoid  complication  in  Liverpool, 
her  port  of  destination,  it  will  either  be  necessary  that  the  Bills 
of  Lading  be  returned  to  the  Captain,  on  delivery  here  of  the 
packages,  or  that  the  same  be  taken  from  his  vessel  by  force. 

In  your  note  addressed  to  me  on  the  19th  inst.,  receipt  of 
which  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  herewith,  the  said  pack- 
ages are  declared  to  be  contraband,  and  pn]  this  connection  I 
would  beg  leave  to  observe  that  by  the  sixth  section  of  the  Con- 
fiscation Act,  they  would  only  become  such  after  the  23d,  or  per- 
haps have  become  such  after  the  18th,  by  the  operation  of  your 
general  order  No.  73.  [There]  existed,  therefore,  on  the  15th 
inst.,  no  cause  for  the  detention  of  the  "Essex." 

I  have  now  herewith  to  hand  you  the  protest  entered  by 
Captain  Klatt  against  the  detention  of  his  vessel,  and  of  which 
I  shall  also  forward  a  copy  to  the  Prussian  Minister  at 
Washington. 

The  "Essex"  is  at  great  daily  expense.  She  claims  damages 
to  the  extent  of  $500  in  gold  per  diem,  and  it  is  therefore  of 
importance  to  bring  this  question  to  an  issue  either  in  one  way 
or  another,  and  begging  that  you  will  give  it  your  early  con- 
sideration, I  remain,  General, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  servt., 
J.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Acting  Consul  of  Prussia 

P.S.  Captain  Klatt  requests  me  to  state  that  he  wishes  it  to 
be  distinctly  understood  that  the  non-compliance  on  his  part 
with  your  order  should  only  be  attributed  to  his  desire  to  guard 
himself  against  difficulties  in  Liverpool,  and  to  no  other  motive. 

J.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Act.  Consul 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  23d,  1862 

To  the  Prussian  Consul,  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:   I  have  received  yours  of  the  23rd,  containing  protest. 

The  ship  "Essex"  has  been  at  liberty  to  depart  since  the 
date  of  the  Collector's  letter  to  you.  If  the  Captain  choose  to 
lay  here  longer,  he  does  it  at  his  own  risk  and  expense. 

I  suppose  it  is  within  the  province  of  a  military  Com- 
mander to  determine  for  himself,  and  upon  his  own  respon- 
sibility, what  he  may  judge  the  necessity  of  his  position  will 
allow  to  be  shipped  from  the  port  under  his  command.  I  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       819 

exercised  that  discretion,  and  I  do  not  require  any  interpre- 
tation of  my  orders  from  the  Acting  Prussian  Consul  to  govern 
my  action. 

I  take  leave  to  call  your  attention  that  the  only  Prussian 
Consul  accredited  here  is  in  command  of  rebel  forces  in  the 
field,  while  his  wife  remains  in  this  jurisdiction. 

While  I  have  endeavored  and  shall  endeavor  to  interfere 
as  little  as  possible  with  any  acts,  either  of  commerce  of  your 
countrymen  or  official  acts  of  yourself,  as  I  have  endeavored 
to  extend  to  you  every  courtesy,  I  am  not  a  little  surprised 
at  your  action  in  regard  to  ship  "Essex."  I  shall  not  use  force 
to  take  the  obnoxious  packages  out  of  the  "Essex"  because  I 
believe  that  very  force  would  be  made  a  subject  of  complaint, 
but  I  repeat  what  I  have  already  said,  until  the  master  of  the 
"Essex"  deliver  these  packages  to  the  Customhouse  officer, 
the  ship  cannot  sail,  and  if  she  remains,  as  he  is  now  doing,  it 
must  be  at  his  own  risk  and  peril.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Lieutenant  Colonel  Shields 

Headquarters,  BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  September  23rd,  1862 

To  the  Commanding  Officer ,  U.  S.  Forces, 

NEW  ORLEANS,  LOUISIANA 

SIR:  I  am  instructed  by  the  Commanding  Officer,  C.S.A. 
of  this  district  to  send,  with  a,  flag  of  truce,  the  son  and  daughter 
of  General  Clarke,  now  a  wounded  prisoner  in  your  hands,  and 
to  request  safe  conduct  through  your  lines,  and  permission  to 
visit  their  father  in  New  Orleans.  Mr.  Farrar,  a  nephew  of 
the  General's,  accompanies  the  children.  I  am,  Sir, 
Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servt., 

THOMAS  SHIELDS,  Lt.  Col.  Commdg.  Post. 

From  Mrs.  Sutler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Sept.  '62 

DEAREST:  I  received  your  letters  yesterday  by  Mr.  Bon- 
fanti.  He  called  in  the  afternoon  to  deliver  them,  and  came 
again  to  pass  the  evening.  Mr.  Webster  and  his  wife  happened 
to  be  here,  and  Mr.  Morse  had  met  the  gentleman  in  the  cars, 
and  called  to  see  him  in  the  evening.  I  gave  them  coffee  and 
fruits,  brandy,  and  cigars;  while  they  were  at  the  latter  left 
them  alone.  During  this  time  Mr.  Bonfanti  said  some  things 


320        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  Mr.  Webster  that  I  will  write  you,  though  I  had  thought 
to  leave  this  subject  alone.  In  your  letter  to  me  you  write 
of  being  recalled;  this  I  expected,  but  not  yet.  While  there  is 
danger  of  an  attack,  as  it  is  believed  there  is,  you  will  be 
retained.  When  that  danger  is  over,  I  think  you  will  be  super- 
seded. There  are  several  reasons  why  I  have  expected  this, 
some  of  them  I  have  written  to  you  during  the  summer,  they 
were  not  likely  to  make  a  change  while  the  climate  was  obnox- 
ious. There  may  be  some  difficulty  in  the  way  even  now  that 
will  prevent  it,  for  you  are  much  thought  of;  but  the  chances 
are  you  will  be  recalled  and  sent  somewhere  else.  This  gentle- 
man said  to  Webster  and  Morse  that  there  was  something  he 
would  like  to  say  to  Mrs.  Butler,  or  have  said  to  her,  that  she 
might  write  it  to  the  Gen'l.  He  would  like  to  have  spoken 
to  you  about  it,  but  as  he  was  situated  did  not  feel  at  liberty 
to  do  so  while  he  was  with  you.  He  says  that  Col.  Butler  has 
done,  and  is  doing  you  vast  injury,  that  he  is  utterly  hated, 
and  all  his  deeds  are  reflected  on  you.  He  is  willing  his  name 
should  be  used  in  the  communication,  as  he  greatly  likes  you, 
and  does  not  like  to  see  you  injured  from  such  a  cause,  without 
at  least  your  being  made  aware  of  it.  All  these  things  I  have 
heard  here,  from  Boston  men  and  merchants  through  the 
summer,  of  the  fact  I  was  well  assured  before  I  left  New  Orleans, 
that  he  is  of  vital  injury  to  you.  And  that  you  cannot  stand 
under  that  burden  there,  though  it  overwhelms  you  in  a  differ- 
ent form,  any  better  than  you  could  at  Fortress  Monroe.  A 
more  obnoxious  person  to  invest  with  power  could  not  be  found. 
The  Government  will  never  leave  him  there,  to  deal  with  the 
Confiscation  Act.  I  know  you  will  say  this  is  prejudice  and 
ill-feeling  on  my  part.  I  cannot  help  it.  I  write  my  own  con- 
victions and  the  words  of  others.  You  think  you  control  him 
and  know  his  acts.  On  the  contrary,  though  subservient  to 
your  face,  he  controls  where  he  wishes,  insults  and  overbears 
everywhere.  This  subject  does  not  trouble  me  personally  as 
it  has  done,  and  if  you  now  concluded  to  live  together  here- 
after, I  think  I  should  not  much  mind  it.  All  that  I  can  suffer 
these  two  years  have  exhausted.  It  is  only  a  question  how 
far  you  are  willing  to  suffer  in  estimation  and  position  for  his 
advancement.  If  you  are  satisfied,  let  others  wince,  —  it  is 
no  great  matter.  I  would  not  have  you  now  alter  one  thing 
from  mere  regard  to  my  wishes. 

Your  coming  home  will  give  me  so  much  pleasure  we  shall 
never  think  of  quarreling  with  the  reasons,  be  they  ever  so 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        321 

unjust.  Mr.  Bonfanti  says  you  are  looking  very  well  and  in 
excellent  spirits.  He  thinks  there  will  be  no  attack  made  on 
the  city.  Is  it  not  rather  imprudent  to  go  out  alone  after  dark? 
I  think  I  would  not  run  that  risk;  a  man  stabbed  in  the  night 
is  but  a  sorry  object.  I  felt  compelled  to  write  what  this  man 
said,  but  I  am  in  no  mood  for  writing,  but  in  any  mood  I  am 

Always  affectionately,  yours,  SARAH 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Sept.  '62 

DEAREST:  I  must  write  a  little  this  afternoon,  though  I 
sent  you  a  letter  this  morning.  Capt.  George  has  just  called 
on  his  way  to  New  York  to  look  after  the  unfortunate  vessel 
with  Fisher,  who  is  now  there,  that  was  freighted  for  New 
Orleans.  He  is  full  of  suggestion  as  usual,  but  only  a  minute 
of  time.  He  thinks  you  had  better  not  come  north  without 
asking  leave  of  the  President,  that  there  is  no  place  so  impor- 
tant as  the  one  you  now  hold  in  the  estimation  of  the  country, 
hardly  second  to  Washington,  and  on  no  account  to  make 
any  move  that  will  risk  your  withdrawal  from  that  Depart- 
ment, there  are  enough  ready  to  spring  into  it.  Yet  if  you 
could  come  to  Washington  and  plead  your  own  cause  for 
reinforcements,  you  would  have  great  influence.  But  that  you 
cannot  do  while  the  town  is  threatened.  Halleck,  as  you  know, 
is  appointed  Secretary  of  War.  McClellan  is  reinstated  as 
Commander-in-Chief  on  the  Potomac.  You  know  how  friendly 
they  are  likely  to  be  to  you.  George  has  not  altered  his  mind, 
and  says  there  is  but  one  man  who  has  the  power  and  will  to 
aid  you,  and  the  last  he  fears  you  have  lost  by  neglect.  I  do 
not  think  so,  for  the  person  he  means  is  troubled,  and  would 
like  an  ally,  if  he  could  find  one  on  whom  he  could  firmly  rely. 
And  he  likes  you.  Pope  goes  to  the  North  West.  Washington 
is  panic-stricken,  and  is  so  afflicted,  every  few  months,  the 
only  man  who  has  steadily  pursued  one  course  is  the  one  I 
speak  of.  George  says  this  is  a  crisis,  and  you  ought  not  to 
move  much  until  it  is  over.  Be  content  and  glad  to  be  still. 
Hundreds  among  the  middling  people  about  Washington  say 
if  you  were  leader  we  should  not  be  in  the  condition  we  are 
now.  But  see  you  not,  you  want  a  firm  friend,  who  is  in  power. 
The  regulars  are  holding  most  of  the  power,  but  they  prefer 
their  own.  You  must  look  for  aid  elsewhere.  Your  Depart- 
ment is  second  only  to  McClellan's.  I  should  prefer  your 

VOL.    II — 21 


SS2       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

position.  You  may  partly  succeed  in  getting  reinforcements 
through  the  influence  of  the  regular  officers  in  your  command. 
George  says  it  would  be  very  well  to  cultivate  Gen'l.  Sherman 
thoroughly,  that  he  is  an  able  officer,  very  able,  whether  suc- 
cessful or  not  heretofore,  and  that  you  will  find  him  all  you 
desire.  About  your  arming  the  free  blacks  there  is  a  little 
question.  A  few  who  are  disposed  to  find  fault  say  you  are 
doing  the  same  thing  for  which  Phelps  was  withdrawn.  George 
Pearson  says  you  will  find  them  treacherous.  Major  Bell 
informs  me  they  are  as  white  as  any  person,  and  that  he  has 
a  great  mind  to  write  a  little  article  to  that  effect.  But  it 
would  be  better  it  should  be  editorial,  if  it's  done  at  all.  I 
will  tell  him  so  when  I  see  him.  George  says  the  country  is 
in  too  terrible  a  struggle  to  mind  anything  about  it.  Clemence, 
I  hear,  is  going  out  to  you.  He  has  said  some  ill-natured 
things.  I  am  sorry  you  asked  him  to  go,  but  no  matter;  he 
will  serve  you  while  it  answers  his  interest.  Treat  him  well, 
but  do  not  trust  him  deeply.  He  is  selfish  and  envious.  As 
soon  as  this  vessel  is  repaired,  she  will  be  sent  to  New  Orleans. 
She  was  built  for  a  tug-boat,  and  perhaps  is  just  what  you  want. 
(I  shall  never  remember  to  ask  the  name!)  If  so  you  will  be 
glad  of  her  arrival.  George  says  you  ought  to  have  the  "  Saxon  " 
with  two  or  three  guns  mounted  ready  for  your  own  use;  that 
nothing  would  tempt  him  to  stay  in  such  a  town  without  a 
vessel  of  that  sort.  I  am  writing  you  what  he  says,  because 
you  have  sometimes  thought  his  suggestions  good.  He  further 
says  the  wisest  thing  a  man  can  do,  who  has  any  means  afloat, 
is  to  convert  it  into  gold,  and  never  let  go  of  it  till  this  war  is 
over.  I  have  written  part  of  this  letter  almost  in  the  dark. 
I  write  very  rapidly  of  late,  and  no  longer  think  how  it  looks. 
By  the  time  this  is  sent  away  I  shall  think,  ah!  I  forgot  to 
write  so  and  so,  and  have  to  begin  again.  In  this  letter  I  have 
not  so  far  said  one  word  of  home,  children,  of  what  we  are 
doing  or  thinking.  But  I  think  of  you  always,  and  write  this 
today  that  you  may  get  the  views  of  others  to  compare  with 
your  own,  and  work  them  into  use  if  they  are  worth  it.  The 
children  are  well.  Everything  looks  fresh  —  the  peaches  and 
pears  are  ripe.  If  you  were  here  to  eat  them  I  should  be  happy. 
But  I  shall  see  you  soon  either  here  or  there. 

Yours,  SARAH 

The  pineapple  plants  arrived  today,  looking  very  well.     The 
gardener  says  they  require  seventy  degrees  of  heat  in  winter. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        323 

Do  you  love  me  any  these  days,  I  wonder  or  have  you  too 

much  to  think  of?  Tr          ~    ,.       .  ,  0 

Very  affectionately  yours,  OAR  AH 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  23rd,  1862 

MY  DEAR  WIFE:  Who  shall  say  I  do  not  take  pains  to  write 
you;  here  I  have  tumbled  out  of  bed  at  reveille  to  send  this 
note  by  the  mail  to  say  I  am  in  good  health,  except  the  before 
mentioned  "sore  boils  and  prickly  heat." 

The  "Saxon"  has  got  here  after  a  26  days  passage.  We  are 
expecting  a  new  mail  in  this  morning.  We  are  without  news 
since  the  6th.  We  have  instead  the  most  extravagant  rumors, 
but  we  are  used  to  them.  Bell  has  not  got  back  yet,  and  Kins- 
man, who  took  his  place  as  Provost  Judge,  has  worked  himself 
quite  sick.  Strong  is  well.  I  have  not  got  the  pictures  yet. 

Today  is  the  last  day  before  the  Confiscation  Act  goes  into 
effect.  The  oath  of  allegiance  has  been  taken  by  almost  every- 
body in  the  city  —  they  have  taken  it  to  save  their  property, 
but  with  very  wry  faces.  The  women  have  all  had  to  "come 
up  to  the  scratch."  Elegant  phrase,  that  last,  isn't  it?  I  am 
called  —  time  is  up.  The  mail  must  go,  so  a  thousand  kisses, 
a  hundred  embraces,  one  hug  like  a  bear  to  you. 

Adieu,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  Hon.  S.  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

Treasury  Department,  Sept,  23,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  am  delighted  by  your  great  success 
at  New  Orleans.  You  know,  of  course,  that  all  I  can  do  to 
promote  it  will  be  most  gladly  done.  Happily  you  are  less 
oppressive  in  your  demands  on  the  Treasury  than  any  other 
of  our  Generals  in  important  positions.  I  wish  you  could 
have  men  enough  to  move  up  the  Mississippi  and  clear  it  out. 
What  a  crown  to  your  achievements  that  would  be! 

When  General  Halleck  came  here  the  President  requested 
him  to  call  on  me  about  the  financial  measures  necessary  to 
the  prosecution  of  the  War.  I  told  him  that  the  most  impor- 
tant in  my  judgment  were,  1st,  the  substitution  of  an  active, 
energetic,  fearless  general  for  McClellan  in  the  command  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  then  stranded  on  James  River, 
and  2nd,  the  opening  of  the  Mississippi.  Another,  less  vitally 
important  financially,  seemed  to  me  equally  important  polit- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ically  and  militarily,  —  that  was  the  prompt  advance  of  BuePs 
Army  into  East  Tennessee.  The  first  was  not  done;  the 
second  was  not  done;  the  third  was  not  done;  and  today  the 
Treasury  is  almost  thirty-six  millions  behind,  and  almost  with- 
out resources,  except  Treasury  notes  of  which  the  faculty  to 
issue  only  fifty-six  millions  remains,  and  customs  which  supply 
about  $200,000  per  day.  The  bonds  on  which  our  chief  reliance 
must  necessarily  be  placed  the  5-20  sixes  cannot  be  negotiated. 

But  we  have  something  else  —  defeat  before  Washington 
poorly  compensated  by  the  expulsion  of  the  rebels  from  Mary- 
land; Ohio  and  Indiana  menaced;  military  stagnation  through- 
out the  South,  with  danger  of  expulsion  from  the  points  gained 
on  the  Atlantic  Coast;  Tennessee  nearly  lost  and  Kentucky 
nearly  over  run.  Was  there  ever  anything  like  it? 

Mr.  Denison  writes  me  in  your  praise.  He  says  your  ad- 
ministration is  eminently  successful,  and  that  you  are  getting 
on  admirably  with  your  free  colored  regiments;  enlisting  with- 
out much  enquiry  into  the  status  prior  to  enlistment.  This 
is  well.  You  must  anticipate  a  little  the  operation  of  the  Proc- 
lamation in  New  Orleans  and  Louisiana.  The  law  frees  all 
slaves  of  rebels  in  any  city  occupied  by  our  troops  and  pre- 
viously occupied  by  rebels.  This  is  the  condition  of  New 
Orleans.  Is  it  not  clear,  then,  that  the  presumption  of  freedom 
is  in  favor  of  every  man  only  to  be  set  aside  in  case  of  some  by 
clear  proof  of  continuous  loyalty? 

Yours  faithfully,  S.  P.  CHASE 

From  Jonas  H.  French  to  General  Butler 

Provost  Marshal's  Office,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.  Sept  tlth,  1862 

GENERAL:  This  morning  two  Spanish  Transports  attempted 
to  go  to  sea  —  as  is  customary,  my  River  Police  went  on  board 
to  examine  their  passports.  They  refused  to  allow  them  to 
examine  the  passports  —  saying  the  passengers  had  been 
passed  by  the  Spanish  Consul  —  and  that  was  sufficient.  They 
claim,  both  of  them,  to  be  men-of-war,  and  that  my  police 
had  no  right  on  board. 

The  Spanish  Vice-Consul  has  just  left  me  in  a  very  excited 
state  of  mind  because  I  told  him  his  vessels  could  not  go  to  sea 
until  the  passports  had  been  examined  by  my  officers,  as  is 
the  rule  of  the  office  —  I  thought  it  was  proper  you  should 

know  the  facts.  J7  ,/•  77 

Very  respectfully, 

JONAS  H.  FRENCH,  Provost  Marshal  Genl.  La. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        325 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  2M,  1862 

To  Captain  Commanding  Spanish  War  Steamer 
'Blasco  de  Gar  ay" 

SIR:  Having  reason  to  believe  that  some  escaped  prisoners  are 
attempting  to  leave  on  board  Spanish  Transport,  the  names  of 
two  have  already  been  found  on  the  list,  and  knowing  it  was 
without  the  knowledge  of  the  Spanish  Consul  and  of  yours,  upon 
consultation  with  your  Consul  I  desire  to  ask  that  you  will  per- 
mit one  of  my  detective  officers,  in  company  with  one  of  the 
officers  of  your  ship,  to  examine  the  passengers  on  board  the 
transport,  so  as  to  detect  the  escape  of  unworthy  prisoners. 

I  ask  the  supervision  of  one  of  your  officers  in  order  that  I 
may  not  interfere  with  or  infringe  the  Spanish  jurisdiction  over 
your  national  vessel,  or,  if  this  would  seem  to  you  objection- 
able, any  other  means  be  taken  by  which  the  same  object  be 
accomplished.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Jos6  Manuel  Dias  de  Herrera 

NEW  ORLEANS,  September  24/fc,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  Having  taken  notice  of  the  contents  of  your 
kind  letter  of  this  date,  I  do  not  object  in  the  least  that  the 
person  by  you  appointed  be  without  character  of  police,  but 
only  to  identify  the  parties  that  you  manifest,  will  go  on  board 
of  the  Spanish  transports,  accompanied  by  one  of  my  officers, 
who  will  order  the  delivery  of  criminals  on  board  found. 

I  renew,  General,  my  thanks  for  your  kind  and  courteous 
letter,  and  beg  to  assure  you  that  the  Spanish  flag  will  never 
protect  but  those  parties  to  which  the  civilized  nations,  by 
the  right  of  abetting,  afford  protection. 

The  person  named  by  you  may  call  on  board  the  "Blasco 
de  Garay"  this  afternoon  at  4  o'clock,  to  be  accompanied  on 
board  of  the  transports  by  one  of  my  officers,  in  one  of  my 
boats,  for  the  above  mentioned  purpose.  With  the  highest 
sentiments  of  regard,  I  am,  Genl., 

Your  most  obedient  Servant 

JOSE  MANUEL  DIAS  DE  HERRERA,  Capt.  of  Frigate, 
com'g  Spanish  War  Steamer  "Blasco  de  Garay" 


S26   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Z4th,  1862 

Major  General  H.  W.  HALLECK,  Commander  in  Chief,  Armies 
of  the  U.  S. 

GENERAL:  Having  been  informed  that  a  small  force  of  the 
enemy  were  repairing  Manchac  Pass,  and  that  the  troops  had 
been  withdrawn  from  Pontchatoula,  48  miles  north  of  the  city, 
the  Headquarters  of  Jefferson  Thompson,  I  directed  Major 
Strong,  my  Chief  of  Staff,  to  take  five  companies  of  men  to 
complete  the  destruction  of  the  bridge  and  the  repairs,  if 
any,  and  by  a  division  of  his  forces  endeavor  to  secure  the 
person  of  General  Thompson  and  to  destroy  his  supplies. 

Owing  to  the  heavy  draught  of  water  of  our  boast,  as  set 
forth  in  Major  Strong's  report  herewith  enclosed,  it  was 
found  impossible  to  carry  the  plan  as  originally  proposed. 

But  Major  Strong,  not  to  be  baffled,  determined  upon  an 
attack,  and  in  open  day  at  the  head  of  112  men  made  a  march 
of  ten  miles  upon  the  Headquarters  of  a  General  who  was 
collecting  forces  to  attack  New  Orleans,  drove  away  a  light 
battery  of  artillery  supported  by  300  infantry,  took  and 
occupied  the  town,  destroyed  the  telegraph  and  Post  Office, 
captured  the  despatches,  possessed  himself  of  the  General's 
presentation  sword,  spurs,  and  bridle  as  trophies  (our  officers 
do  not  plunder  Generals'  Quarters  of  shirts  and  stockings), 
burned  his  supply  train  of  twenty  cars,  and  returned  at  his 
leisure,  inflicting  treble  loss  upon  the  enemy  in  killed  and 
wounded. 

I  beg  to  commend  this  to  the  Commanding  General  as  one 
of  the  most  daring  and  successful  exploits  of  the  war,  equal  in 
dash,  spirit,  and  cool  courage  to  anything  attempted  on  any 
side.  Major  Strong  and  his  officers  and  men  deserve  great 
credit.  It  may  have  been  a  little  daring,  perhaps  rash,  but 
that  has  not  been  an  epidemic  fault  with  our  Officers.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Sept.  [24],  1862 

DEAREST:  Major  Bell  came  today  with  his  wife  and  Capt. 
Clark.  They  sail  for  New  Orleans  on  Saturday.  Major  Bell 
must  have  said  he  would  not  return  because  he  expected  you 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       327 

home.  There  is  now  no  thought  of  removing  you.  I  think 
you  will  get  reinforcements  and  finish  your  work  in  the  Gulf. 
Their  call  today  was  very  pleasant.  They  could  not  stay  for 
dinner,  but  I  gave  them  a  very  nice  lunch.  I  wrote  you  a 
long  letter  yesterday  that  I  intended  to  send  by  Major  Bell, 
but  I  feared  that  what  I  wrote  might  trouble  you,  and  I  shall 
not  send  it.  I  felt  a  little  hurt  because  you  did  not  seem  to 
care  much  about  my  coming.  Write  me  again,  and  tell  me  you 
would  not  like  to  be  there  through  the  winter  without  me  on 
your  own  account;  and  then  I  shall  feel  that  you  want  me. 
Do  not  leave  me  in  doubt  about  this,  because  the  voyage  will 
be  so  hard,  if  I  think  you  are  a  little  indifferent  about  my 
going.  Remember  this,  and  pray  attend  to  it  kindly.  Blanche 
left  me  yesterday  for  Georgetown  again.  Fisher  waited  four 
days  for  her  though  in  great  haste  to  get  to  New  York  and 
Baltimore.  His  vessel  is  at  the  last  place.  She  will  have  to  be 
repaired,  and  will  not  be  sent  to  New  Orleans.  The  pictures 
are  all  brought  back.  I  shall  go  to  Boston  tomorrow  to  get 
copies,  and  will  forward  them  as  soon  as  complete.  Blanche 
was  sick  for  several  days.  Do  not  paint  the  picture  of  myself 
that  I  sent  you.  It  was  taken  soon  after  I  came  back,  —  I  am 
not  so  thin  now.  I  am  sorry  I  sent  it,  so  sad  looking  as  it  is, 
you  will  not  like  to  see  it.  Do  you  not  think  Blanche's  are 
pretty,  the  last  three  I  sent  you?  I  have  your  letters  of  August 
7th,  10th,  and  15th,  with  mine  enclosed.  Dr.  Martin  will 
write  you  to  send  for  him.  Do  not  do  it  unless  you  have 
already.  I  am  not  pleased  with  him  altogether. 

The  President  has  issued  a  Proclamation  of  Emancipation 
to  take  effect  next  January.  There  will  be  some  growling,  but 
the  people  will  bear  it  now.  Fisher  thinks  your  course  just 
right,  neither  too  fast  or  too  slow.  He  was  very  anxious  to 
see  Major  Bell  before  he  started,  but  could  not  find  the  time. 
He  thinks  Major  Bell  the  most  reliable  and  honorable  man  you 
have  with  you.  I  hope  while  you  remain  in  the  War  he  will  be 

with  you.    Would  it  not  be  well  to  give  W another  place 

if  you  could  make  one  for  him;  for  he  gives  but  little  help  or 
strength  to  you,  and  make  an  opening  for  Major  Bell.  He 
does  not  aspire  to  military  fame,  but  of  course  would  like  a 
regular  place  on  your  staff,  and  a  truer  friend  or  better  coun- 
sellor you  can  hardly  find.  Fisher  has  been  to  see  Carney 
that  if  your  drafts  arrive  before  the  sugar  he  may  be  ready 
to  meet  them.  He  asked  me  how  you  came  to  write  about  his 
going  to  N.  O.,  as  he  had  never  written  to  you  of  doing  so.  I 


3S8   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

told  him  I  had  spoken  of  his  going  with  Peirce.  Bonfanti 
drew  on  Fay  by  your  order  for  a  hundred  thousand  more  or 
less.  I  suppose  there  can  be  no  mistake  about  it.  Pray  write 
me  as  often  as  you  can.  We  cannot  but  feel  dreadfully  dis- 
appointed that  you  are  not  to  come  home,  though  it  would  be 
disapproval  if  the  Government  removed  you.  I  would  have 
gone  with  Major  Bell  but  for  your  prohibition.  Now  I  must 
wait  till  the  equinoctial  storm  is  over.  That  may  be  the 
middle  of  October,  or  even  later. 

Write  me  often,  and  pleasantly  as  you  can.  You  see  I  am 
improving,  as  I  would  not  send  you  what  I  wrote  yesterday 
for  fear  it  should  grieve  you.  I  hope  we  may  both  forbear, 
till  we  are  of  one  mind  in  everything.  As  we  are,  I  will  believe 
in  thinking  much  of  each  other.  With  great  desire  to  see  you, 
Most  affectionately  your  OWN  WIFE 

From  G.  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase 

PRIVATE  AND  UNOFFICIAL.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Z4th,  1862 1 

DEAR  SIR:  Your  kind  letter  of  the  8th  inst.  reached  me 
yesterday.  I  showed  it  to  Gen.  Butler,  as  you  gave  me  per- 
mission to  do.  The  General  requests  me  to  present  to  you  his 
kindest  regards.  He  is  satisfied  that  Slavery  must  be  abol- 
ished, and  he  will  do  his  part  at  such  time  as  he  thinks  proper. 
He  humorously  remarked  that  his  colored  Brigade  was  of 
about  the  complexion  (upon  the  average)  of  the  Vice-Presi- 
dent.  He  says  that  after  properly  organizing  and  drilling 
them,  he  believes  they  can  march  triumphantly  from  here  to 
Kentucky.  To-morrow  the  first  Regt.  receives  arms  and 
joins  the  army.  The  second  is  fully  enlisted,  and  is  being 
drilled.  A  third  will  be  organized,  but  the  General  has  arms 
for  no  more.  His  order  says  none  are  to  be  received  but  those 
who  have  received  freedom  through  some  recognized  legal 
channel,  —  but  these  are  of  three  classes,  viz:  those  who  have 
received  freedom  from  their  owners.  2nd.  Those  who  are 
made  free  by  the  present  military  courts,  3rd.  all  who  come 
in  from  the  enemy's  lines.  You  see  this  includes  almost  all 
colored  people.  Gen.  Butler  will  manage  this  matter  wisely 
and  well. 

Gen.  Butler  does  more  work  than  any  other  man  in  Louisi- 
ana. Every  thought  seems  to  be  given  to  the  interest  of  the 
Government,  and  his  powers  of  endurance  are  remarkable. 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  815. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   3*9 

No  other  man  could  fill  his  place  here.  His  popularity  among 
Union  men  is  great  and  increasing.  As  I  told  you  in  a  former 
letter,  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  his  brother  does  business  here, 
but  I  do  not  think  the  General  is  interested  in  his  speculations. 
He  learns  everything  and  forgets  nothing.  He  comes  in  con- 
tact with  the  best  minds  in  the  State,  and  is  equal,  or  superior, 
to  them  all. 

During  the  week  ending  last  night  the  number  of  people 
who  have  taken  oath  of  allegiance  is  very  great.  Every  place 
where  the  oath  was  administered  was  thronged.  Secessionists 
can  be  tamed,  and  Gen.  Butler  can  do  it.  I  should  say  three- 
fourths,  at  least,  of  the  citizens  have  taken  the  oath,  and  yet 
not  a  threat  was  made  against  such  as  should  not  take  it.  I 
have  reason  to  believe  the  General  will  be  very  severe  toward 
those  who  persist  in  calling  themselves  loyal  to  the  Southern 
Confederacy.  I  think  he  will  confiscate  their  property  and 
remove  them  beyond  the  lines. 

Notwithstanding  Federal  reverses,  the  Union  feeling 
develops  itself  satisfactorily,  and  many  have  really  ceased 
to  be  secessionists. 

The  Prussian  ship  "Essex"  has  on  board  many  cases  of 
plate  and  bullion  shipped  by  rebels.  Gen.  Butler  directed  me 
to  grant  no  clearance  to  the  ship  until  the  cases  were  landed. 
The  ship  has  been  waiting  for  a  clearance  three  days,  but  will 
(probably)  land  the  cases  soon,  when  there  will  be  no  more 
trouble. 

Since  I  have  been  here,  two  small  vessels  have  cleared  for 
Pensacola  with  Gen.  B's  permit.  Admiral  Farragut  may 
perhaps  complain  of  these  vessels,  for  one  or  both  ran  into 
rebel  ports,  or  were  captured  by  the  enemy.  At  any  rate, 
they  did  not  reach  Pensacola.  The  Navy  seized  the  Prize 
Schooner  "Emma"  at  Ship  Island,  sent  by  me  to  New  York. 
I  had  put  iron  on  her  to  complete  cargo.  She  was  released  and 
continued  her  voyage. 

The  business  of  the  Custom  House  goes  on  very  satisfac- 
torily. The  Mr.  Flanders  I  spoke  of  is  not  the  one  you  know, 
but  his  brother,  and  is  not  perhaps  a  proper  person  for  Sur- 
veyor. He  is  a  proper  person  for  Clerk  to  perform  the  duties 
of  Deputy  Surveyor,  and  for  this  office  I  have  nominated  him, 
the  office  of  Surveyor,  being  included,  I  suppose,  in  my  posi- 
tion as  Special  Agent  and  Acting  Collector. 

[GEORGE  S.  DENISON] 


330   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

•  Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Wth,  1862 

Capt.  JANUARY  &  Lieut.  PERKINS 

GENTLEMEN:  Your  letter  of  the  25th  inst.  to  Capt.  Davis 
has  been  handed  to  the  Genl.  Comdg.  for  consideration,  and  he 
directs  me  to  say  that  the  reason  for  keeping  you  in  close  con- 
finement is  that  he  has  received  a  communication  from  Genl. 
Taylor,  of  Confederate  service,  saying  that  he  will  not  exchange 
the  prisoners  he  has  belonging  to  the  Eighth  (8)  Vermont  Vol- 
unteers. It  therefore  rests  with  your  own  officers  when  you 
shall  be  released.  By  ^  of  MAJ  QEN  BUTLER 

FRED  MARTIN,  Lieut.  &  A.  D.  C. 
From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Sept.  26,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  wrote  you  by  the  "Clifton,"  and  sent 
word  to  you  by  General  Arnold  about  Fort  Gaines,  but  we 
appear  to  be  as  much  out  of  the  way  here  as  in  Yucatan. 

I  hear  nothing  from  you,  and  until  the  arrival  of  the  "Ten- 
nessee" yesterday  we  had  heard  nothing  since  the  "Clifton." 

I  wish  to  establish  a  mail  twice  a  week  between  New  Orleans, 
Ship  Island,  and  Pensacola.  I  will  send,  on  any  stated  days 
that  you  may  establish  with  the  Postmaster,  to  Ship  Island 
for  our  mails  for  this  place.  I  know  we  have  a  large  mail  at 
New  Orleans  for  the  vessels  here  as  well  as  my  official  mail,  as 
I  have  only  received  two  or  three  letters  from  the  Department. 
I  sent  some  powder  to  Ship  Island  for  the  use  of  the  Army  and 
Navy:  it  went  in  the  "Rhode  Island"  to  New  Orleans,  but  as 
she  had  the  fever  on  board,  it  had  to  be  left  at  Ship  Island. 

Do  let  me  know  your  intentions  towards  Fort  Gaines.  Have 
you  the  troops  to  spare  to  attack  it  in  the  rear,  landing  in  the 
Sound? 

I  see  by  my  letters  that  the  Department  rather  throws  cold 
water  on  the  attack,  but  I  think  now  is  the  time  to  create  a 
diversion  in  their  forces  at  the  North,  where  they  appear  to 
be  managing  about  as  badly  as  could  be  expected  from  the 
worst  instead  of  the  best  Generals  in  the  country. 

Do  let  me  hear  from  you,  for  I  will  be  ready  in  five  or  six 
days  for  anything  as  far  as  my  force  goes. 

Your  most  truly,  D.  G.  FARRAGUT, 
Rear  Admiral,  Comd'g.  W.  G.  BVg.  Sqdn. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   331 

From  Juan  Callejon 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Septbre.  Vttk,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  seen  this  day  your  endorsement  on  one  of  my 
certificates,  and  see  by  it  that  you  consider  that  a  person 
born  from  Spanish  parents  loses  the  right  of  nationality  as 
Spanish  subject,  after  residing  here  30  years. 

After  Riquelme,  the  accident  of  being  born  in  a  foreign 
country  does  not  force  a  person  to  renounce  to  the  nationality 
of  his  or  her  parents,  the  common  right  considers  the  nation- 
ality transmitted  from  parents  to  children. 

I  hope,  General,  that  you  will  consider  this,  and  give  the 
orders  which  will  be  right  and  just,  and  will  be  generous 
towards  number  of  old  ladies  and  unhappy  people  who  never 
mixed  in  the  politics  of  this  country. 

Most  Respectfully,  Your  obedt.  Servt., 

JUAN  CALLEJON 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  mh,  1862 

Senor  Don  JUAN  CALLEJON,  Consul  of  Spain 

SIR:  The  Commanding  General  directs  me  to  reply  to  your 
favor  of  this  date  that  he  finds  it  impossible  to  agree  with 
you  on  the  question  of  nationality  therein  contained,  and  for 
this  reason,  that  if  the  children  born  here  of  Spanish  subjects 
are  not  citizens  of  the  United  States,  then  the  continued  issue  for 
generations  are  not  such  citizens,  and  consequently  the  United 
States  would  never  be  able  to  claim  the  progeny  of  foreigners 
as  citizens  of  this  Country.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obt.  Servt.,  A.  F.  PUFFER,  Lieut.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  Wth,  1862 

General  T.  W.  SHERMAN,  Commanding  Division,  &c. 

GENERAL:  If  the  slaves  spoken  of  in  your  communication 
of  the  25th  came  away  voluntarily  with  the  troops  from  Baton 
Rouge,  I  do  not  see  how  they  can  be  returned.  Certainly  not 
Mr.  Walker's,  who  is  not  a  loyal  citizen,  but  is  confined,  on 
his  parole,  to  his  plantation,  having  just  been  released  from 
Ship  Island,  where  he  was  sent  for  having  used  seditious  Ian- 


332   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

guage.    Mr.  Walker  was  the  Editor  of  the  Delta,  the  leading 
secession  newspaper  of  the  south. 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt. 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  Genl. 

From  W.  Newton  Mercer 

No.  1U  Caned  Street,  Sept  26^,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding 

SIR:  You  have  probably  inferred  from  our  various  conver- 
sations that  I  have  not  taken  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the 
Confederate  States,  or  have  been  a  member  of  any  society  or 
public  body  in  New  Orleans  or  elsewhere  in  the  Confederacy, 
and  that  since  your  arrival  here  I  have  maintained  a  strict 
neutrality. 

In  pursuance  of  your  order  No.  76  I  will  make  a  faithful 
return  substantially  if  not  minutely  correct  of  all  my  prop- 
erty here  except  about  $3,000,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  in 
gold,  that  I  have  reserved  for  an  emergency.  I  mention  this 
to  you  now  to  avoid  misapprehension. 

Your  order  referred  to  exempts  those  only  who  have  taken 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  but  I  cannot  think  you  intended  to 
include  those  in  my  situation,  as  claiming  to  be  enemies  of 
the  United  States. 

Such  an  interpretation  is  in  my  opinion  at  variance  with 
the  act  of  Congress  as  well  as  with  the  Proclamation  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  Servant,  W.  NEWTON  MERCER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  27,  1862 

Dr.  W.  N.  MERCER,  N.  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  have  your  note  of  the  26th  Sept.  In  my  judgment 
there  can  be  no  such  thing  as  neutrality  by  a  citizen  of  the 
United  States  in  this  contest  for  the  life  of  the  Government  — 
as  an  officer  I  certainly  cannot  recognize  such  neutrality. 
"He  that  is  not  for  us  is  against  us." 

All  good  citizens  are  called  upon  to  lend  their  influence  to 
the  United  States  —  all  that  do  not  do  so  are  the  enemies  of 
the  United  States.  The  line  is  to  be  distinctly  and  broadly 
drawn.  Every  citizen  must  find  himself  on  the  one  side  or 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       333 

the  other  of  that  line,  and  can  claim  no  other  position  than 
that  of  friend  or  enemy  of  the  United  States. 

While  I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  differ  from  you  in  your 
constructions  of  the  act  of  Congress,  and  the  Proclamation  of 
the  President,  yet  I  cannot  permit  any  reservation  of  property 
from  the  list  or  exception  of  persons  from  the  requirement  of 
Order  No.  76.  It  may  be  and  I  trust  is  quite  true  that  by  no 
act  of  yours  have  you  rendered  yourself  liable  to  the  confisca- 
tion of  your  property  under  the  Act  and  Proclamation,  but 
that  is  for  the  military  or  other  Courts  to  decide.  You,  how- 
ever, will  advise  yourself  with  your  usual  care  and  caution 
what  may  be  the  effect,  now  that  you  are  solemnly  called  upon 
to  declare  yourself  in  favor  of  the  Government  by  contuma- 
ciously refusing  to  renew  your  allegiance  to  it,  thereby  indu- 
cing from  your  example  others  of  your  fellow-citizens  to  remain 
in  the  same  opposition. 

I  am  glad  to  acknowledge  your  long  and  upright  life  as  a 
man,  your  former  services  as  an  officer  of  the  Government, 
and  the  high  respect  I  entertain  for  your  personal  character 
and  moral  worth;  but  I  am  dealing  with  your  duty  as  a  citizen 
of  the  United  States. 

All  these  noble  qualities,  as  well  as  your  high  social  position, 
render  your  example  all  the  more  influential  and  pernicious, 
and,  I  grieve  to  add,  in  my  opinion  more  dangerous  to  the 
interest  of  the  United  States  than  if,  as  a  younger  man,  you 
had  shouldered  your  musket  and  marched  to  the  field  in  the 
Army  of  the  Rebellion. 


From  Mrs,  Butler  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Sept.  28th,  '62,  Sunday 

DEAREST:  I  have  been  on  the  sofa  nearly  all  day;  not  feel- 
ing well  at  all.  Yesterday  we  took  the  children  to  Boston  to 
get  their  pictures  and  show  them  the  Aquarial  Garden.  It 
was  very  fatiguing,  that  and  the  bad  smell  in  the  rooms  at  the 
Aquarial  has  made  me  nearly  sick.  The  children  were  delighted 
with  the  monkeys,  fishes,  and  Commodore  Nutt.  Major 
Bell  and  Capt.  Clark  are  on  their  way  to  New  Orleans.  I 
ought  to  be  with  them.  I  hope  your  next  letter  will  show  a 
little  more  interest  about  it.  It  leaves  a  soreness  of  feeling 
when  you  make  but  little  account  of  passing  the  winter  with- 
out me.  But  let  that  pass,  you  will  be  glad  to  see  me  sometime. 

Your  friend,  that  you  wrote  to  Fisher  you  would  like  to 


334        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

have  a  long  chat  with,  was  here  on  Friday.  I  will  endeavor  to 
give  you  the  conversation  and  his  views  of  your  present  posi- 
tion and  prospects.  I  think  your  position  satisfactory,  and 
would  not  venture  dangerous  experiments.  The  Secretary  of 
War  pushed  it  to  an  issue.  Halleck  refused  to  obey  the  order, 
and  the  President  decided  he  must  not  be  interfered  with. 
Stanton  submitted  and  kept  his  place.  McClellan  has  been 
deposed  only  to  be  reinstated  with  stronger  power,  and  propped 
securely  with  Halleck.  The  President  was  obliged  to  yield 
this  or  the  rebels  might  have  taken  Washington.  Pope  was 
defeated,  if  his  report  is  true,  because  other  Generals  neglected 
to  reinforce  him  where  he  had  full  right  to  expect  it.  He  is 
driven  into  exile,  and  disgraced,  while  McClellan  is  reinstated. 
It  is  said  privately  that  some  of  the  Generals  of  the  Potomac 
waited  on  the  President,  and  informed  him  there  could  be  no 
safety  for  Washington  unless  McClellan  was  restored  to  the 
command.  The  President  yielded  to  the  pressure.  As  soon 
as  the  rebels  were  driven  out  of  Maryland,  the  President  issued 
the  Proclamation  for  Emancipation.  (Can  anyone  tell  why 
they  were  not  broken  to  pieces,  scattered,  and  captured?) 
There  was  but  one's  day's  fighting  of  any  note,  and  that  simply 
to  show  how  the  two  opposing  leaders  could  handle  their  men ; 
it  was  tolerably  warm  work  for  a  while,  but  each  was  afraid  to 
stake  all  on  the  issue;  if  they  had  it  is  more  than  likely  Lee 
would  have  pressed  us  to  defeat.  Night  came  on,  and  Lee 
with  his  force  recrossed  into  Virginia.  The  President's  Proc- 
lamation of  Emancipation  was  made  directly  on  the  heels  of 
this  as  a  concession  to  the  Abolitionists,  after  restoring 
McClellan.  So  far  there  has  been  no  great  demonstration 
made  about  it.  Those  who  desire  it  are  in  doubt  it  may  prove 
but  a  dead  letter.  All  may  be  quiet  on  the  Potomac  for 
another  year  for  aught  that  can  be  done  to  move  them  if  this 
Proclamation  does  not  please  the  Generals,  so  that  the  odium 
is  incurred,  if  there  is  any  attached  to  it,  without  the  chance 
of  any  benefit  to  arise  from  it.  This  has  shook  Seward's 
power;  the  President  now  leans  on  Chase.  He  is  the  man 
serenaded.  But  in  spite  of  this,  Seward  is  so  wiry  and  capable, 
so  much  of  a  statesman,  that  if  anything  goes  wrong  he  will 
get  the  power  again,  and  be  all  the  stronger  for  a  momentary 
defeat.  McClellan,  as  you  will  see,  is  the  military  man  for 
the  Democratic  party.  Seymour  of  New  York  runs  in  opposi- 
tion to  Wadsworth  for  Governor.  There  is  much  expectation 
that  he  will  win.  He  is  also  thought  of  by  civilians  as  a  check 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       335 

to  McClellan,  in  the  Democratic  party.  That  would  be  better 
for  you,  as  he  is  a  friend  of  yours.  By  this  you  will  see  that 
both  rings  there  are  filled.  In  the  Republican  party,  Fremont 
is  the  man.  A  move  was  made  to  give  him  fifty  thousand 
men  (He  would  be  in  condition  then  to  enforce  a  great  deal) . 
But  they  were  not  successful  in  getting  their  wants  carried 
out.  There  is  one  opening  for  you,  if  you  would  think  it  advis- 
able to  venture  on  such  dangerous  ground.  I  think  you  have 
thought  something  of  it,  though  not  perhaps  to  work  through 
the  same  avenues  it  has  been  suggested  to  me  would  be  the 
best.  You  could  write  to  the  President,  offering  in  your 
Department  to  carry  out  his  Proclamation  according  to  his 
wish.  His  Proclamation  incites  to  insurrection  which  will 
lead  to  fearful  horrors.  You  can  offer  to  organize  insurrection, 
arm  the  negroes,  use  them  as  infantry,  and  of  our  soldiers 
make  flying  artillery  and  cavalry,  to  make  a  distinction 
between  them  and  the  blacks.  To  do  this  you  want  reinforce- 
ments, more  staff  officers,  such  as  they  have  perfect  confidence 
in,  a  Flag  Officer  who  is  ready  to  cooperate  with  the  Fleet,  so 
that  if  they  pour  their  whole  army  upon  you  you  may  have 
transportation  for  your  men  and  assistance  from  their  guns. 
The  Rebels  could  hardly  remain  quiet  at  Richmond  if  such 
work  was  progressing  in  the  South  West.  The  armies  both 
North  and  South  might  be  obliged  to  move.  If  you  wish  to 
offer  your  services  to  the  President  to  carry  out  his  Proclama- 
tion, there  are  two  channels  through  which  it  could  be  done. 
Pierce  is  an  intimate  friend  of  Charles  Sumner.  Write  what 
would  seem  best  to  you  to  Sumner  and  Chase,  and  a  line  of 
endorsement  of  Pierce  as  the  man  who  has  your  confidence. 
If  you  are  willing  to  hold  by  Seward,  who  will  yet  get  the  power 
again,  the  man  who  thinks  so  highly  of  him  is  ready  to  be 
your  messenger  to  him,  and  you  could  not  have  a  better  one. 
This  would  give  Seward  the  chance  to  carry  out  the  President's 
views,  and  give  him  once  more  the  ascendency.  Your  friend 
thinks  he  would  assent,  and  carry  it  through  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  those  engaged  with  him.  You  know  how  much  your 
friend  admires  him,  and  would  rather  work  with  that  party 
than  the  other.  But  not  unless  there  is  a  feeling  of  perfect 
confidence  and  good  will  between  you  and  Seward,  as  nothing 
short  of  that  would  answer.  Your  friend  looks  upon  this 
as  an  almost  desperate  chance,  but  the  only  one  beyond  your 
present  position.  If  you  carry  out  the  abolition  views,  and 
build  up  a  power  that  way,  it  would  place  you  at  the  head  of 


336        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

a  party,  though  the  powers  whose  orders  you  execute  might 
not  anticipate  or  desire  such  a  result.  At  present  you  are 
outside  of  all  parties.  And  perhaps  that  is  the  best  and  most 
honorable  place  you  could  be  in,  in  a  crisis  like  this  when  the 
bitterness  of  party  seems  likely  to  destroy  the  country.  But 
if  you  wish  to  sway  or  direct  the  movements  of  a  party,  these 
hints  are  offered  for  your  deliberation.  You  can  think  over 
what  effect  a  letter  from  you  to  the  President  of  the  kind  sug- 
gested would  have,  and  do  what  you  think  best  when  you  have 
well  deliberated.  For  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  arm  these  negroes 
and  put  them  in  their  master's  houses.  Nor  can  there  be 
any  certainty  they  will  prove  effective  as  soldiers,  or  that 
our  people  will  fight  with  them.  I  have  received  your  letter 
wherein  you  speak  of  Mr.  Seward  and  the  letter  you  have  sent 
him.  I  hope  you  will  not  find  hereafter  that  you  have  acted 
unwisely.  But  that  closes  that  side  of  the  question.  Your 
friend  will  be  sorry  you  are  in  open  opposition,  for  there 
is  a  powerful  conservative  party  in  New  York  that  will  give 
him  great  strength,  and  he  has  served  you  well  in  times  gone 
by.  Is  the  breach  too  great  to  be  repaired?  Do  not  widen  it 
more  than  you  can  help.  But  let  that  go,  every  man  must 
judge  for  himself.  There  may  be  a  natural  antagonism  on 
your  part,  and  if  so  you  could  never  work  well  together.  If 
you  could  have  held  together  at  this  hour,  you  and  he  acting 
in  concert  could  wield  immense  power.  Sumner  and  Chase, 
I  believe,  are  agreeable  to  you.  It  is  not  certain  the  abolition 
party  can  prevail.  The  Democratic  party,  and  all  the  Mili- 
tary with  McClellan  at  their  head,  offer  a  very  formidable 
opposition.  If  you  volunteer  in  this  and  fail  you  lose  utterly, 
and  make  yourself  an  object  of  odium,  now  and  perhaps  in 
time  to  come.  If  it  should  prove  successful,  you  might  be 
regarded  as  the  redeemer  of  down-trodden  humanity.  There 
is  but  a  step  sometimes  between  a  crown  and  a  gibbet,  and  in 
days  like  these  one  cannot  tell  to  which  his  labours  will  lead. 
The  papers  report  the  Commissioners  of  Peace  are  on  their  way 
from  the  South.  Would  it  were  possible.  This  life  of  anxiety 
is  wearisome.  I  do  not  like  to  send  this  until  I  have  seen  your 
friend  again,  as  I  cannot  be  sure  I  have  rightly  expressed  what 
was  desired.  But  you  will  see  and  easily  comprehend  what 
would  be  of  use  to  you  if  not  clearly  expressed,  and  will  act  as 
you  judge  best  after  careful  deliberation.  If  you  write  to  the 
President,  ask  for  an  officer  to  be  sent  down  for  the  confisca- 
tion work  in  whom  they  have  perfect  confidence. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       837 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Monday  morning,  LOWELL,  Sept  29,  '62 

DEAREST:  Your  letters  of  Sept.  15th  and  20th  came  this 
morning.  How  can  you  write  such  letters  in  answer  to  those 
I  send  you!  Cold,  half -defiant,  and  leaving  a  feeling  of  depres- 
sion that  overpowers  me  no  matter  how  much  I  strive  against 
it.  If  you  do  not  want  me,  for  mercy's  sake  say  so,  and  do  not 
wound  me  further.  You  may  not  be  aware  how  much  the 
tone  of  your  letters  has  changed.  In  every  letter  I  have 
asked,  begged,  to  know  if  you  wished  me  to  come,  and  when! 
After  telling  me  three  times  not  to  come,  the  only  permission 
I  have  received  is  this.  "//  you  can  appear  so  and  so  I  shall 
be  glad  to  see  you."  I  shall  be  as  God  wills,  and  circumstances 
compel,  subject  to  the  same  feelings  as  other  people.  But 
these  are  not  reasons  for  or  against  seeing  me,  whether  I  am 
more  or  less  merry.  Be  willing  to  make  some  effort  on  your 
own  part  to  lift  the  weight  that  oppresses  me,  and  see  if  I  do 
not  appreciate  it.  If  life  looks  more  inviting  in  that  fair  clime 
without  me,  say  so;  your  letters  have  hurt  me,  I  cannot  bear 
it,  nor  the  manner  in  which  you  have  asked  me  to  come. 

I  have  a  long  letter,  two-thirds  written,  suggested  by  your 
friend  George,  of  what  he  thinks  would  be  your  best,  and  as 
he  says  your  only  opening  for  you  now  to  gain  a  place  in  the 
future.  He  was  unwilling  to  write  himself  —  it  involves  such 
serious  consequences.  My  business  is  to  write  you  what  I 
hear  and  leave  it  to  your  own  discretion  how  to  use  it.  Soon 
as  I  have  seen  him  to  know  if  I  have  written  what  he  desires, 
I  will  send  it,  or  what  would  give  me  greater  pleasure,  take  it 
to  you  if  I  felt  assured  I  was  truly  welcome.  I  am  as  always, 

Affectionately  yours,  SARAH 

From  Jacob  Barker 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  29,  1862 

Major  Genl.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  The  Bank  of  Commerce  has  paid,  under  the 
last  arrangement  with  Gen.  Butler,  $26,000.00  in  Treasury 
Notes.  It  has  on  hand  the  further  sum  of  about  $20,000.00, 
and  expects  in  the  course  of  the  day  to  have  a  sufficiency  to 
pay  the  balance  due  for  the  $50,000.00  in  gold  purchased. 
Therefore,  Genl.  Butler  can  draw  as  fast  as  he  has  occasion, 
for  the  amount  on  hand. 

A  check  for  $5,000.00  in  gold  has  been  received.    The  Bank 

VOL.   II — 22 


338       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

would  like  to  have  a  farther  amount  of  gold,  also  information 
of  what  is  to  be  done  with  the  three  boxes  of  silver  marked 
"Saml.  Smith  &  Co.,"  received  on  Saturday,  27th  inst. 
Very  respectfully  your  obt.  servt., 

JACOB  BARKER,  Cashier 

From  Jacob  Barker 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  30^,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  Some  days  since  you  mentioned  to  me  your 
intention  of  informing  me  by  letter  when  and  to  whom  you  had 
sent  the  report  of  the  commission  in  relation  to  the  $50,000 
in  gold  detained  from  Messrs.  Sam'l  Smith  and  Co.  I  shall 
be  very  much  obliged  by  your  doing  it  at  your  earliest  con- 
venience, as  I  am  particularly  anxious  to  close  my  agency  in 

Very  respectfully  your  obt.  servt.,  JACOB  BARKER 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  September  30, 1862 

MY  DEAR  SARAH:  I  enclose  your  three  letters  received  to- 
day since  I  wrote  you  this  morning,  also  one  from  Blanche, 
enclosing  the  sweetest  picture  of  Bennie  and  some  very  good 
ones  of  herself,  which  I  will  have  embalmed  in  procelain.  How 
can  you  think  Hildreth  is  repugnant  to  me?  I  have  never 
felt  so  or  thought  so.  I  have  turned  all  Andrew's  business 
into  his  hands,  and  I  have  not  the  smallest  trouble  with  Fay 
either  on  that  account.  How  can  you  say  Bell  is  not  going 
back?  I  never  heard  or  dreamed  that  he  would  not  return. 
On  the  contrary,  I  am  expecting  him  hourly. 

How  long  is  it  that  Abbott  has  been  such  a  friend  of  mine 
that  his  advice  is  to  be  taken  in  my  affairs.  Griffin  in  place 
of  Bell  has'never  entered  my  brain  or  his.  Griffin  asked  me  if 
I  could  serve  him,  and  I  told  him  I  would  if  I  could. 

Dean  returns  on  the  next  boat  —  he  is  only  here  to  collect 
some  claims,  and  goes  home.  I  hope  you  will  write  me  more 
hopefully  next  time,  if  indeed  this  does  not  pass  you  on  the 

road  home.  17         T>         T? 

Yours,  BENJ.  F. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   339 

Bill  from  Rudolph  T.  Lux 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  Wth,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER  debtor  to 

RUDOLPH  T.  Lux,  Painter  on  porcelain9  etc.,  Cor.  of 
Customhouse  and  Johnson  St.  N.  O. 

DELIVERED  on  the  22nd  of  Dec.,  '62,  following  likenesses 
painted  on  cups  of  porcelain,  and  saucers  decorated,  etc.  as: 

1.  Miss  Blanche,  Mrs.  Butler 

2.  "          do          "        do. 
S.  Gen.  Shepley 

4.  "    Weitzel  $250.00 

5.  Major  Bell  Rec'd  on  acct.  100.00 

6.  "      Strong  do.  from  Mr.  But- 

7.  Col.  Stafford  ler,  Esq.,  on  the 

8.  Capt.  Haggerty  23rd  of  Dec.  40.00 

9.  "     Puffer  Balance  110.00 

10.  Little  Benny  Deduct  25.00 
twenty  five  dollars  each  85.00 

P.S.    For  a  little  redress  on  the  pictures  of  Mrs.  Butler  respect- 
fully required.     L. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  1st,  1862 

Brig.  Genl.  T.  W.  SHERMAN,  Comdg.  forces  at 

CARROLLTON,  LA. 

GEN.  :  Your  communication  with  regard  to  the  65  Negroes, 
more  or  less,  belonging  to  the  estate  of  Mr.  Walker,  said  to 
have  been  taken  at  Baton  Rouge  for  purpose  of  digging  in  the 
trenches,  and  then  to  be  returned  to  their  owner,  has  been 
received,  and  the  Com.  General  wishes  me  to  say  that  though 
the  Messrs.  Walker  or  neither  of  them  are  loyal  citizens,  yet 
those  negroes  who  desire  to  return  may  be  sent  back  to  the 
plantation.  B  order  MAJ  GEN  BuTLER 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  1st,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  In  obedience  to  requirement  of  the  Despatch  of  the 
Department  of  the  10th  and  18th  ultimo,  which  reached  me 
by  the  same  mail,  enclosing  communications  from  Spanish 
legation  (in  translation)  dated  the  28th  of  June,  the  7th  and 
26th  of  August,  respectively,  directing  me  to  report  fully  to 


340        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  department  all  the  facts  and  circumstances  connected 
with  the  arrival  and  departure  of  the  Spanish  ship  "Cardenas" 
and  the  U.  S.  ship  "Roanoke"  at  the  port  of  New  Orleans  in 
June  last,  "and  also  full  explanations  of  the  complaints  involved 
in  the  communications  of  the  Spanish  Consul  and  others  of 
the  administration  of  the  Quarantine  laws  of  this  department," 
I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  history  of  such  administration,  and 
especially  in  regard  to  the  "Cardenas"  and  "Roanoke," 
"Pinta"  and  "Marie  Galante." 

Let  me  premise,  however,  that  the  question  so  far  as  these 
vessels  or  any  others  are  concerned,  except  for  the  purpose  of 
reclamation  and  complaint,  have  long  ceased  to  be  of  practical 
importance,  as  the  "Cardenas"  has  made  one  trip  to  Cuba 
and  back  since  the  occurrence  complained  of,  and  the  "Pinta" 
and  "Marie  Galante,"  Spanish  transports  for  tobacco,  have 
loaded  and  gone  home,  I  had  supposed  entirely  satisfied  with 
their  treatment  at  this  point. 

When  New  Orleans  was  captured  it  was  found  in  the  utmost 
possible  filthy  condition,  because  of  the  troublesome  times. 
The  contractors  upon  all  the  streets  and  canals  had  utterly 
neglected  to  comply  with  their  contracts  for  cleaning  and  puri- 
fying the  streets,  and  the  filth  was  indescribable. 

In  view  of  this  most  alarming  sanitary  condition  of  the  city 
and  the  approach  of  the  epidemic  season,  after  consultation 
with  the  most  eminent  local  physicians,  who  would  give  their 
advice,  some  refusing  to  give  an  opinion  with  an  apparent 
hope  "that  the  pestilence  would  do  what  their  rebel  arms  would 
not  do  —  drive  us  out,"  and  acting  with  the  advice  of  my 
medical  staff,  I  took  the  most  energetic  measures  to  purify 
the  city  itself  from  all  possibility  of  engendering  disease. 
Believing  at  the  same  time  that  the  yellow  fever  was  no  more 
indigenous  to  New  Orleans  than  the  sugar  cane,  but  must  be 
imported  or  propagated  as  that  is  by  cuttings,  and  that  a 
firmly  administered  Quarantine,  guided  by  science  and  honesty 
of  purpose,  discriminating  as  regards  cargoes  and  cleanliness 
of  ships,  would  effectually  keep  out  the  scourge  of  the  city 
prayed  for  as  Ally  of  the  rebellion,  I  ordered  Quarantine  to 
be  enforced  with  these  discriminations  —  not  a  "procrustean 
period  of  Quarantine  to  all"  —  a  vessel  loaded  with  hides 
and  wool,  the  absorbents  of  the  malaria  with  a  filthy  hold, 
reeking  with  dead  and  putrid  organic  matter,  loaded  at  an 
infected  port,  infected  hands,  sown  thick  with  the  seeds  of 
disease,  only  waiting  for  time  and  the  warm  sun  to  develop 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        341 

them  into  a  plague,  was  not  put  on  equality  as  to  time  with  a 
steamer  for  passengers,  kept  clean  and  sweet  as  a  mercantile 
necessity  to  procure  business,  laden  with  flour,  tight  casks  of 
salted  provisions  and  round  shot  and  shell  which  would  not 
be  likely  either  to  absorb  or  generate  contagion. 

Again,  the  length  of  time  which  a  ship  and  cargo  had  been 
exposed  to  the  danger  of  the  contagion  had  much  to  do  with 
the  Quarantine.  A  ship  belonging  in  an  infected  port,  loaded 
there,  her  cargo  either  the  product  or  the  manufacture  of 
that  port,  her  crew  acclimated  and  therefore  indifferent  to 
sanitary  regulations  and  appliances,  required  to  be  kept  under 
Quarantine  longer  to  watch  the  probable  development  of  the 
disease  and  to  await  the  operation  of  purification,  than  a 
vessel  loaded  at  a  northern  port,  where  the  frost  insured 
health  in  this  regard,  and  which  had  merely  touched  at  a 
port  inflicted  with  yellow  fever,  and  held  communication  with 
the  shore  under  the  restriction  imposed  by  fears  of  unaccli- 
mated  Officers  and  crew. 

These  and  kindred  considerations,  which  will  readily  suggest 
themselves  to  your  mind,  were  the  controlling  guide  to  the 
very  intelligent  medical  officers  who  were  in  charge  at  Quaran- 
tine, as  they  were  to  report  upon  the  necessity  and  length  of 
detention  of  vessels.  We,  however,  always  determined  to 
err,  if  at  all,  upon  the  safe  side,  holding  ever  the  far  greater 
importance  of  the  lives  of  a  great  city  and  an  army  committed 
to  our  charge,  than  the  possible  danger  of  any  commercial 
adventure  from  detention. 

I  need  not  assure  you,  Sir,  that  the  questions  of  "National- 
ity" never  entered  into  our  thought  in  the  exercise  of  our 
judgment  and  power  except  in  one  possible  relation. 

We  could  not  help  looking  with  a  little  less  care  to  and 
holding  under  advisement  a  little  less  time  a  vessel  of  a  Nation 
proverbial  for  the  neatness  of  their  ships  and  goods  as  com- 
pared with  one  who  enjoys  an  unenviable  reputation  the  other 
way.  With  these  and  upon  these  bases  have  the  Quarantine 
and  health  laws  been  administered  at  New  Orleans  up  to  the 
first  day  of  October. 

I  can  point  with  a  reasonably  justified  pride  to  the  result 
as  an  explanation  and  a  vindication  of  my  acts  and  adminis- 
tration in  this  particular.  Pardon  me  if  I  add  that  I  claim  for 
this  triumph  of  science,  integrity,  firmness,  and  skill  of  my 
medical  staff,  by  which  thousands  of  lives  have  been  saved, 
and  by  far  the  most  dreaded  foe  driven  from  the  city  of  New 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Orleans,  as  much  credit  as  if  by  the  disposition  of  my  troops 
we  had  won  a  victory  over  the  less  deadly  but  hardly  less 
implacable  enemy  in  a  conflict  of  arms. 

Up  to  this  date  there  have  been  no  malignant  or  epidemic  or 
virulent  fevers  or  disease  in  New  Orleans,  and  its  mortality 
returns  show  it  to  be  the  most  healthy  city  in  the  United 
States.  In  one  regiment,  the  13th  Conn.,  a  thousand  strong, 
quartered  in  the  Custom  House  since  the  15th  of  May,  but 
one  man  was  lost  during  the  months  July  and  August. 

His  Excellency,  Mr.  Tarsara,  the  Spanish  Minister,  is  most 
grievously  misinformed  when  he  says  to  the  Secretary  of 
State  that  the  salubrity  of  New  Orleans  is  no  better  than  that 
of  the  Island  of  Cuba.  Our  Quarantine  has  been  more  per- 
fect than  Blockade.  We  have  had  serious  cases  of  fever  at 
the  Quarantine  only  75  miles  from  us,  and  but  a  single  one  at 
New  Orleans,  and  this  one  at  once  justifies  and  illustrates  our 
sanitary  regulations. 

The  U.  S.  Steamship  "Ida,"  having  touched  at  Nassau 
only,  and  no  disease  having  been  reported  as  existing  there  at 
the  time  of  her  departure,  she  was  permitted  to  pass  up  by 
the  health  officers  after  fumigation  and  other  precautions. 
The  day  after  her  arrival  in  the  city  one  of  her  passengers  on 
shore  was  taken  sick  and  on  the  sixth  day  died,  an  unmistak- 
able case  of  malignant  yellow  fever.  The  most  stringent 
measures  were  taken  to  isolate  the  disease.  Everything  that 
touched  or  was  about  the  deceased  was  buried,  acclimated 
persons  only  were  allowed  to  do  the  sad  offices.  The  house 
in  which  he  died  was  most  thoroughly  purified,  and  by  the 
blessing  of  "Him  who  holdeth  all  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand" 
the  pestilence  was  stayed. 

The  steamer  was  ordered  at  once  below  where  she  is  under- 
going Quarantine.  Even  while  I  write  this  the  English  Consul 
reports  the  British  Brig  "Volunteer"  to  me  at  the  mouth  of 
the  river  out  of  provisions,  her  officer  on  board  with  medical 
supplies  and  other  aid. 

I  have  thus  given  to  the  Department  a  full  explanation  of 
the  "complaint"  involved  in  my  administration  of  the  Quar- 
antine laws.  Upon  the  other  branches  of  the  inquiry  relative 
to  Spanish  steamer  "Cardenas,"  I  am  most  happy  to  report. 

As  to  the  Spanish  "Cardenas,"  let  me  observe  that  she 
did  not  come  to  me  in  such  a  manner  as  to  command  the 
highest  degree  of  courtesy  or  respect.  The  "Cardenas"  left 
Havana  on  the  31st  of  May,  after  epidemic  yellow  fever  had 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        343 

made  its  appearance  there,  bringing  many  passengers,  a  large 
portion  of  whom  were  rebels  who  had  been  in  Havana  buying 
arms  and  munitions  of  war  for  the  Confederates,  having  on 
board  to  bring  her  up  the  river  two  pilots  who  had  success- 
fully conducted  vessels  through  the  blockade. 

She  ran  past  the  Forts  without  stopping,  which  was  per- 
mitted, for  she  was  mistaken  for  the  United  States  Steamer 
"Connecticut"  then  hourly  expected,  which  mistake  caused 
the  "Connecticut"  to  be  fired  at  when  she  made  her  appear- 
ance and  attempted  to  go  by  without  reporting. 

The  "Cardenas"  then  loitered  up  the  river  till  near  night 
and,  without  coming  up  to  the  usual  place  of  landing  or  report- 
ing to  the  harbor-master,  came  along  side  a  wharf  some  three 
miles  below  the  usual  places  of  steamboat  landing,  and  put 
on  shore  her  passengers  without  passports  being  examined,  or 
any  report  to  any  person,  so  that  many  obnoxious  persons 
escaped  into  the  city,  and  the  Provost  Marshal  has  never 
been  able  to  ascertain  the  character  of  all  the  passengers. 

Will  it  be  pretended  that  any  captain  of  a  Spanish  steamer 
is  so  ignorant  as  not  to  know  that  such  conduct  is  in  the 
highest  degree  improper  in  landing  passengers  at  a  military 
Post? 

Mr.  Tarsara  says  well  "that  no  difficulty  was  made  about 
the  landing  of  the  passengers  from  the  Steamer."  True,  be- 
cause they  and  their  luggage  were  surreptitiously  landed  miles 
below  the  usual  landing  place  without  the  knowledge  of  any 
person  friendly  with  the  United  States,  but  evidently  with  the 
knowledge  of  the  Secessionists,  because  the  Captain  says  in 
his  protest  that  "crowds  invaded  the  vessel  as  soon  as  she 
made  the  wharf." 

She  was  ordered  back  to  Quarantine,  but  many  frivolous 
excuses  and  delays  were  interposed  by  her  officers  until  a  most 
peremptory  order  accompanied  by  a  threat  was  given,  which 
she  obeyed. 

After  a  proper  Quarantine  the  "Cardenas"  came  up  —  not 
thirty  days,  but  one  precisely  such  as  was  thought  sufficient. 
I  do  not  understand  Mr.  Tarsara's  notions  about  reciprocity 
in  Quarantine.  He  seems  to  insist  that  if  we  require  a  long 
Quarantine  at  New  Orleans,  the  Governor  General  of  Cuba 
will  require  an  equally  long  Quarantine  at  Havana.  But  what 
need  of  a  Quarantine  at  all  against  epidemic  yellow  fever  in 
a  port  where  it  is  already  raging  in  its  most  virulent  form? 
What  possible  reciprocity  of  Quarantine  could  there  be  between 


344        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Iceland  and  Vera  Cruz?  I  have  endeavored  to  make  Quaran- 
tine a  sensible  not  a  senseless  regulation. 

It  is  complained,  however,  that  the  U.  S.  Steamer  "Roan- 
oake"  suffered  a  shorter  detention  at  Quarantine  than  the 
"Cardenas/'  and  that  she  sailed  from  Havana  on  the  day 
after.  This  is  an  uncandid  way  of  stating  the  fact.  The 
"Roanoke"  sailed  from  New  York,  went  into  the  harbor  at 
Havana,  stayed  there  less  than  24  hours,  and  held  little  or  no 
communication  with  the  shore.  Her  Captain  reported  her 
at  the  Quarantine  station  as  direct  from  New  York.  Was 
there  any  reason  for  so  long  a  Quarantine  for  her  as  for  a  vessel 
loaded  in  Havana? 

When  the  "Roanoke"  was  about  to  sail  for  New  York  on 
her  return  trip  from  New  Orleans,  a  large  number  of  Spanish 
persons  were  desirous  of  taking  passage  in  her  for  Havana,  and 
engaged  passage  accordingly.  Upon  application  to  the  Span- 
ish Consul  for  a  bill  of  health,  as  the  purser  of  the  "Roanoke" 
informed  me,  the  Consul  or  Vice  Consul  told  him  that  as  "I 
had  quarantined  the  'Cardenas/  the  Consul  would  not  give 
the  *  Roanoke'  a  bill  of  health,  but  would  report  that  New 
Orleans  was  afflicted  with  epidemic  fever  unless  I  would 
permit  the  'Cardenas'  to  come  up,  and  if  so,  a  clean  bill  of 
health  would  be  given." 

The  effect  of,  and  motive  for,  this  conduct  was  obvious.  If 
the  "Roanoke"  went  to  Havana  and  carried  her  passengers, 
she  would  take  away  this  business  from  the  "Cardenas."  If 
she  carried  such  a  bill  of  health  as  to  put  her  in  Quarantine 
at  Havana,  no  New  York  passengers  would  sail  in  her,  so  that 
she  must  lose  one  or  the  other  lot  of  passengers.  This  seemed 
to  me  so  unjust  that  I  sent  for  the  Consul  for  an  explanation. 
I  understood  his  explanations  to  be  exactly  what  the  purser 
of  the  "Roanoke"  had  informed  me  had  been  told  him. 

It  is  proper  here  to  remark  that  I  have  been  since  assured 
by  the  Spanish  Consul,  for  whom  I  really  entertain  a  high 
respect,  that  his  conversation  was  misunderstood  by  all  parties, 
neither  understanding  the  other's  language. 

I  told  the  Consul  at  that  time  that  any  retaliation  upon  the 
"Roanoke"  for  any  supposed  wrong  done  by  me  to  the  "Car- 
denas" ought  not  to  be  permitted.  That  if  he  slandered  the 
health  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans,  by  giving  any  report  that 
epidemic  yellow  fever  existed  here  when  he  knew  it  not  to  be 
the  fact,  preventing  trade  and  commerce  coming  to  this  port 
by  such  false  reports,  that  I  would  certainly  send  him  out  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   345 

city  to  Havana,  and  report  his  conduct  to  the  Captain  Gen- 
eral, as  the  nearest  Spanish  Authority.  And  in  that  event, 
this  I  most  assuredly  would  have  done.  That  the  bill  of  health 
of  the  "Roanoke"  must  be  such  as  required  by  the  laws  and 
his  instructions,  precisely  as  if  nothing  had  been  done  to  the 
"Cardenas." 

To  this  (as  he  was  interpreted  to  me  to  say)  the  Consul 
replied  that  he  would  not  give  a  clean  bill  of  health  to  the 
"Roanoke"  because  it  was  now  past  the  first  of  June,  and 
whatever  might  be  the  health  of  the  city,  in  fact  he  must  re- 
port it  unhealthy.  Further,  that  if  I  still  held  the  "Cardenas" 
under  Quarantine,  he  would  write  to  the  Captain  General  of 
Cuba  not  to  send  any  more  vessels  here. 

To  that  I  replied  that  he  would  give  my  compliments  to 
the  Captain  General,  and  say  that  until  the  yellow  fever  season 
was  over  he  could  do  me  and  the  city  no  greater  favor  than 
to  prevent  vessels  from  coming  here.  I  then  put  in  writing 
and  gave  the  Consul  my  claim  that  he  should  give  a  bill  of 
health  to  the  "Roanoke,"  required  by  the  laws  and  regula- 
tions of  his  government,  regardless  of  my  treatment  of  the 
"Cardenas."  The  interview  here  ended. 

The  bill  of  health,  however,  which  was  given  to  the  "Roan- 
oke" was  such  (although  the  city  was  perfectly  healthy)  that 
her  officers  did  not  dare  to  sail  to  Havana,  lest  they  should  be 
held  to  Quarantine  there,  in  a  city  where  the  small -pox  and 
yellow  fever  were  both  raging,  and  was  in  consequence  obliged 
to  discharge  her  Havana  passengers  and  pay  back  the  passage 
money. 

I  take  leave  to  observe  upon  a  remark  of  Mr.  Tarsara,  the 
Spanish  Minister,  that  I  had  not  the  authority  to  send  out  of 
my  lines  the  Spanish  Consul  for  so  gross  a  dereliction  of  duty 
that  in  the  first  place  I  should  have  done  it  if  the  occasion 
had  called,  and  that  secondly  I  knew  of  no  law,  National  or 
municipal,  that  requires  the  Commander  of  a  captured  city, 
occupied  as  a  military  Post,  to  keep  any  person  in  it,  Consul 
or  others,  who  are  deliberately  working  to  render  the  place 
untenable,  by  keeping  away  supplies  or  provisions  from  it 
through  false  reports. 

I  wish,  however,  again  to  say,  the  subsequent  conversation 
through  a  more  intelligent  interpreter  in  his  understanding  of 
English  has  convinced  me  that  Mr.  Callejon,  the  Consul's, 
remarks  were  misinterpreted  and  mistaken  by  me  as  mine 
were  by  him.  These  subsequent  explanations  have,  I  believe, 


346   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

established  the  most  cordial  relation  between  us.  I  have 
also  learned  that  I  have  done  Mr.  Callejon  an  injustice  in 
another  respect,  in  supposing  him,  as  I  was  informed,  to  be 
a  Spanish  merchant.  Such  I  am  now  assured  is  not  the  case, 
but  he  is  a  soldier  who  has  won  honorable  distinction  in  the  wars 
of  his  own  country. 

In  Mr.  Tarsara's  letter  of  complaint  it  is  alleged  that  I 
have  permitted  the  French  brigantine  "Maria  Felicia''  and 
English  schooner  "  Virginia  Antoinette,"  and  other  vessels,  to 
come  up  without  the  same  length  of  quarantine  as  the  "Car- 
denas." These  facts  it  is  said  will  convict  me  of  "capricious 
discrimination  against  Spain  in  favor  of  other  European 
Nations."  There  is  no  reason  given  why  I  should  be  possessed 
of  feeling  which  would  lead  me  thus  to  discriminate.  Indeed, 
if  I  permitted  my  indignation  and  sense  of  wrong  as  regards 
the  manner  in  which  my  Government  has  been  treated  by 
other  Nations  to  influence  my  official  action,  I  assure  you, 
Spain  would  not  be  the  Nation  toward  which  those  feelings 
would  find  most  active  operations.  On  the  contrary,  I  have 
felt  that  the  conduct  of  Spain  has  been  most  friendly,  espe- 
cially taking  into  view  the  wrong  done  her  by  some  of  the  citi- 
zens of  the  United  States  in  the  invasion  of  Cuba.  No  Rebel 
privateers  have  fitted  out  from  her  ports.  I  have  not  known 
that  any  of  her  islands  have  been  made  Arsenals  or  Naval 
depots  for  the  Confederacy,  and  I  have  yet  to  be  informed  of 
any  discrimination  made  by  her  between  our  armed  vessels 
and  those  of  our  enemy.  I  have  ventured  to  say  this  much 
because  in  weighing  one's  acts  motives  are  specially  to  be 
looked  at. 

I  beg  to  refer  you  to  the  reports  of  my  Medical  Director, 
Dr.  McCormick,  for  the  history  of  the  objected  cases  taken 
from  the  Quarantine  Records,  which  I  believe  will  in  every 
case  justify  the  action  taken. 

Perhaps,  however,  the  two  cases  of  the  "Marie  Felicia" 
and  the  "Virginia  Antoinette"  deserve  a  word  of  comment, 
as  they  illustrate  the  animus  with  which  our  Quarantine  has 
been  conducted.  The  "Marie,"  having  an  acclimated  crew, 
had  been  loaded  at  Havre  and  only  touched  at  Havana  with- 
out landing,  was  detained  only  long  [enough]  to  examine  her 
present  condition  as  to  health,  presuming  that  she  contained 
no  latent  disease  or  malaria,  which  would  lose  its  virus  or 
develop  itself  by  time.  The  "Virginia,"  having  only  touched 
at  Havana,  was  without  passengers,  and  laden  wholly  with 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       347 

loose  salt,  a  powerful  disinfectant  in  itself,  one  might  as  well 
quarantine  a  barrel  of  chloride  of  lime.  And  yet  permitting  of 
this  schooner  to  come  up  after  20  days  absence  from  this 
port,  is  brought  forward  as  evidence  of  "capricious  discrimina- 
tion against  the  Spanish  Government." 

I  have  also  appended  the  letter  from  the  Captain  of  the 
Spanish  war  vessel,  the  "Pinta,"  which  will  show  the  manner 
in  which  our  Quarantine  has  been  conducted,  and  that  his 
only  complaint  is  that  I  have  not  obeyed  some  law  of  Louisiana 
regulating  time  of  Quarantine. 

Mr.  Tarsara,  in  his  communication  of  the  28th  of  June, 
wishes  the  Secretary  of  State  to  require  me  "to  treat  the 
Consuls  of  foreign  nations  with  more  consideration,  and  that 
I  must  refrain  from  expressions  which  are  not  suited  to  give 
security  to  trade  or  maintain  friendly  relations  between  the 
authorities  of  the  Island  and  those  of  the  United  States." 

It  will  be  seen  by  examination  of  the  letter  of  the  Com- 
mander of  the  "'Blasco  de  Garay,"  hereto  annexed  under  date 
of  August  13th,  that  there  is  the  complaint  that  my  acts  do 
not  come  up  to  the  profession  of  friendship  and  the  courtesies 
of  my  language.  I  have  therefore  appended  all  of  the  more 
important  of  my  correspondence  with  the  Spanish  authorities 
here,  so  that  the  Department  may  see  whether  either  in  the 
manner  or  matter  of  that  correspondence  there  is  anything 
which  should  be  a  casus  belli  between  two  otherwise  friendly 
nations. 

That  I  answered  somewhat  sharply  the  letter  of  the  captain 
of  the  "Blasco  de  Garay,"  who  seized  the  occasion  in  replying 
to  a  note  wherein  I  offered  him  assistance  and  courtesy  to 
read  me  a  lecture  on  my  duties,  I  admit  I  thought  and  still 
think  I  was  justified  in  so  doing. 

A  nation  may  be  friendly  and  its  Consul  quite  the  reverse, 
as  witness  the  late  Prussian  Consul,  who  is  now  a  General  in 
the  Rebel  Army,  for  which  he  recruited  a  battalion  of  his 
countrymen. 

When,  therefore,  I  find  a  Consul  aiding  the  rebels,  I  must 
treat  him  as  a  rebel,  and  the  exceptions  are  very  few  indeed 
among  the  Consuls  here.  Bound  up  with  the  rebels  by  mar- 
riage, commercial  and  social  relations,  most  of  the  Consular 
offices  are  only  asylums  where  rebels  are  harbored  and  rebel- 
lion fostered. 

Before  I  close  this  report,  which  pressure  of  public  duties 
has  delayed  till  the  departure  of  the  mail  on  the  6th  October, 


S48    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

allow  me  to  repeat  that  with  the  blessing  of  God,  to  whom  our 
most  devout  thanks  are  daily  due  for  His  Goodness,  the  fell 
scourge,  the  Yellow  Fever,  has  been  kept  from  my  Command 
and  the  City  of  New  Orleans  till  now,  when  all  danger  is  past 
by  firm  administration  of  sanitary  and  Quarantine  regulations, 
in  spite  of  complaints  and  difficulties,  and  if  any  acts  need  jus- 
tification I  point  to  the  results  as  an  unanswerable  vindication. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Tr          7  j-     .  o          * 

Your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  2nd,  1862 

Capt.  G.  V.  Fox,  Asst.  Sec.  of  the  Navy 

MY  DEAR  CAPTAIN:  I  think  the  enclosed  application  could  be 
granted  with  advantage  to  the  interests  of  the  United  States. 

I  have  in  one  or  two  instances  allowed  wrecking  to  go  on  to 
prevent  irreparable  mischief. 

I  wish  you  would  put  the  matter  in  competent  hands,  so 
that  the  whole  might  be  controlled.  There  is  an  immense 
amount  of  property  belonging  to  the  United  States  which 
might  be  saved  if  promptly  attended  to  during  the  present 

low  stage  of  water.    I  am,      T7       .     1     ^        -  .     , 
0  Very  truly,  Your  friend, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Navy 

PRIVATE.     Navy  Department,  November  17th,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  your  letter  of  October  2nd,  and 
its  enclosure  for  Mrs.  F.  of  the  carte  de  visite  of  the  General, 
commanding  the  department  of  the  Gulf.  She  thanks  you 
for  the  remembrance  which  will  be  more  valuable  than  the 
purchased  one  occupying  a  place  in  her  album.  I  also  received 
your  letter  about  raising  the  wrecks  in  the  lower  Mississippi, 
and  delayed  answering  it  to  ascertain  if  certain  parties  who 
contracted  to  raise  the  "Varuna"  were  going  to  comply  with 
their  contract.  I  am  satisfied  that  they  are  not,  and  there- 
fore the  question  of  raising  that  vessel  is  open  unless  the 
Father  of  waters  has  closed  it. 

With  regard  to  some  of  the  other  vessels,  there  are  two 
owners.  Take  for  example,  the  ram  "Manassas,"  owned 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   349 

mostly  by  parties  in  Boston,  seized,  enlarged,  fitted,  and 
mailed  by  the  Rebels,  and  sunk  by  Smith.  If  she  is  raised, 
who  takes  her?  I  know  of  no  person  in  the  country  so  compe- 
tent to  handle  these  questions  as  the  General  in  whose  Depart- 
ment they  lie  buried,  and  therefore  advise  you  to  contract  on 
the  spot  for  the  saving  of  this  property.  If,  after  raising,  any, 
especially  the  "  Varuna,"  can  be  used  for  Naval  purposes,  the 
Government  ought  to  have  the  right  to  take  them  by  open 
sale  or  some  other  fair,  reasonable  methods. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  is  of  the  opinion  that  you  ought 
to  take  measures  to  save  as  much  as  possible  of  this  property 
to  the  Government.  It  cannot  be  done  by  contract  here  as 
parties  competent  to  undertake  it  are  entirely  ignorant  of 
the  surroundings. 

I  am  very  glad  to  find  that  the  complaints  against  your 
administration  have  been  dissipated  by  the  vigor  and  success 
of  your  Government,  civil  and  military.  Lee  fought  your 
battles  frankly  and  manfully,  commencing  at  a  dinner  at 
Fort  Monroe,  given  by  General  Dix  to  Reverdy  Johnson  and 
his  New  Orleans  friends. 

Lee,  being  a  Southern  man,  gave  weight  to  his  opinions.  I 
hear  not  a  word  now,  except  "looting,"  as  the  English  call  it,  an 
amusement  that  all  soldiers  indulge  in.  The  Rebels  in  Mary- 
land and  Kentucky  took  everything  they  wanted,  and  in  return, 
—  oh,  refinement  of  abstinence,  —  offered  Confederate  scrip  in 
payment,  besides  all  kinds  of  brown  paper  shin-plasters. 

I  think  McClernand  will  be  down  your  way  near  the  last 
of  December,  and  if  you  and  Farragut  can  open  the  Mississippi 
as  far  as  the  Red  River,  and  block  that  leaky  place,  we  shall 
be  able  with  our  Mississippi  squadron  to  keep  that  big  river 
open  to  commerce,  and  New  Orleans  will  rise  from  its  lethargy. 
My  opinion  is  that  neither  you  or  Farragut  have  a  sufficient 
force  to  attack  Mobile,  and  I  have  written  so  to  him.  We  shall 
be  along  that  way  with  iron-clads  during  the  winter,  and  then 
make  short  work  of  it.  You  ought  to  have  and  will  shortly 
have  more  troops,  as  the  occupation  of  Texas,  and  most  par- 
ticularly the  Rio  Grande,  is  imperative.  Every  vessel  we  seize 
there  is  released  by  the  courts,  and  the  enormous  trade  carried  on 
can  only  be  turned  into  legitimate  channels  by  military  occupa- 
tions up  the  river.  I  have  begged  for  troops  for  this  object. 

In  military  matters  here,  we  are  quiet  but  expectant.  The 
luxurious  army  of  the  Potomac,  petted  to  bursting,  is  no  match 
in  celerity  of  movements  to  the  famished,  freezing,  soldiers  of 


350   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Lee.  Legs  win  more  battles  than  fighting.  At  Bull  Run  one 
of  our  soldiers  was  found  dead  with  seventeen  pounds  of 
Congressional  documents  and  a  History  of  Ireland  in  his 
knapsack. 

Whence  did  you  surmise  that  Farragut  was  to  be  relieved? 
We  never  heard  the  rumor  here.  The  hero  of  that  unequalled 
dash,  despising  the  great  obstacles,  gave  us  victory,  glory, 
and  New  Orleans,  and  is  not  to  be  forgotten  or  removed  except 
at  his  own  pleasure,  and  probably  not  even  then.  If  he  is 
with  you,  I  beg  that  you  will  assure  him  that  we  never  heard 
of  any  such  rumor  this  way.  Wishing  you  every  success,  my 
dear  General,  in  your  arduous  position,  I  remain, 

Truly  your  friend,  G.  V.  Fox 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dcpt.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  2d,  1862 

J.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Esq.,  Prussian  Consul 

SIR:  I  enclose  to  you  a  letter  showing  that  a  portion  of  the 
freight  shipped  on  board  the  "Essex"  will  not  be  allowed  to 
be  taken  off  by  the  owner,  by  the  Capt.  of  the  ship.  From  the 
acts  of  the  Captain,  it  would  seem  as  if  he  desired  not  to  go 
to  sea,  but  to  put  himself  in  opposition  to  authorities  here. 

I  have  now  removed  all  obstacles  to  his  going  to  sea  except 
such  as  he  gets  in  his  own  path. 

Please  return  me  the  enclosed  letter  which  I  want  as  a 
voucher,  and  state  to  me  what  now  prevents  the  "Essex" 

sailing.    I  have  the  honor  to  be,       v        ^,  ,.    0      . 
e  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  3rd,  1862 

W.  C.  GRAY,  Esq.,  Dy.  Collector,  Custom  House 

SIR:  Your  communication  of  2nd  inst.,  desiring  us  to  take 
from  the  ship  "Essex"  three  cases  of  plate  marked  Rankin 
Gilmour  &  Co.,  and  deliver  same  to  you  immediately,  is  to 
hand  this  morning,  and  in  reply  we  beg  to  state  that  the  Capt. 
refuses  to  deliver  the  same  up  to  us  without  the  production  of 
the  Bills  of  Lading,  and  two  of  the  set  having  long  since  been 
mailed  to  England,  we  are  unable  to  comply.  We  are,  Sir, 

Your  most  Obt.  Svt., 
HAYTON  RANKIN,  JNO.  G.  ROBINSON 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        351 
From  J.  Kruttschnidt 

Prussian  Consulate,  NEW  ORLEANS,  3d.  Oct.,  1862 

Maj.  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf, 
NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your 
note  under  yesterday's  date,  enclosing  a  letter  addressed  to 
you  by  three  passengers  of  the  Prussian  Ship  "Essex,"  viz: 
Charles  Witz,  Honore  Mason,  Hambling  asking  for  return  of 
the  passage  money  paid  by  them. 

Mr.  Kahl,  supercargo  of  the  "Essex,"  requests  me  to  state 
that  in  view  of  the  particular  circumstances  his  vessel  is 
placed  in,  he  is  ready  to  refund  f  of  the  passage  money  paid 
by  the  said  three  persons  who  wish  to  relinquish  their  voyage 
in  his  vessel. 

Mr.  Kahl  informs  me,  however,  at  the  same  time  that  Cap- 
tain Klatt  of  said  vessel  has  received  an  order  from  Provost 
Marshal  General  Jonas  H.  French  to  refund  the  total  amount 
of  the  passage  money  to  several  persons  who  engaged  passage 
by  the  "Essex,"  but  he  is  not  able  to  say  if  they  be  the  same 
as  those  mentioned  above.  The  Captain  of  the  "Essex"  has 
not  complied  with  that  order. 

I   return  herewith  the  letter  referred  to  me  and  remain 

vTenei*rLi 

'  Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servt., 

J.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Acting  Consul 
From  the  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.     NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  8,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  Some  new  facts  of  violence,  by  negroes  in  the  service 
of  the  United  States,  committed  on  a  Frenchman,  have  just 
come  to  my  knowledge, 

Mr.  Justin  Coulon  lives  at  the  plantation  Hopkins,  Gentilly 
road.  Last  Wednesday  evening,  October  1st,  about  20  negroes 
belonging  to  the  camp  near  that  place  broke  through  his 
fence,  to  steal  fruits  of  his  orange  garden,  when  Mr.  Coulon 
presented  himself  to  make  them  leave,  but  found  himself 
assaulted  from  all  sides,  especially  by  three  of  these  men,  his 
life  being  in  great  danger,  the  negroes  being  armed  with 
bayonets. 

It  was  very  lucky  for  him  that  he  could  use  a  stick  of  wood 
to  defend  himself,  still  he  got  hurt  on  his  face  and  hand. 


352   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

This  is,  General,  the  second  time  that  one  of  my  country- 
men received  such  treatment.  It  is  the  more  serious  on  account 
of  the  attempt  of  robbery,  with  armed  hands. 

I  am  sorry  that  I  have  to  request  their  punishment  accord- 
ing to  your  Order  No.  60,  but  a  terrible  example  seems  to  me 
necessary;  I  am  sure  it  is  the  only  remedy  to  save  the  popula- 
tion from  such  assaults.  Accept,  General,  the  assurance  of 

y  eem.  FAUCONNET,  Acting  French  Consul 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  ±tht  1862 

To  M.  THE  CONSUL  OF  FRANCE,  Representing  his  Majesty  the 
Emperor  NAPOLEON 

SIR:  Your  complaint  that  certain  negroes  have  stolen 
oranges  of  Justin  Coulon,  a  French  subject,  the  stealing  of 
the  oranges  shall  be  carefully  inquired  into,  and  I  will  so  far 
exercise  my  authority  as  to  pay  for  the  oranges  on  being  pre- 
sented with  the  bill  at  the  market  price. 

In  the  meantime  the  matter  shall  be  carefully  inquired  into. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  Svt.,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  llh,  1862 

MY  DEAR  SARAH:  The  "Saxon"  goes  home  tonight,  so  that 
I  will  write  you,  although  the  slow  coach  will  not  get  home  so 
soon  probably  as  the  next  mail. 

I  am  well  as  a  man  can  hope  to  be  here.  All  are  well.  Wiegel 
has  "gone  to  the  bad,"  and  I  have  taken  his  resignation. 
Haggerty  will  go  if  he  drinks  any  more.  I  have  told  him,  and 
shall  not  let  up  again. 

I  am  getting  ready  for  offensive  operations,  and  so  are  the 
enemy.  Beauregard  has  gone  to  Charlestown.  My  negro 
regiments  are  getting  on  finely.  So  are  my  white  regiments. 
The  city  still  continues  healthy  to  a  marvel. 

I  send  by  today's  boat  a  little  present  for  Mother.  I  bought 
it  at  a  discount  for  the  price  of  old  silver  from  a  Jew.  I 
shall  close  up  all  business  arrangements  in  which  I  have 
interest  as  soon  as  possible.  What  do  you  think,  Shepley 
has  made  Weitzel  pay  him  one-half  of  his  salary  for  his 
.(Shepley's)  assistance  as  major,  even  while  he  was  in  Wash- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   353 

ington.     Weitzel,  you  know,  is  poor,  and  has  a  mother  to 
support. 

My  dear  Sarah,  don't  write  me  any  more  of  those  sad  letters 
such  as  the  three  last,  —  write  hopeful,  loving,  joyous  letters 
that  come  to  me  like  a  blessing.  You  will  not  regret  it.  Per- 
haps, however,  you  are  already  on  the  road  here.  I  expect 
you  daily  —  if  so,  this  letter  will  be  lost.  Bring  with  you,  if 
you  get  this,  four  pairs  of  drawers,  merino  (39  inches),  4 
merino  shirts,  and  my  dressing  gown  and  cap.  I  am  having 

some  shirts  made  here.    Goodby.  Tr  ^ 

97  Yours,  BENJ. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS  l 

Commodore  MORRIS,  Commdg.  Naval  Forces  at 

NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  Is  there  any  objection  to  my  chartering  the  ferry  boat 
"Frank  Muinford"  until  she  is  needed  by  Government?  To 
be  put  and  kept  in  repair  until  called  for. 

If  you  have  no  objection  on  the  part  of  the  Navy,  I  will 
make  a  charter  without  prejudice  to  the  claims  of  either 
Department. 

Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  4,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  79 

IN  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  cartel  recently  negotiated 
between  the  Major  General  Commanding  this  Department  and 
Brig.  Gen.  Tilghman,  of  the  Confederate  Army,  all  prisoners  of 
war,  registered  at  these  Headquarters  for  exchange,  will  be  sent 
by  steamer  to  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  on  the  8th  October  instant, 
leaving  New  Orleans  at  10  o'clock,  A.M.,  of  that  day. 

Those  officers,  the  terms  of  whose  surrender  permitted  the 
retention  of  their  side  arms,  will  be  allowed  to  take  with  them 
their  swords  only,  but  in  no  case  will  permission  be  granted 
to  purchase  arms  of  any  description  to  carry  beyond  the 
lines;  nor  will  any  supplies  be  taken,  further  than  the  apparel 
actually  worn  at  the  time  of  their  departure. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G.9  Chief  of  Staff 

1  Placed  in  the  Letter  Book  between  letters  of  October  6,  1862,  and  October  11, 1862. 
VOL.  ii — 23 


354   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

BOSTON,  October  6th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  credit  you  with  Middlesex  extra  divi- 
dends collected  from  the  Life  Office  $1,010.  I  have  yours  of 
25th,  and  feel  amply  reassured  by  your  expressions  of  confi- 
dence on  my  care  of  your  business  interests.  I  have  sent  you 
since  the  letter  you  acknowledge  —  on  the  14th,  —  a  complete 
statement  of  your  own  account,  and  on  the  19th  a  detailed 
account  of  operations  under  the  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 
I  wish  you  would  write  me  an  order  to  pay  Col.  Butler's 
over-drafts  out  of  your  funds.  By  his  orders  I  turn  his  balance 
over  to  your  account  whenever  it  amounts  to  any  considerable 
sum.  The  next  day,  the  chances  are,  he  draws  heavily,  and  in 
case  of  his  or  my  death  I  should  have  a  very  poor  account  to 
show.  I  shall  write  you  more  fully  from  my  own  house  to-night. 
Faithfully  yours,  RICHARD  S.  FAY,  JR. 

October  Sth 

I  HAVE  some  hay  in  New  Orleans  on  my  own  account,  some 
with  Col.  Butler,  and  some  with  A.  Montgomery.  I  hope  if 
your  horses  eat  it,  you  will  allow  me  a  fair  price  for  it.  Other- 
wise I  shall  have  to  declare  another  extra  dividend  at  the 
Middlesex  to  pay  my  debts. 

Governor  Andrew  says  no  more  Mass,  troops  shall  go  to 
you,  but  I  hear,  though,  Tho.  Chickering's  Regiment  is  to  go 
as  soon  as  it  is  filled. 

I  hope  the  late  victory  at  Corinth  will  open  the  way  up  the 
river  to  you  as  soon  as  you  are  reinforced. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  6th,  1862 

Wm.  DILLON,  Esq. 

SIR:  I  extended  to  you  every  facility  for  recovering  your 
property  so  long  as  you  showed  yourself  an  honorable  man,  but 
after  you  had  denounced  a  man  as  having  defrauded  you  and 
sold  you,  and  afterwards,  when  I  was  dealing  with  him,  certi- 
fied to  his  character  as  an  honest  man,  I  decline  any  further 
interference  in  your  matters.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
B.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   355 

From  J.  Kruttschnidt 

Prussian  Consulate,  NEW  ORLEANS,  9th  Oct.,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf, 
NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  have  had  the  honor  to  address  you  on  the  4th 
inst.  in  reference  to  the  "Essex."  On  the  afternoon  of  that 
day  2  packages,  marked  "Geo.  Green,  Son  &  Co.,  Liverpool," 
shipped  by  Robt.  Clark  of  this  city,  were  by  your  orders  taken 
away  by  force  from  on  board  said  vessel,  and  on  Monday 
following,  the  6th  inst.  Captain  Klatt  was  informed  that  the 
other  obnoxious  packages  could  remain  on  board,  and  that  no 
further  obstacles  were  in  the  way  of  his  obtaining  a  clearance : 
the  "Essex"  was  cleared  accordingly  at  about  noon  on  the 
6th  inst. 

I  now  beg  leave  to  hand  you  the  protest  of  the  "Essex" 
(supplementary  to  the  one  under  date  of  22nd  ult.)  against 
her  detention  and  the  forcible  taking  away  of  the  2  packages 
mentioned  above. 

I  regret  this  occurrence,  but  hope  that  the  Prussian  Minister 
at  Washington,  to  whom  I  have  forwarded  all  the  papers 
relating  to  the  "Essex,"  will  have  no  difficulty  to  effect  a  satis- 
factory settlement  of  this  question  with  the  Government  at 
Washington.  I  remain,  General, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  servt., 

3.  KRUTTSCHNIDT,  Acting  Consul 

From  G.  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  l 

PRIVATE  AND  UNOFFICIAL.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  10th,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  I  have  received  your  official  letter  of  Sept. 
22nd.,  enclosing  letters  of  Mr.  Barney  and  Mr.  Norton,2  and 
asking  information  whether  any  portion  of  shipments  to  this 
port  reach  the  enemy.  My  official  reply,  dated  yesterday,  is 
correct  so  far  as  it  goes,  but  additional  facts  exist,  proper  to 
be  stated  only  in  a  private  letter. 

Ever  since  the  capture  of  this  city  a  brisk  trade  has  been 
carried  on  with  the  rebels  by  a  few  persons  under  military 
permits,  frequently  with  military  assistance,  and,  as  I  believe, 
much  to  the  pecuniary  benefit  of  some  of  the  principal  mili- 


1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  320. 
*  Possible  reference  to  letter  of  Sept.  6,  1862,  Sidney  S.  Norton  to  Hon.  William 
Barney. 


356   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

tary  officers  of  this  Department.  I  have  suspected  it  for  a 
long  time,  and  spoke  of  it  in  my  private  letters  to  you  of  Aug. 
26th  and  Sept.  9th.  On  the  5th  October,  your  regulations  of 
Aug.  28th  reached  me.  I  immediately  stopped  all  trade  with 
the  enemy,  and  as  this  brought  me  in  contact  with  the  per- 
sons who  have  been  conducting  the  trade,  I  acquired  much 
information.  Almost  all  the  information  to  be  given  in  this 
letter,  has  been  collected  this  week. 

A  brother  of  Gen.  Butler  is  here,  who  is  called  Col.  Butler, 
though  he  occupies  no  position  in  the  army.  Government 
officers,  citizens,  and  rebels,  generally  believe  him  to  be  the 
partner  or  agent  of  Gen'l.  Butler.  He  does  a  heavy  business, 
and  by  various  practices  has  made  between  one  and  two 
million  dollars  since  the  capture  of  the  city.  Gov.  Shepley, 
and  especially  Col.  French  (Provost  Marshal),  are  supposed 
to  be  interested,  but  these  officers  I  believe  to  be  entirely 
under  control  of  Gen'l.  Butler,  who  knows  everything,  controls 
everything,  and  should  be  held  responsible  for  everything. 

There  are  two  channels  of  trade  with  the  rebels  —  the 
River  and  Lake  Pontchartrain.  River  trade  must  be  conducted 
by  steamboats.  There  are  eight  or  nine  river  boats  here,  all 
seized  and  now  in  the  hands  of  the  military  authorities.  Col. 
Butler  has  used  these  boats  as  he  pleased  for  carrying  up  and 
bringing  down  freight.  I  had  no  control  over  them,  and 
could  not  know  what  was  transpiring,  for  the  military  authori- 
ties controlled  them,  with  whom  I  had  no  authority  to  inter- 
fere. Troops  were  at  Baton  Rouge  and  below  Vicksburg,  and 
it  was  to  be  supposed  the  boats  were  used  for  public,  not 
private  purposes.  Of  late,  frequently,  one  or  two  infantry 
companies  would  accompany  a  boat  taking  up  cargo  and 
bringing  back  produce.  This  service  was  unpopular  with 
officers  and  men,  who  enlisted  for  the  benefit  of  the  country 
and  not  of  speculators.  I  say  no  more  concerning  the  river 
trade,  except  that  it  has  been  constant  and  sometimes  active. 

Of  the  trade  across  the  lake,  I  have  more  accurate  and 
more  information,  because  there  are  no  government  vessels 
there,  and  it  was  conducted  with  schooners.  Shortly  after 
arriving  here,  I  learned  that  large  quantities  of  salt  had  crossed 
the  lake  to  the  rebels,  and  supposing  it  to  be  smuggled,  took 
measures  to  stop  it  thenceforth.  Two  weeks  later,  a  schooner 
loaded  with  1,000  sacks  salt  [jstarted^  to  cross  the  lake.  I 
directed  the  inspector  to  seize  the  vessel,  and  immediately 
called  upon  Gen.  Butler,  and  requested  a  guard  to  be  put  on 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   357 

board.  This  was  about  9  o'clock  at  night.  He  appeared  indig- 
nant at  the  attempt  to  take  salt  to  the  enemy  —  ordered  a 
guard  on  board  the  vessel  —  and  ordered  the  immediate 
arrest  of  the  Captain  and  shippers.  The  next  day  I  had  an 
interview  with  Provost  Marshal  French,  who  told  me  it  was  all 
a  misunderstanding.  The  shipper  had  a  permit  for  500,  but  not 
for  1,000;  that  the  shipper  and  captain  were  released  —  the  ves- 
sel unladen  and  released  also.  I  told  him  he  had  no  authority 
to  release  my  seizures,  but  it  was  now  too  late  to  help  it. 

After  this  but  little  trade  was  done  until  six  or  eight  weeks 
ago,  when  Gen.  Butler  gave  a  permit  to  a  rebel  to  ship  four 
large  cargoes,  much  of  which  was  contraband,  across  the  lake. 
I  immediately  called  upon  the  General,  who  said  that  it  was 
the  policy  of  the  Gov't.  to  get  cotton  shipped  from  this  port,  and 
for  that  purpose  to  trade  with  the  enemy.  In  the  conversa- 
tion he  left  upon  my  mind  the  impression  that  this  course 
was  approved  at  Washington.  I  then  had  entire  confidence 
in  Gen'l  Butler,  and  my  letter  of  instructions  had  directed  me 
to  consult  with  him  frequently.  For  the  last  two  months 
trade  has  been  active  across  the  lake,  nor  had  I  any  authority 
to  stop  it,  until  the  arrival  of  your  regulations  on  the  5th 
Oct.,  as  above  mentioned. 

The  following  statements  are  made  to  me  by  various  persons : 

One  man  says  that  he  took  over  600  sacks  salt  just  before  I 
arrived,  and  was  gone  six  weeks.  Gen'l  Butler  gave  permit. 
Two  dollars  per  sack  was  paid  for  permission  to  take  from  New 
Orleans.  He  sold  400  sacks  to  Confederate  army  at  $25.  per 
sack,  and  was  permitted  to  sell  the  other  200  to  citizens  at 
$36.  per  sack.  He  did  not  own  the  cargo,  but  received  one- 
fourth  of  net  profits.  He  cleared  $2,000.  The  owners  cleared 
$6,000  —  good  money. 

Dr.  Avery,  Surgeon  9th.  Reg't.  Conn.  Vol.,  states  that  he 
accompanied  an  expedition  to  Pontichoula,  just  north  of  Lake 
Pontchartrain,  about  three  weeks  ago.  A  skirmish  ensued  — 
he  was  taken  prisoner  and  taken  to  Camp  Moore.  He  saw  a 
large  quantity  of  salt  in  sacks  there,  lying  by  the  railroad.  A 
rebel  officer  said  to  him,  "We  bought  that  salt  from  Col. 
Butler.  We  paid  $5.  per  sack  for  the  privilege  of  shipment 
from  New  Orleans.  To-day  that  salt  goes  to  Richmond  for 
the  army.  To-morrow  or  next  day  another  cargo  will  arrive. 
The  army  get  their  salt  from  New  Orleans.  The  Yankees, 
"will  do  anything  for  money."  Dr.  A.  was  subsequently 
released,  and  is  now  in  this  city.  4 


358       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Capt.  Cornwall,  Co.  A.  13th  Conn.  Reg't.,  was  stationed 
with  his  company  at  the  mouth  of  New  Canal  for  about  three 
weeks,  ending  last  Saturday.  He  states  that  the  first  schooner 
going  out  was  laden  with  large  am't.  of  contraband  articles  — 
some  medicines,  including  80  gals,  castor  oil.  It  had  Shepley's 
permit.  He  sent  his  2nd.  Lieut.  (Kinney)  to  Gen.  Butler  who 
said,  "Go  to  Gov.  Shepley,  and  ask  him  if  he  does  not  know 
that  these  articles  will  go  right  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy." 
Gov.  Shepley  said,  "Return  to  Gen.  Butler  and  say  that  I 
consulted  him  before  giving  this  permit."  Whereupon  Gen. 
B.  said,  "Well,  let  it  go,  since  Gov.  S.  has  granted  a  permit." 
The  same  thing  happened  two  or  three  days  afterward,  when 
Gen.  B.  received  the  messenger,  and  at  once  wrote  on  the  back 
of  the  permit,  "Gov.  Shepley's  passes  must  be  respected." 
Capt.  Cornwell  now  wants  to  go  home. 

The  inspector  of  Customs  at  the  New  Canal  is  very  sick, 
and  therefore  I  cannot  get  his  statement  at  present. 

Mr.  Clark  applies  for  permission  to  trade  with  the  enemy 
on  large  scale,  and  states  that  he  made  the  arrangement  by 
Gen.  Butler's  consent.  I  let  his  vessel  leave  in  ballast,  taking 
bond  in  double  the  value  of  the  vessel  that  she  would  be 
returned  into  my  custody  within  20  days.  He  had  a  letter 
from  Gen.  B.  which  I  caused  to  be  privately  copied,  and 
also  a  letter  from  Col.  Butler.  Both  are  enclosed  here- 
with, marked  "A." 

Don  D.  Goicouria  (of  the  firm  of  D.  D.  Goicouria  and  Co., 
New  St.,  N.  Y.)  has  been  here  four  months  and  has  made 
about  $200,000.  He  asks  to  continue  trade  with  the  enemy, 
authorized  by  Gen'l.  Butler.  He  has  taken  two  thousand 
sacks  salt  to  the  confederate  army.  He  made  an  arrangement 
with  Gen.  Butler  and  Benjamin  (Rebel  Secretary  of  War)  to 
take  salt  to  the  enemy,  bringing  back  cotton  in  exchange  at 
the  rate  of  ten  sacks  in  one  bale  of  cotton.  He  goes  North 
next  steamer,  and  will  apply  to  Secretary  of  Treasury  for  per- 
mit to  continue  the  trade.  He  has  rec'd  here  200  bales  cotton. 
His  salt  goes  to  the  Confederate  Army.  He  says  Col.  Butler 
told  him  that  he  (Col.  B.)  had  sent  North  8,000  hogs,  sugar  of 
his  own,  worth  in  N.  Y.  $800,000  or  $900,000.  Besides  salt,  he 
has  taken  to  the  enemy  large  amount  of  other  goods.  In  his 
interview  with  you  he  will  be  able  to  tell  you  everything  about 
trade  with  the  Rebels  if  disposed  to  do  so. 

A  Roman  Catholic  Priest,  from  Bay  St.  Louis,  told  me 
yesterday  that  in  his  vicinity  Salt  was  selling  for  $3.50  per 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   859 

gallon  —  or  $25.  per  bushel,  and  Flour  at  $55.  per  barrel  (A 
Sack  of  salt  contains  about  4  bushels). 

Mr.  Lloyd1  applies  for  permit  to  trade.  He  states  that  Gen. 
B.  granted  him  permit,  to  take  effect  whenever  he  pleased, 
and  offered  him  gunboats  and  soldiers.  He  declined  such  aid, 
preferring  to  make  arrangements  with  Confederate  authorities, 
which  are  now  completed.  That  he  promised  to  bring  hither 
5,000  bales  cotton  and  sell  them  to  Gen.  Butler,  at  the  market 
price.  He  insinuates  that  there  is  a  further  understanding 
between  himself  and  Gen.  Butler,  but  declines  stating  what  it 
is.  His  agent's  name  is  Burden,  and  his  application  (with 
list  of  cargo)  is  enclosed  herewith,  marked  "B." 

Another  application  comes  from  Wm.  Perkins,  and  is  en- 
closed herewith  marked  "C." 

R.  H.  Montgomery's  vessels  were  stopped  by  me  in  New 
Canal  on  the  5th  October.  His  permit  from  Gov.  Shepley 
and  list  of  cargo  is  enclosed  herewith  marked  "D." 

All  the  vessels  crossing  the  lake  since  Sept.  2Srd.  have 
had  Gen.  Shepley's  pass.  The  inspector  has  furnished  a  list 
of  them  with  their  cargoes,  which  list  is  enclosed  herewith, 
marked  "E." 

After  receiving  copy  of  your  regulations,  I  told  Gen.  Butler 
that  this  trade  gave  aid  and  comfort  to  the  enemy  without 
benefit  to  the  Gov't.  —  that  it  demoralized  the  army  —  dis- 
gusted loyal  citizens  —  and  degraded  the  character  of  the 
Gov't.  He  smilingly  assented  —  said  it  ought  to  be  stopped 
—  that  he  didn't  see  why  Shepley  granted  such  permits  — 
and  that  he  was  going  to  visit  Ship  Island,  and  when  he  returned 
would  see  me  about  it  again! 

The  stringent  blockade  enhances  prices  in  the  Rebel  States, 
and  is  a  great  thing  for  the  military  speculators  of  this  Depart- 
ment —  and  their  friends.  I  know  of  5,000  sacks  being  sent 
to  the  eneniy,  and  I  think  more  than  10,000  have  been  sent. 

I  suppose  your  regulations  (28th.  Aug.)  equally  apply  to  the 
portion  of  the  State  within  our  lines  —  as  well  as  to  that  under 
insurrectionary  control.  That  supplies  can  be  sent  anywhere 
to  a  loyal  citizen  for  his  own  use,  but  not  to  sell  to  rebels,  and 
that  I  am  to  control  the  whole  matter.  If  I  mistake,  please 
inform  me. 

Most  of  this  trade  can  be  stopped,  but  I  believe  the  present 
military  authorities  are  so  corrupt  that  they  will  take  all  means 

1  Possibly  the  Richard  Lloyd  who  wrote  to  Gen.  Butler  June  6th  and  June  17th, 
1862  (filed  June  17th,  1862). 


360   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  make  money.  The  amount  of  goqds  smuggled  from  this 
point  to  the  enemy  has  been  trifling.  Gen.  Butler  has  always 
been  kind  to  me,  and  our  personal  relations  are  upon  the  most 
pleasant  footing.  He  has  great  ability,  great  energy,  shrewd- 
ness and  activity,  and  industry,  but  he  can  never  acquire  a 
character  here  for  disinterestedness.  Many  officers  and 
soldiers  want  to  go  home,  not  wishing  to  risk  their  lives  to 
make  fortunes  for  others.  (GEQRGE  g  DENISON) 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  Hth,  1862 

M.  FAUCONNET,  Acting  Consul  of  France.    Representing  H.  M. 
THE  EMPEROR  OF  FRANCE 

SIR:  I  had  the  pleasure  to  find  on  my  return  to  this  city  the 
report  of  Col.  Stafford  of  the  1st  Regt.  of  Native  Guard  (free 
colored),  which  with  the  accompanying  evidence  in  relation 
to  Abadie  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  with  the  request,  they 
being  original  documents,  that  they  shall  be  returned  to  me 
after  your  perusal. 

If  the  evidence  is  correct,  it  would  seem  that  the  outrage 
was  on  the  part  of  Abadie  on  my  colored  soldiers,  who  are  to 
be  protected  from  the  insults  of  all  persons,  whether  neutrals 
or  others. 

If  you  choose,  you  will  submit  the  evidence  to  Mr.  Abadie, 
and  if  then  he  or  you  desires,  I  will  order  the  parties  before  a 
Military  Commission  to  be  tried  for  such  offences  as  may  be 
found  against  them,  and  will  mete  out  such  punishment  as 
may  be  due  to  the  party  found  by  such  Commission  to  be  in 
the  wrong. 

Meanwhile,  may  I  ask  you  to  warn  your  countrymen  against 
the  prejudices  which  they  may  have  imbibed,  the  same  as 
were  lately  mine,  against  my  colored  soldiers,  because  their 
color  and  race  is  of  the  same  hue  and  blood  as  those  of  your 
celebrated  compatriot  and  author,  Alexander  Dumas,  who,  I 
believe  is  treated  with  the  utmost  respect  in  Paris,  so  that  their 
prejudices  may  not  lead  them  to  interfere  and  provoke  con- 
tests, which  may  be  the  subject,  perhaps  justly,  of  complaint 
from  yourself  to  me.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       361 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  QuLf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  12,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  facts  and  circumstances 
of  my  General  Orders  No.  55  in  answer  to  the  complaints  of 
the  Prussian  and  French  legations,  as  to  the  enforcement  of 
that  order  upon  certain  inhabitants  of  New  Orleans,  claimed 
to  be  the  subjects  of  these  respective  Governments. 

Before  discussing  the  special  and  personal  relations  of  the 
several  complaints,  it  will  be  necessary  in  a  general  way  to 
give  an  account  of  the  state  of  things  which  I  found  had  existed, 
and  was  then  existing,  at  New  Orleans  upon  its  capture  by 
the  Federal  Troops,  to  show  the  status  of  the  several  classes 
upon  which  General  Orders  No.  55  takes  effect. 

In  October,  1861,  about  the  time  Mason  and  Slid  ell  left  the 
city  upon  their  mission  to  Europe  to  obtain  the  intervention  of 
the  foreign  powers,  great  hopes  were  entertained  by  the  rebels 
that  the  European  Governments  would  be  induced  to  inter- 
fere from  the  want  of  a  supply  of  cotton.  This  supply  was 
being  had  to  a  degree  through  the  agency  of  the  small  vessels 
shooting  out  by  the  numerous  Bayous,  Lagoons,  and  creeks 
with  which  the  southern  part  of  Louisiana  is  penetrated, 
eluded  the  blockade,  and  conveyed  very  considerable  amounts 
of  cotton  to  Havana  and  other  foreign  ports,  where  rams  and 
munitions  of  war  were  largely  imported  through  the  same 
channels  in  exchange.  Indeed,  as  I  have  before  had  the 
honor  to  inform  the  Department  of  State,  it  was  made  a  con- 
dition of  the  very  passes  given  by  Governor  Moore  that  a 
quantity  of  arms  and  powder  should  be  returned  in  proportion 
to  the  cotton  shipped. 

The  very  high  prices  of  the  outward  as  well  as  the  inward 
cargoes  made  these  ventures  profitable,  although  but  one  in 
three  got  through  in  safety. 

Nor  does  the  fact  that  so  considerable  quantities  of  cotton 
escaped  the  blockading  force  at  all  impugn  the  efficiency  of 
the  blockading  squadron,  when  it  is  taken  into  consideration 
that  without  using  either  of  the  principal  water  communica- 
tions with  the  city  through  the  "Rigolets"  or  the  "Passes" 
at  the  Delta  of  the  river,  there  are  at  least  53  distinct  outlets 
to  the  Gulf  from  New  Orleans  by  water  communication  by 
light-draught  vessels.  Of  course,  not  a  pound  of  the  cotton 
that  went  through  these  channels  found  its  way  North  unless 


362   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

it  was  purchased  at  a  foreign  port.  To  prevent  even  this 
supply  of  the  European  manufactures,  became  an  object  of 
the  greatest  interest  of  the  rebels,  and  prior  to  October  1861 
all  the  principal  cotton  factors  of  New  Orleans,  to  the  number 
of  about  a  hundred,  united  in  an  address,  signed  with  their 
names,  to  the  planters,  advising  them  not  to  send  their  cotton 
to  New  Orleans,  for  the  avowed  reason  that  if  it  was  sent  the 
cotton  will  find  its  way  to  foreign  ports  and  furnish  the  in- 
terest of  Europe  and  the  United  States  with  the  product  of 
which  they  are  most  in  need  .  .  .  and  thus  contribute  to 
the  maintainance  of  that  quasi  neutrality,  which  European 
Nations  have  thought  proper  to  avow. 

"This  address  proving  ineffectual  to  maintain  the  policy 
we  had  determined  upon,  and  which  not  only  received  the 
sanction  of  public  opinion  here,  but  which  has  been  so  promptly 
and  cheerfully  followed  by  the  planters  and  factors  of  the 
other  States  of  the  Confederacy,"  the  same  cotton  factors 
made  a  petition  to  Governor  Moore  and  General  Twiggs  to 
"devise  means  to  prevent  any  shipment  of  Cotton  to  New 
Orleans  whatever." 

For  answer  to  the  petition,  Governor  Moore  issued  a  proc- 
lamation forbidding  the  bringing  of  cotton  within  the  city 
limits  under  the  penalties  therein  prescribed.  This  action  was 
concurred  in  by  General  Twiggs,  then  in  command  of  the 
Confederate  forces,  and  enforced  by  newspaper  articles  pub- 
lished in  the  leading  Journals. 

I  have  appended  the  exhibits  of  proclamation  of  the  Gov- 
ernor, the  order  of  General  Twiggs,  the  petition  of  the  Cotton 
Factors,  and  an  article  on  the  subject  by  one  of  the  most 
widely  circulated  Journals,  in  papers  marked  "A"  &  "B," 
wherein  the  whole  matter  is  fully  set  forth. 

This  was  one  of  the  series  of  offensive  measures  which  was 
undertaken  by  the  mercantile  community  of  New  Orleans, 
of  which  a  large  portion  were  foreigners,  and  of  which  the 
complaint  of  Order  55  formed  a  part  in  aid  of  the  rebellion. 

The  only  cotton  allowed  to  be  shipped  during  the  autumn 
and  winter  of  1861  &  1862  was  by  permits  of  Governor  Moore, 
granted  upon  express  condition  that  at  least  one-half  in  value 
should  be  returned  in  arms  and  munitions  of  war.  In  this 
traffic,  almost  the  entire  mercantile  houses  of  New  Orleans 
were  engaged.  Joint  stock  companies  were  formed,  shares 
issued,  vessels  bought,  cargoes  shipped,  arms  returned,  immense 
profits  realized,  and  the  speculative  and  trading  energy  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   363 

whole  community  was  turned  in  this  direction.  It  will  be  borne 
in  mind  that  quite  two-thirds  of  the  trading  community  were 
foreign-born,  and  now  claim  exemption  from  all  duties  as 
citizens  and  exemption  from  liabilities  for  all  their  acts  because 
of  being  "  foreign  neutrals." 

When  the  expedition,  which  I  had  the  high  honor  to  be 
intrusted  to  command,  landed  at  Ship  Island,  and  seemed  to 
threaten  New  Orleans,  the  most  energetic  efforts  were  made  by 
the  State  and  Confederate  authorities  for  the  defence  of  the 
city.  Nearly  the  entire  foreign  population  of  the  city  enrolled 
itself  in  Companies,  Battalions  and  Brigades,  representing 
different  Nationalities.  They  were  armed,  uniformed,  and 
equipped,  drilled  and  manoeuvered,  reported  for  service  to 
the  Confederate  Generals.  Many  of  the  foreign  officers  took 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Confederate  States.  The  Brigadier 
General  in  command  of  the  European  Brigade,  Paul  Juge  a 
naturalized  citizen  of  the  United  States  but  born  in  France, 
renounced  his  citizenship  and  applied  to  the  French  Govern- 
ment to  be  restored  to  his  former  citizenship  as  a  native  of 
that  country  at  the  very  time  he  held  his  command  in  the 
foreign  legion. 

The  Prussian  Consul,  now  General  Reichard  of  the  Confed- 
erate army,  of  whom  we  shall  [say]  more  in  the  course  of  this 
report,  raised  a  Battalion  of  his  countrymen  and  went  to  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  has  been  promoted  for  his  gallantry  in  the 
rebel  service,  leaving  his  commercial  partner,  Mr.  Krutt- 
schnidt,  now  acting  Prussian  Consul,  who  has  married  the 
sister  of  the  rebel  Secretary  of  War,  to  embarrass  as  much 
as  possible  the  United  States  officers  here  by  subscriptions 
to  "city  defense  funds,"  and  groundless  complaints  to  the 
Prussian  Minister. 

I  have  thus  endeavored  to  give  a  faithful  and  exact  account 
of  the  state  of  the  foreign  population  of  New  Orleans  of  the 
fifteenth  day  of  Feb.,  1862. 

In  October,  1861,  the  city  had  voted  to  erect  a  battery  out 
of  this  "  defence  fund,"  as  will  appear  by  exhibit  extract  of 
the  Delta  Newspaper  marked  "C."  On  the  19th  of  February, 
1862,  the  City  Council  by  vote  published  and  commented 
upon  in  the  newspapers,  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Confed- 
erate General  Lovell  fifty  thousand  Dollars  ($50,000),  to  be 
expended  by  him  in  the  defence  of  the  city.  This  resolution 
is  appended  from  a  published  newspaper  copy  marked  "D." 

It  will  therefore  clearly  appear  that  all  inhabitants  of  the 


364        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

city  knew  that  the  City  Council  were  raising  and  expending 
large  sums  for  war  purposes. 

On  the  20th  of  the  same  February,  the  City  Council  raised 
an  extraordinary  "Committee  on  Public  Safety"  from  the 
body  of  inhabitants  at  large,  consisting  of  sixty  members,  for 
the  "purpose  of  cooperating  with  the  Confederate  and  State 
authorities  in  devising  means  for  the  defence  of  the  city  and 
its  approaches."  This  will  appear  from  exhibit  marked  "E," 
a  published  newspaper  copy  of  the  resolution  raising  such 
committee. 

On  the  27th  of  the  same  February,  the  City  Council  adopted 
a  series  of  resolutions:  1st.  recommending  the  issue  of  One 
Million  Dollars  of  the  City  Bonds  for  the  purpose  of  purchas- 
ing arms  and  munitions  of  war,  and  to  provide  for  the  success- 
ful defence  of  the  city  and  its  approaches. 

%nd.  To  appropriate  Twenty-five  thousand  Dollars  for 
the  purpose  of  uniforming  and  equipping  soldiers  mustered 
into  the  service  of  the  country. 

3rd.  Pledging  the  Council  "to  support  the  families  of  all 
soldiers  who  shall  volunteer  for  the  war." 

This  will  appear  more  at  large  in  the  published  newspaper 
copy  on  the  resolutions,  marked  "F." 

On  the  3rd  of  March,  1862,  the  City  Council  authorized  the 
Mayor  to  issue  bonds  of  the  city  for  a  million  of  Dollars, 
and  provided  that  the  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee 
might  pay  over  the  said  bonds  to  the  Committee  of  Public 
Safety  appointed  by  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of 
New  Orleans,  as  per  resolution  No.  8930,  approved  20th  of 
February,  1862,  in  such  sums  as  they  may  require  for  the  pur- 
chase of  arms  and  munitions  of  war,  provisions,  or  to  provide 
any  means  for  the  successful  defence  of  the  city  and  its 
approaches.  And  at  the  same  time  authorized  the  Chairman 
of  the  Finance  Committee  "to  pay  over  $25,000  to  troops 
mustered  into  the  State  service,  who  should  go  to  fight  at 
Columbus  or  elsewhere  under  General  Beauregard."  This 
will  appear  by  Exhibit  marked  "G,"  of  the  published  news- 
paper copy  of  the  doings  of  the  City  Council. 

It  was  to  this  fund,  in  the  hands  of  this  extraordinary 
Committee,  so  published  with  its  objects  and  purposes,  that 
the  complainants  subscribed  their  money,  and  now  claim 
exemption  upon  the  ground  of  neutrality,  and  want  of  knowl- 
edge of  the  purpose  of  the  funds. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  all  the  steps  of  the  raising  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   365 

the  Committee  to  dispose  of  this  fund  were  published,  and 
matters  of  great  public  notoriety.  That  the  fact  that  the 
bonds  were  in  the  hands  of  such  an  extraordinary  Committee 
should  have  put  any  prudent  person  on  their  guard. 

That  all  the  leading  Secessionists  of  the  City  were  sub- 
scribers to  the  same  fund. 

Will  it  be  pretended  for  a  moment  that  these  persons  — 
Bankers,  Merchants,  Brokers  —  who  are  making  this  com- 
plaint, did  not  know  what  this  fund  was,  and  its  purposes  to 
which  they  were  subscribing  by  thousands  of  dollars? 

[Had]  Mr.  Rochereau,  for  instance,  who  had  taken  an  oath 
to  support  the  Confederate  States,  a  banker,  and  then  a  Colonel 
commanding  a  body  of  troops  in  the  service  of  the  Confed- 
erates, never  heard  for  what  purposes  the  city  was  raising  a 
million  and  a  quarter  in  bonds? 

Take  the  Prussian  Consul,  who  complains  for  himself  and 
the  Mrs.  Vogel  whom  he  represents,  as  an  example.  Did  he 
know  about  this  fund?  He,  a  trader,  a  Jew  famed  for  a  bar- 
gain, married  the  sister  of  the  rebel  Secretary  of  War,  the 
partner  of  General  Reichard,  late  Prussian  Consul,  then  in 
command  of  the  Confederate  army,  who  subscribed  for  him- 
self, his  partner,  and  Mrs.  Vogel,  the  wife  of  his  former  part- 
ner, thirty  thousand  Dollars,  did  he  not  know  what  he  was 
doing  when  he  bought  the  bonds  of  this  "  Committee  of  Public 
Safety"? 

On  the  contrary,  it  was  done  to  aid  the  rebellion  to  which 
he  was  bound  by  his  sympathies,  his  social  relations,  his 
business  connections,  and  marriage  ties!  But  it  is  said  that 
this  subscription  was  made  to  the  fund  for  the  sake  of  the  in- 
vestment. It  will  appear,  however,  by  a  careful  examination, 
that  Mr.  Kruttschnidt  collected  for  his  principal  a  note 
secured  by  mortgage  in  anticipation  of  its  being  due,  in  order 
to  purchase  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  of  this  loan.  See 
his  letter  to  Mrs.  Vogel.  Without,  however,  descending  into 
the  particulars,  is  the  profitableness  of  the  investment  to  be 
permitted  to  be  alleged  as  a  sufficient  apology  for  aiding  the 
rebellion  by  money  and  arms?  If  so,  all  their  army  contract- 
ors, principally  Jews,  should  be  held  blameless,  for  they  have 
made  immense  fortunes  by  the  war.  Indeed,  I  suppose  another 
jew  —  one  Judas  —  thought  his  investment  in  the  thirty 
pieces  of  silver  was  a  profitable  one,  until  the  penalty  of 
treachery  reached  him. 

When  I  took  possession  of  New  Orleans  I  found  the  city 


866   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

nearly  on  the  verge  of  starvation,  but  thirty  days'  provisions 
in  it,  and  the  poor  utterly  without  the  means  of  procuring 
what  food  there  was  to  be  had. 

I  endeavored  to  aid  the  City  Government  in  the  work  of 
feeding  the  poor,  but  I  soon  found  that  the  very  contribution 
of  food  was  a  means  faithlessly  used  to  encourage  the  rebel- 
lion. I  was  obliged,  therefore,  to  take  the  whole  matter  into 
my  own  hands.  It  became  a  subject  of  alarming  importance 
and  gravity.  It  became  necessary  to  provide  from  some 
source  the  funds  to  procure  the  food.  They  could  not  be  raised 
by  city  taxation  in  the  ordinary  form.  These  taxes  were  in 
arrears  to  more  than  a  million  of  dollars.  Besides,  it  would 
be  unjust  to  tax  the  loyal  citizens  and  honestly  neutral  for- 
eigners to  provide  for  a  state  of  things  brought  about  by  the 
rebels  and  disloyal  foreigners  related  to  them  by  ties  of  blood, 
marriage,  and  social  relation,  who  had  conspired  and  labored 
together  to  overthrow  the  authority  of  the  United  States, 
and  establish  the  very  result  which  was  to  be  met.  Further, 
in  order  to  have  a  contribution  effective,  it  must  be  upon  those 
who  had  wealth  to  answer  it. 

There  seems  to  me  no  such  fit  subjects  for  such  taxation  as 
the  Cotton  Brokers,  who  had  brought  the  distress  upon  the 
city  by  thus  paralysing  commerce,  and  the  subscribers  to  this 
loan  who  had  money  to  invest  for  purposes  of  war,  so  adver- 
tised and  known  as  above  described. 

With  these  conditions,  I  issued  General  Orders  No.  55, 
which  will  explain  itself,  and  is  annexed  marked  "H,"  and 
have  raised  nearly  the  amount  of  the  tax  therein  set  forth. 

But  for  what  purpose?  Not  a  dollar  has  gone  in  any  way 
to  the  use  of  the  United  States.  I  am  now  employing  1,000 
poor  laborers  as  matter  of  charity  upon  the  streets  and  wharves 
of  the  city  from  this  fund.  I  am  distributing  food  to  preserve 
from  starvation  9707  families,  containing  "Thirty-Two  Thou- 
sand and  Four  Hundred  and  Fifty  souls"  daily,  and  this  done 
at  an  expense  of  more  than  Seventy  Thousand  Dollars  per 
month.  I  am  sustaining,  at  the  expense  of  Two  Thousand 
Dollars  per  month,  five  asylums  for  widows  and  orphans.  I 
am  aiding  the  Charity  Hospital  to  the  extent  of  Five  Thousand 
Dollars  per  month. 

I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  exhibits  marked, 
"I  and  K,"  attached  hereto.  These  are  synopses  of  the 
weekly  returns  of  my  Relief  Committee  that  distributes  the 
food. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   367 

Before  their  Excellencies  the  French  and  Prussian  Ministers 
complain  of  my  actions  upon  foreigners  at  New  Orleans,  I 
desire  they  would  look  at  these  exhibits,  and  consider  for  a 
few  moments  the  facts  and  figures  set  forth  in  these  returns 
and  in  this  report.  They  will  find  that  out  of  10,490  families 
who  have  been  fed  from  the  fund,  with  the  raising  of  which 
they  find  fault,  less  than  one  tenth  (One  thousand  and  ten)  are 
Americans,  nine  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty,  foreign- 
ers. Of  the  thirty-two  thousand  souls  but  three  thousand  are 
natives.  Besides,  the  Charities  at  the  Asylums  and  hospitals 
are  distributed  in  about  the  same  proportions  as  to  foreigners 
and  native  born,  so  that  of  an  expenditure  of  near  $80,000 
per  month  to  employ  and  feed  the  starving  poor  of  New 
Orleans,  seventy-two  thousand  goes  to  the  foreigners,  whose 
compatriots  loudly  complain,  and  offensively  thrust  forward 
their  neutrality  when  ever  they  are  called  upon  to  aid  their 
suffering  countrymen. 

I  should  need  no  extraordinary  taxation  to  feed  the  poor  of 
New  Orleans  if  the  bellies  of  the  foreigners  were  as  active  with 
the  rebels  as  are  the  heads  of  those  who  claim  exemption  thus 
far  of  this  taxation,  made  and  used  for  purposes  above  set 
forth  upon  the  grounds  of  their  neutrality.  I  find  Mr.  Roch- 
ereau  &  Co.,  the  senior  partner  of  which  took  an  oath  of  alle- 
giance to  support  the  Constitution  of  the  Confederate  States. 
I  find  also  the  house  of  Reichard  &  Co.,  the  senior  partner  of 
which,  General  Reichard,  is  in  the  rebel  army,  the  junior 
partner  Mr.  Kruttschnidt,  the  brother  in  law  of  Benjamin, 
the  rebel  Secretary  of  War,  using  all  funds  in  his  hands  to 
purchase  arms,  and  collecting  the  securities  of  his  correspond- 
ent before  they  are  due  to  get  funds  to  loan  to  rebel  authori- 
ties, and  now  acting  Prussian  Consul  here,  doing  quite  as 
effective  service  to  the  rebels  as  his  partner  in  the  field.  Mr. 
Vogel,  late  partner  in  the  same  house  of  Reichard  &  Co.,  now 
absent,  whose  funds  are  managed  by  that  house.  Mr.  Paesher 
&  Co.  Bankers,  whose  clerks  and  employees  formed  a  part  of 
the  French  Legion,  organized  to  fight  the  United  States,  and 
who  contributed  largely  to  arm  and  equip  that  corps.  And  a 
Mr.  Lewis,  whose  antecedents  I  have  not  had  time  to  investi- 
gate. —  And  these  are  fair  specimens  of  the  neutrality  of  the 
foreigners  for  whom  the  Government  is  called  upon  to  inter- 
fere, to  prevent  their  paying  anything  toward  the  Relief 
Fund  for  their  starving  countrymen. 

If  the  representatives  of  the  Foreign  Governments  will  feed 


368   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

their  own  starving  people,  over  whom  the  only  protection 
they  extend,  so  far  as  I  see,  is  to  tax  them  all,  poor  and  rich, 
a  dollar  and  a  half  each  for  certificates  of  nationality,  I  will 
release  these  foreigners  from  all  the  exactions,  fines,  and 
imposts  whatever.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  12,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  In  obedience  to  the  request  of  the  Department  by 
letter  of  Sept.  18th,  that  I  would  report  "all  the  facts  and  cir- 
cumstances which  are  the  subject  of  the  complaint  of  Mr. 
Tarsara,  Spanish  Minister  at  Washington,  concerning  the 
action  of  the  United  States  Authorities  in  relation  to  the 
house  of  Puig  Brothers,  Spanish  trader  of  this  city,  I  beg 
leave  to  submit  the  following: 

My  police  and  detective  officers  received  information  from 
the  most  reliable  sources  that  the  house  of  Puig  Bros,  had 
been  and  still  was  carrying  on  the  nefarious  traffic  of  supply- 
ing the  rebels  with  arms  and  munitions  of  War  from  Havana, 
and  for  that  purpose  one  of  the  partners  was  a  resident 
of  Havana,  to  ship  the  contraband  articles  which  the  other 
received  and  distributed  here. 

Acting  upon  this  information,  a  seizure  of  the  House  was 
ordered,  together  with  their  books  and  papers,  for  the  purpose 
of  obtaining  at  the  same  time  evidence  of  the  facts  and  secu- 
rity for  the  appearance  of  the  parties,  one  of  whom  had  ab- 
sconded at  the  moment.  The  books  and  papers  show  the 
most  conclusive  evidence  of  the  criminal  complicity  of  the 
House  in  breaking  the  neutrality  laws  in  every  possible  form. 

The  resident  partner  here  had  just  taken  refuge  on  board 
the  Spanish  vessel  of  War,  "Blasco  De  Garay,"  and  upon 
inquiry  for  him  there,  his  presence  was  denied.  I  beg  leave  in 
this  connection  to  call  the  attention  of  the  War  Department, 
and  ask  that  the  attention  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  and 
through  him  the  Spanish  Minister,  may  be  informed  of  the 
fact  that  a  Spanish  man-of-war  lying  in  this  harbor,  is  made 
the  fraudulent  asylum  of  criminals,  protecting  them  from 
justice  and  trial. 

How  far  such  conduct  can  be  justified  by  the  Comity  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   369 

Nations  I  have  a  very  decided  opinion,  and  certainly,  if  not 
otherwise  authoritatively  advised  by  the  War  Department, 
upon  the  repetition  of  such  conduct,  I  shall  order  and  enforce 
the  absence  of  the  offending  vessel  from  the  harbor. 

Being  made  aware  of  these  facts,  and  of  the  place  of  refuge 
of  the  criminal,  as  will  appear  by  the  affidavits  of  the  Messrs. 
Cabezas  and  Calleja  (copies  of  which  are  hereto  annexed),  I 
did  not  choose  to  pursue  the  investigation  of  the  case  of  an 
absconding  criminal  in  his  absence,  when  he  was  putting  me 
at  defiance  on  board  of  a  man-of-war  of  a  friendly  power. 

Therefore,  when  the  Spanish  Consul  made  application  for 
an  explanation  of  the  causes  of  the  seizure  of  the  House  of 
Puig  Bros.,  as  soon  as  I  was  ready  to  go  on  with  the  trial,  I 
replied  that  "I  would  continue  the  investigation  if  he  would 
bring  Mr  Puig  before  me." 

This  I  did  because  I  was  assured  that  the  Spanish  Consul 
knew  of  and  connived  at  the  place  of  concealment  of  Puig, 
and  I  did  not  wish  to  involve  myself  with  the  Spanish  Authori- 
ties in  attempting  to  take  Puig  from  his  place  of  refuge  on 
board  of  the  man-of-war  by  force,  but  rather  if  he  thought  him- 
self innocent  that  he  should  come  forward.  I  believe  that  if 
Puig  desired  in  good  faith  to  have  an  investigation  which 
would  establish  his  innocence,  that  he  would  come  forward, 
and  I  did  not  believe  that  it  would  be  decent  to  my  own  self- 
respect,  to  try  the  question  of  Puig's  guilt  with  the  Spanish 
authorities  by  correspondence,  while  they  concealed  the  crimi- 
nal, so  that  if  found  guilty,  he  would  be  beyond  my  reach. 

I  observe  that  Mr.  Tarsara  makes  it  a  matter  of  complaint 
that  my  note  to  the  Spanish  Consul  was  by  the  hand  of  one 
of  my  Adjutants.  I  am  not  aware  of  any  exaltation  of  rank 
in  a  Spanish  commercial  agent  which  obliges  a  Major  General 
of  the  U.  S.  Army  to  answer  his  communications  by  his  own 
hand;  besides,  there  being  some  ten  Consular  agents  here, 
who  are  continually  writing  letters  upon  the  most  frivolous 
subjects,  as  well  as  those  of  graver  importance  to  me,  answers 
in  person  have  become  a  physical  impossibility,  specially 
taken  in  connection  with  the  voluminous  correspondence 
entailed  upon  me  by  the  complaints  of  their  several  ministers 
which  I  am  obliged  by  courtesy  to  answer  with  my  own  hand. 

To  estabish  beyond  cavil  or  doubt  the  deep-dyed  criminality 
of  the  "most  respectable  House  of  Puig  Bros./'  I  enclose 
herewith  a  certified  copy  of  a  receipt  given  as  lately  as  Novem- 
ber last  to  a  rebel  Custom  house  officer  by  that  House,  for  the 
VOL.  n — 24 


370   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

delivery  of  many  arms  and  many  pounds  of  powder  and  lead, 
imported  by  that  "most  respectable  House  of  neutral  Spanish 
subjects,"  but  in  fact  army  contractors  of  the  Confederate 
States. 

Unless  the  United  States  are  to  lose  their  manhood  alto- 
gether, I  trust  I  shall  not  be  called  upon  to  allow  to  pass 
unchecked  this  nefarious  traffic  under  the  high-sounding  plea 
of  "Highly  respectable  House  of  Neutrals." 

As  to  the  insinuated  charge  in  Mr.  Tarsara's  communica- 
tion, that  anyone  in  this  Department  has  interfered  with 
the  official  correspondence  of  the  Spanish  Legation  with  the 
Spanish  Consul  at  New  Orleans,  "all  the  facts  or  circum- 
stances" I  have  to  report  on  such  complaint  are  that  it  has 
not  the  slightest  foundation  of  fact. 

After  many  weeks  of  delay  it  happened  that  one  of  my 
detective  officers,  having  had  his  integrity  overcome  by  the 
atmosphere  of  fraud  and  iniquity  with  which  the  rebels  and 
their  agents,  such  as  Puig  Bros.,  had  surrounded  New  Orleans, 
was  detected  in  the  act  of  criminal  embezzlement,  for  which 
prompt  punishment  was  meted  to  him.  This  seemed  to  give 
favorable  occasion  to  one  of  Puig's  clerks  to  make  a  claim  for 
loss,  which  I  had  reason  to  believe  fraudulent,  and  I  so  char- 
acterized it  in  a  communication  to  the  Spanish  Consul,  which 
he  has  not  forwarded  to  his  Minister,  or  which,  if  he  has  so 
sent,  has  not  been  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  State. 

I  will  remark,  from  that  time  I  have  heard  nothing  of  that 
claim.  Certain  it  is,  if  the  claim  was  a  just  one,  the  Clerk  had 
more  valuables  in  his  principal's  house  than  had  the  mer- 
chants themselves. 

Perhaps  it  may  not  be  in  opportune  to  remark  further  that 
through  his  Consul  Mr.  Puig  has  subsequently  asked  leave  to 
come  on  shore  from  his  self-imposed  imprisonment  on  board 
the  man-of-war,  and  at  the  last  I  knew  of  him  he  was  at  liberty 
on  his  parole  awaiting  trial.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

UNITED  STATES  vs.  PUIG  BROTHERS 

EDWARD  CABEZAS,  being  duly  sworn,  deposes  and  says: 
that  he  has  resided  in  New  Orleans  for  the  period  of  one  year, 
and  that  he  is  acquainted  with  one  of  the  members  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       371 

above-named  firm,  to  wit:  Majin  Puig,  and  the  other  member 
of  the  firm  is  now  absent  in  Havana.  That  during  the  time 
a  blockade  was  established  and  existing  over  the  port  of  New 
Orleans  by  authority  of  the  United  States,  the  said  firm  were 
engaged  in  violating  said  blockade  to  wit:  In  loading  and  de- 
spatching from  the  port  of  New  Orleans  the  schooner  "Major 
Farewell,"  which  said  schooner  made  three  voyages,  and  upon 
her  return  brought  arms  and  munitions  of  war.  Deponent 
further  states  that  he  has  heard  the  aforesaid  Puig  say  that 
he  had  a  contract  with  the  Confederate  Government  to  bring 
in  arms  and  powder  for  the  use  of  said  Government. 

Deponent  also  states  that  said  Puig  is  now  on  board  the 
Spanish  man-of-war  now  at  anchor  in  the  Mississippi  River. 

Further,  deponent  says  not. 

In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  the  5th 
day  of  July,  A.D  .  1862.  EDWARD 


M.  CALLEZA  being  sworn,  says:  that  he  has  examined  the 
correspondence  seized  in  the  office  of  Puig  Brothers,  and  that 
the  greater  portion  of  the  same  is  in  Spanish,  and  that  one 
bank  and  one  ship,  besides  those  mentioned  in  the  affidavits, 
were  engaged  in  violating  the  blockade. 

In  witness  thereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  the  5th 
day  of  July,  A.D.  1862. 

Sworn  to  before  me,  this  fifth  day  of  July,  A.D.  1862. 

JONAS  H.  FRENCH,  Provost  Marshal  District  N.  0. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  18th,  1861 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Delivered  to  Messrs.  Puig  Brothers  &  Co.  as  follows  viz. 

430  Pineapples  408  Kegs  Powder 
59  Bun.  Bananas  5  Casks     " 

250    "    Plantains  3  Cases 

49  Cases  Muskets  6  Muskets 

3  Kegs  Nitre  184  Bars  Lead 

8  Swords  40  Sacks  Coffee 

Received  from  Inspector  J.  O.  Brien  the  above  articles. 

PUIG  BROTHERS 

110  Boxes  tin  453  Bars  Lead 

PUIG  BROTHERS  per  F.  ELOISQUE 


37S       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  J.  L.  Pinot 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  Vlth,  1862 

To  Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of 
the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  Yesterday  morning,  when  I  had  the  honor  to 
present  you  my  humble  respects,  you  asked  me  if  I  remembered 
the  circumstances  under  which  I  presented  myself  before  you 
in  August  last  to  ask  the  pardon  of  Mr.  Chas.  Heidsick,  who 
was  arrested  and  sent  to  prison  for  infringing  the  laws  of  the 
United  States  in  crossing  from  the  enemy  side  your  military 
lines,  to  come  to  New  Orleans  in  violation  of  your  military 
orders,  and  what  is  become  of  the  order  of  pardon  and  release 
you  then  granted? 

The  facts  and  circumstances  of  that  affair,  General,  are  too 
solemnly  graved  in  my  memory  to  be  ever  forgotten.  My 
friend,  Mr.  S.  Plussan,  a  merchant  of  this  city,  well-known 
by  you,  having  been  informed  that  Chas.  Heidsick,  his  friend, 
had  been  arrested  and  sent  to  prison  by  the  military  authori- 
ties of  the  United  States,  prayed  me  to  approach  you  in  order 
to  ascertain  what  could  be  the  offence  committed  by  his  friend, 
and  in  the  same  time  to  inquire  if  he  could  be  released  under 
a  security  to  be  furnished  by  Mr.  Plussan? 

You  received  my  demand,  General,  with  your  accustomed 
urbanity  and  kindness,  and  you  immediately  called  Mr. 
Moses  Greenwood  of  this  city,  who  had  been  conjointly,  with 
ten  other  persons,  permitted  to  proceed  with  a  steamer  under 
a  flag  of  truce  to  Mobile  to  bring  back  to  New  Orleans  a  cer- 
tain quantity  of  barrels  of  flour,  for  the  population  there 
much  in  need  of. 

This  gentleman  stated  in  my  presence  that  Chas.  Heidsick, 
disguised  as  a  Bar-keeper  on  board  of  said  vessel,  came  from 
Mobile  to  New  Orleans.  You  also  asked  of  Mr.  Greenwood  if 
he  knew  the  social  position  of  Mr.  Heidsick  and  what  it  was? 
His  answer  was  that  Mr.  Heidsick  was  a  Frenchman  and  a 
rich  dealer  in  wines. 

The  proof  adduced  to  me  was  that  as  bearer  of  letters  from 
a  Mr.  Porte  of  Mobile,  acting  there  as  Vice  Consul,  Mr.  Heid- 
sick had  crossed  again  your  military  lines  in  coming  from  Mo- 
bile to  New  Orleans  on  board  of  a  schooner,  in  order  to  bring, 
as  he  stated,  letters  to  the  French  Consul  in  New  Orleans. 

All  these  facts  [jwere^  also  stated  to  me  by  the  French  Con- 
sul here,  and  the  friends  of  Mr.  Heidsick  have  told  me  that  he 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        873 

does  not  deny  these  facts,  but  that  he  contends  that  he  is 
innocent  of  all  offences  whatsoever,  and  he  never  injured  or 
caused  prejudice  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States  in 
any  manner  whatsoever. 

In  presence  of  such  evidence  I  remained  confused,  and  I 
had  nothing  to  say  but  to  implore  your  clemency,  General, 
in  favor  of  Mr.  Plussan's  friend. 

I  then  returned  in  painful  thoughts  and  apprehensions  of 
Mr.  Heidsick's  ultimate  state,  knowing  well  that  under  such 
circumstances,  according  to  the  usages  of  war  and  the  laws  of 
nations,  the  prisoner's  life  was  at  your  mercy,  but  knowing 
also  that  your  generosity  and  clemency  has  been  so  largely 
extended  in  New  Orleans  to  so  many  unfortunate  persons  in 
grave  circumstances,  the  hope  that  you  would  pardon  Mr. 
Heidsick  never  abandoned  me;  and  that  very  day  I  took 
the  liberty  to  write  to  you  in  favor  of  the  prisoner.  The  next 
day  I  went  to  see  you;  you  promised  to  take  my  demand  in 
consideration,  and  a  few  days  afterwards  Mr.  Plussan  received 
from  you  an  order  which  released  Mr.  Heidsick  from  prison 
under  the  condition  that  he  should  leave  the  country  for  France. 
This  order,  together  with  a  letter  received  from  the  French 
Consul  who  had  it  from  France  to  the  address  of  Mr.  Heid- 
sick, was  sent  him  by  Mr.  Plussan. 

It  appears  that  Mr.  Heidsick,  instead  of  availing  himself  of 
your  generous  pardon,  thought  proper  to  remain  in  prison. 
What  is  his  purpose  and  his  intentions  I  desire  not  to  know 
them,  but  I  am  certain  that  the  unfortunate  man  is  uncon- 
scious of  his  position.  If,  however,  in  the  name  of  humanity, 
General,  please  not  to  revoke  your  kind  order.  The  day  is  not 
far  when  Mr.  Heidsick  will  be  happy  to  avail  himself  of  it  in 
recognizing  the  fallacy  of  his  pretensions.  I  remain,  General, 
with  a  profound  respect  and  great  consideration, 

Your  most  obedient  servant)  J.  L.  PINOT 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  13,  1862 

J.  CALLEJON,  Esq.  Consul  of  Spain 

SIR:  I  enclose  this  anonymous  communication,  believing 
it  due  the  representative  of  a  friendly  Government. 

Will  you  return  it  to  me  with  a  report  as  to  the  truth  of 
the  information  contained.  I  am, 

Your  Most  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


374   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

New  Orleans,  October  5th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

DEAK  SIR:  As  you  have  done  me  some  good  I  will  return 
good  to  you. 

Are  you  aware  that  the  "Blasco  De  Garay"  is  violating  the 
Neutrality  laws?  The  steamer  is  crowded  with  rebel  passen- 
gers who  have  gone  on  board  without  permission,  without 
having  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance. 

I  will  call  your  attention  to  M.  M.  Delain  Eustis,  brother  of 
George  Eustis.  He  is  bearer  of  important  despatches;  and 
a  gentleman  by  the  name  of  Mr.  Grailhe,  a  gentleman  of  high 
standing,  very  rich,  he  leaves  behind  his  wife,  who  resides 
corner  Royal  and  Main  Streets.  He  is  a  rabid  Confederate, 
and  both  have  been  concealing  themselves  for  the  last  three 
days  on  board  the  ship.  Mr.  Eustis  has  received  those  des- 
patches by  a  young  man  who  crossed  the  lines  four  days  ago. 
He  is  with  his  wife  and  children. 

There  are  besides  twenty  families  making  altogether  60 
passengers.  VERITAS 


From  Juan  de  Callejon 

TRANSLATION 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  Although  it  is  not  customary  to  pay  the  slightest 
attention  to  the  anonymous  communications,  I  wish  to  inform 
you  that  I  have  seen  on  the  "Blasco  de  Garay"  some  persons, 
well  acquainted  with  her  commander,  and  who  left  for  Havana 
with  a  passport  from  the  authority  of  this  City  &  also  from 
my  office;  if  those  you  have  mentioned  were  amongst  them,  I 
did  not  know  it,  but  it  is  not  strange  if  they  have  asked  the 
Commander  of  the  said  ship  for  protection,  as  no  man-of-war 
in  the  world  would  refuse  protection  to  a  man  in  political 
trouble,  although  you  may  think  different  it  cannot  offend 
the  neutrality  of  the  Government. 

It  is  different  with  common  criminals,  and  the  noble  and 
charitable  anonymous  correspondent  might  have  informed 
you  also  that  a  police  officer  came  at  night  to  my  residence  to 
tell  me  that  a  murderer  was  secreted  on  board  the  "Blasco 
de  Garay,"  and  that  I  got  out  of  bed  and  gave  the  necessary 
order,  and  the  officers  of  the  steamer  gave  all  the  assistance 
required. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   375 

The  social  manners  of  the  Captain  and  officers  of  the  "Blasco 
de  Garay  "  have  made  them  many  friends  in  this  city,  but  whose 
feelings  have  no  relation  to  political  affairs,  but  it  is  not  strange 
that  this  anonymous  correspondent  is  mistaken  in  seeing  only 
criminals  in  the  numerous  families  who  wish  to  leave,  and  will 
do  so  at  the  last  extremity.  God  may  grant  you  many  years. 
JUAN  DE  CALLEJON,  Consul  of  her  Spanish  Majesty 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  13th,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  am  grieved  to  be  obliged  to  bring  before  the  notice 
of  the  War  Department  the  conduct  of  the  several  Spanish 
Vessels  of  War  lately  in  this  Port,  to  wit,  the  "Pinta,"  "Marie 
Galanti"  and  "Blasco  de  Garay." 

I  am  informed  and  believe  that  each  of  these  vessels  took 
on  board  for  Cuba  passengers,  not  only  Spanish  born  but 
citizens  of  the  United  States  who  had  been  concerned  in  the 
rebellion,  and  who,  against  the  orders  of  the  Commanding 
General,  conveyed  themselves  and  their  effects  away  from  the 
Department  on  board  of  these  national  Vessels  of  War. 

I  have  claimed  the  right  to  search  them  for  criminals  other 
than  rebels,  and  after  much  difficulty  the  privilege  was  ac- 
corded on  board  the  first  two  ships.  My  police  found  there 
many  passengers  without  passes  —  who  were  not  Spaniards. 

The  decks  of  the  "Blasco  de  Garay"  were  literally  covered 
with  passengers  selected  with  so  little  discrimination  that  my 
detective  officers  found  on  board  as  a  passenger  an  escaped 
convict  of  the  Penitentiary,  who  was  in  full  flight  from  a 
most  brutal  murder,  with  his  booty  robbed  from  his  victim 
with  him  on  board  this  Vessel  of  War. 

Now,  if  the  Spanish  Government  are  going  into  the  passen- 
ger carrying  business  by  their  National  War  Vessels,  which  I 
cannot  believe,  as  it  would  be  unjust  to  private  speculative 
enterprise  in  this  branch  of  trade,  I  desire  to  be  informed  of 
the  fact  officially  through  His  Excellency  the  Spanish  Minister, 
so  that  I  may  subject  these  Vessels  to  the  same  regulations  as 
other  passenger  carriers,  otherwise  I  would  desire  the  Com- 
manders of  such  Vessels  checked  in  this  practice.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 


376   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  the  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  13,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  received  your  favor  of  the  llth  with  the  enclosed 
papers,  and  return  them  hereby,  after  having  taken  copies. 
The  letter  of  Col.  Stafford  makes  me  think  of  certain  fables  of 
the  good  Lafontaine,  and  appears  to  me  as  a  most  precious 
piece,  worth  keeping.  In  noticing  the  manner  in  which  he 
made  the  inquiries  by  your  order,  I  am  surprised  to  find  that 
he  only  questioned  the  accused,  and  that  the  plaintiff  has  not 
even  been  called  to  make  his  deposition.  It  may  be  that  Mr. 
Abadie.  is,  as  Col.  Stafford  calls  him,  "a  low  Frenchman," 
but  it  appears  to  me  that  he  might  be  heard  &  believed  as 
well  as  Sergeants  Mandeville  and  Bondreux;  the  testimony  of 
the  Doctor  who  examined  him,  as  also  of  the  Irishman  who 
was  present,  might  have  been  taken.  Besides,  if  Abadie  takes 
my  advice,  he  will  accept  the  decision  of  a  regular  court,  on 
condition  that  Col.  Stafford,  whom  I  except  for  reasons  which 
you  will  appreciate,  be  not  a  member  thereof.  I  see  not  what 
relation  there  can  be  between  this  affair  and  Mr.  Alexander 
Dumas.  What  you  call  prejudice  of  race  and  color  certainly 
does  not  exist  in  France,  but  they  respect  and  treat  equally 
those  who  have  enjoyed  the  benefit  of  liberty  and  education, 
but  it  does  not  follow  that  one  can  see  without  fear  and  submit 
to  assaults  which  are  and  will  be  committed  by  poor  beings, 
who  were  slaves,  and  are  now  at  once  elevated  to  the  rank  of 
free  men  and  citizens,  and  will  abuse  their  freedom.  Relating 
to  my  countrymen,  it  may  be  that  they  are  sometimes  too 
prompt  in  their  impressions,  true  or  false,  but  you  will  concur 
with  me  that  they  ought  to  be  excused  if  they  fear  the  social 
revolution  which  is  going  on  now  and  of  which  a  terrible 
example  has  been  seen  on  the  plantation  Millandon.  Accept, 
Sir,  the  assurance  of  my  high  consideration. 

FAUCONNET,  Acfg  French  Consul 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  ISth,  1862 

M.  FAUCONNET,  Acting  Consul  of  France^  at 

NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

SIR:  The  Comdg.  Genl.  directs  me  to  inform  you  that  he 
has  laid  the  case  of  M.  Abadie  before  the  Military  commission, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       377 
of  which  Col.  Stafford  is  not  a  member.    I  have  the  honor 

4"O    |"\o 

*  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

A.  F.  PUFFER,  Capt.  &  A.D.C. 


From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  14th,  1862 

Col.  PAINE,  Comdg.  2nd  Regt.  La.  Vols.,  U.  S  Barracks 

COLONEL:    The  French  Consul  complains  that  two  horses 

belonging  to  Mr.  Martial  Crottes  have  been  seized  from  a 

pasture  near  Chalmette. 

The  Comdg.  Genl.  desires  you  to  see  to  it  that  a  proper 

receipt  for  the  horses  be  given  to  Mr.  Crottes.     I  have  the 

honor  to  be,  ^       m  j.    o          * 

i  our  Obdt.  servant, 

A.  F.  PUFFER,  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 
From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.C  ,  Oct  Uth,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  at  NEW  ORLEANS 
GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  transmit  to 
you  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  note  from  the  Legation  of  France, 
addressed  to  the  State  Department,  with  copies  of  the  papers 
which  accompanied  it  relative  to  two  lots  of  printing  paper 
belonging  to  Charles  Harisse,  seized  by  our  orders,  and  also 
in  regard  to  certain  acts  which  are  represented  to  have  been 
committed  by  orders  of  Federal  authorities  on  a  plantation 
belonging  to  French  citizens,  about  thirty-three  miles  above 
New  Orleans. 

The  Secretary  further  instructs  me  to  request  that  reports 
be  made  to  this  Department  in  each  of  these  cases. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  November  21,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Honorable  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secretary  of  State 

SIR:  In  the  case  of  the  complaint  of  Messrs.  Castillo  and 
Harisse  of  the  16th  of  September,  to  the  French  Consulate, 
and  referred  to  me  from  the  State  Department,  I  have  the 
honor  to  report  that  as  soon  as  the  necessary  vouchers  could 


378       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

be  obtained  the  paper  taken  was  paid  for,  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  owners,  and  the  enclosed  receipt  given  in  duplicate.  It 
could  not  then  be  done  because  it  was  not  until  by  the  mail 
which  brought  the  complaint  that  the  evidence  arrived  by 
which  it  could  be  determined  whether  the  papers  were  dutiable 
or  not.  The  complaint  was  unnecessarily  and  groundlessly 
made  by  one  of  the  partners,  while  negotiations  were  going 
on  with  the  other.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully  your  obt.  servt.,  B.  F.  BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  18th,  1862 

REC'D.  of  E.  M.  Brown,  Lt.  Col.  8th  Vt.,  four  thousand, 
seven  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars  and  thirty-seven  cents 
(4,752.37),  as  payment  in  full  for  five  hundred  reams  of  print- 
ing paper  for  the  use  of  the  Daily  Delta  office,  it  being  the  same 
lot  of  paper  taken  from  the  Custom  House  in  the  13th  day  of 
Sept.  by  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  Butler. 

CASTILLO  AND  HARISSE 

From  G.  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase l 

PRIVATE  AND  UNOFFICIAL.    NEW  ORLEANS,  October  \Qih,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  My  last  letter  was  in  reference  to  trade  with 
the  enemy. 

After  Gen.  Butler's  return  from  Pensacola  for  the  purpose 
of  discussing  the  matter,  Gen.  B.  asked  me  to  his  house,  where 
I  met  also  Gov.  Shepley.  In  a  long  conversation  I  stated  to 
them  fully  my  own  views,  and  it  was  understood  that  there 
should  be  no  more  trade  with  the  enemy  —  that  no  supplies 
of  any  kind  or  in  any  quantity  should  pass  into  the  insurrec- 
tionary districts,  not  even  supplies  for  loyal  residents  of  such 
locality,  because  Guerillas  would  in  most  cases  take  away  such 
supplies  for  their  own  use. 

Gen.  Butler  and  Gen.  Shepley  each  said,  however,  that  he 
had  given  one  permit  to  cross  the  lake,  not  yet  carried  into 
effect.  The  goods  were  bought  and  vessels  loaded,  but  that  I 
had  stopped  them.  It  was  insisted  that  these  vessels  should 
be  allowed  to  proceed.  I  said  that  the  permission  of  the  Sec- 
retary ought  first  to  be  obtained. 

The  next  morning  Gen.  Butler  sent  me  the  list  of  cargo  for 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  326. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        379 

the  vessel,  on  the  second  leaf  of  which  was  endorsed  his  request 
that  she  be  allowed  to  proceed.  Gen.  Shepley  sent  me  a  note 
to  the  same  effect  in  regard  to  the  other.  A  copy  of  the  list 
of  cargo,  with  Gen.  Butler's  original  endorsement  on  second 
leaf,  is  herewith  enclosed,  marked  "A."  A  copy  of  the  list  of 
cargo  of  second  vessel,  with  Gen.  Shepley 's  note,  is  herewith 
enclosed,  marked  "B." 

It  is  inexpedient  that  I  should  have  a  controversy  with  the 
military  authorities,  and  I  let  these  two  vessels  go,  with  the  dis- 
tinct understanding,  however,  that  nothing  more  was  to  go  out. 

Gen.  Butler's  permit  was  to  Judge  Morgan,  a  good  Union 
man,  who  has  lost  much  by  the  Rebellion. 

Gen.  Shepley 's  was  to  one  Montgomery,  who  has  previously 
taken  over,  among  other  things,  1,200  sacks  salt.  Gen.  S. 
says  he  granted  this  permit  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Mr. 
Bouligny,  —  formerly  in  Congress  from  this  state,  but  now  in 
Washington,  —  and  that  Montgomery  told  him  Bouligny  was 
part  owner  of  the  cargo  with  him  (Montgomery). 

I  think  there  will  be  no  more  of  this  trade.  Gen.  B.  has 
always  carried  out  (so  far  as  I  know)  the  wishes  of  the  Gov't. 
when  distinctly  made  known,  and  I  believe  he  will  fully  carry 
out  (in  future)  your  views  respecting  this  matter. 

Gen.  B.  has  more  brains  and  energy  than  any  other  three 
men  in  New  Orleans.  He  does  an  immense  amount  of  work, 
and  does  it  well.  He  knows  and  controls  everything  in  this 
Department.  I  regret  that  it  was  necessary  to  write  my  last 
letter  —  or  rather,  that  the  statements  therein  made  were 
facts.  Besides,  no  other  officer  appreciates,  like  Gen.  Butler, 
the  importance  of  freeing  and  arming  the  colored  people  — 
and  he  is  not  afraid  to  do  it.  All  the  pro-slavery  influence  in 
this  State  cannot  change  him  in  this  matter. 

When  Weitzel's  expedition  (spoken  of  in  a  late  letter)  goes 
out,  Gen.  B.  will  send  the  1st  Colored  Regiment  right  into  the 
heart  of  the  section  of  the  country  to  be  taken.  They  will 
move  nearly  west  from  here,  on  the  line  of  the  Opelousas  Rail- 
road. I  think  they  will  do  a  great  work.  The  expedition  is 
expected  to  start  in  about  two  weeks.  Late  New  York  papers 
indicate  the  adoption  of  some  plan  for  getting  out  cotton 
from  Rebeldom.  I  hope  it  will  not  be  done  by  means  of  trade 
with  the  enemy,  which  is  objectionable  for  many  reasons. 

It  will  benefit  the  enemy  ten  times  as  much  as  the  Govern- 
ment—  it  demoralizes  the  army,  who  imagine  themselves 
fighting  for  speculators  —  offices  will  be  interested,  directly  or 


380       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

indirectly  in  the  trade,  and  they  and  other  speculators  will 
wish  the  war  prolonged  for  the  sake  of  great  profits  —  the 
Rebels  will  not  keep  their  engagements  nine  cases  out  of  ten 

—  the  rebels  are  terribly  in  want,  and  now  is  the  time  to  deprive 
them  of  supplies.     There  are  other  objections  besides  those 
enumerated. 

The  greatest  distress  prevails  in  insurrectionary  districts  all 
around  us.  The  Guerilla  system  injures  Rebels  more  than  the 
Government,  and  the  people  are  becoming  heartily  tired  of  it. 

[GEORGE  S.  DENISON] 
i 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  16,  1862 

MY  DEAREST  WIFE:  What  a  dear,  petted,  spoiled  child  it  is! 
Never  contented  unless  fed  with  bon  bons  and  kisses !  Why,  I 
wrote  as  plainly  as  I  could  that  I  was  lonely,  sad  without  you, 
and  you  must  come,  come,  come.  You  may  send  me  that 
letter  if  you  please  as  an  example  of  my  foolish  fondness.  You 
ungrateful  girl,  you.  I  will  have  it  framed  as  a  warning  to 
all  fond  husbands.  True,  I  said  I  wanted  you  to  lay  aside  all 
care  and  be  fat  and  rollicking  as  possible,  and  poor  little  wife 
said  I  didn't  want  to  see  her  unless  she  was  fat.  Now,  then,  I 
have  sent  a  steamboat  for  you,  one  of  the  best  in  the  service, 
The  "McClellan,"  armed,  so  there  is  no  fear  of  capture,  a 
most  experienced  captain,  a  crew,  and  most  neat  and  safe 
ship.  Will  that  do?  Ah!  give  me  a  kiss  and  be  quiet. 

The  "Dean"  brings  this  to  you,  and  you  will  get  ready  to 
come  by  the  "McClellan"  from  New  York.  She  can  be  heard 
of  at  the  Quartermaster's  office.  Maj.  Strong  has  written  for 
the  madam  to  come  by  the  same  boat.  Be  sure  to  come  now. 
Bring  me  from  Burbanks  and  Chase's  some  embroidery  that 
I  have  there,  which  I  have  paid  for,  also  a  piece  of  cloth,  blue 

—  for  a  coat,  and  some  blue-black  velvet  for  trimmings,  silk 
for  lining,  and  buttons.    I  will  have  the  coat  made  here.    Also 
bring  me  linen  enough  for  a  dozen  shirts,  and  fine  linen  cambric 
enough  for  some  wrought  bosoms.    I  have  a  dozen  here  starv- 
ing for  the  work,  so  be  sure  and  bring  them  —  the  material. 
You  may  add  something  of  the  kind  for  yourself.     I  rather 
like  linen  chem —    Ahem!    Send  to  Bent  and  Bush  to  make 
me  a  nice  cap.    They  can  do  it  with  blue-black  band.    I  want 
four  pairs  fine  merino  drawers,  and  six  fine  merino  undershirts 

—  39  inches  will  do  for  the  waist. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   881 

Where  is  my  speech  and  the  rest  of  the  pictures?  Bring 
yourself  at  once.  Mind  that  now!  Bring  me  some  pears  and 
some  grapes.  There  never  was  such  a  God-forsaken  country 
for  fruit.  Bring  anyone  with  you  you  like  to  do  —  Mrs. 
Read  or  anybody  else.  Read  has  sold  out  his  sutler's  interest 
here,  so  I  suppose  he  will  not  want  to  come.  Won't  George 
come.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  him,  and  we  will  make  a  week 
or  two  here  very  pleasant  for  him.  I  would  give  more  to  see 
Fisher  than  anyone  I  know  if  he  can  possibly  leave.  I  have 
drawn  on  him  very  heavily,  but  he  has  funds  to  meet  it.  He 
may  get  his  sugar  so  that  he  can  come  out  in  one  boat  and  go 
back  in  the  next.  Wiegel  has  resigned  and  gone  home.  He  has 
been  worthless  since  he  came  out,  from  homesickness.  Maj. 
Bell  got  here  yesterday,  and  I  got  your  political  letter  —  very 
well  indeed,  but  requires  more  time  to  be  carried  out.  I  am 
happy  if  I  am  thought  outside  of  both  parties.  It's  easy  enough 
to  get  into  a  party  but  hard  to  get  out  honorably. 

You  will  come,  won't  you?  Then,  dearest,  dearest,  we  won't 
plague  each  other  any  more!  You  know  you  love  me  very 
much.  I  know  it  too  —  you  can't  cheat  me.  You  know  that 
I  love  you  too  much  for  a  man  of  forty  to  love  a  wife,  so  have 
done  with  all  badinage  and  truly  sincerely  do  come  to 

Your  BENJ. 

From  John  T.  Ryan 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  10,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of 
the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  received  information  that  Alexander  Brothers,  a 
merchant  of  this  city,  and  President  of  the  Home  Mutual 
Insurance  Company,  left  here  previous  to  the  occupation  of 
the  city  by  the  United  States  troops,  and  concealed  his  silver, 
etc.,  in  the  vault  of  the  Home  Mutual  Insurance  Company, 
situated  at  the  corner  of  Natchez  alley  and  Camp  Street. 

I  have  information  that  in  his  residence  on  Camp  Street 
near  Julice  remains  all  of  his  furniture,  etc.,  and  without  an 
agent  to  take  charge  of  the  same,  that  the  furniture  of  Thomas 
Hunton,  a  lawyer  of  this  city,  who  has  left  the  city  for  the 
Rebel  lines,  is  stored  in  the  residence  of  said  Brothers.  My 
informants,  Hetty  and  Charles  Scott,  slaves  of  said  Brothers, 
also  state  that  their  master  declared  that  he  would  forfeit  all 
of  his  property  before  he  would  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 


382    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  United  States,  and  was  in  the  habit  of  using  incendiary 
and  seditious  language  against  the  government  and  disre- 
spectful to  the  Major  General  Commanding,  and  has  been  in 
the  city  subsequent  to  his  departure  but  returned  to  the  enemy 
on  the  25th  of  July.  I  remain, 

Your  honor's  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JOHN  T.  RYAN,  Special  Officer 


From  G.  W.  Killborn 

Provost  Marshal's  Office,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  17,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  taken  action  in  regard  to  the  enclosed  matter, 
and  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report. 

I  found  the  box  of  silver  plate  belonging  to  Mr.  Alexander 
Brothers  in  the  vault  of  the  Home  Mutual  Insurance  Co.,  which 
I  took  away  and  placed  under  guard.  I  have  also  seized  his 
house  and  furniture,  and  stored  the  furniture  said  to  belong  to 
Mr.  Thomas  Hunton,  and  stand  in  said  house,  and  have  placed 
the  same  under  guard.  The  negroes  also  remain  at  the  house. 

The  information  I  gain  from  the  negroes  is  as  follows: 
That  about  two  days  before  the  U.  S.  Fleet  came  up,  this  Mr. 
Hunton  left  with  his  Regiment,  and  that  Mr.  Brothers  accom- 
panied them  some  miles  out  on  the  Jackson  R.  R.  and  came 
back  in  about  three  days.  About  the  middle  of  May  he  again 
went  into  the  Confederacy  and  remained  some  six  weeks, 
and  then  returned. 

On  the  25th  of  July  he  sailed  on  the  "St.  Matanzas"  for 
New  York  on  a  pass  which  he  stated  (as  the  negroes  say)  that 
he  paid  $500.  for.  All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted.  I 

have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  v         ,    , .     .  , 

Your  obedient  servant, 

G.  W.  KILLBORN,  Dep.  Pro.  Marshal 
From  Admiral  Farragut  to  General  Butler 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Oct.  17,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  received  your  note  and  the  requi- 
sition for  Ordnance,  etc.  The  light  thirty-twos  I  have  taken 
from  the  "Potomac,"  and  send  you  by  the  "St.  Mary's," 
and  there  are  three  howitzers  in  New  Orleans. 

I  enjoy  excellent  health,  and  so  does  the  Squadron  gen- 
erally. I  shall  be  ready  to  go  ahead  at  Gaines  the  moment 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   383 

you  can  furnish  the  troops.  Do  you  think  you  can  send  any 
down  to  Galveston  or  any  other  port  on  the  coast  of  Texas?  I 
had  a  Gun  Boat  out  yesterday  from  the  North,  the  "Aroos- 
took,"  but  she  brings  no  news. 

Major  Strong  has  sent  two  gentlemen  over  to  see  me  in 
reference  to  the  cattle  captured  by  the  Gun  Boats,  by  which 
capture  we  lost  a  valuable  officer  and  a  sailor.  I  can  see  no 
use  of  our  vessels  up  the  river,  if  we  are  to  permit  passes  from 
both  Rebel  and  Federal  authorities  to  stand  good.  The  only 
way  I  see  for  these  people  to  do  is  to  make  known  their  busi- 
ness before  hand. 

The  cattle  are  passed  over  the  river,  and  no  one  knows 
where  they  are  going,  but  as  soon  as  they  are  caught  by  either 
party  they  are  intended  for  the  party  that  catches  them.  This 
may  be  a  very  honest  transaction,  but  it  is  one  that  will  cause 
great  difficulty  if  permitted. 

My  orders  are  very  stringent,  "to  allow  no  trade  with  the 
blockaded  country'9  I  am  told  that  large  droves  of  cattle  are 
passing  the  river  for  the  Rebels,  and  told  to  look  after  them; 
when  I  catch  them,  I  am  told  that  it  is  all  wrong,  they  are  for 
us  or  for  New  Orleans.  I  wish  you  had  a  Prize  Court  at 
New  Orleans  to  decide  these  cases  and  the  validity  of  these 
claims. 

As  the  officers  in  the  "Mississippi"  made  the  capture,  I 
shall  leave  it  to  Capts.  Smith  and  Ransom  to  accept  a  ransom 
and  release  them  or  not;  but  in  future,  unless  the  convoy  is 
made  known  and  asked  for,  they  will  be  considered  "bona 

Pr    e*  Very  truly  and  respectfully  yours, 

D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Rear  Admiral,  Comdg.  W.  G.  B9g.  Squad. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Ocibr.  19th,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  de- 
spatches from  the  Department  enclosing  communication  from 
Lord  Lyons  to  the  State  Department  relating  to  the  case  of 
Dacres. 

James  Dacres  had  applied  for  a  passport  to  pass  the  military 
lines  of  this  Department  into  the  Confederacy.  That  had  been 
refused  him.  He  made  no  claim  that  he  was  a  British  or  other 
subject.  He  was  known  to  be  in  active  sympathy  with  the 
rebels. 


884   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

His  present  claim,  of  that  he  could  not  get  a  passport  be- 
cause of  the  oath  which  he  supposes  to  be  required  of  for- 
eigners, is  an  afterthought,  precisely  as  he  admits  his  claim 
of  British  protection  to  be.  Upon  refusal,  he  expressed  his 
determination  to  go  at  all  hazards,  and  in  company  with  two 
or  three  other  persons  attempted  to  escape  across  the  lines. 
He  was  arrested  in  the  attempt.  His  pockets  contained  many 
communications  from  the  rebels  here  to  their  friends,  which 
he  was  taking  out  in  direct  violation  of  orders. 

After  his  arrest,  he  showed  his  guilty  knowledge  and  pur- 
pose by  stealthily  putting  his  hand  in  his  pockets  and  throw- 
ing these  communications  into  the  mud,  from  whence  they 
were  taken  by  the  officer  of  the  Guard.  After  a  full  hearing  of 
the  matter  in  person,  I  have  ordered  him  into  confinement 
until  further  orders.  This  I  feel  to  be  within  my  power  and 
duty,  and  I  have  seen  in  his  letters  no  statement  why  I  should 
alter  these  orders. 

In  relation  to  Mr.  D  acres'  complaints  of  his  place  of  con- 
finement and  the  shelter  afforded  him,  permit  me  to  say  that 
he  has  the  same  shelter,  the  same  food,  the  same  climate,  and 
the  same  exposure  to  disease,  and  no  more,  as  the  troops  that 
guard  him. 

I  believe  him  to  be  a  dangerous  man  at  large,  but  I  will 
release  him  and  put  him  on  board  an  English  Ship  of  War  if 
he  can  be  carried  to  that  country  whose  protection  he  claims. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  Servant, 

MAJOR  GENERAL  BUTLER,  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  I9th,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  the  communication  of  the 
Department  enclosing  a  letter  from  Lord  Lyons  in  the  case  of 
Martin  Fallon. 

Fallon  was  an  overseer  of  a  plantation  near  Baton  Rouge, 
was  arrested  as  he  says,  and  released  upon  his  parole  by  the 
officer  commanding  the  expedition,  he,  Fallon,  claiming  to  be 
a  British  subject.  He  then  went  out,  as  I  am  informed  by 
evidence,  into  the  field,  and  despatched  a  negro  to  give  infor- 
mation to  a  neighboring  Guerilla  Camp,  which  it  was  our 
purpose  to  surprise,  of  the  approach  of  my  troops.  He  admits, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   385 

in  his  communication  to  Lord  Lyons,  that  he  conversed 
with  the  negroes  in  the  field  upon  the  subject,  and  cer- 
tain it  is  that  one  of  them  went.  Fallon  claims  that  he  did 
not  send  him.  But  how  long  is  it  since  British  subjects, 
overseers  of  plantations,  have  been  so  familiar  with  the  ne- 
groes under  their  charge?  General  Williams  examined  his 
case  at  Baton  Rouge,  was  satisfied  of  his  guilt,  and  referred  it 
to  me. 

On  examination,  and  upon  Fallon's  own  story,  I  was  satis- 
fied, and  sent  him  to  Fort  St.  Philip  for  safe  keeping,  where 
he  enjoys  the  same  treatment,  the  same  climate,  the  same 
shelter,  and  the  same  food  that  the  Union  Troops  do.  I  have 

the  honor  to  be,  ^       m.  j*    *  a         ^ 

Y  our  Obedient  Servant 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  ZQth,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

DEAR  SIR:  I  enclose  the  report  of  Capt.  Haggerty,  of  my 
Staff,  of  the  execution  of  the  order  of  the  State  Department 
for  the  delivery  of  the  property  seized  by  my  order  from  the 
Consul  of  the  Netherlands.  Enclosed  find  the  Consul's  receipt 
on  the  back  of  the  Communication  from  War  Department, 
and  a  list  of  the  articles  counted  in  tin  box,  together  with 
certificate  of  the  state  of  the  tin  box  at  the  time  it  was  taken. 
The  Consul  confesses  himself  satisfied,  as  I  am  informed,  that 
he  has  received  back  all  that  belongs  to  him.  I  have  the  honor 

'  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

NEW  ORLEANS,  October  1st,  1862    [[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  In  compliance  with  your  order  to  me  of  Sept. 
22nd,  based  upon  a  communication  from  the  War  Depart- 
ment dated  Sept.  4th,  1862,  to  you,  which  I  hereto  transmit, 
I  have  the  honor  to  report:  that  on  the  morning  of  Sept. 
23rd,  1862,  I  delivered  to  Amadie  Conturie  of  New  Orleans, 
Consul  of  the  Netherlands  at  the  Master's  office  in  the  Custom- 
house, one  hundred  and  sixty  kegs  marked  "H  &  C,"  said  to 

VOL.   II — 25 


886   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

contain  five  thousand  Mexican  Silver  Dollars  each,  making 
the  sum  of  Eight  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars. 

Also  one  tin  box  sealed,  marked  "Prean  &  Conturie,"  con- 
taining valuable  papers,  an  inventory  of  which  was  taken 
there  and  then  by  said  Conturie,  taking  at  the  same  time 
his  acknowledgment  for  the  coin,  endorsed  on  said  com- 
munication, and  his  receipt  for  the  contents,  which  I  herewith 
transmit. 

On  the  following  day,  Sept.  24th,  1862,  by  your  order  I 
received  from  said  Conturie  a  keg,  supposed  to  be  one  of  said 
one  hundred  and  sixty,  and  weighing  two  hundred  and  eighty- 
nine  pounds  (289),  and  gave  him  in  exchange  therefor  an  open 
keg  containing  Mexican  Silver  dollars  which  weighed  Three 
Hundred  Twelve  and  one  half  (S12J)  pounds.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

P.  HAGGERTY  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  Amadie  Conturie 

RECEIVED,  New  Orleans,  Sept.  23rd,  1862,  of  Capt.  P. 
Haggerty,  A.  D.  C.  to  Major  General  Butler,  and  by  direction 
of  Brig.  Gen.  G.  F.  Shepley,  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana, 
One  Hundred  and  Sixty  kegs  marked  "H  &  C,"  and  said  to 
contain  each  Five  Thousand  Mexican  Silver  Dollars,  making 
in  all  Eight  Hundred  Thousand  Mexican  Dollars,  and  one 
tin  box  containing  valuable  papers,  sealed. 

AMADIE  COUTURI£ 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  July  30,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

I  CERTIFY  that  I  found  a  tin  box  (such  as  used  by  bank- 
ers) unlocked  with  only  two  common  strings  around  it.  The 
box  was  marked  No.  91  on  each  end,  and  on  front  was 
printed,  " Prean  &  Conturie."  The  above  described  box  was 
on  the  Commanding  General's  Table  without  any  note  of 
explanation.  WM  H  ^^  lst  Lieut.  &  A.  D.  C. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   387 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Sept.  23rd,  1862 

INVENTORY  of  articles  in  tin  box  marked  "Prean  &  Conturte." 

1  package  marked  K.  &  K.  $  1640      " 

1        "           "         "    "  "  "1660      " 

1         "       Banknotes  "     28.50" 

1         "       Insurance  policy  "  208.00" 

$3536.50" 
1  Package  Seals 
1         "       Deeds  &  Papers 
1         "       Consular  Commission  &  Exequator 
1         "       Portfolio 

AMADIE 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  21,  1862 

To  the  Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  See'y  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  a  despatch  from  the 
Department  dated  Sept.  11,  enclosing  copies  of  correspond- 
ence between  His  Excellency,  the  Minister  of  Spain,  and  the 
State  Department,  touching  my  action  in  regard  to  the  House 
of  Avendano  Bros. 

I  seek  by  return  mail  to  give  such  statements  of  facts  as 
will  enable  the  Secretary  of  State  to  answer  fully  upon  this 
point  His  Excellency  the  Minister  of  Spain. 

The  house  of  Avendano  Bros,  has  been  established  in  New 
Orleans  so  long  that  its  members  have  become  an  integral 
part  of  the  population,  in  interest,  in  feeling,  and  in  social 
ties.  Before  the  breaking  out  of  this  rebellion,  its  members 
never  thought  of  seeking  the  protection  of  Spain.  But  since 
this  rebellion  all  has  changed,  and  now  the  Spanish  Consul 
claims  that  persons  thirty  years  of  age,  born  of  Spanish  parents, 
who  have  lived  here  from  their  birth,  and  their  ancestors  before 
them,  are  still  Spanish  subjects,  and  is  issuing  certificates  of 
nationality  accordingly,  so  that  this  city  has  become  almost 
entirely  depopulated  as  to  citizens,  except  of  free  persons  of 
color,  who  singularly  claim  the  protection  of  our  Government 
where  so  little  has  been  heretofore  done  for  them. 

The  house  of  Avendano  Bros,  has  been  largely  engaged  in 
running  cotton  through  the  blockade,  and  importing  arms 
and  munitions  of  war. 

As  I  have  had  the  honor  to  inform  the  State  Department 
in  a  communication  in  relation  to  the  complaints  of  the  Prus- 
sian Minister,  and  to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  the  Hon. 


388   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Secretary  for  a  full  development  of  the  condition  of  things 
here  in  this  behalf,  no  cotton  was  allowed  by  the  Confederates 
to  be  shipped  unless  arms  and  munitions  of  war  were  returned 
in  the  proportion  of  one-half.  Avendaiio  Bros,  shipped  largely 
under  this  permission,  and  have  been  engaged  in  breaking 
every  law  of  neutrality  and  national  hospitality  that  can  be 
well  conceived. 

Somewhere  about  the  10th  of  May,  I  captured  the  Confed- 
erate steamer  "Fox,"  which  had  been  seized  by  the  Confed- 
erates from  her  Union  owners,  and  turned  into  the  service 
employed  in  running  the  blockade  (She  made  three  trips 
thus).  She  had  on  board  a  cargo  of  arms,  powder,  lead,  quick- 
silver, acids  for  telegraphic  purposes,  chloroform  and  morphine 
for  medical  stores,  to  the  amount  of  $300,000  or  thereabouts 
—  all  of  the  greatest  necessity  to  the  rebels,  and  had  run  into 
the  Bayou  La  Fairche  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
from  which  bayou  she  might,  if  she  thought  proper,  run 
to  Vicksburg.  She  had,  besides,  the  invoices,  letters  of  ad- 
vice, bills  of  lading,  bills  of  exchange,  and  other  evidence  of 
the  transactions  of  many  of  the  mercantile  houses  of  New 
Orleans. 

The  letters  of  advice,  bills  of  lading,  and  invoices,  show  the 
nature  of  the  transaction  between  these  parties  and  their 
correspondents  at  Havana.  The  bills  of  exchange  were  the 
product  of  the  shipment  of  cotton,  less  the  proportion  invested 
in  contraband  goods.  Among  them  were  the  bills  of  exchange 
payable  to  the  house  of  Avendaiio,  the  first  having  been  for- 
warded by  some  other  conveyance,  but  still  unpaid,  and  these 
bills  of  exchange  were  for  one-half  the  proceeds  of  the  cargo 
shipped,  the  other  half  being  invested  in  munitions  of  war. 

This  vessel  also  carried  a  mail  containing,  among  other 
things,  the  official  correspondence  between  the  Rebel  Com- 
missioner Rost,  which  I  forwarded  to  the  State  Department, 
and  the  Rebel  Ordnance  officer  in  Europe,  relating  to  his 
movements  there,  which  I  forwarded  to  the  State  Department 
as  well  as  other  important  letters  which  developed  the  nature 
of  the  business  carried  on  between  this  port  and  the  mis- 
called neutral  ports  Havana  and  Nassau.  Upon  personal 
examination,  I  had  no  doubt  that  the  house  of  Avendaiio 
was  largely  interested  in,  or  the  consignors  of,  the  major  part 
of  the  cargo  of  the  "Fox,"  and  in  order  to  put  a  stop  to  this 
traffic,  which  could  still  be  carried  on  through  the  fifty-three 
openings  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  from  Louisiana,  I  called  upon 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       389 

the  house  of  Avendafto,  and  upon  personal  examination  they 
did  not  deny  the  part  they  had  taken  in  the  traffic. 

I  required  them  therefore,  having  captured  in  bulk  one- 
half  the  fruits  of  this  illegal  traffic,  and  having  captured  the 
other  half  thereof  in  the  shape  of  a  bill  of  exchange,  to  pay 
over  the  other  half,  being  the  bills  of  exchange.  This  they 
did,  and  received  the  bills  of  exchange  and  papers  showing 
the  nature  of  their  business,  regarding  that  as  a  light  punish- 
ment for  their  crimes. 

Because  of  other  like  transactions  which  have  since  come 
to  my  knowledge,  the  senior  partner  has  escaped  to  Havana, 
but  the  house  is  still  carrying  on  business  here,  and  are  the 
consignees  of  the  steamer  "Cardenas,"  which  has  been  the 
cause  of  so  many  breaches  of  our  Quarantine  laws  and  so  many 
complaints  of  the  Spanish  Minister. 

Avendano  sent  a  rebel  lawyer,  who  had  refused  to  renew 
his  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  United  States,  to  me  to  make 
some  representations  of  the  matter,  and  to  argue  certain  legal 
questions.  In  answer  to  some  suggestions  as  to  the  amount  of 
fine,  I  told  him  that  Avendano  might  think  himself  well  off 
if  he  lost  no  more  of  the  profits  of  his  infernal  trade. 

This,  it  will  be  observed,  was  about  the  19th  of  May,  and 
no  complaints  are  made  of  it  for  three  months,  until  embold- 
ened by  the  success  of  the  complaints  of  the  Commissioner 
here,  which  has  done  more  to  strengthen  the  hand  of  secession 
than  any  other  occurrence  of  the  South  West  since  my  advent 
in  New  Orleans,  and  the  Commissioner  of  which  Commission 
now,  as  I  am  ready  to  prove,  acted  as  the  paid  attorney  of 
rebels  in  making  claims  against  the  United  States,  from  re- 
tainers taken  because  of  his  acting  here  in  his  official  capacity. 

This  Commission,  I  say,  emboldened  these  new  complaints 
of  my  action  by  mercantile  pirates  and  maurauders,  who 
supplied  arms  and  powder  to  traitors,  and  are  only  saved  from 
consequence  of  treason  because  they  have  not  given  their 
allegiance  to  the  country  that  had  given  them  protection,  and 
enabled  them  to  accumulate  fortunes,  advantages  they  believed 
their  own  governments  could  not  give  them,  and  so  preferred 
to  live  under  ours,  but  not  to  assume  their  proper  obligations. 

They  should  have  been  hanged,  they  were  only  fined. 

His  Excellency,  the  Spanish  Minister,  seems  to  think  that 
running  the  blockade  carries  its  own  punishment  with  it;  but 
this  is  not  a  case  of  running  a  blockade  merely,  but  is  the 
case  of  an  importer  of  arms,  of  an  army  contractor  for  the 


390   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

rebel  Government,  and  this  draft  which  the  House  of  Aven- 
dano  has  paid,  and  the  money  been  used  for  the  support  of  the 
troops  of  the  United  States  in  this  Department,  is  only  one 
half  of  the  proceeds  of  a  single  adventure  of  the  House  of 
Avendano  in  breaking  the  laws  and  aiding  the  rebellion,  — 
the  other  half  being  returned  to  the  Confederates  in  arms  and 
munitions  of  war. 

I  aver  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  upon  my  official  respon- 
sibility, that  without  the  aid  furnished  by  foreign  mercantile 
houses  in  New  Orleans,  Mobile,  Savannah,  and  Charleston, 
as  I  am  convinced  by  the  most  irrefragible  evidence,  this 
rebellion  would  have  wholly  failed  to  arm  and  supply  itself, 
and  the  most  active  agents  and  the  most  efficient  supporters 
have  been  these  same  quasi  foreign  houses,  mostly  Jews,  and 
their  correspondents,  principally  in  Havana  and  Nassau,  who 
all  deserve  to  receive  at  the  hand  of  the  Government  as  much 
reprobation  as  the  Jew,  Benjamin  Slidell,  Mallony,  or  Fleyd, 
and  only  the  strong  repressing  measures  which  have  been 
fearlessly  and  energetically  taken  in  this  Department  have 
prevented  the  supply  from  still  going  on  here,  as  it  is  in 
Charleston,  South  Carolina. 

Tempted  by  the  immense  profits,  urging  the  war  on  in  order 
to  realize  these  profits,  these  foreign  adventurers  have  done 
everything  they  could  to  sustain  the  war  and  to  inflame  the 
passions  of  the  people  against  the  United  States;  and  then 
reiterated  complaints  of  my  actions,  and  the  howl  in  Europe 
and  elsewhere  set  up  by  them  at  my  every  act  have  simply 
been  the  result  of  the  disappointment  of  those  who  desire  that 
some  action  may  be  taken  by  the  Government  which  will 
reopen  to  them  a  most  profitable  trade,  which  I  have  closed  by 
means,  against  the  measures  of  which  complaint  has  been 
made,  and  as  to  which  the  Hon.  Sec't  of  State  has  been  pleased 
to  say,  redress  will  be  made  if  I  fail  to  justify  my  acts. 

I  have  stated  my  grounds  upon  which  my  actions  proceeded, 
and  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  taken.  Of  course,  to  do  this 
work  could  be  of  no  personal  (benefit)  to  myself,  and  only 
entailed  great  and  severe  labor. 

It  was  dictated  by  a  sense  of  duty  and  upon  full  and  thorough 
examination  I  have  failed  to  see  any  reason  why  it  (should) 
not  be  persevered  in.  But  I  respectfully  submit  that  it  adds 
not  a  little  to  the  already  everlasting  labor  of  this  Depart- 
ment to  be  continually  called  upon,  months  afterwards,  to 
investigate  and  report  upon  acts  which  were  within  the  scope 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   891 

of  my  jurisdiction  in  the  fair  exercise  of  the  discretion  of  a 
Military  Commander,  and  for  which  I  should  be  called  to 
account  not  by  letter  of  a  Foreign  Consular  agent  on  the 
ex-parte  statement  of  a  Spanish  smuggler,  but  by  the  Comman- 
der in  Chief  of  the  Army,  or  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
to  whom  I  am  as  ready  to  account  for  my  every  action  as  I  am 
to  my  Country  and  my  God.    I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  October  21,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  hand  you  enclosed  a  copy  of  a 
complaint  addressed  to  me  by  an  old  French  resident,  Mr. 
Francis  Bougere,  who  has  in  one  day  been  deprived  of  every 
thing  he  possessed. 

As  Mr.  Bougere  has  already,  in  pursuance  of  my  advice 
and  assisted  by  my  official  intervention,  taken  some  steps 
before  the  Military  Governor,  without  any  result,  I  take  the 
liberty  to  bring  this  complaint  of  a  French  subject  officially 
to  your  notice,  informing  you  in  the  same  time  that  a  copy  of 
these  documents  will  be  sent  to  the  Minister  of  the  Emperor 
in  Washington.  Accept,  Sir,  the  assurance  of  my  high 

consideration,  T-,  A  ,,    „       ,  „        , 

FAUCONNET,  Act  g  French  Consul 

From  the  Acting  French  Consul 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  October  21,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  One  of  my  countrymen,  Lucien  Duclos,  has  been 
arrested  for  passing  the  lines  without  a  pass,  and  has  been 
brought  to  the  prison  of  the  Custom  house,  where  he  has 
been  confined  for  the  last  12  days.  According  to  the  informa- 
tion which  I  have  received,  I  find  that  this  young  man  has  not 
been  guilty  of  any  bad  intentions,  but  is  ignorant.  I  therefore 
ask  you  to  make  inquiries  on  his  account,  and,  if  possible,  to 
give  him  his  liberty.  Accept,  Sir,  the  assurance  of  my  high 
consideration.  FAUCONNET,  Acting  French  Consul 


392   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  October  3rd,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  transmit  to 
you  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  communication  addressed  by  Sam. 
G.  Ward,  Attorney,  of  Boston,  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  and 
by  him  referred  to  this  Department,  complaining  of  the  recent 
seizure  of  certain  Rail  Road  iron,  which  was  held  by  his  agent 
in  New  Orleans  as  security  for  Messrs.  Baring  Bros.  &  Co.  of 
London. 

The  Secretary  desires  that  you  will  institute  such  investiga- 
tion as  the  case  seems  to  require,  and  report  to  this  Depart- 
ment at  your  earliest  convenience. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  Asst.  Sec.  of  State 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  Zlst,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  the  Department,  in  answer 
to  the  communication  of  the  3rd  instant,  that  the  railroad  iron 
pledged  to  Messrs.  Baring  &  Bros,  was  taken  for  the  repairing 
of  the  Opelousas  Railroad.  I  am  informed  by  my  Quarantine 
Master,  by  his  report  endorsed  on  the  back  of  the  letter  of  the 
Department,  that  we  shall  be  able  to  get  along  without  it,  and 
that  it  has  been  released.  If  necessary  to  take  any,  it  will  be 
taken  and  a  receipt  given  in  the  usual  course  of  Business.  I 

have  the  honor  to  be,  ^         ,    7-     .  0          * 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
Endorsement  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Office,  Chief  Quartermaster  DepL  of  the  Oulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  llth,  1862 

chronological  order] 


I  HAVE  the  honor  to  report  that  in  my  absence  Col.  Turner, 
Acting  Quartermaster,  thinking  that  the  Government  might 
need  the  iron,  served  a  notice  on  the  parties  not  to  dispose  of  it, 
but  to  hold  it  subject  to  his  orders.  We  have  been  enabled  to 
repair  the  Rail  Road  without  using  any  of  this  Iron,  and  the 
parties  have  been  notified  that  they  are  at  liberty  to  dispose 
of  it  in  any  manner  they  see  fit. 


J.  W.  SHAFFER,  Col.  &  Chief  Quartermaster 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       393 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

(NEW  ORLEANS),  Oct.  21,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  We  are  here  safe  and  comfortable,  sick 
five  days  out  of  eight.  Mr.  Butler  was  rejoiced  to  see  me, 
and  says  it  is  the  first  time  we  have  been  so  long  apart  since 
we  were  married,  and  it  shall  be  the  last.  He  feels  more 
helped  and  sustained  by  me  than  anyone  else,  though  he  will 
not  always  hear  to  me.  He  is  not  so  thin  now  as  he  was  a 
month  ago,  but  the  climate  has  told  upon  him.  He  does  not 
look  so  alive  as  he  has  before,  but  the  cold  weather  may  bring 
back  the  old  fiery  look.  I  have  written  a  very  long  letter  to 
Fisher,  which  I  should  like  him  to  read  to  you,  as  have  not 
time  to  go  through  it  again,  and  it  will  tell  you  the  appearance 
of  things  here.  Mr.  Butler  has  sent  to  his  mother  a  service  of 
silver,  four  pieces,  he  bought  it  by  weight.  There  has  been  so 
much  talk,  I  would  not  say  much  about  it  if  I  were  her,  for 
envy  makes  people  bitter.  Read  this  to  her,  and  leave  it  to 
her  own  discretion.  There  is  nothing  to  conceal,  but  envious 
minds  will  not  believe  so.  You  need  not  read  her  all  the  letter. 
In  fact,  I  do  not  know  if  it  is  worth  speaking  of  it  at  all.  Mr. 
Butler  has  also  sent  by  the  "Saxon"  a  cup  and  saucer  and 
plate  with  his  picture  painted  on  them  —  no  doubt  you  have 
them  before  now.  One  of  these  days  I  shall  find  something 
handsome  for  you.  There  will  be  a  great  many  things  sold  at 
auction  before  long.  Re-inclose  and  send  back  my  letters 
from  Mr.  Butler  that  you  have  received  since  I  left.  He  says 
he  sent  for  linen  for  shirts.  Send  out  a  piece  and  enough  for 
bosoms  of  a  finer  quality.  He  wants  the  nuns  to  work  them. 
Put  them  in  some  old  trunk  or  buy  a  cheap  one,  and  two  or 
three  pretty  looking  calico  dress-patterns,  also  his  dressing 
gown.  If  you  happen  to  be  in  Boston,  buy  enough  black  silk 
like  my  dress  for  a  sash.  Fisher  I  think  will  come  out.  Perhaps 
you  might  find  a  sash  ready  made.  I  am  so  tired  writing  eight 
pages  to  Fisher  that  there  is  nothing  in  this  letter,  and  now  I 
must  write  to  Blanche.  Dear  love  to  the  children,  and  relatives. 

Most  affectionately,  SARAH 

From  Admiral  Farragut  to  General  Butler 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Oct.  21,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  received  your  communication  by  the 
"Sykes,"  and  am  delighted  to  see  such  a  boat.  She  is  the  very 


394       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

thing  we  ought  to  have  for  the  sound,  only  we  would  want 
several  of  them. 

You  are  asking  a  great  deal,  General,  when  you  ask  for  the 
"Calhoun"  to  go  with  your  expedition,  for  she  is  the  only 
Gun  Boat  we  have  that  can  run  up  the  Sound  to  Grant's 
Pass;  but  I  will  send  her  in  hopes  that  thereby  we  will  get  the 
force  to  attack  Fort  Gaines  the  sooner.  As  to  Lieut.  Cook, 
I  do  not  see  how  I  can  spare  an  officer.  I  have  nothing  but 
youths  now  for  officers  in  all  the  vessels.  They  are  diminish- 
ing daily,  sometimes  by  my  sending  them  home  for  cause, 
and  sometimes  they  take  them  away  from  me. 

The  Senior  Lieutenants  of  the  vessels  are  now  all  in  com- 
mand, and  the  young  men  as  1st.  Lieutenants  are  just  pro- 
moted, and  scarcely  one  of  them  21  years  of  age,  with  but 
little  experience.  I  have,  however,  ordered  the  two  officers, 
Cook  and  King,  to  report  to  you  for  temporary  duty  on  the 
steamers  you  are  fitting  out. 

I  do  not  know  what  detains  the  "St.  Mary's."  We  put  the 
guns  into  her  in  an  hour  on  Sunday,  when  she  called  for  them. 

I  hope  you  will  soon  be  ready  for  the  attack  on  Fort  Gaines. 

Yours  truly,  D.  G.  FAREAGUT 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  Wd,  1862 

To  Major  General  H.  W.  HALLECK,  Comdg.  in  Chief,  U.S.A. 

GENERAL:  I  enclose  herewith  copies  of  a  correspondence 
between  myself  &  the  Confederate  authorities  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  exchanging  prisoners.  I  am  informed  that  the  Con- 
federates claim  that  the  men  which  I  received  back  are  not 
exchanged,  and  cannot  return  to  duty  until  a  published  list  is 
made  by  the  respective  Genls. 

Is  that  the  construction  of  the  Cartel  agreed  upon  by  Genl. 
Dix  &  D.  H.  Hill?  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  SvL,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  Wnd,  1862 

Hon.  S.  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

SIR:  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  address  you  directly  upon 
this  matter  which  seems  to  be  more  appropriate  to  the  Treas- 
ury than  to  the  War  Department.  As  you  are  aware,  from 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   395 

the  time  that  I  came  here  I  have  endeavored  in  every  possible 
way  to  open  trade  in  cotton  through  the  rebel  lines.  I  have 
supposed  that  this  was  consonant  with  the  wish  of  the  Govern- 
ment. Owing  to  the  peculiar  action  of  the  Confederate  au- 
thorities, I  have  not  been  able  as  yet  much  to  succeed.  The 
difficulty  has  been,  as  I  believe,  not  so  much  with  the  Confed- 
erate authorities  as  in  the  peculiar  relation  they  find  them- 
selves with  their  own  people.  They  instructed  and  advised 
their  people  to  burn  their  cotton,  and  those  who  did  do  so  will 
not  now  permit  their  more  prudent  neighbors  to  ship  that 
which  had  not  been  destroyed,  at  an  enormous  profit.  These 
difficulties  are  gradually  being  smoothed  over.  I  think  now 
that  the  trade  can  be  opened,  but  am  in  doubt  as  to  the  inter- 
pretation of  your  Treasury  Circular. 

As  early  as  the  29th  of  July  I  forwarded  a  communication 
to  the  Commanding  officer  at  Mobile,  a  copy  of  which  is  en- 
closed. That  communication  has  since  been  forwarded  to 
Richmond,  and  formally  sanctioned  by  the  appointment  of 
Commissioners  by  the  Confederate  Government.  Shall  I 
get  out  the  cotton  on  the  basis  proposed?  Of  course,  I  shall 
let  all  cotton  come  out  under  the  arrangement  which  may 
offer  before  I  hear  from  the  government. 

I  desire  a  reply,  therefore,  by  return  mail.  While  this  letter 
is  being  copied,  I  have  received  from  Admiral  Farragut  the 
enclosed  instructions  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy.  Whether 
these  have  been  had  upon  full  consideration  of  the  subject 
set  forth  above,  I  do  not  know.  If  literally  carried  out,  they 
would  starve  the  neighboring  country,  and  would  greatly 
embarrass  us  here  for  supplies  of  lumber,  wood,  naval  stores, 
and  fresh  provisions.  We  have  to  get  these  through  the  rivers 
and  over  the  lakes  in  exchange  for  provisions.  I  do  not  mean 
to  make  this  a  matter  of  favoritism;  that  is  not  the  way  the 
war  is  carried  on  here.  I  desire  but  to  carry  out  the  policy  as 
I  supposed  of  the  Government,  and  administer  to  our  neces- 
sities. I  have  no  personal  wish  on  the  subject.  It  becomes, 
therefore,  of  the  utmost  importance  to  know  exactly  what  the 
Government  desires,  and  I  need  not  assure  you  that  I  shall 
govern  myself  with  strictness  by  its  directions. 

Acting  under  this  same  policy,  I  allowed  the  "West  Florida'' 
to  go  out  to  Sabine  Pass,  having  cleared  for  Matamoras  with 
a  cargo  not  contraband  of  war  for  the  purpose  of  bringing 
cotton  from  Texas.  She  belonged  to  a  loyal  citizen,  and  in 
order  that  there  might  be  no  mistake,  I  gave  the  permit,  a 


396       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

copy  of  which  is  enclosed.  The  "West  Florida"  has  been 
detained  and  sent  to  Pensacola.  You  will  remember  that  I 
published  a  correspondence  with  the  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson 
upon  this  subject  of  cotton,  and  I  learned  that  it  had  been 
approved  by  the  State  Department  through  a  letter  to  General 
Shepley,  Military  Governor.  May  I  ask  your  intervention 
to  have  the  "West  Florida"  released,  whatever  may  be  the 
decision  of  the  Government  as  to  her  proceeding  on  her  voyage. 

You  will  see  that  by  the  form  of  the  letter  it  was  to  go  to  the 
Admiral  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  all  misunderstandings. 
It  is  impossible  to  overrate  the  importance  of  this  question  of 
obtaining  a  supply  of  cotton  to  the  Northern  manufacturers,  to 
say  nothing  of  the  effect  on  European  powers;  infinitely  of  more 
importance  to  get  the  cotton  for  sails  and  tents  than  whether 
A  or  B  loses  or  gains  in  the  exchange  of  commodities. 

Being  purchased  in  this  manner  prevents  the  Jews  from 
gathering  up  all  the  gold  in  the  country  to  exchange  it  with 
the  Confederates  for  cotton.  The  day  of  cotton-burning  is 
past.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Most  truly  Yours, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosure  referred  to  Foregoing  Letter 

Navy  Department,  Sept,  21,  1862     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Rear  Admiral  D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Western  Gulf 
Blockade 

SIR:  Hereafter  you  will  allow  no  vessel  to  import  or  export 
merchandise  at  any  port  of  the  blockaded  country.  New 
Orleans  is  the  only  port  open  for  general  traffic  within  the 
limits  of  the  Western  Gulf  Blockading  Squadron. 

You  will  not  regard  what  are  called  "permits"  from  any 
officer  except  the  Secretaries  of  the  Treasury,  War,  or  Navy 
as  authorizing  the  ingress  or  egress  of  any  vessel  in  violation 
of  the  blockade. 

There  must  be  no  favoritism  or  license  given  to  any  one  or 
more  of  our  countrymen  to  traffic  within  the  blockaded  region, 
or  to  import  or  export  merchandise.  That  would  be  justly 
considered  as  evasive  of  the  blockade  and  in  bad  faith. 

No  officer  of  the  Army  or  Navy  is  authorized  to  grant  per- 
mits, and  you  will  seize  all  vessels  engaged  in  illegal  traffic. 

Such  vessels  as  under  the  authority  of  the  War  or  Navy 
Departments  may  be  engaged  to  carry  supplies  to  the  Army 
or  Navy  will  take  no  return  cargo. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       397 

The  blockade  is  intended  to  interdict  all  trade  whatever  with 
the  country  blockaded  during  its  continuance,  and  should  be 
rigidly  enforced.  I  am, 

Respectfully,  Your  obt.  servt., 

G.  WELLES,  Secy,  of  the  Navy 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  22nd,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  The  much-mooted  question  whether  white  men  can  be 
found  able,  competent,  and  willing  to  do  the  work  heretofore 
supposed  to  be  peculiarly  and  solely  adapted  to  negroes,  is  being 
practically  answered  in  this  department.  Since  the  exodus  of 
many  of  the  slaves  from  the  plantations,  the  planters  are  hiring 
white  labor  from  this  city  to  get  their  sugar  crops,  at  such  prices 
as  to  stop  the  recruiting  of  any  regiments  almost  entirely,  as 
will  be  seen  by  the  official  report  of  Col.  Paine  of  the  Second 
Louisiana,  a  copy  of  which  is  herewith  enclosed.  I  have  the 
honor,  etc. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  441 

IT  appearing  to  the  Commanding  General  that  the  sugar 
plantations  of  Brown  &  McMamms  have  been  abandoned  by 
the  late  owners,  who  are  in  the  rebellion,  are  now  running  to 
waste,  and  the  valuable  crops  will  be  lost  as  well  to  the  late 
owner  as  to  the  United  States  if  they  are  not  wrought,  —  and 
as  large  numbers  of  negroes  have  come  and  are  coming  within 
the  lines  of  the  Army  who  need  employment,  it  is  ordered: 
That  Chas.  A.  Weed,  Esq.,  take  charge  of  said  plantations, 
and  such  others  as  may  be  abandoned  along  the  River  between 
the  city  and  Fort  Jackson,  and  gather  and  make  these  crops 
for  the  benefit  of  the  United  States,  keeping  an  exact  and 
accurate  account  of  the  expenses  of  each. 

That  Mr.  Weed's  requisitions  for  labor  be  answered  by 
the  several  Commanders  of  Camps  for  laborers,  or  in  scarcity 
of  Contrabands  that  Mr.  Weed  may  employ  white  laborers 
at  $1.00  per  day  for  each  ten  hours  labor. 

That  for  any  stores  or  necessaries  for  such  work  the  Quarter- 
master or  Commissary  Department  will  answer  Mr.  Weed's 
approved  requisitions. 

That  said  Weed  shall  be  paid  such  rate  of  compensation 


398       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

as  may  be  agreed  on,  and  that  all  receipts  of  whatever  nature 
from  said  plantation  be  accurately  accounted  for  by  him,  and 
that  for  this  purpose  Mr.  Weed  shall  be  considered  in  the 
Military  Service  of  the  United  States. 

By  Command  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  23,  1862 

Hon.  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

SIR:  I  forgot  to  report  to  you  at  the  time  that  of  the  $50,000 
in  gold  which  you  forwarded  me  so  kindly  to  replace  that 
which  I  borrowed  of  the  banks  to  pay  the  troops,  I  was  only 
obliged  to  use  $25,000.  And  I  have  forwarded  to  New  York, 
to  the  order  of  Pay  Master,  Maj.  Locke,  $25,000  in  coin.  This 
was  put  to  his  credit,  and  may  be  returned  to  the  Treasury. 
This  matter  is  of  some  importance  with  gold  at  its  present 
premium. 

I  have  thus  far  managed  the  financial  affairs  of  my  Depart- 
ment so  that  the  United  States  have  not  paid  one  dollar  for 
the  support  and  relief  of  the  32,000  people  I  am  now  feeding. 
For  an  exhibit  of  their  numbers,  condition  and  nationality, 
please  examine  the  slip  enclosed.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  (BENJ.  F.  BUTLER) 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qte.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  23rf,  1862 

Mr.  FAUCONNET,  Acting  Consul  of  France 

SIR:  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  enclosing  the  complaint 
of  Francis  Bougere,  and  as  without  waiting  for  my  decision 
or  action  the  Acting  Consul  of  France  has  seen  fit  to  forward 
the  papers  to  Washington,  I  shall  forward  my  reply  to  the 
Dept.  of  State  direct.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  <iAih,  1862 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secretary  of  State 

SIR:  I  forward  herewith  a  letter  from  the  Acting  French 
Consul  enclosing  a  memorial  from  one  Francis  Bougere,  mak- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       899 

ing  large  claims  against  the  United  States  for  negroes  and 
other  property.  Upon  the  receipt  of  the  memorial,  as  you 
will  see  by  the  endorsement  upon  it,  I  ordered  an  immediate 
report  to  be  made  by  Col.  Thomas,  who  commanded  the 
expedition  complained  of,  of  all  the  facts  and  circumstances. 
It  will  be  seen  by  his  report,  which  I  doubt  not  is  correct,  that 
there  is  no  claim  against  the  United  States  from  Mr.  Bougere 
for  anything,  and  that  his  assumed  neutrality,  like  most  of  the 
neutrality  in  this  Department,  is  simply  a  cover  for  most  bitter 
hostility. 

I  was  somewhat  surprised  to  find  a  claim  made  for  negro 
slaves  as  property,  by  a  French  citizen,  for  I  had  believed 
that  the  Code  Civile  forbids  the  acquisition  of  such  property. 
The  statement  made  by  Bougere  that  he  acquired  all  these 
negroes  since  1848  is  not  true.  The  French  Consul  did  not 
call  on  me  except  in  the  manner  which  you  see,  and  I  enclose 
to  you  my  answer. 

I  trust  this  report  will  enable  the  State  Department  to  meet 
any  claim  that  may  be  presented.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  the  Secretary  of  State 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  1th  Nov.,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  have  received  your  latter  of  the  24  ult.,  with 
the  accompanying  papers,  relative  to  the  complaint  of  Francis 
Bougere,  claiming  to  be  a  Frenchman.  No  representation 
upon  the  subject  has  been  received  from  the  Legation  of 
France  here.  If  any  should  be  addressed  to  the  Depart- 
ment your  communication  will,  it  is  believed,  probably  afford 
the  means  effectually  to  meet  it.  I  am,  General, 

Your  very  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  24,  1862 

To  the  Hon.  JOSEPH  HOLT,  Judge  Advocate  Genl.  of  the  Army 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  the  record  of  the  trial  of 
Gonzales  before  a  Military  Commission  for  murder.  The 
testimony  discloses  ample  grounds  for  conviction,  and  it 


400   LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

seems  to  me  a  proper  case  for  prompt  punishment,  but  I 
understand  I  must  have  the  sanction  of  the  President  before 
I  proceed  to  execution,  which  otherwise  I  should  do  at  once. 

Besides,  a  point  is  taken  against  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Military  Commission  because  the  offense  was  committed  before 
I  arrived  in  this  Department,  but  I  do  not  see  how  that  fact 
outsets  the  jurisdiction.  Here  is  a  crime,  here  is  the  criminal, 
and  here  is  the  power  present  to  punish  the  crime.  Why 
should  not  that  power  be  exercised? 

I  was  assigned  to  the  Department  of  the  Gulf,  including  the 
State  of  Louisiana,  months  before  I  got  here,  and  theoretically 
the  Department  was  under  my  command  as  it  was  actually 
within  the  limits  of  the  United  States.  I  have  approved  the 
proceedings,  findings,  and  sentence  of  the  Ctfurt,  to  be  carried 
into  effect  hereafter  awaiting  instructions.  I  have  the  honor 

to    i)f* 

'  Very  Respectfully  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  24th,  1862 

Maj.  Gen'L  H.  W.  HALLECK,  Commander  in  Chief 

GENERAL:  While  I  have  the  honor  to  report  a  reasonable 
degree  of  health  on  the  part  of  my  troops  through  the  summer, 
and  an  entire  absence  of  epidemic  here,  I  think  it  would  be 
well,  in  view  of  the  coming  summer,  to  change  the  regiments  for 
the  coming  season,  and  for  that  purpose  it  will  be  necessary 
to  begin  now,  to  prevent  disarranging  the  service.  I  find 
those  necessarily  left  on  the  lines  at  Carrollton  suffering  greatly 
from  the  malarious  swamp  fever  to  which  the  debilitating 
effect  of  summer  predisposes  them.  To  my  astonishment, 
and  against  all  theory,  the  regiment  of  acclimated  Louisianans, 
which  I  have  recruited  here,  and  one  of  the  most  healthy  I 
had  when  in  Barracks,  sent  there,  supposing  them  able  to 
resist  the  effect  of  the  malaria  because  of  their  acclimatization, 
have  suffered  from  the  swamp  fever  the  most  considerable  of 
any,  much  more  than  the  fresh  troops  —  the  seventy-fifth 
New  York,  which  I  brought  from  the  healthy  lands  of  Pensa- 
cola  and  placed  in  the  same  locality. 

I  have  the  honor  to  report  two  regiments  of  native  Guards 
(colored)  organized  and  mustered  into  the  service,  and  one 
takes  the  field  to-morrow. 

I  have  organized  an  expedition  consisting  of  a  Brigade, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       401 

five  regiments  of  infantry,  two  Batteries  of  Artillery,  and  four 
Comp.  of  Cavalry,  under  the  Command  of  Brig.  Gen'l.  Weitzel, 
to  move  upon  the  Western  Bank  of  the  Mississippi  through 
Western  Louisiana  for  the  purpose  of  dispersing  the  forces 
assembled  there  under  Gen'l.  Rich'd.  Taylor. 

I  propose  at  the  same  time  to  send  round  some  light-draught 
steamers  which  I  have  been  fitting  for  the  service  by  protect- 
ing their  boilers  and  engines  with  iron  coverings,  so  as  to  pre- 
vent possibly  the  recurrence  of  the  dreadful  accident  which 
occurred  on  the  "Mound  City"  steamer  by  the  penetration  of 
her  boilers  by  shot,  and  mounting  them  by  light  guns,  to  attack 
some  Batteries  on  Berwicks  Bay,  to  penetrate  the  waters  of 
the  Bay  and  tributaries,  and  cut  off  the  supplies  of  cattle  for 
the  Rebel  Army  from  Texas  via  Opelousas  and  New  Iberia, 
and  to  act  in  conjunction  with  Brig.  Gen'l.  Weitzel.  At  the 
same  time,  I  push  forward  columns  from  Algiers,  consisting 
of  the  8th  Vermont  Vols.  and  the  first  regiment  Native  Guards 
(colored),  along  the  Opelousas  Rail  Road  to  Thibodeau  and 
Brashier  City,  upon  the  Railway,  for  the  purpose  of  forward- 
ing supplies  to  Gen'l.  WeitzeFs  expedition,  and  to  give  the 
loyal  planters  an  opportunity  to  forward  their  sugar  and 
cotton  to  this  city.  I  can  easily  hold  this  portion  of  Louisiana, 
by  far  the  richest,  and  extend  the  movement  so  far  as  sub- 
stantially to  cut  off  all  supplies  from  Texas  to  the  country 
this  coming  winter  by  this  route,  if  I  can  receive  only  rein- 
forcements. Please  therefore  send  me  New  England  troops. 
The  newspapers  assure  me  that  there  are  thousands  waiting 
in  Massachusetts.  Letters  from  their  Officers  are  received  by 
me  begging  that  they  may  come  to  this  Department.  Of  course, 
I  have  a  preference  for  Massachusetts  troops.  Those  that  I 
have  here  behaved  very  well.  I  trust  that  they  may  be  sent 
to  me.  I  should  be  glad  if  General  Weitzel  should  be  able 
to  move  upon  Texas,  and  would  suggest  that  an  appropriate 
base  of  operation  would  be  through  Galveston,  which  I  have 
just  learned  has  surrendered  to  the  Naval  force  of  the  Union. 
But  I  have  hardly  got  a  regiment  which  I  can  spare,  to  hold 
it,  although  I  propose  to  send  one.  Not  that  I  anticipate  an 
immediate  attack  upon  New  Orleans,  nor  that  I  fear  it  unless 
I  am  forced  to  receive  the  debris  of  the  South  Western  wing, 
after  the  defeat  of  Bragg,  by  General  Buell,  when,  if  I  weaken 
myself  here,  I  may  invite  attack  from  such  sources. 

Rear  Admiral  Farragut  is  very  desirous  that  we  should 
make  a  demonstration  on  Mobile,  or  at  least  Fort  Morgan, 

VOL.    II — 26 


402       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  save  the  necessity  of  the  large  blockading  force  of!  that 
port.  I  think  3000  men  more  would  do  it  successfully,  but 
again  I  have  not  the  men  to  spare,  and  to  do  those  things 
which  I  think  of  more  immediate  necessity. 

I  have  as  yet  received,  with  the  exception  of  sixty  men, 
no  recruits  from*  the  North  for  any  of  my  old  Regiments,  some 
of  which  have  been  eighteen  (18)  months  in  service,  so  that 
my  regiments  appear  much  larger  in  number  than  they  are 
in  effective  strength.  I  am  sorry  to  report  the  very  sudden 
and  serious  illness  of  Brig.  Gen'l.  Arnold,  who  was  stricken 
with  paralysis  while  attending  a  review  on  Saturday,  from 
which  I  think  he  will  not  recover  sufficiently  to  resume  his 
duties  for  some  months. 

I  was  happy  to  receive  the  commendations  of  the  General- 
in-Chief  of  the  action  of  Maj.  Strong  at  Pontchatoula.  The 
illness  of  General  Arnold  and  the  wide-spread  districts  over 
which  my  troops  are  disposed  makes  it  necessary  that  I 
should  have  another  Brig.  Gen'l.  Allow  me  to  recommend 
for  promotion  Maj.  Strong,  my  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen'l.,  Lieut,  in 
the  Ordnance  Corps,  who  graduated  the  second  in  his  class 
at  West  Point  in  1857,  and  also  has  been  in  the  service  ever 
since.  I  know  no  one  more  competent,  and  certainly  none 
has  shown  better  conduct  and  gallantry. 

I  have  been  obliged  to  lose  his  services  a  part  of  the  summer 
through  his  illness  brought  on  by  over-exertion,  in  preparing 
this  expedition  to  New  Orleans,  but  I  think  he  has  manfully 
recovered  and  reestablished  his  health.  May  I  ask  your  kind 
offices  to  recommend  to  the  President  the  appointment  as 
one  eminently  fit  to  be  made.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  25,  1862 

To  the  Hon.  EDWIN  E.  STANTON,  Sec'y  of  War 

I  HAVE  received  the  enclosure  of  the  acting  French  Minister 
in  regard  to  the  capture  of  the  "Tennessee." 

The  "Tennessee"  was  a  steamer  belonging  to  the  house  of 
Chas.  Morgan  &  Co.,  of  New  York,  actually  in  the  possession 
of  one  Harris  here,  a  rebel,  was  used,  as  I  am  informed,  in 
attempting  to  run  the  blockade,  was  captured  by  the  Navy 
under  the  French  Flag,  and  I  am  not  certain  but  an  English 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   408 

one.  At  least,  it  had  pretended  French  and  English  owners. 
It  was  sold  after  the  city  was  actually  invested,  and  while 
we  were  preparing  an  attack  upon  the  forts,  the  cotton 
which  had  been  placed  on  board  to  run  the  blockade  having 
been  landed  before  the  fleet  arrived  off  the  city. 

English  and  French  flags  have  been  used  very  liberally  here 
to  cover  all  manner  of  property,  and  generally  most  used  by 
them  who  have  the  least  right  to  them.  I  at  once  forwarded 
the  communication  from  the  Acting  French  Minister  to  Rear 
Admiral  Farragut,  and  I  enclose  his  report.  The  Steamer  is 
now  in  the  service  of  the  fleet  as  a  tender  to  the  squadron. 
The  Army  never  had  any  and  now  claims  no  interest  in  her. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obdt.  servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Flag  Skip  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Oct.  17,  1862 
[[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comg  Dept.  of  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR  :  In  reply  to  your  letter  desiring  to  learn  all  I  know  of  the 
capture  of  the  "Tennessee,"  I  have  to  state  that  perhaps  no 
vessel  is  better  known  to  the  blockading  force  before  New 
Orleans  than  the  "  Tennessee." 

She  has  been  blockaded  and  watched  for  many  months, 
during  which  time  she  has  been  frequently  down  to  the 
6 'passes"  loaded  with  cotton,  and  ready  to  run  the  blockade, 
and  has  been  as  frequently  compelled  to  return. 

When  I  captured  New  Orleans  I  found  the  "Tennessee" 
lying  at  the  wharf  with  a  French  Flag  hoisted  somewhere  on 
the  vessel,  indicating  that  she  belonged  to  a  French  subject, 
but  her  antecedents  were  too  well-known  to  me  to  regard  any 
such  evidence  of  ownership,  as  I  knew  that  if  any  such  trans- 
fer had  been  made  it  had  been  done  within  a  very  short  period 
of  time,  and  during  the  blockade,  which,  according  to  my  under- 
standing, is  contrary  to  all  law. 

There  is  scarcely  a  vessel  or  piece  of  property  belonging  to 
the  rebels  that  has  not  been  so  transferred  since  the  capture 
of  New  Orleans. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Rear  Admiral  Com'g 

Western  Blk'g.  Squadron 


404        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  25^,  1862 

Brig.  General  NEAL  Dow,  Commanding  PENSACOLA 

GENERAL:  I  was  very  much  surprised  and  grieved,  and  the 
public  service  was  considerably  interfered  with,  by  your 
detention  of  the  "St.  Mary's."  Indeed,  it  would  have  been 
better  for  the  service  to  have  lost  the  "Creole"  than  to  have 
suffered  the  delay.  The  steamer  was  sent  to  Pensacola  for 
special  service,  with  written  orders  under  my  own  hand,  for 
the  utmost  despatch,  and  in  such  case  the  boat  must  never  be 
interfered  with.  It  has  been  informally  reported  to  me  that 
your  expedition  was  sent  for  furniture  up  the  Blackwater. 
If  that  was  necessary  for  the  comfortable  occupation  of  your 
quarters,  of  course  I  should  not  seriously  object,  but  the  fewer 
of  such  expeditions  the  better. 

I  cannot  permit  the  shipping  of  furniture  or  other  articles 
North  by  any  officer  for  his  own  use.  Such  taking  of  private 
property,  whether  belonging  to  rebels  or  others,  comes  under 
the  order  of  the  War  Department,  No.  107,  a  copy  of  which  I 
send  you,  and  is  there  denominated  "plundering."  If  in  your 
judgment  any  property  should  belong,  or  does  belong,  to 
the  United  States,  and  can  be  better  disposed  of  North  than 
here,  and  should  be  properly  shipped  and  sold,  you  will  take 
the  same  course  I  did  with  the  bells  captured  at  New  Orleans, 
—  send  it  to  the  United  States  Quarter  Master  at  Boston  or 
New  York,  to  be  disposed  of  on  account  of  the  Government, 
but  upon  no  consideration,  and  under  no  pretence,  upon  the 
private  account  of  an  officer.  I  must  of  course  submit  these 
matters  with  these  instructions  to  the  discretion  of  an  officer 
as  high  in  command  as  yourself,  not  doubting  that  it  will  be 
properly  used. 

I  have  put  the  "Sykes"  as  a  despatch  and  mail-boat  to  run 
between  Pensacola  and  here  in  order  that  there  may  be  fre- 
quent and  regular  communications  between  Pensacola,  Ship 
Island,  Fort  Pike,  and  this  point.  You  will  see  to  it  that  she 
is  used  for  no  other  purpose.  Her  regular  days  of  sailing  from 
here  will  be  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays.  Her  time  should 
regularly  be  thirty  hours.  You  will  appoint  such  hours  for 
leaving  Pensacola  as  will  best  enable  her  to  make  her  return 
trip,  and  that  hour  must  not  be  interfered  with  after  being 
appointed  except  to  save  life,  or  from  the  necessity  of  the 
public  service  in  case  of  attack. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       405 

I  am  informed  that  a  quantity  of  pitch  was  taken  under  my 
permission  from  Pensacola  and  brought  here.  It  was  necessary 
for  the  use  of  the  Navy.  This  is  claimed  by  one  Harrison,  who 
was  engineer  or  employee  of  the  Rosin  Oil  Works  at  Pensa- 
cola. He  has  two  hundred  barrels  of  pitch  there  secreted 
somewhere  in  the  woods.  You  will  find  him  at  once,  and 
cause  the  pitch  he  has  to  be  delivered  at  the  Navy  Yard, 
turning  it  over  to  Rear  Admiral  Farragut,  asking  his  receipt 
therefor.  Please  inform  by  return  of  the  "Sykes"  if  this 
can  be  done,  because  otherwise  I  must  send  pitch  for  the  use 
of  the  Navy  on  the  next  trip  of  the  "Sykes." 

Lt.  Col.  Dyer  has  forwarded  me,  without  your  approval, 
an  application  for  the  resignation  of  the  Adjutant  of  his 
Regiment,  accompanied  by  charges  as  a  reason  for  his  resig- 
nation, that  he  was  drunk  on  duty.  An  honorable  discharge 
of  an  officer,  consequent  upon  acceptance  of  a  resignation,  is 
the  adjudication  of  the  Commanding  General  that  he  has 
faithfully  and  properly  served  his  country,  and  is  entitled  to 
her  thanks,  her  honor,  and  her  rewards.  How  could  Col. 
Dyer  believe  that  such  discharge  could  be  granted  to  a  man 
who  deserved  dismissal  from  the  service?  I  have  therefore 
ordered  Adjutant  Nowland  to  be  dropped  from  the  rolls, 
assuming  the  statement  of  Col.  Dyer  to  be  true,  as  it  seems 
to  be  made  in  a  friendly  spirit,  and  as  no  other  reasons  for  the 
resignation  are  forwarded  by  him. 

I  wish  you  to  make  me  a  full  report  in  detail  of  the  transac- 
tions which  led  to  the  detention  of  the  "St.  Mary's,"  the  cause 
of  the  detention,  and  of  the  orders  that  caused  it.  I  have  the 

5  Very  respy.,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Colonel  J.  W.  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Office  Chief  Quarter  Master,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS, 
Sunday,  Oct.  26,  1862     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  "St.  Mary's"  off. 
I  detained  her  about  one  hour.  The  cause  of  this  inexcusable 
blunder  I  will  call  and  explain.  The  individual  making  it 
will  never  make  another  for  me.  I  had  flattered  myself  that 
everything  that  had  been  entrusted  to  me  connected  with 
the  expedition  had  been  promptly  done.  Consequently  I 
feel  deeply  this  infernal  blunder. 

J.  W.  SHAFFER,  Colonel  &  Quarter  Master 


406        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  October  Z5th,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Gulf  Blockading 

Squadron 

SIR:  I  had  the  pleasure  to  receive  your  despatch  announcing 
the  great  favor  you  have  done  me  in  detailing  Officers  King  & 
Cook  to  the  command  of  my  boats.  They  go  off  to-morrow 
morning,  and  I  trust  will  be  in  Berwicks  Bay  on  Monday. 
The  expedition  to  Donaldsonville  started  to-day.  As  soon  as 
we  get  through  with  this  little  job  I  will  send  over  the  same 
troops  and  light-draught  steamer  to  cooperate  with  you.  I 
think  I  will  spare  a  Regiment  &  some  pieces  of  Artillery  to 
hold  Galveston  if  that  will  be  sufficient.  I  have  not  sufficient 
information  as  to  the  number  of  troops  required  for  that  pur- 
pose. I  never  was  more  astonished  in  my  life  than  on  receiving 
your  letter  about  the  pitch.  The  history  of  the  transaction  is 
this.  Some  person  came  to  me  and  asked  for  a  permit  to  bring 
over  his  property  on  shore.  It  never  occurred  to  me  that  it 
was  pitch  or  anything  that  you  would  want;  and  the  permit 
was  a  general  one.  There  are,  however,  two  hundred  Bbls. 
more  pitch  left  in  Pensacola  which  I  will  order  seized  and 
brought  to  you  at  the  Navy  Yard,  and  if  it  is  reported  to  me 
by  General  Dow  that  this  cannot  be  done,  I  will  see  that  suffi- 
cient for  your  use  is  sent  from  here.  Please  indicate  how 
much  pitch  and  how  much  rosin  you  want  by  the  return  of  the 
"Sykes."  When,  by  any  act  of  mine,  I  paralyze  the  operation 
of  the  Navy,  I  paralyze  my  own  right  arm,  and  it  has  been  a 
source  of  grief  to  me  that  you  should  even  think  for  the  days 
you  are  waiting  this  reply  that  I  knew  anything  of  this  trans- 
action. I  send  you  by  the  "Sykes"  20  Bbls  of  rosin  which  I 
seized  at  Fort  Pike.  I  can  forward  you  tar  and  pitch  from 
here  if  you  do  not  get  the  pitch  I  have  mentioned.  I  have 
ordered  the  "Sykes"  to  act  as  a  despatch  boat  between  this 
Post,  Ship  Island  &  Pensacola.  She  runs  about  fourteen  miles 
an  hour,  and  as  she  was  fired  into  three  times  by  the  Blockading 
Squadron,  and  dodged  the  shells,  and  the  Capt.  does  not  like 
to  repeat  the  experiment,  if  you  will  give  her  a  number  that 
she  may  carry  at  night  and  distribute  it  among  your  Squadron 
we  shall  save  accidents.  I  don't  blame  the  Officers  for  shoot- 
ing. After  the  fate  of  Preble  I  would  not  let  anything  pass  me 
if  I  were  they.  You  know  I  believe  in  shooting  when  any- 
body attempts  to  run  past.  As  she  is  a  Despatch  Boat,  may  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       407 

ask  that  your  Officers  shall  not  detain  her,  because  I  wish  for 
all  our  sakes  that  she  should  make  regular  trips.  She  will 
leave  here  every  Saturday  and  Wednesday  afternoon  at  4 
o'clock,  and  on  corresponding  days  from  Pensacola  at  such 
hour  as  may  give  her  the  best  despatch.  I  think  if  you  will 
give  her  your  mail  I  can  manage  with  the  Postmaster  so  as  to 
give  you  more  frequent  communication  with  the  North  than 
in  any  other  way. 

Mrs.  Butler,  who  has  come  out,  sends  her  best  regards.  She 
has  a  right  lively  recollection  of  many  kindnesses  from  your- 
self &  Officers  of  your  command. 

Very  truly,  Your  Friend,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Neal  Dow 

Head  Quarters,  District  of  West  Florida,  PENSACOLA,  Oct.  31st,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  P.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  immediately,  on  the  receipt  of  your  order  of 
the  25th,  relating  to  pitch,  caused  explanations  to  be  made, 
and  the  result  is  that  a  quantity  has  been  found  in  a  hole  in 
the  sand.  It  was  run  in,  warm,  and  is  very  much  mixed  with 
dirt.  I  have  communicated  with  the  Admiral  on  the  subject, 
and  shall  have  it  melted  and  dipped  off  into  barrels,  free  from 
foreign  matters. 

The  quantity  is  not  yet  ascertained,  nor  do  I  know  the 
quality  —  but  shall  probably  be  informed  of  that  to-morrow. 
I  hope  there  will  be  as  much  as  the  Admiral  will  need. 

Very  respectfully,  NEAL  Dow,  Brig.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  25,  1862 

To  the  Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  report  that  I  have  forwarded  on  the 
Steamer  "Catawba,"  under  the  charge  of  Capt.  Puffer,  certain 
discharged  soldiers,  three  insane  men,  and  three  clergymen  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  I  have  directed  the  three 
clergymen  to  be  turned  over  to  the  care  of  the  United  States 
Marshal  at  New  York,  subject  to  the  order  of  the  War 
Department. 

The  insane  men  Capt.  Puffer  will  take  with  him  to  Wash- 
ington, and  deliver  to  the  "Soldiers  Insane  Asylum." 

One  of  the  clergymen,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Leacock,  preached  a 


408       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

sermon  on  the  29th  of  Nov.  1860,  which  was  afterwards 
published  and  run  through  four  editions  of  about  30,000 
copies.  I  enclose  the  vital  extracts.  You  will  see  that  it 
was  highly  incendiary  in  its  nature.  He  is  an  Englishman 
born,  but  I  believe  has  been  naturalized  in  this  country;  at 
any  rate  I  have  his  written  admission  that  he  does  not  claim 
British  protection.  He  has  been  in  New  Orleans  about  six 
years,  and  I  think  has  been  an  emissary  of  the  British  Gov- 
ernment. And  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fulton  is  a  clergyman  who 
was  for  a  considerable  time  a  private  in  the  Rebel  army. 
And  the  Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich  has  been  an  active  and  violent 
secessionist. 

All  these  men  refused  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and 
though  the  Military  Governor  of  Louisiana,  Genl.  Shepley, 
ordered  that  they  should  read  the  service  adopted  by  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  including 
the  prayer  for  the  President  of  the  United  States,  they  have 
neglected  to  obey  the  order,  and  though  warned  of  the  conse- 
quences of  disobeying  the  order,  they  have  still  contumaciously 
refused  to  obey  it.  I  think  them  much  more  mischievous  in 
this  city  than  they  would  be  as  soldiers  in  arms  in  the  Confed- 
erate Service.  And  I  send  them  to  Fort  Lafayette,  so  that 
they  will  at  least  be  out  of  mischief  during  the  remainder  of 
the  war. 

The  only  excuse  they  have  to  make  to  me  in  personal  exami- 
nation is  that  the  Diocesan  Bishop,  I  believe  the  Right  Rev. 
Warrior  Bishop  Gen.  Polk,  has  prescribed  a  different  form  of 
service,  and  that  they  are  therefore  canonically  obliged  to  dis- 
obey the  orders  of  the  authorities  here. 

Any  other  information  about  this,  if  desired  by  the  Depart- 
ment, will  be  forwarded  if  directed.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  25,  1862 

To  the  United  States  Marshal  in  NEW  YORK 

CAPTAIN  PUFFER  of  my  staff  is  directed  to  deliver  into  your 
hands  three  clergymen,  Rev.  Dr.  Leacock,  Rev.  Mr.  Fulton, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich,  secessionists,  rebels,  and  enemies  of 
the  United  States. 

I  have  reported  these  cases  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       409 

you  will  retain  them  subject  to  orders  of  the  War  Department. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commanding 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  25,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  85 

THE  Commanding  General  has  examined  the  doings  of  the 
Court  Martial  whereof  Major  Peck  was  President,  with  care. 
While  there  seems  to  have  been  a  good  degree  of  discrimination 
in  weighing  the  evidence,  and  the  proceedings  are  reasonably 
regular,  yet  it  is  apparent  that  the  Court,  in  the  sentences  and 
punishments,  were  entirely  regardless  of  their  duty.  Offenses 
that  should  have  been  punished  with  death,  or  the  severest 
prison  discipline  for  life,  have  been  given  the  farcical  punish- 
ment of  two  or  three  months'  confinement  and  a  small  fine. 
Sleeping  on  post  by  a  sentinel  in  face  of  an  enemy,  an  offense 
justly  punishable  with  death,  as  the  safety  of  a  whole  army 
may  depend  on  his  vigilance,  is  punished  by  "three  weeks' 
confinement  in  a  guard  tent."  Going  to  sleep  in  his  quarters 
by  an  officer  of  the  guard  is  punished  by  loss  of  one  month's 
pay  and  a  reprimand  from  the  Commander  of  the  post,  and 
this  officer  recommended  to  the  mercy  of  the  Commanding 
General  because  of  his  ignorance.  Striking  and  violent  abuse 
of  an  officer  by  a  soldier  has  had  a  short  term  of  imprisonment 
and  a  small  fine,  less  than  would  have  been  given  by  a  civil 
court  for  an  ordinary  assault  and  battery.  Perhaps  this  may 
be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  the  members  of  the  Court 
knew  exactly  how  much  a  man  ought  to  be  punished  if  he 
abused  one  of  them.  Other  officers,  of  a  different  and  proper 
appreciation  of  their  own  position  and  merit,  would  have  come 
to  a  different  conclusion. 

The  sentences  of  the  Court,  as  a  rule,  are  a  disgrace  to  every 
officer  composing  it.  The  Court  Martial  of  which  Major 
Frank  H.  Peck  is  President,  is  dissolved. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  %6th,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  A  vessel  goes  out  this  afternoon;  no  more 
for  a  week.  The  weather  is  quite  cold;  we  have  fires  all  over 


410        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  house.  Yesterday  Mr.  Butler  and  I  dined  with  four  of 
the  Staff  who  are  keeping  Bachelors'  Hall.  They  gave  us  a 
very  nice  dinner,  and  on  the  whole  it  was  quite  pleasant.  We 
expect  Fisher  soon  as  he  receives  news  that  he  is  to  come. 
The  articles  sent  home,  including  Mrs.  Read's  ring,  were 
bought  of  a  Jew  Broker,  and  cost  twelve  hundred  dollars, 
bought  just  as  you  would  buy  them  of  a  broker  in  Boston, 
Mrs.  Butler's  silver  at  the  same  place.  This  I  write  only  be- 
cause we  had  spoken  of  it,  and  I  thought  you  might  like  to 
know.  Of  course,  you  would  make  it  no  subject  of  conversa- 
tion to  anyone  else.  Maria  has  gone  into  a  very  fine  house, 
Harry  has  left  us  and  gone  to  her.  The  things  that  Mr.  Butler 
sent  for  in  his  letter  to  me,  get  together  if  you  can  and  send  by 
Fisher.  If  there  is  room  in  the  trunk,  put  in  the  box  that 
contains  my  muff  and  mufties.  It  will  be  cold  enough  for 
furs.  I  should  like  well  enough  a  few  yards  of  bright  ribbon 
to  give  to  the  servants,  or  a  gay  handkerchief  to  tie  over  their 
heads,  but  you  need  not  trouble  much  about  it.  I  cannot 
write  you  much  to  interest  today,  for  I  seem  to  have  my  head 
more  than  full  about  matters,  that  I  will  write  to  you  of  when 
I  get  them  arranged.  You  have  the  steam  on  by  this  time.  I 
hope  you  are  all  well,  and  that  you  will  manage  to  make  it 
cheerful  and  pleasant.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  how  Lote's 
affairs  progress.  Fisher  was  better  pleased  with  it  than  he 
would  have  been  with  the  other,  of  the  same  name,  though  he 
says  he  knows  nothing  about  this  man.  But  he  is  a  pleasant 
person,  and  I  hope  for  Lote's  sake  it  will  be  all  right.  I  hope 
you  have  already  written,  and  that  I  shall  get  a  letter  in  the 

course  of  a  week.  v          „    ,.       .   c 

1  our  affectionate  DISTER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  27,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  HALLECK,  Going  in  Chief 

GENERAL:  In  my  despatch  of  —  inst.,  I  have  the  honor  to 
report  to  the  Commanding  Genl.  the  departure  of  an  expedi- 
tion under  Brig.  Genl.  Weitzel  into  that  part  of  Louisiana  which 
lies  west  of  the  Mississippi  river.  I  enclose  Genl.  Weitzel's 
despatch,  showing  his  operation  so  far. 

This  is  sent  by  hand  of  Capt.  Puffer,  of  my  staff,  by  whom  I 
also  forward  a  map  of  that  part  of  Louisiana,  which,  though 
not  strictly  accurate,  will  give  you  a  very  good  idea  of  the 
country  through  which  operations  are  being  made.  I  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       411 

explained  to  him  verbally  the  proposed  action  of  the  expedi- 
tion, and,  if  you  desire,  by  the  aid  of  the  map  he  may  make  it 
clearer  than  I  can  by  writing.  I  trust  you  may  find  him  a 
gentleman  of  such  intelligence  as  to  make  clear  the  difficulty 
to  be  encountered,  and  the  necessity  [to]  the  expedition 
for  light-draught  steamers  for  the  numerous  bayous. 

I  hope  that  on  Tuesday  morning,  the  28th  inst.,  some  of 
these  steamers,  two  of  them  iron-clad  as  far  as  boilers  are  con- 
cerned, will  be  in  Brashier  City.  We  have  opened  the  railroad 
as  far  as  the  point  marked  Bouttee  station.  The  enemy  have 
a  force  at  this  point  where  the  Bayou  Des  Allemands  is  crossed 
by  the  railroad.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  27,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  ST ANTON,  Sec'y  of  War 

SIR:  While  Brig.  Gen.  Neal  Dow  was  in  command  at  Fort 
St.  Philip  he  took  great  pains  and  evinced  much  zeal  in  rais- 
ing the  chain,  which  was  used  by  the  Confederates  to  prevent 
our  passing  the  forts. 

He  succeeded  in  raising  a  number  of  fathoms,  of  the  value 
of  $4,000  or  $5,000,  which  has  been  received  by  the  Quarter 
Master  here.  For  this  he  makes  a  claim  for  salvage  as  appears 
by  his  letter,  a  copy  of  which  is  enclosed. 

I  incline  to  the  opinion  that  salvage  cannot  be  allowed  in 
such  case,  as  the  services  of  the  officer  belongs  to  the  United 
States.  But  not  wishing  to  prejudice  the  case  of  an  officer  so 
high  in  command,  so  earnestly  made,  I  have  forwarded  it  to 
the  War  Department  that  it  may  be  passed  upon  there.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  Foregoing  Letter 

Head  Qrs.  District  of  PENSACOLA,  Oct.  10&,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Geo.  C.  Strong,  A.  A.  G. 

MAJOR:  While  I  was  in  command  at  Fort  St.  Philip,  I  took 
a  good  deal  of  pains  and  devoted  personal  attention  to  recov- 
ering the  great  chain  with  which  the  rebels  obstructed  the 


412        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

river.  I  succeeded  in  recovering  about  forty  tons,  worth  some 
$4,000  or  $5,000.  I  sent  them  to  New  Orleans,  where  they 
are  now.  Will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  call  Gen'l  Butler's  attention 
to  the  matter.  I  thought  I  should  be  justly  entitled  to  salvage, 
and  I  leave  the  matter  entirely  to  him,  promising  to  be  con- 
tented with  whatever  he  shall  think  right  about  it.  But  I 
hope  that  he  may  give  order  that  I  shall  have  salvage,  of  such 
a  percentage  as  he  may  think  proper. 

Very  respy.,  NEAL  Dow 

Head  Qrs.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  10,  1862 
£Not  in  chronological  order] 

Brig.  Gen.  NEAL  Dow,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces  at 

PENSACOLA,  FLA. 

GENERAL:  I  am  directed  by  the  Major  Genl.  Commanding 
to  acknowledge  the  recpt.  of  your  letter  of  Oct.  10th,  in  rela- 
tion to  the  recovery  of  a  chain  cable  at  Fort  St.  Philip,  and  to 
acknowledge  that  the  part  recovered  has  been  received  at 
New  Orleans.  The  Genl.  acknowledges  your  personal  atten- 
tion and  zeal  in  recovering,  but  is  inclined  to  the  opinion  that 
no  allowance  for  salvage  can  be  made,  as  the  recovery  was 
but  your  duty  to  the  United  States.  However,  not  wishing  to 
prejudge  your  claim,  he  has  forwarded  it  to  Washington  with 
a  copy  of  this  note.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obdt.  servt., 

FRED  MARTIN,  Lt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  G.  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  1 

PRIVATE.     NEW  ORLEANS,  October  27th,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  Gen.  Weitzel  left  here  three  days  ago,  with 
five  Regiments  Infantry,  four  companies  cavalry,  and  two 
batteries.  Their  destination  was  Donaldsonville,  about  seventy 
miles  up  the  River,  where  the  Rebels  were  posted  in  force. 
I  have  just  learned  from  a  Captain  of  a  transport,  who  has 
returned  from  there,  that  the  landing  was  effected  successfully. 
Considerable  skirmishing  took  place,  when  the  Rebels  retreated, 
leaving  a  few  killed  and  wounded,  and  also  leaving  two  hundred 
prisoners  in  our  hands,  who  were  paroled  and  released.  The 
rebels  retreated  to  Napoleon ville  —  (south  of  Donaldsonville), 
where  it  is  supposed  they  will  make  a  stand.  The  1st  (colored) 
Regiment  and  8th  Vermont  left  here  yesterday,  marching  in 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  327. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       413 

a  direction  nearly  due  west.  Two  days  ago,  gunboats  started 
for  Berwick's  Bay,  to  take  possession  there.  All  these  move- 
ments are  parts  of  one  and  the  same  plan.  I  informed  you 
many  days  ago  of  the  departure  of  a  portion  of  the  fleet  to 
attack  and  capture  Galveston.  They  accomplished  the  object 
without  loss.  Gen.  Butler  will  soon  send  a  Regiment  to  occupy 
the  town  and  Island. 

Seventy-three  refugees  from  Texas  have  just  arrived  here 
from  Matamoras,  about  one-third  of  whom  are  Germans  — 
the  remainder  Americans.  At  my  request,  Gen.  Butler  is 
organizing  them  into  a  company  for  Govt.  military  service. 
Judge  Davis,  from  Texas,  is  now  here,  and  will  receive  author- 
ity to  enlist  and  organize  a  full  Texas  Regiment.  There  will 
be  no  difficulty  about  this,  as  besides  the  company  here 
three  or  four  companies  can  be  raised  in  Galveston.  There 
are  hundreds  of  refugees  in  the  vicinity  of  Matamoras  anxious 
to  join  the  army,  for  whom  Gen.  Butler  will  send  a  steamer. 
You  saw  Judge  Davis  in  Washington.  He  is  well  and  favor- 
ably known  in  Texas. 

Everything  appears  to  be  going  on  well. 

Your  regulations  of  Aug.  28th  throw  upon  me  great  labor 
and  responsibility.  I  have  informed  you  of  my  action  and 
opinions  in  the  matter,  and  would  like  to  know  if  I  have  made 
any  mistake. 

I  know  of  but  one  fault  to  be  found  with  Gen.  Butler.  He 
has  (in  my  opinion)  been  altogether  too  willing  to  permit  his 
friends  to  make  fortunes. 

I  hope  you  have  completely  recovered  from  your  illness,  of 
which  mention  was  made  in  the  New  York  papers. 

(GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  28//1,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Western  Blockade 

Squadron 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  am  always  disinclined  to  make  complaint 
of  the  action  of  any  officer,  especially  one  of  your  squadron, 
but  I  think  I  must  submit  to  you  the  enclosed  report  and 
correspondence,  because  it  is  right  that  the  Quarter  Master 
at  Ship  Island,  Lt.  Ring,  should  have  some  voucher  so  that 
he  may  not  be  at  the  personal  loss  of  the  value  of  the  cattle 
mentioned. 


414        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Upon  request,  Captain  Guest  should  have  had  the  cattle; 
but  I  don't  think  that  upon  reflection  Capt.  Guest  would 
desire  that  the  Qr.  Master  should  be  at  the  personal  loss,  as 
he  must  be  if  no  receipt  is  furnished.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  respl.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Office  Chief  Commissary  of  Subsistence,  DepL  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS 

To  Major  Gen.  BUTLER,  Com'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  the  cer- 
tificate of  Lt.  Aaron  Ring,  13th  Me.  Vols.,  setting  forth  the 
facts  of  the  seizure  of  six  beef  cattle,  for  which  he  was  respon- 
sible, by  Capt.  Guest,  U.S.N.,  of  the  U.S.S.  "Owasco,"  and  a 
letter  of  Capt.  Guest  in  reply  when  called  upon  for  receipt  of 
the  cattle. 

These  cattle  were  sent  to  Ship  Island  by  my  direction, 
being  obtained  at  considerable  expense,  and  sent  over  there 
with  much  trouble  and  labor  for  the  use  of  troops  stationed  in 
that  island. 

The  extenuation  offered  by  Capt.  Guest,  that  he  thought 
them  wild  cattle,  appears  ridiculous  in  the  face  of  the  fact  that 
some  13,000  troops  occupied  the  Island  for  three  or  four  months, 
and  were  for  most  of  the  time  suffering  for  the  want  of  fresh 
beef;  moreover,  it  is  not  likely  that  expeditions  would  have 
been  sent  off,  as  was  done,  to  visit  neighboring  islands  for  the 
very  purpose  of  procuring  cattle  for  the  troops,  not  wild  cattle 
but  animals  left  there  to  graze,  when  beef  cattle  were  roaming 
around  on  Ship  Island.  That  the  cattle  were  not  in  the  lines 
of  the  command  is  very  probable.  The  grazing  on  Ship  Island 
at  best  is  very  scarce,  and  to  have  kept  them  within  the 
limited  lines  of  the  two  companies  would  have  been  to  have 
kept  them  to  starve;  and  what  dangers  were  there  to  appre- 
hend when  our  own  naval  vessels  were  in  the  vicinity  for  the 
protection  of  public  property? 

It  is  a  fact  that  we  are  feeding  negroes  and  vagabond  males 
and  females  who  misbehave  in  New  Orleans ;  why  we  are  doing 
so  is  not  for  me,  a  subordinate  officer,  to  question.  It  is  done, 
though,  with  a  due  accountability  for  every  thing  so  expended, 
and  I  do  not  understand  why  this  is  a  warrant  for  the  forcible 
seizure  of  public  property  by  Capt.  Guest  to  hand  over  to 
persons  in  no  manner  connected  with  either  Army  or  Navy.  A 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        415 

distressed  condition  of  his  own  case  might  justify  him  in  the 
taking  of  public  property  in  this,  manner,  but  to  be  accounted 
for  afterwards  to  the  responsible  officer. 

It  appears  to  be  a  wanton  act  when  Capt.  Guest  admits 
that  his  own  crew  did  not  want  it,  nor  get  any  of  it,  and  when 
called  upon  for  the  proper  receipts  tells  the  public  officer  who 
is  responsible  to  his  Government  for  that  property,  that  he 
may  charge  it  to  "profit  and  loss." 

I  submit  this  to  you,  seeking  redress  for  Lt.  Ring  and  exemp- 
tion if  possible  from  having  stores,  gathered  at  no  small  pains 
and  labor  for  the  use  of  your  army,  thus  forcibly  taken  and 
used  for  no  purpose  connected  with  the  operations  of  this 

command.     I  am,         rr  Tr         L  JA  . 

Very  respy.,  i  our  obdt.  servant, 

JNO.  W.  TURNER,  Col.  &  Chief  Commissioner, 
Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

U.S.S.  OWASCO,  SHIP  ISLAND,  Ytth  Sept ,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

HENRY  RUST,  Col.  Comg.  Post  at  Ship  Island 

DEAR  SIR:  I  have  just  received  your  letter  of  this  day 
making  an  inquiry  of  me  in  reference  to  some  beef  cattle 
killed  by  my  crew  on  the  eastern  end  of  this  island.  It  is  true 
that  a  boat's-crew  from  this  vessel  did  kill  six  beef  cattle  on 
the  upper  end  of  Ship  Island  one  day  last  week. 

I  am  not  sure  they  killed  cattle  belonging  to  the  Army,  as 
I  have  been  told  there  are  or  were  a  number  of  wild  cattle  on 
the  island,  and  if  they  did  belong  to  the  Army,  my  men  did 
not  know  it.  The  facts  in  the  case  are  these:  Capt.  Wood- 
worth  of  the  "Jackson"  brought  some  sheep  here  from  Pen- 
sacola  for  the  use  of  our  vessels.  The  sheep  escaped  from  the 
pen,  and  when  my  men  went  in  quest  of  them,  were  stopped 
by  your  pickets. 

I  was  therefore  obliged  to  get  under-way  and  to  land  my 
men  outside  of  your  lines.  I  told  them  to  look  for  the  sheep, 
and  kill  as  many  as  they  could,  as  I  considered  them  lost. 
They  saw  the  sheep  but  could  shoot  none.  They  saw  cattle 
and  killed  six. 

You  will  permit  me  to  observe  that  if  all  the  cattle  of  the 
island  belong  to  your  Qr.  Master's  Dept.  he  has  no  security 
for  them  whatever,  as  any  one  may  land  and  take  them  away 
without  his  knowledge,  and  being  so  far  beyond  your  lines 
and  control  my  men  very  naturally  concluded  them  to  be  wild, 
especially  as  they  were  seen  with  the  lost  sheep. 


416       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

As  the  Supply  Steamer  was  here  at  the  time,  my  people 
did  not  require  the  beef,  so  I  distributed  it  among  the  mer- 
chant ships  whose  crews  have  no  chance  to  get  fresh  beef. 

I  had  the  pleasure,  dear  Col.,  of  sending  you  a  quarter  of 
beef,  little  thinking  I  might  be  giving  you  your  own.  I  hope, 
however,  you  found  it  very  tender.  As  the  United  States  is 
now  feeding  every  negro  that  chooses  to  come  to  us,  and  all 
the  vagabonds  male  and  female  who  misbehave  in  New  Orleans, 
you  perhaps  agree  with  me  that  the  lucky  accident  which  gave 
a  hearty  meal  to  the  loyal  crews  of  our  merchantmen  is  not 
to  be  regretted. 

The  Quarter  Master  will  have  to  charge  the  beef  to  "profit 
&  loss,"  especially  the  latter.  In  future  I  shall  confine  my 
riflemen  to  mutton,  when  they  land  on  Ship  Island,  lest  they 
might  by  chance  find  an  Army  beef  amongst  the  wild  cattle. 

I  am,  dear  sir,  rr  ^7          7  7j 

V  ery  respy.,  Your  obdt.  servant, 

JOHN  GUEST,  Comdr.  9  U.  S.  N. 
From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Nov.  6,  1862     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

SIR:  Your  communication  in  relation  to  the  Beeves  killed 
at  Ship  Island  by  order  of  Lieut.  Comdr.  Guest  was  received, 
and  I  called  on  that  Officer  for  an  explanation  of  the  same,  but 
his  letter  to  me  is  nothing  but  a  repetition  of  the  one  to  the 
Comd'g  officer  at  Ship  Island,  viz:  that  he  did  not  know  that 
they  belonged  to  the  Army,  and  therefore  directed  the  pay- 
master not  to  receipt  for  them.  But  he  has  gone  home  under 
orders  of  the  Dept.,  and  as  he  acknowledges  to  have  killed 
the  Beeves,  and  given  the  Beef  away,  I  will  give  the  Quarter- 
master a  certificate  of  the  same. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  Servt., 

D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Rear  Admiral 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  October  28,  1862 

lion.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

StR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  a  translation  of  a 
letter  from  one  Labitat.  I  think  it  is  one  requiring  some 
investigation.  It  is  evident  to  me,  these  Arms  being  in  Havana, 
that  if  we  do  not  get  them  the  Rebels  will. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       417 

Therefore  I  have  written  the  enclosed  answer,  which  will 
at  least  give  me  time  to  hear  from  the  War  Department.  I 
will  either  undertake  to  have  the  matter  investigated  and  a 
contract  made,  if  authorized,  or  I  will  afford  every  facility  to 
any  gentleman  of  the  Ordnance  Department  who  may  be  sent 
here  for  that  purpose.  I  can  communicate  almost  weekly 
with  Havana.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  Obedt.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

TRANSLATION.     HAVANA,  Oct.  %lst,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS 

I  HAVE  by  mistake  put  a  letter  in  the  mail  of  the  steamer 
"Roanoke,"  for  New  York,  to  your  address,  in  which  I  made 
you  a  certain  proposition,  therefore  to  repair  my  error  I 
hereby  address  you  this  letter.  I  suppose  you  will  receive  the 
other  some  time  later. 

I  informed  you,  General,  that  I  can  furnish  you  with  ammu- 
nition of  war.  I  have  $80,000  in  muskets,  also  rifles,  with 
sword  bayonets.  If  you  wish  anything,  you  may  give  me  an 
order  which  will  be  filled  at  once.  I  shall  require  a  credit  on 
London  or  France  for  the  amount.  Those  muskets  will  come 
to  $23,  to  be  delivered  at  any  port  in  the  United  States  you 
may  direct.  I  should  prefer  if  you  answer  my  letter  in  the 
French  language. 

I  understand  the  business,  having  been  an  officer  in  the 
French  army,  and  have  furnished  the  French  army  with  arms 
also.  I  am  a  nephew  of  Gen'l.  Labitat.  Hoping  to  hear  from 

you  soon,  I  remain,  T.        ^, .    0  ,     T         T 

J  Your  Obt.  Svt.,  JNO.  LABITAT 

Cotton  will  do  as  well  as  specie  in  exchange. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  28,  1862 

M.  LABITAT,  HAVANA 

SIR:  I  would  be  glad  of  your  muskets  and  rifles  provided 
they  are  of  such  quality  as  would  suit  my  soldiers.  The  price 
seems  quite  high,  but  I  suppose  that  would  not  be  so  material 
an  objection  as  want  of  good  quality.  Will  you  have  the 
kindness  to  send  me  by  the  first  steamer  from  Havana  a  sample 
of  each  gun,  and  a  contract  saying  what  number  of  each  you 

VOL.    II — 27 


418        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

will  deliver  at  this  port,  and  the  price,  the  arms  to  be  in  per- 
fect order  and  equal  to  sample.  I  shall  then  have  a  basis  upon 
which  I  may  close  the  contract. 

It  would  be  preferable  to  pay  for  the  arms  in  exchange  on 

Paris.    I  am,  Sir,  ^         ,  j.    0          ^ 

Y our  obdt.  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
From  R.  W.  Shufeldt 

U.S  Consulate  General,  HAVANA,  October  28^,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  17.  S.  Forces  Gulf 
Dept,  &c. 

SIR:  It  has  been  the  subject  of  complaint  on  the  part  of 
parties  interested  in  vessels  visiting  the  Port  of  New  Orleans 
—  under  the  Spanish  flag  —  that  they  have  been  submitted 
to  quarantine  &  other  restrictions  not  placed  upon  vessels  — 
coming  from  the  port  of  Cuba  —  under  the  Am.  flag. 

I  am  indisposed  to  believe  that  any  such  partiality  has  been 
shown,  altho'  it  has  frequently  been  here  made  the  theme  of 
the  press,  and  the  topic  of  conversation,  —  at  the  instance, 
therefore,  of  a  highly-respectable  merchant  of  this  city,  the 
owner  of  the  steamer  "Pajaro  del  Oceano,"  about  to  be  dis- 
patched to  N.  O.,  I  take  the  liberty  of  calling  your  attention 
to  the  subject,  remarking,  as  I  can  from  personal  knowledge, 
that  our  steam  packets  have  always  been  received  in  the 
ports  of  Cuba  with  uniform  liberality,  and  that  even  during 
the  past  years  our  men-of-war  and  our  merchant  vessels  have 
received  a  courtesy  and  a  protection  for  which  we  have  looked 
in  vain  from  other  nations  than  Spain,  from  whom  we  thought 
we  had  a  better  right  to  expect  it. 

Believing  that  you  are  as  anxious  as  I  am  to  cultivate  the 
little  friendly  feeling  we  find  abroad  in  our  present  crisis,  I  am 
sure  that  any  cause  of  complaint  which  may  reach  you  from 
the  Master  of  the  above  steamer  or  any  other  Spanish  vessel 
will  receive  your  favorable  consideration. 

In  view  of  the  great  importance  of  maintaining  the  health 
of  N.  O.,  I  do  not  venture  to  make  any  suggestions  in  regard 
to  the  quarantine  regulations  of  that  Port.  I  can  only  say 
that  the  Health  authorities  of  Havana  are  now  issuing  clean 
bills  of  health,  about  which  they  are  exceedingly  careful,  &  I 
believe  Havana  to  be  as  free  from  epidemic  as  it  ever  is  in  any 
season  of  the  year.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  respect, 
Your  Obedt.  Servant,  R.  W.  SHUFELDT,  Consul  Genl. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       419 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  DepL,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  28,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  call  your  attention  to  the  enclosed 
extracts  translated  from  the  Diario  of  Havana,  in  confirmation 
of  my  reports  in  regard  to  Spanish  vessels  of  war  transporting 
passengers;  also  the  fact  that  the  Spanish  War  Steamer 
"Blasco  de  Garay"  has  taken  from  this  port  over  a  million 
dollars  in  specie.  It  will  be  seen  that  while  I  am  forbidding 
their  leaving  the  city  without  passes,  the  Spanish  men-of-war 
are  taking  away  both.  I  desire  instructions  whether  this  is 
a  breach  of  national  courtesy  and  hospitality;  and  I  should 
allow  no  Spanish  vessel  of  war  to  come  above  the  Forts  until 
I  receive  instructions  from  the  Department.  I  have  the  honor 

e'  Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  servt. 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

THE  Prensa  of  the  15th  announces  the  arrival  of  the  "Mari- 
galanti"  from  New  Orleans,  with  over  200  passengers  (refugees) 
and  Government  tobacco. 

The  Diario  of  the  16th,  noticing  the  arrival  of  the  refugees 
in  the  "Marigalanti,"  remarks,  "It  is  a  satisfaction  to  us  to 
think  that  circumstances  have  made  the  Spanish  Flag  the 
first  to  give  aid  and  shelter  to  the  citizens  of  Louisiana,  while 
they  have  been  suffering  from  the  calamities  which  accompany 
civil  war." 

The  Diario  closes  by  the  remark  that  the  emigration  from 
New  Orleans,  which  it  hopes  will  augment,  will  doubtless  be 
very  beneficial  to  the  interior  of  the  "ever  faithful  Isle,"  and 
that  the  authorities  of  the  island  seem  to  so  regard  it,  as  they 
afford  all  needful  protection  to  those  that  seek  their  aid. 

The  Prensa  of  the  17th  announces  that  the  Spanish  Frigate 
"Cortes"  has  left  St.  lago  de  Cuba  for  Porte  au  Prince,  where 
it  was  reported  that  she  would  remain  fifteen  days.  The 
Prensa  has  no  knowledge  of  the  object  of  her  visit. 

The  Prensa,  mentioning  the  arrival  of  the  Spanish  War 
Steamship  "Blasco  de  Garay"  from  New  Orleans,  says  she 
had  on  board  over  a  million  of  dollars  in  gold,  entrusted  to 
her  Commander,  and  that  the  money  has  been  deposited  in 
the  various  banks  of  Havana.  The  Prensa  understands  that 
the  Command,  of  the  "Blasco  de  Garay"  declined  to  receive  the 


420       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

usual  percentage  allowed  for  the  transportation  of  specie  in 
war  vessels,  and  that  the  emigrants  from  this  city  by  that 
vessel,  in  testimony  of  their  gratitude  to  Don  Manuel  Herera, 
the  Comd.,  for  his  generous  conduct,  have  tendered  him  a  public 
dinner. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  29,  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON  Secy  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  the  report  of  my  Medical 
Director  and  the  Surgeon  of  the  Quarantine  Station  in  regard 
to  the  action  of  Mr.  Pierce,  Consul  at  Matamoras,  who  it 
would  seem  needs  some  instructions  in  the  way  of  his  duty. 
He  gives  clean  bills  of  health  when  epidemic  is  raging. 

We  have  thus  far  succeeded,  in  the  Providence  of  God,  by 
the  most  strenuous  exertions  in  keeping  all  pestilence  away 
from  the  city,  and  the  enclosed  communications  will  give 
some  idea  of  the  difficulties  under  which  we  labor.  I  have 

the  honor  to  be,  T/  ^         7  7 ,  . 

Very  respy.  Your  obdt.  servant 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  General  Commanding 
Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Consulate  of  the  U  S.  of  America  at  MATAMORAS,  Oct.  3,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

I,  CONSUL  of  the  United  States  of  America  for  the  port  of 
Matamoras,  Mexico,  do  hereby  certify  that  the  schooner  called 
the  "Planet/'  of  Nassau,  N.P.,  of  the  registered  burden  of 
seventy-six  tons,  whereof  J,  Chander  is  master,  navigated  by 
six  men  and  having  on  board  twenty -five  passengers,  being  in 
all  thirty-two  are  persons  on  board  cleared  this  day  from  this 
port  for  New  Orleans.  I  hereby  further  certify  that  in  this 
port  and  vicinity  and  among  the  shipping  thereof  good  health 
prevails  without  suspicion  of  plague,  yellow  fever,  or  any  con- 
tagious or  pestilential  disease  whatever,  in  either  an  epidemic 
or  sporadic  form,  and  that  no  disease  has  existed  either  in  the 
place  or  among  the  shipping  for  the  past  .  .  .  weeks  or 
months. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  of  this  Consular  office,  the 
day  and  year  above  written. 

L.  PIERCE,  JR.,  U.  S.  Consul 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       421 

Medical  Director's  Office,  Head  Qls.  Dept  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  25<A,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  U.  S.  Army,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  herewith  enclose  to  you  the  bill  of  health  for 
the  schooner  "Planet"  from  Matamoras,  Mexico,  and  a  copy 
of  the  letter  of  Dr.  J.  A.  G.  Fisher,  the  Quarantine  physician 
at  the  station  below  New  Orleans,  dated  October  20th,  1862, 
giving  statements  of  some  of  the  passengers  of  the  schooner 
"Planet." 

On  the  16th  September,  1862,  the  Mexican  schooner  "lical- 
tipec"  arrived  from  Matamoras,  Mexico,  having  a  clean  bill 
of  health  from  the  U.  S.  Consul  at  that  port.  The  schooner 
had  on  board  six  U.S.  soldiers  —  escaped  prisoners  from  the 
rebels.  On  the  21st  of  September,  Dr.  Fisher  reported  that 
Pat  C.  Spark  of  the  8th  Infy.,  who  came  as  a  passenger  on  the 
"licaltipec,"  was  taken  sick  with  yellow  fever,  and  on  the 
27th  September  Dr.  Fisher  reports  that  this  man  had  died  the 
previous  day  (the  26th  Sept.),  black  vomit  having  set  in,  thus 
proving  to  be  an  unmistakable  case  of  yellow  fever,  —  still  this 
vessel  had  a  clean  bill  of  health. 

Again,  on  the  16th  October,  1862,  the  schooner  "Planet" 
arrived  here  from  Matamoras,  having  enclosed  a  clean  bill 
of  health  from  Mr.  L.  Pierce,  Jr.,  the  U.  S.  Consul  at  that 
port,  although  this  vessel  had  93  passengers  on  board  from 
Texas,  who  stated  to  Dr.  Fisher  that  yellow  fever  in  an 
epidemic  form  existed  at  Brownsville  at  the  time  of  their 
departure. 

This  has  been  the  second  case  of  a  vessel  arriving  from 
Matamoras  with  a  clean  bill  of  health  from  Mr.  L.  Pierce, 
Jr.,  the  U.  S.  Consul,  while  it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  a  severe 
epidemic  of  yellow  fever  existed  during  this  season  along  the 
whole  coast  of  Texas  and  Mexico. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servant, 

CHARLES  McCoRMiCK,  Medical  Director,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  October  29*/i,  1862 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  transmit  to 
you  the  enclosed  Copy  of  a  communication  addressed  to  this 
Department  by  the  Consul  General  of  Switzerland,  with  the 
request  that  you  will  report  the  facts  in  relation  to  the  alleged 
sequestration  of  22  Hogsheads  of  Sugar,  claimed  to  be  the 


422        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

property  of  Messrs.  Steiner  &  Marioni,  citizens  of  Switzerland, 
resident  at  New  Orleans. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedt.  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  AssL  Secretary  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Wo?;.  Z5th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  The  sugar  mentioned  in  your  communication  of 
October  29th,  having  been  found  in  one  of  the  bonded  ware- 
houses of  the  supposed  Confederate  Government,  was  held 
by  the  Custom  House  Officers  until  investigation  could  be 
made,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  enclosed  report.  It  was  long 
since  returned.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

November  26th,  1862     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  The  Collector  reports  to  me  this  sugar  was 
returned  to  this  firm  some  time  since,  it  having  been  in  one  of 
the  bonded  warehouses,  and  for  a  time  held  by  the  Custom 
House  authorities.  It  was  never  sequestered. 

Respectfully,  J.  H.  FRENCH,  Provost  Marshal  General 

From  Honorable  S.  P.  Chase 

Treasury  Department,  Oct.  29^,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  The  sincerest  interest  in  you  prompts 
this  letter.  You  have  done  so  much  and  so  well,  and  have 
been  personally  so  just  in  your  action  and  expressions  towards 
myself,  that  I  cannot  endure  the  thoughts  of  your  suffering  in 
the  present  poor  opinion  as  well  as  in  the  esteem  of  the  govern- 
ment through  the  imputed  faults  of  others. 

So  many  and  seemingly  such  well-founded  charges  against 
your  brother,  Col.  Butler,  have  reached  me  and  other  mem- 
bers of  the  administration,  as  well  as  the  President,  that  I  feel 
bound  to  say  to  you  that  in  my  judgment  you  owe  it  to  your- 
self riot  to  be  responsible,  even  by  toleration,  for  what  he 
does.  Many  do  not  scruple  to  express  their  conviction  that 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       428 

you  and  some  other  of  your  officers  are  concerned  in  his  specu- 
lations. Mr.  Denison  alone  of  all  who  have  written  from  New 
Orleans  has  repelled  the  idea  of  your  participation,  and  even 
his  faith,  though  he  expresses  the  greatest  admiration  and 
regard  for  you,  seems  to  be  shaken  in  this  respect. 

I  do  not  presume  to  suggest  any  line  of  action  to  you.  Your 
own  good  sense  will  advise  you  better  than  I  can. 

It  is  said  that  Col.  Butler's  gains  amount  to  between  one 
and  two  millions  of  dollars. 

Mr.  Denison's  last  letter  transmits  two  permits,  one  from 
yourself  and  one  from  Gov.  Shepley,  for  trade  with  the  enemy, 
or  rather  within  the  rebel  lines.  This  is  expressly  forbidden 
by  act  of  Congress  as  well  as  by  Regulation.  I  am  glad  to 
have  his  assurance  that  no  more  such  permits  will  be  granted. 
All  intercourse  across  the  lines  should  be  confined  to  military 
purposes. 

I  shall  look  anxiously  and  hopefully  to  the  result  of  your 
expedition  up  the  river.  I  hope  it  may  add  a  new  laurel  to 
your  crown,  as  well  as  prove  of  essential  service  to  our  cause. 
Mr.  Denison  gives  the  most  interesting  and  promising  accounts 
of  your  colored  regiment  experiment.  The  only  error  is  that 
the  experiment  is  begun  too  late.  Long  ago  we  should  have 
received  every  recruit  willing  to  take  arms  for  the  Union 
in  the  rebel  states,  whether  black  or  white,  putting  them  in 
proper  organization,  and  save  as  far  as  possible  our  labor  in 
the  loyal  states.  The  drain  in  consequence  of  the  neglect  of 
this  simple  device  of  prudence  upon  our  labor,  and  especially 
our  unskilled  labor,  is  frightful.  This  alone  will  account  for 
augmented  prices  of  all  articles  produced  by  labor. 

Yours  cordially  and  faithfully,  S.  P.  CHASE 

From  General  Butler  to  Salmon  P.  Chase 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  \±tht  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Your  kind  and  welcome  note  was  received 
with  mingled  emotions  of  pleasure  and  pain  —  pleasure  from 
the  friendship  which  so  conspicuously  shows  through  every 
line,  and  pain  that  you,  a  friend,  should  think  I  would  permit 
the  wrongs  which  you  sketch  to  be  done  not  only  with  my 
knowledge,  but  with  my  sanction.  My  brother  has  been  in- 
deed engaged  in  commercial  adventure  in  New  Orleans,  and 
has  been  successful.  I  know  and  cannot  be  mistaken  that  he 


424       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

has  been  no  more  successful  than  many  others.  I  believe 
that  every  transaction  has  been  legitimate  mercantile  opera- 
tions. I  have  aided  him  in  no  way  officially.  On  the  con- 
trary, I  have  avoided  it,  and  have  aided  him  far  less  than 
I  have  strangers,  so  far  as  all  matters  of  official  action  were 
concerned.  I  have  aided  him  to  capital  and  credit  by  the  use 
of  my  name  at  the  North,  and  drawing  on  my  bankers  where 
I  had  some  means  before  this  war,  but  very  little  now.  I 
have  aided  him  in  no  other  way.  I  believe  this  is  a  legitimate 
course  toward  a  brother.  I  have  not  heard,  nor  do  I  believe, 
that  he  has  done  anything  which  in  any  way  interferes  with 
the  Army  of  the  Gulf  or  with  the  department.  Certain  it  is 
that  he  has  supplied  the  army  with  nothing  or  bought  anything 
from  it  that  was  not  sold  at  public  auction. 

That  his  acts  have  been  misrepresented  is  most  true,  and 
in  nothing  more  than  in  the  extent  of  his  transactions,  —  you 
say  you  have  heard  his  profits  were  two  millions  !!.  Why 
he  shew  me  his  balance  sheet  the  1st  of  October,  and  his 
entire  transactions  were  only  rising  eight  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  a  large  portion  of  which  was  in  buying  sugar  here  at 
nearly  the  same  price  it  sold  for  in  New  York,  sometimes 
higher,  and  depending  upon  the  difference  of  exchange  12  or 
15  per  cent  for  his  profits. 

How  much  he  has  been  able  to  gain  you  will  conjecture. 
I  have  not  asked  him,  nor  do  I  believe  he  knows.  That  he 
most  carefully  bought  for  the  Government,  to  send  home  under 
my  direction,  some  sixty  thousand  dollars  worth  of  sugar  and 
naval  stores,  upon  which  the  Government  doubled  the  money, 
and  in  payment  of  which  my  drafts  were  suffered  to  go  to  pro- 
test, is  most  true,  but  for  that  he  has  never  yet  received  one 
cent.  I  asked  him  to  ballast  some  Government  transports, 
which  would  otherwise  have  to  go  to  Ship  Island  for  sand,  and 
the  Quartermaster  at  Boston  repudiated  his  contracts,  although 
thousands  of  dollars  were  saved  to  the  Government.  A  loss 
was  thrown  on  him  by  the  repudiation,  and  his  name  brought 
into  disrepute  by  the  action  of  Quartermaster's  Department. 

These  are  all  the  acts  he  has  ever  done  for  the  Government, 
and  these  are  the  results.  I  have  determined,  however,  that 
no  appearance  of  evil  shall  exist  to  rob  me  of  the  fair  earnings 
of  a  devotion  of  life  and  fortune  to  the  service  of  my  country. 
I  have  therefore  asked  Col.  Butler  to  close  up  his  business  and 
go  away  from  New  Orleans,  so  as  to  leave  me  entirely  untram- 
melled to  deal  with  the  infernal  brood  of  slandering  speculators 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       425 

who  have  maligned  me  because  I  will  not  allow  them  to  plunder 
the  Government. 

I  would  desire  that  every  high  officer  of  my  command, 
every  quartermaster,  commissary,  Gov.  Shepley,  General 
Weitzel,  Sherman,  or  other  officers,  might  be  interrogated  as 
to  any  act  of  Col.  Butler  in  his  business,  and  I  am  willing  he 
should  abide  the  result  of  the  answer. 

I  have  managed  the  affairs  of  this  department  as  I  would 
have  done  my  own,  and  that  I  have  been  successful  before  I 
entered  the  service  of  the  country  in  accumulating  a  compe- 
tency for  myself  is  the  best  guarantee  that  I  know  how  to 
manage  my  own  affairs,  and  I  point  with  a  just  pride  to  the 
records  of  the  commissary,  quartermaster's,  and  treasury  for 
the  justification  of  my  administration  —  less  by  more  than 
ten  dollars  to  one  as  compared  with  the  Port  Royal  expedition, 
which  was  just  about  the  same  size.  And  much  less  than 
any  other  expedition  of  the  equal  size. 

Besides,  I  have  fed  more  than  thirty  thousand  whites  and 
ten  thousand  blacks  for  more  than  five  months,  and  have  put 
into  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  more  than  three  quarters 
of  a  million  of  dollars. 

I  have  a  right  to  say  this  to  a  friend,  and  take  the  privilege 
to  do  so.  As  to  the  matter  of  the  passes  of  merchandise  to 
get  cotton,  I  have  fully  informed  the  department  upon  that 
subject.  It  was  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  State  Department 
and  approved,  and  submitted  to  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson  at  the 
time,  and  approved  by  him,  and  this  was  the  only  evidence 
I  had  it  was  wrong  until  I  got  your  note. 

Certain  it  is  that  by  allowing  some  provisions  to  go  across 
the  lake  to  the  starving  people  there,  we  have  caused  an  insur- 
rection at  Jackson,  Mississippi,  against  the  Confederate  Gov- 
ernment, because  they  would  not  allow  the  cotton  to  go  out 
to  pay  for  them.  Upon  examination  of  the  "  regulations  of 
the  Treasury,"  however,  the  most  stringent  rules  in  conformity 
therewith  were  adopted. 

My  experiment  of  arming  the  free  negroes  is  succeeding 
admirably.  Two  regiments  are  already  doing  service  in 
the  field  in  guarding  the  Opelousas  Railroad,  and  are  doing 
it  as  well  as  any  soldiers  can.  That  they  will  fight  I  do  not 
doubt.  I  am  much  in  need  of  reinforcements  —  not  to  hold 
this  place,  but  to  do  anything  with  service  to  the  country.  I 
can  take  Mobile  if  I  have  10,000  men  to  do  it  with,  aye,  I  will 
try  with  seven.  I  have  now  scarcely  10  thousand  effective 


426        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

men  in  the  department,  and  I  could  not  have  moved  as  I  have 
were  it  not  for  my  negro  recruits. 

You  will  find  enclosed  the  order,  No.  91,  that  I  have  issued 
in  regard  to  the  property  in  the  Lafourche  county.  I  will 
get  a  million  of  dollars  worth  of  property,  at  least,  for  the 
Government,  if  some  commissioner  is  not  sent  down  here  to 
give  it  up.  Mr.  Johnson's  visit  here  cost  the  Government 
$405,000  in  gold,  which  has  been  since  sent  out  to  pay  for 
army  clothing  for  the  Rebels.  It  is  all  told  in  my  despatches 
to  the  War  Department.  Do  pray  send  me  some  men.  I  will 
take  Texas  if  you  will  send  any  men.  I  have  not  2000  now  in 
the  city  of  New  Orleans,  nor  five  within  striking  distance. 

From  G.  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  l 

PRIVATE.     NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  \Mh,  1862     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

DEAR  SIR:  Four  days  ago  General  Butler  showed  me  the 
letter  he  had  just  received  from  you,  concerning  the  specula- 
tions of  Col.  Butler,  and  trade  with  the  enemy.  In  my  opin- 
ion it  was  the  right  method  of  effecting  a  desirable  object. 
The  General  pleased  to  talk  to  me  confidentially.  He  says 
that  his  brother's  gains  have  been  less  than  Two  Hundred 
Thousand  —  that  he  has  done  only  a  legitimate  business  — 
that  without  being  interested  he  assisted  his  brother  at  first 
with  his  (the  GenTs)  credit  —  and  that  Col.  Butler  will  close 
his  business  as  quickly  as  possible  and  go  home.  He  also  said 
that  some  of  his  officers  had  engaged  in  speculations,  but  only 
in  a  proper  manner. 

For  one  thing  Col.  Butler  deserves  credit.  Many  sugar 
plantations  were  abandoned.  Col.  B.  bought  the  standing 
crop  of  a  large  plantation  for  $25,000,  hired  negroes  at  a  fair 
rate  per  day  —  and  will  make  a  thousand  hogsheads  of  sugar 
this  year  from  this  one  plantation.  I  say  he  deserves  credit, 
as  being  the  first  man  bold  and  enterprising  enough  to  under- 
take the  raising  of  a  large  crop  of  sugar  by  free  labor  —  which, 
a  little  while  ago,  was  slave  labor  —  in  opposition  to  the  South- 
ern idea,  long  established,  that  Sugar  and  Cotton  can  be  suc- 
cessfully raised  only  by  compulsory  labor.  I  lately  visited  this 
plantation,  which  is  a  few  miles  below  the  city,  and  never  saw 
negroes  work  with  more  energy  and  industry.  This  single 
experiment  refutes  theories  which  Southern  leaders  have 
labored,  for  years,  to  establish.  The  crops  of  four  or  five 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  329. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       427 

other  plantations  down  the  river,  and  some  above  the  city, 
were  subsequently  purchased  by  other  persons,  and  are  con- 
ducted with  the  same  success.  The  abolition  of  Slavery,  by 
whatever  means  accomplished,  instead  of  destroying  will 
increase  and  invigorate  labor. 

I  think  there  will  not  again  be  any  ground  of  complaint 
against  Gen.  Butler  for  his  toleration  of  speculators.  Nothing 
objectionable  has  been  permitted  since  the  receipt  of  your 
regulations  of  August  28th.  He  is  a  man  not  to  be  spared  from 
the  country's  service.  I  suppose  he  was  a  pro-slavery  man 
before  the  war,  but  he  has  since  become  the  opposite.  And 
nearly  all  real  Union  men  from  the  South  are  Anti-Slavery,  of 
whom  Hon.  A.  J.  Hamilton  is  a  good  representative. 

The  expedition  to  the  Lafourche  has  been  entirely  successful. 
The  whole  country  from  here  to  Berwick's  Bay,  and  up  as 
far  as  Donaldsonville,  is  in  our  possession.  There  was  a  short, 
sharp  fight,  and  the  undertaking  was  accomplished.  Gen. 
Butler's  gun-boats  did  not  reach  Berwick  in  time  to  cut  off 
the  retreat,  —  having  got  aground  on  the  bar,  —  and  so  the 
greater  part  of  the  enemy  escaped. 

These  gunboats  are  four.  Gen.  Butler  made  three  of  them 
out  of  old  river  boats  —  iron  plated  them  with  plating  designed 
for  rebel  gunboats,  and,  drawing  but  little  water,  they  are  of 
great  service. 

The  inhabitants  of  Lafourche  are  thoroughly  subjugated, 
and  express  a  desire  for  peace  on  any  terms.  They  take  the 
oath  of  allegiance  voluntarily.  The  negroes  everywhere  flocked 
to  the  army,  as  to  their  deliverers,  and  many  of  the  plantations 
were  entirely  deserted.  Gen.  Butler  says  they  are  free  forever, 
but  he  has  ordered  them  (I  understand)  back  to  their  planta- 
tions to  work  there  for  proper  compensation.  This  is  the  only 
method  of  providing  for  them  at  present.  The  situation  of 
this  country  (Lafourche)  is  such  that  it  is  not  probable  the 
rebels  will  ever  regain  it.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that 
Gen.  B.  has  not  more  troops  here.  With  25,000  more,  he  could 
accomplish  great  things.  If  the  enemy  is  attacked  from  the 
South,  he  will  no  longer  think  of  invading  Kentucky  and 
Missouri,  but  turn  southward  to  protect  the  Gulf  states. 

The  two  colored  regiments  guard  the  railroad  from  here  to 
Berwick.  They  have  done  well,  and  accomplished  all  that 
has  been  given  them  to  do.  About  one  year  ago,  the  colored 
Regt.  was  ordered  out  to  escort  the  Yankee  prisoners  through 
the  city,  though  the  order  was  subsequently  countermanded. 


428        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

A  few  days  ago,  a  company  of  the  same  Reg't.  marched  into 
the  city,  having  under  guard  about  twenty  guerillas,  whom 
they  had  captured.  It  seemed  a  just  retribution. 

The  company  officers  of  this  first  Reg't.  are  educated  men, 
and  each  speaks  at  least  two  languages.  Gen.  B.  will  soon 
give  his  colored  troops  a  chance  to  show  themselves.  He 
designs  attacking  Port  Hudson,  a  strong  position  on  the  river. 

The  third  colored  Reg't.  is  full,  and  will  soon  be  in  the  field. 
I  urged  upon  General  B.  the  propriety  of  arming  all  the  able- 
bodied  negroes  in  Lafourche,  for  they  would  willingly  consent 
to  it.  He  is  undoubtedly  in  favor  of  it,  but  has  not  arms.  He 
has  collected  in  the  city  smooth-bore  muskets  enough  for  three 
more  Reg'ts.,  but  his  supply  will  then  be  exhausted.  This  will 
be  six  colored  Regiments.  I  fear  the  Government  will  not  act 
decidedly,  as  to  the  army  of  negroes,  until  the  rebels  take  the 
wind  out  of  our  sails  by  arming  them  for  the  Rebel  side. 

The  Rebels  have  found  a  new  supply  of  salt.  It  is  on  an 
Island  formed  by  a  bayou,  half  way  between  Vermilion  Bay 
and  New  Iberia,  which  island  is  called  Petit  Anse  on  the  map 
I  sent  you.  It  is  forty  or  fifty  miles  west  of  Berwick,  and 
about  ten  miles  inland,  but  the  Bayou  is  navigable  for  Gun- 
boats. The  supply  of  salt  is  large,  and  wagons  are  hauling  it 
to  Mississippi  and  Alabama.  Gen.  Bulter  will  take  measures 
to  destroy  the  works  at  once  —  or  as  soon  as  possible. 

Texas  refugees  have,  at  different  times,  reached  this  city. 
I  proposed  to  Gen.  Butler  that  a  Texas  Reg't.  of  mounted 
rifles  be  organized,  at  the  same  time  suggesting  the  method  of 
doing  it.  He  adopted  the  plan.  Judge  Davis,  of  Corpus 
Christi,  is  selected  as  Col.,  and  Mr.  Stancel  (Inspector  in  this 
Custom  House)  as  Lieut.  Col.  The  first  company  is  mustered 
in,  —  composed  entirely  of  refugees,  —  and  two  more  are 
started.  They  will  go  to  Galveston,  where  many  persons  will 
join  —  and  a  steamship  will  be  sent  to  Rio  Grande,  to  bring 
off  the  refugees  who  are  at,  or  near,  Matamoras.  A  full  regi- 
ment can  easily  be  raised.  Perhaps  the  news  rec'd.  here  of 
the  expedition  to  Texas  under  Gen.  Banks,  will  interfere  with 
the  plan,  but  I  hope  not. 

The  whole  country  west  of  the  Mississippi  can  be  subjugated 
in  one  campaign.  Should  this  be  accomplished,  the  Southern 
Confederacy  would  never  be  formidable,  in  case  of  its  inde- 
pendence being  established  by  foreign  interference,  or  by 
other  means.  (GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       429 

By  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  SOffc,  1862 

Col.  THOMAS 

SIR:  You  will  take  every  means  to  open  communication 
between  Bouttee  Station,  Thibodeaux,  &  Bayou  des  Alle- 
mands  by  telegraph.  Lieut.  Smith  goes  out  for  this  purpose. 
Be  sure  and  get  communication  between  yourself  and  me  at 
once,  and  report  frequently,  push  on  with  all  vigor  to  make  a 
junction  with  Gen'L  Weitzel,  leaving  a  sufficient  working  party 
at  the  bridge  with  Col.  Stafford .  I  shall  send  forward  the 
Companies  of  his  regiment  now  employed  in  guarding  the  road, 
and  supply  their  places  with  the  2nd  Regt.  Native  Guards 
(colored).  I  have  no  report  from  you  as  to  the  condition  of 
the  bridge  at  Des  Allemands.  Send  to  me  for  whatever  you 
want,  but  send  a  report  how  long  you  are  to  be  in  repairing 
the  bridge.  What  is  the  condition  of  the  road  between  Des 
Allemands  and  Lafourche?  General  Weitzel  will  desire  you 
to  hold  Thibodeaux,  and  therefore  I  am  pressing  forward 
Col.  Stafford.  I  desire  to  impress  upon  you  once  more  the 
necessity  of  the  most  energetic  measures  in  repairing  that 
bridge,  and  the  thing  that  will  do  most  for  it  will  be  in 
opening  the  telegraphic  communication  with  me,  so  that  I 
can  send  forward  workmen  and  supplies  if  necessary.  Every- 
thing is  quiet  here,  and  no  news  from  the  North.  I  have 

the  honor  to  be      T7  ,-  7J     TZ          ,    ,.     , 

very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

By  command  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  30,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  WEITZEL,  Com'g  Reserve  Corps,  THIBODEAUX,  LA. 

GENERAL:  I  have  received  your  report  of  the  28  &  29th 
inst.,  the  last  enclosing  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded.  I  cannot 
speak  too  highly  of  the  admirable  conduct  of  your  troops,  and 
your  own  brilliant  success  in  the  expedition. 

I  have  pushed  forward  the  opening  of  the  road  as  vigor- 
ously as  possible.  Col.  Stafford  left  Wednesday  afternoon, 
with  timber  sufficient,  as  he  said,  to  repair  the  bridge  at  Bayou 
des  Allemands,  and  he  assured  me  that  he  would  be  able  to 
do  it  in  two  days  or  three  at  the  outside.  I  have  directed  Col. 
Thomas  by  the  same  messenger  to  push  forward  the  bulk  of 


430        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

his  regiment  as  fast  as  he  can  repair  the  track,  and  to  join 
you  at  Thibodeaux.  Your  requisition  shall  be  filled  and  for- 
warded at  the  earliest  possible  moment. 

Buchanan  was  to  have  made  his  attack  on  Tuesday  at 
Berwicks,  with  what  success  of  course  I  cannot  say  as  yet. 
We  were  delayed  three  days  by  a  most  terrific  storm  which 
disabled  the  "Diana,"  but  I  have  got  her  in  working  order, 
and  she  has  gone  round. 

I  have  ordered  over  the  Second  Native  Guards  (colored), 
who  will  hold  the  road  while  Stafford  pushes  on  to  Thibodeaux. 
I  sympathize  with  you  in  the  matter  of  the  negroes.  By 
the  Act  of  Congress  they  are  clearly  free,  still  you  must  not 
encumber  yourself  with  them.  Make  them  stop  at  Thibo- 
deaux, from  whence,  when  we  get  cars  running,  we  can 
transport  them  to  Algiers  if  necessary.  If  they  pillage,  of 
course  we  cannot  help  it.  It  is  one  of  the  necessary  evils  fol- 
lowing this  system  of  labor,  and  the  rebellion,  as  far  as  I 
can  see. 

Everything  is  quiet  here.  We  have  had  no  arrivals  from 
the  north.  Through  secret  channels  we  learn  that  Bragg  has 
evacuated  Kentucky.  The  elections  in  Ohio,  Pennsylvania, 
and  Indiana  have  been  in  favor  of  the  Democracy,  so  secesh 
reports;  but  with  this  we  have  nothing  to  do,  as  I  suppose  it 
will  not  affect  the  prosecution  of  the  war. 

Push  in  to  Brashier  City  as  soon  as  possible,  to  be  able  to 
act  in  conjunction  with  Buchanan.  I  have  a  despatch  from 
Col.  Holcomb  at  Donaldsonville.  He  reports  everything  quiet 
there.  The  "Essex"  has  gone  up  there. 

Very  respy.  Your  obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Commanding 
By  WM.  S.  G.  GREENE,  Lt.  Q.  A.  D.  C. 

From  Rear-Admiral  Reynaud 

TRANSLATION.    Naval  Division  of  the  Gulf  and  North  America.    Office  of  the  Admiral. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  October  31st,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  at  NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  reception  of 
the  passes  which  you  sent  me,  and  am  obliged  to  you. 

I  have  received  also  your  gracious  letter  which  enclosed 
them,  and  I  regret  much  that  I  have  to  decline  your  amia- 
ble proposition,  as  I  cannot  accept  the  invitation  of  Mr. 
Butler  until  I  have  the  honor  to  receive  the  visit  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        431 

General  Commanding.    I  have  the  honor,  General,  to  be  with 

'  Your  most  obedt.  Servant,  REYNAUD 

The  Contre  Admiral,  commanding  in  chief  the  naval 
division  of  the  Gulf  and  North  America 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  oj  the  Oidf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  31,  1862 

The  ADMIRAL  Commanding  the  French  Naval  Division  of  the 
Seas  of  the  Antilles  and  of  South  America 

MONSIEUR:  Will  the  Admiral  honor  General  Butler  by 
indicating  at  what  hour  and  at  what  place  it  will  be  his  pleasure 
to  receive  an  official  visit  from  the  Major  General  Command- 
ing, and  allow  the  General  to  present  to  the  Admiral  the  mem- 
bers of  his  Staff. 

General  Butler  takes  liberty  to  make  his  regretful  apologies 
to  the  Admiral,  that  the  pressure  of  official  business  connected 
with  the  movements  of  his  troops  now  in  progress  has  rendered 
the  performance  of  the  duty  and  pleasure  of  paying  his  respects 
to  the  Admiral  impossible  until  this  moment. 

From  Rear-Admiral  Reynaud, 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  October  Slst,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  In  reply  to  your  letter  of  yesterday  evening, 
and  which  I  received  this  morning,  I  shall  have  the  honor,  if 
convenient  to  you,  to  receive  the  General  Command'g.  on 
board  the  "Catinat"  this  afternoon  at  3  o'clock.  I  am  with 
respect,  General,  ^  ^  ^^  REYNAUD 

The  Contre  Admiral  Commanding  Naval  Div.  of  Gulf9  &c. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  1,  1862 

To  the  Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secy  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  copy  of  correspondence 
between  the  French  Consul  and  myself  in  relation  to  certain 
blankets  which  the  necessities  of  my  command  require  me  to 
have. 

The  tone  of  the  letter  of  Count  Mejan  is  insufferable;  but 
I  have  taken  no  further  notice  of  it  than  that  shown  in  my 
letter.  I  suppose  the  matter  will  be  made  a  subject  of  cor- 


432        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

respondence  with  the  State  Department,  and  I  have  forwarded 
this  correspondence  for  information.    I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respy.  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

TRANSLATION.     NEW  ORLEANS,  Oct.  Slst,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Com'g  Army  of  the  Gulf, 
NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  have  just  been  informed  that  by  virtue  of  an  order 
issued  by  the  Provost  Marshal  General,  Col.  French,  and 
approved  by  you,  ten  bales  of  blankets  belonging  to  Messrs. 
Barriere  Bros.,  French  merchants,  residing  in  this  city,  have 
been  taken  away  from  the  custom  house,  where  these  goods 
were  stored,  without  even  informing  the  owners  thereof. 

This  arbitrary  act  is  more  than  an  attempt  against  the  prop- 
erty of  the  French  citizen,  it  is  flagrant  violation  of  a  trust 
confided  to  the  good  faith  of  the  United  States  under  the  flag 
floating  over  the  Custom  House,  and  placed  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Head  of  the  Custom  House  Administration. 

In  the  midst  of  your  important  occupations  the  gravity 
of  this  fact  was  without  doubt  not  presented  to  your  mind, 
and  I  hope  these  remarks  will  be  sufficient  to  induce  you  to 
order  the  restitution  of  the  goods  thus  illegally  seized. 

If  a  violation  of  a  trust  is  by  itself  not  justifiable,  it  is  the 
more  so  by  the  fact  that  Messrs.  Barriere  Bros,  have  not  been 
advised  of  what  was  intended  and  accomplished. 

All  the  important  importers  are  interested  in  this  question. 
The  commerce  cannot  exist  without  security,  and  how  can 
business  in  New  Orleans,  already  so  dull,  take  a  rise,  which 
was  formerly  characteristic  of  this  city,  if  one  is  exposed  to 
see  his  goods,  confided  to  the  Custom  House,  seized  without 
notice,  without  reason,  or  right.  Already  Messrs.  Barriere 
have  been  victims  of  a  seizure  in  their  stores  in  Canal  St.,  a 
seizure  executed  under  a  promise  of  early  payment,  which 
has  been  delayed  until  the  time  when  the  war  should  be  over, 
which  delay  is  admissible,  as  it  might  be  only  the  result  of  a 
contract  between  both  parties,  and  Messrs.  Barriere  are  not 
willing  to  submit  to  this. 

I  beg  you  therefore,  General,  to  order  the  restitution  of  the 
goods  seized  from  the  Depot  of  the  Custom  House,  and  belong- 
ing to  Messrs.  Barriere  Bros.,  as  well  as  the  immediate  pay- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        433 

ment  of  those  which  have  been  taken  from  their  store  by  order, 
if  I  am  right,  of  the  Surgeon  General  of  the  Army.  Please 
accept  the  assurance  of  my  high  consideration. 

Count  MEJAN,  Consul  of  France 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  1,  1862 

Count  MEJTAN,  Consul  of  France 

SIK:  I  have  your  letter  of  Oct.  31  in  regard  to  the  taking 
by  the  United  States  authorities  of  the  blankets  of  Mr.  Barriere 
&  Co.  Mr.  Barriere  has  misinformed  and  misled  you  by  the 
statement  that  they  were  taken  without  information  to  him. 
The  Medical  Director  of  the  Department  had  need  of  the 
blankets  for  the  sick  in  Hospital.  The  sudden  appearance  of 
cold  weather  and  the  delay  of  steamers  from  the  North  had 
rendered  the  supply  insufficient. 

It  became,  then,  a  necessity  that  blankets  should  be  pro- 
cured. Mr.  Barriere  had  almost  the  only  blankets  of  which  we 
knew.  The  Medical  Director  called  upon  him  and  desired  to 
purchase  the  blankets.  He  refused  to  sell  them  unless  he 
could  be  paid  money  in  hand  at  an  exorbitant  price.  He  was 
informed  that  the  money  would  soon  be  paid  at  fair  price. 
He  then  peremptorily  refused  to  sell.  Therefore,  yielding  to 
the  inexorable  law  of  necessity,  I  directed  the  blankets  to  be 
taken  for  the  purpose  indicated  for  military  purposes,  and 
should  have  done  the  same  thing  had  they  belonged  to  the 
most  loyal  citizen  of  the  United  States. 

I  know  of  no  treaty  or  obligation  of  national  courtesy  that 
requires  the  French  citizen  to  be  put,  in  time  of  war  at  least, 
upon  any  better  or  different  footing  than  the  citizen  of  the 
Government  in  which  he  finds  himself,  in  regard  to  matters 
of  trade,  commerce,  and  property.  I  do  not  now  advert  to 
rules  which  may  govern  military  service.  A  receipt  was  given 
Messrs.  Barriere  &  Bros,  for  the  blankets  as  soon  as  an  account 
of  them  could  be  taken,  in  form  given  to  loyal  citizens  of  the 
United  States,  as  a  voucher  by  the  Gov't.  and  in  the  usual 
course  of  business.  I  would  have  directed  a  payment  to  be 
made  to  him  at  the  earliest  possible  moment.  But  I  am  now 
hindered  from  so  doing  from  the  tone  and  demands  of  your 
letter.  You  do  not  demand  payment  —  you  demand  restitu- 
tion of  the  article.  This  last  will  not  be  acceded  to.  The 
blankets  are  now  covering  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  whose 
interest  I  must  care  for  before  those  of  commerce,  which  of 
course  lie  more  near  the  heart  of  a  commercial  agent. 

VOL.    II — 28 


434       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  the  French  Consul  that  words  of 
characterization  of  my  acts,  such  as  "arbitrary  and  flagrant 
violation  of  trusts,"  are  not  worthy  a  place  in  a  correspond- 
ence between  himself  and  the  Chief  of  this  Department.  The 
act  was  not  arbitrary,  otherwise  than  all  acts  necessary  for 
military  purposes  are  so.  The  taking  of  the  blankets  for 
military  purposes  was  no  violation  of  trust.  The  United 
States  Government  was  responsible  for  them  before  they 
were  taken;  the  same  Government  is  responsible  for  them 
now. 

I  trust  and  believe  that  these  objectionable  expressions  in 
the  note  of  the  French  Consul  were  inadvertent,  and  I  need 
not  say  they  will  not  be  repeated  in  official  /correspondence 
with  me. 

The  authorities  of  the  United  States  have  endeavored  to 
forward  the  interests  of  commerce  almost  to  the  exclusion 
of  other  matters,  and  that  the  commerce  of  Louisiana  has  not 
been  fully  opened  to  the  world  is  not  the  fault  of  the  Federal 
Government.  Their  safeguard  has  been  given  it,  their  pro- 
tection afforded,  and  that  safeguard  and  that  protection  has 
in  no  just  sense  of  the  term  ever  been  violated.  I  am  grieved 
that  the  French  Consul  has  chosen  to  take  this  course  upon 
this  matter,  as  now  the  necessary  correspondence  with  the 
authorities  at  Washington  will  delay  Barriere  Bros,  in  getting 
their  pay  for  the  blankets,  which  I  should  have  been  glad  to 
have  given  them  had  I  felt  at  liberty  to  do  so  after  the  French 
Consul's  communication.  I  beg  leave  to  say  to  the  French 
consul,  as  an  evidence  of  the  necessity  which  compelled  me 
to  take  the  blankets,  that  they  were  of  so  poor  a  quality  that 
had  I  any  choice  left  me  I  would  neither  take  them  or  purchase 
them.  Brought  to  Havana  for  the  purpose  of  being  imported 
into  the  rebel  states  through  the  blockade,  as  I  am  informed 
and  think  I  am  able  to  prove,  they  were  only  saved  by  the 
vigilance  of  our  cruisers  from  being  now  in  the  rebel  cause, 
toward  which  the  proclivities  of  the  Messrs.  Barriere  Bros. 
are  as  well-known  as  in  their  former  trade  with  the  rebels. 

Still,  having  been  brought  here  since  the  opening  of  the  port, 
I  should  have  overlooked  the  purpose  for  which  they  were 
originally  taken  to  Havana,  and  pay  for  them  if  the  French 
Consul  had  left  me  at  liberty  to  do  so.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF    GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       435 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  5,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Count  MEJAN,  Consul  of  France 

SIR:  I  enclose  you  the  report  of  Dr.  McCormick,  my  Medi- 
cal Director,  upon  the  subject  of  the  blankets  of  Messrs. 
Barriere  and  Bros,  for  your  information.  It  will  be  seen 
that  the  Messrs.  Barriere  might  have  had  their  pay  if  they 
desired  it.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


Medical  Director's  Office,  Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS, 

November  4£/i,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  In  obedience  to  your  instructions  I  report  that 
on  Tuesday,  28th  of  October  ult.,  I  called  on  Messrs.  Barriere 
Brothers  to  purchase  some  blankets  for  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment of  the  Army,  most  urgently  necessary  for  the  health, 
and  in  some  cases  even  the  lives  of  the  soldiers  of  your  Army 
and  although  I  had  frequently  made  purchases  for  the  Army 
in  years  past  from  these  same  gentlemen,  and  always  hereto- 
fore received  from  them  most  cheerfully  what  I  might  need, 
and  paid  them  subsequently  after  a  longer  or  shorter  credit, 
to  my  great  surprise  they  positively  refused  to  let  me  have 
the  blankets  I  so  urgently  needed  except  upon  paying  cash 
before  delivery,  and  not  having  the  money  on  hand  and  not 
having  been  able  to  find  the  requisite  number  of  blankets 
elsewhere,  I  was  compelled  to  seek  the  advice  of  Col.  French, 
Provost  Marshal  General,  and  yourself,  or  else  to  permit  the 
sick  confided  to  my  charge  to  suffer  greatly,  many  of  them 
even  unto  death,  by  failing  to  procure  these  blankets. 

In  a  conversation  with  Mr.  Barriere  since,  in  my  office  and 
in  the  presence  of  my  steward,  he,  Mr.  Barriere,  admitted 
his  knowledge  of  me  as  a  government  agent  and  our  former 
transactions,  and  his  entire  satisfaction  with  me  in  all  our 
previous  business  affairs. 

The  collector  sent  Messrs.  Barriere  Brothers  a  verbal 
instead  of  written  notice  in  reference  to  the  seizure  of  his 
blankets.  Before  and  since  taking  these  blankets,  in  the  most 
emphatic  manner  I  reminded  Mr.  Barriere  that  the  Govern- 
ment did  not  want  his  goods  without  paying  for  them. 

In  conclusion,  I  beg  leave  to  say  that  I  gave  him  a  certifi- 


436        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

cate  in  accordance  with  orders  of  War  Department  dated 
July  22nd,  1862,  upon  which  he  will  receive  payment. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  Servt., 
CHARLES  McCoRMiCK,  Medical  Director  and  Purveyor 

Department  of  the  Gulf 

From  M.  Mithojfas 

PARISH  OF  JEFFERSON,  Nov.  1st,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  Gulf  Dept. 

SIR:  The  importance  of  the  subject  must  be  the  excuse  for 
my  addressing  you. 

Meeting  Mr.  Theo.  Soniat  yesterday,  he  requested  me  to 
ascertain  whether  the  authorities  would  allow  him  to  take  his 
crop  off  with  hired  labor.  He  admitted  not  having  taken  the 
oath.  It  would  be  impossible  for  him  to  get  pecuniary  assist- 
ance or  even  labor  without  your  permission,  and  nearly  all 
the  other  plantations  in  my  neighborhood  are  in  the  same 
situation,  even  if  having  taken  the  oath.  I  do  not  know 
what  your  policy  in  regard  to  this  state  of  affairs  is,  or  what 
the  government  intends  to  do,  but  wish  to  save  as  much  as 
possible  to  the  government,  and  the  time  to  do  so  with  the 
sugar  crops  has  arrived.  In  South  Carolina,  the  crops  were 
saved  for  govt.  account  at  very  heavy  expenses.  I  would 
propose  to  do  so  at  a  certain  percentage-account,  of  which  all 
the  expense  for  labor,  feeding,  managing,  should  be  paid,  and 
the  clear  surplus  might  be  subject  to  a  future  decision  of  the 
Government,  if  the  owner  is  disloyal,  and  to  a  loyal  owner  at 
once.  The  amount  of  percentage  would  depend  on  the  facili- 
ties granted  by  you  to  employ  the  contrabands,  to  be  paid  for 
their  labor,  and  fed  out  of  the  above  percentage,  which,  in 
such  an  instance,  I  would  be  willing  to  do  for  25%.  This  would 
relieve  the  government  of  supporting  the  contrabands,  would 
teach  them  that  hereafter  they  must  support  themselves, 
induce  men  to  try  to  raise  their  crops  with  hired  labor,  and  be 
beneficial  all  around.  Not  knowing  whether  anything  of  this 
kind  of  arrangement  would  receive  your  approbation,  I  have 
not  tried  to  ascertain  whether  the  planters  would  consent,  but 
doubt  not  that  the  loyal  ones  would.  The  disloyal  ones,  if  not 
agreeing,  a  provisional  seizure  might  be  necessary. 

Being  lately  engaged  in  superintending  the  building  the  new 
levee  between  Carrollton  and  the  Parapet,  under  the  super- 
vision of  Capt.  Bailey  of  4th  Wisconsin  V.  Regt.,  a  force  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       437 

about  300  contrabands  have  been  organized  and  employee!, 
and  the  levee  will  be  finished  in  about  one  week.  It  strikes 
me  that  this  force  might  be  profitably  and  usefully  employed 
for  the  object  of  saving  sugar  crops  to  the  amount  of  800  to 
1000  Hhds.,  and  1500  bbls.  of  molasses,  on  some  such  terms 
as  above  mentioned,  before  the  1st  January.  If  anything  can 
be  saved  out  of  the  percentage  it  should  go  to  the  benefit  of 
the  manager.  In  securing  the  sugar  crops,  female  contrabands 
can  be  employed  to  nearly  half  the  force. 

Submitting  the  above  to  your  consideration,  I  have  the 

*  Your  obedient  Servant,  M.  MITHOFFAS 

From  General  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  1,  1862 

W.  N.  MERCER,  J.  W.  LAFEYE,  J.  D.  DWYER 

GENTLEMEN:  The  Merchants  Bank  has  $8,000  in  gold  and 
some  $6,000  in  local  bank  notes,  with  a  small  note  circulation 
of  $10,678.75.  Those  notes  are  presumed  to  be  in  the  hands 
of  the  poorer  classes,  and  their  redemption  in  city  notes  or 
other  current  funds  would  greatly  benefit  the  holders  with- 
out damage  to  the  bank. 

The  U.  S.  hold  in  the  hands  of  Lieut.  Field  $5,705  of  the 
notes  of  the  Merchants  Bank,  of  denominations  above  $5,  — 
and  are  consequently  entitled  to  a  privilege  on  the  assets  of 
the  Bank. 

Now,  in  order  to  pay  off  both  the  above  specified  claims, 
you  are  here  authorized  and  requested  to  dispose  of  the  $8,000 
in  gold,  and  use  that  and  the  local  bank  notes  in  liquidation 
of  the  said  circulation. 

The  manner  of  withdrawing  the  small  notes  is  left  to  your 
own  good  judgment. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  servt., 

B.  F.  BUTLER 

By  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  1,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  88 

I.  No  person  will  be  arrested  as  a  slave,  by  any  Policeman 
or  other  person,  and  put  in  confinement  for  safe  keeping, 
unless  the  person  arresting  knows  that  such  person  is  owned 
by  a  loyal  citizen  of  the  United  States. 

II.  The  Inspector  and  Superintendent  of  Prisons  is  author- 


488       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ized  to  discharge  from  confinement  all  slaves  not  known  to  be 
the  slaves  of  loyal  owners. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  2nd,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  I  have  only  ten  minutes  to  write  you  a 
line,  as  we  did  not  intend  to  write  by  this  vessel,  as  she  usually 
stops  at  all  the  blockaded  Ports.  This  time  the  Captain  sends 
me  word  she  will  go  direct  to  New  York.  Therefore  I  must 
write  to  say  we  are  well,  but  I  shall  not  be  able  to  think  of 
anything  further  I  may  wish  to  say  till  after  the  mail  has 
gone.  As  you  know,  I  am  always  obliged  to  call  back  the 
servants  after  they  have  got  to  the  foot  of  the  stairs.  Yes- 
terday was  All  Souls'  Day.  The  custom  here  is  to  dress  graves 
with  flower  images,  and  lighted  candles.  We  drove  to  several 
cemeteries.  One  could  hardly  judge  what  the  effect  might 
be  apart  from  the  crowd,  but  it  looked  a  gay  scene  for  a  grave- 
yard. Tomorrow  there  will  be  services,  and  I  suppose  the 
same  adornments  will  still  be  there.  Mr.  Butler  bought  yes- 
terday three  oil  paintings,  and  a  bronze  clock.  I  thought  he 
paid  high  for  them,  for  this  place  where  so  much  will  soon  be 
sold  at  auction.  Three  hundred  dollars  for  all.  I  do  not 
know  if  they  will  be  sent  home  directly  or  not.  Before  this 
reaches  you  Fisher  will  have  started.  The  pistol -case  was  a 
mystery  till  I  explained  it.  No  wonder  my  letter  read  oddly 
to  Mr.  Butler.  I  could  think  of  a  dozen  things  if  I  had  more 
time,  but  must  wait  for  next  mail.  Tell  the  children  I  want  to 

kiss  them  ever  so  much.  4  „      ~ 

Affec.  SISTER 

From  J.  M.  Fortenberry 

COLUMBIA,  Miss.,  Nov.  2,  1862 

To  Mr.  D.  C.  STANLEY 

DEAR  SIR  :  I  wish  to  inform  you  that  if  you  could  make  any 
arrangements  with  the  authorities  in  N.  O.  or  any  person  to 
barter  salt  and  provisions  for  cotton,  myself  and  neighbors 
will  deliver  the  cotton  at  any  point  named.  We  are  in  a  tight 
place,  and  something  must  be  done,  as  the  military  authorities 
have  entirely  overlooked  the  wants  of  a  starving  country. 

Please  give  me  a  decisive  answer  by  return  mail,  and  oblige, 

Yours  etc.,  J.  M.  FORTENBERRY 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       439 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  2,  1862 

To  Brig.  Gen.  WEITZEL,  Commdg.  Dist.  of  the  Teche 

GENERAL:  Your  despatch  of  November  first  is  received. 
As  I  informed  you  in  my  last,  I  have  sent  forward  both  Regi- 
ments of  Native  Guards  (colored)  to  guard  the  road.  I  have 
no  doubt  that  before  this  reaches  you  Col.  Thomas  and  Col. 
Stafford  will  have  reported  to  you.  They  will  receive  your 
orders.  We  had  already  taken  measures  about  the  organiza- 
tions of  the  management  of  the  Opelousas  R.Road.  Of  course 
there  will  be  no  more  difficult  subject  for  you  to  deal  with  than 
the  negroes.  By  the  Act  of  Congress,  independent  of  the 
President's  proclamation,  having  come  from  rebel  masters 
into  our  lines,  in  occupation  of  rebel  territory  since  the  passage 
of  that  act,  they  are  free.  But  the  question  recurs.  What 
shall  we  do  with  them?  While  we  have  no  right  to  return  them 
to  their  masters,  as  such,  it  is  our  duty  to  take  care  of  them, 
and  that  can  include  employment.  Put  them  as  far  as  pos- 
sible upon  plantations,  use  every  energy  to  have  the  sugar 
crop  made  and  preserved  for  the  owners  that  are  loyal,  and 
for  the  United  States  when  the  owners  are  disloyal.  I  am 
working  the  plantations  along  the  river  below  on  this  plan. 
Let  the  loyal  planters  make  arrangements  to  pay  their  negroes 
$10.  a  month  for  able-bodied  men,  $3.  to  be  expended  in 
clothing,  and  so  in  proportion.  Disembarrass  your  Army  of 
them  as  much  as  possible.  Especially  will  this  be  necessary 
in  the  case  of  Col.  Stafford's  Command. 

I  have  information  more  or  less  reliable  that  there  were 
about  8000  troops  at  Port  Hudson,  Pontchatoula  and  Camp 
Moore,  about  equally  divided  among  the  three,  on  the  27th 
of  October.  My  impression  is  that  they  have  gone  North. 
Bragg  is  undoubtedly  badly  beaten,  and  is  in  full  retreat. 
There  has  been  no  battle  since  the  9th  at  Perry ville,  up  to  the 
16th.  We  have  Northern  dates  to  the  16th.  Nothing  new  on 
the  Potomac.  I  enclose  you  some  of  the  latest  newspapers 
with  this  despatch.  In  regard  to  disarming  the  people,  every 
disloyal  person  must  be  disarmed.  And  I  do  not  mean  by 
loyalty  "lip  service."  And  we  must  leave  force  enough  to 
take  care  of  any  rising  of  the  negroes.  I  think  you  had  better 
see  the  more  intelligent  of  the  negroes  in  person,  and  assure 
them  that  all  acts  of  Congress  and  laws  in  their  favor  will  be 
carried  out  to  them  with  the  same  effect  if  they  remain  on  the 


440       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

plantations  and  the  work,  as  if  they  came  into  camp.  And 
caution  them  that  there  must  be  no  violence  to  unarmed  and 
quiet  persons. 

You  had  better  send  back  a  train  of  extra  Artillery  and 
Cavalry  horses  and  mule  wagons  to  Algiers  on  a  march, 
without  waiting  for  the  Rail  Road.  A  small  guard  will  be 
sufficient.  They  will  probably  have  to  strike  the  river  road 
at  Bonne  Carre,  but  of  that  your  knowledge  of  the  topography 
of  the  country  will  give  you  the  best  direction.  I  need  not 
assure  you  that  I  am  taking  every  measure  to  open  railroad 
and  telegraphic  communication.  Capt.  Kensel,  who  is  pres- 
ent as  this  despatch  is  written,  is  only  awaiting  transportation 
to  forward  the  Ammunitions.  I  think  the  gunboats  had  better 
press  up  to  Franklin,  and  capture  or  destroy  some  boats  that 
are  building  there.  Of  that  you  can  tell  better  when  you  go 
forward.  I  wish  to  disengage  McMillan's  Regiment  as  early 
as  it  can  be  dispensed  with,  if  at  all,  to  hold  Galveston.  It  is 
under  advisement  to  build  a  Fort  at  Donaldsonville,  at  the 
junction  of  the  Bayou  and  the  river.  We  have  thirty  two- 
pounders  here  with  which  we  can  arm  it.  That  will  make  a 
station  easily  held  on  the  coast  half  way  between  here  and 
Baton  Rouge.  I  think  a  work  about  on  the  plan  of  Fort 
Macomb,  with  casemates  only  to  flank  the  drawbridge,  would 
be  the  better  plan.  Please  advise  me  on  the  subject. 

We  have  flaming  reports  of  salt  works  at  New  Iberia.  If 
practicable,  will  it  not  be  better  to  reach  them  and  destroy 
them?  But  that  I  leave  entirely  at  your  discretion.  That  por- 
tion of  Louisiana  lying  West  of  the  Mississippi  River  will  be 
constituted  a  military  district  under  your  command,  to  be 
called  the  district  of  Lafourche.  Headquarters  wherever  you 
may  be.  Col.  Thomas  writes  me  that  the  cars  will  pass  to 
Lafourche  to-day.  Report  to  me  early  what  rolling  stock  you 
find  at  Brashier  or  along  the  road.  I  think  the  iron  howitzers 
at  Raceland  had  better  be  sent  here  unless  you  have  need  of 
them.  Your  attention  is  directed  to  the  practicability  of  so 
fortifying  Brashier  as  to  hold  it  with  the  aid  of  a  gunboat, 
with  a  small  force.  Please  report  upon  this  subject.  Is  any 
fortification  practicable  at  Thibodeaux  or  Terrebonne?  Noth- 
ing else  occurs  to  me  of  interest  to  communicate. 

By  Order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER, 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  Gen.,  Chief  of  Sta/ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       441 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  3rd,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT,  Comdg.  Western  Gulf  Blockdg. 

Squadron 

SIR:    I  enclose  to  you  a  communication  from  L.  Garrison. 
It  would  appear  that  the  matter  should  be  investigated,  but 
I  have  not  the  means  to  do  so.    I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obdt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

NEW  ORLEANS,  October  30£/i,  1862    £Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  G.  C.  STRONG 

DEAR  SIR:  On  the  15th  instant,  Mr.  Cosma  Morgan,  a 
loyal  citizen  of  the  U.  S.,  obtained  from  General  Butler,  by  you, 
an  order  for  the  release  of  his  lugger,  called  "Liberty/'  which 
had  been  captured  a  short  time  previous  at  Ship  Island  by 
the  gunboat  "  Jackson."  He  presented  the  order  to  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  frigate  "Vincent,"  who  placed  him  in 
possession  of  the  lugger,  but  on  the  arrival,  just  at  the  time 
of  the  gunboat  "Jackson"  from  Pensacola.  The  officer  in 
command  objected  to  it  —  stating  that  the  said  order  was  not 
a  proper  one,  and  advised  Mr.  Morgan  to  return  to  New  Orleans 
and  get  from  the  commanding  General  a  letter  or  order 
addressed  to  Admiral  D.  G.  Farragut  to  that  effect.  Antici- 
pating that  you  will  grant  him  the  necessary  order  and  protec- 
tion in  the  premise,  please  to  accept  my  thanks  for  this  and 

^  "  Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

L.  GARRISON 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  Srd,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  Farragut9  Com'g.  Westrn.  Gulf  Squadron 

I  HAVE  information  more  or  less  reliable  that  the  "Orieto," 
which  ran  the  blockade,  is  now  being  fitted  up  as  a  privateer, 
and  is  about  to  run  out  from  Mobile.  For  God's  sake  do  not 
let  this  be  done.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.  Your  obt.  sevt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Commanding 


442        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  November  4th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  at 

NEW  ORLEANS 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  transmit  to 
you  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  communication  received  from  the 
State  Department,  on  the  subject  of  the  arrest  and  imprison- 
ment by  your  order  of  J.  J.  Burrowes,  a  British  subject,  to- 
gether with  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  Burrowes  to  the  British 
Consul  at  New  Orleans  which  accompanied  it,  and  to  invite 
your  attention  to  the  suggestion  made  by  the  Secretary  of 
State  in  the  premises. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedt.  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  Assistant  Secy  of  War 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Department  of  State,  WASHINGTON,  30^  Oct.,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Honorable  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  J. 
J.  Burrowes,  a  British  subject  at  New  Orleans,  to  M.  Coppell, 
the  Consul  there,  relative  to  the  arrest  and  imprisonment  of 
Burrowes  by  order  of  Major  General  Butler.  The  case  has 
been  submitted  to  me  by  Mr.  Stuart,  Her  Britannic  Majesty's 
Charge  d'Affaires,  who  desires  that  as  much  clemency  may  be 
shown  in  the  matter  as  the  public  interests  may  allow.  If 
satisfactory  assurances  shall  be  received  from  the  prisoner 
that  he  will  not  violate  the  obligations  existing  upon  all  per- 
sons, by  committing  fresh  offences,  it  may  be  deemed  expedi- 
ent to  release  him  from  custody.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 
Your  obedient  Servant,  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  %5th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  com- 
munication from  the  War  Department,  dated  November  4th, 
1862,  in  relation  to  the  arrest  and  imprisonment  of  J.  J.  Bur- 
rowes, a  British  subject,  with  enclosure. 

J.  J.  Burrowes  was  Captain  of  the  "British  Guards"  and 
presided  at  the  meeting  at  which  the  Company  voted  to  send 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       443 

its  arms  and  uniforms  to  Beauregard,  and  he  was  thereupon 
ordered  to  leave  the  city.  He  returned,  however,  and  I  found 
him  in  expression  of  rebel  sentiments,  and  aiding  in  shipping 
plates  from  New  Orleans  in  contravention  of  orders.  For 
these  reasons  I  ordered  him  into  confinement.  I  have  read 
his  letter.  Portions  of  the  statement  in  which  he  says  I  called 
him  a  coward  and  a  rebel  are  a  mistake.  What  did  happen 
was  this.  I  asked  him  if  he  was  a  man  that  had  borne  arms 
against  the  United  States.  He  replied  that  he  was.  I  told 
him  that  I  should  send  him  to  confinement.  He  then  said  he 
was  a  British  subject.  I  told  him  it  was  cowardly  to  act  as  a 
rebel  and  then  claim  British  protection. 

Desirous  to  yield  to  any  intimation  of  the  Hon.  Secretary  of 
State,  I  have  forwarded  to  Mr.  Burrowes  a  parole,  a  copy  of 
which  is  enclosed,  ijpon  signing  which  he  will  be  released  finally 
as  he  has  already  been  temporarily,  and  for  certain  purposes 
connected  with  the  health  of  his  family,  upon  the  intercession 
of  a  British  Consul.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully  Your  Obt.  servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comrndg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  5th,  1862 

Count  MEJAN,  Consul  of  France 

SIR:  I  return  you  enclosed  some  letters  apparently  from 
your  consulate,  which  were  captured,  being  surreptitiously 
passed  through  our  lines.  This  mode  of  communication  need 
not  be  taken  by  the  representative  of  a  nation  toward  which 
I  desire  to  exercise  every  courtesy. 

If  the  French  Consul  has  occasion  to  send  into  the  lines  of 
the  enemy  any  proper  communications,  relating  to  the  business 
of  his  consulate,  if  forwarded  to  these  Head  Quarters  they 
will  be  sent  at  the  earliest  opportunity.  This  will  prevent  all 
miscarriages  and  examinations.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Commanding 

From  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson 

WASHINGTON,  November  5th,  1862 

Governor  SHEPLEY 

MY  DEAR  GOVERNOR:  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  yours 
of  the  23rd  October,  just  received. 


444        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  shall  now  foe  able  to  find  who  the  officer  was,  referred  to 
in  the  Tribune  article,  and  will  then  write  to  the  General.  It 
is  possible  (I  hope  the  fact  is  so)  that  no  such  statement  was 
made  by  either  of  his  staff.  That  it  was  not  made  by  Maj. 
Bell,  I  am  satisfied.  He  called  to  see  me,  and  I  aided  all  that 
I  was  able  in  effecting  what  he  said  was  important,  an  increase 
of  the  General's  force.  I  think  I  have  reason  to  complain 
that  the  General  should  give  credit  at  all  to  representations  of 
others,  in  regard  to  my  feelings  towards  him.  He  saw  enough 
of  me,  I  had  supposed,  in  Ne>v  Orleans,  if  he  had  not  known 
me  before,  to  be  satisfied  that  I  would  never  directly  or  in- 
directly assail  a  person  in  his  absence.  If  I  had  had  cause  of 
grievance  with  him  he  would  have  been  apprised  of  it  by  myself. 
I  am  glad  that  I  had  not;  on  the  contrary,  as  I  said  to  him  in 
a  parting  note,  I  felt  obliged  by  the  courtesy  he  showed  me 
during  my  stay  in  the  city. 

Truly  Your  Friend,  REVERDY  JOHNSON 

From  Colonel  J.  W.  McMillan 

BRASHIER  CITY,  Nov  5th,  1862 

Gen.  GEO.  C.  STRONG 

SIR:  After  innumerable  difficulties  we  arrived  here  two 
days  too  late  —  last  Saturday  night.  But  as  the  Northern 
element  of  the  Rebel  army  is  most  valuable  to  them,  so  it 
seems  is  the  Northern  wind,  for  we  found  the  Bar  so  com- 
pletely stripped  as  to  show  only  about  six  feet  water,  while 
all  of  our  vessels  drew  more.  Genl.  Weitzel  frightened  the 
Rebels  terribly,  and  they  will  scarcely  make  a  stand  this  side 
of  Franklin,  and  I  do  not  think  they  will  there  unless  reinforced, 
as  they  say  they  will  be,  from  Vicksburg,  which  I  greatly 
doubt.  Day  before  yesterday  the  gun-boats  went  up  the 
Teche  to  Pattersonville,  and  drove  away  the  " Cotton'*  and 
shore  batteries.  The  "Kinsman"  fought  splendidly,  and  came 
out  with  54  shot  holes  in  her  —  one  through  her  magazine. 
I  lost  three  killed  —  Navy  none  —  one  died  since.  She  will  be 
in  fighting  order  tomorrow.  Lt.  Wiggins  deserves  big  promo- 
tion. No  man  in  the  Navy  has  fought  more  determinedly 
while  suffering  such  damage  to  ship  or  boat.  All  did  well, 
but  as  the  "Commodore's"  report  will  show,  Wiggins  was 
conspicuously  brave  among  the  gallant,  Fard  accompanying 
him.  Col.  of  the  8th  N.  H.  will  be  at  the  burned  bridge  over 
the  boat  today.  I  will  have  boats  in  readiness  to  cross  Weitzel 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       445 

as  soon  as  he  arrives.  I  have  some  Rebel  sugar  in  R.R.  Depot. 
Have  not  heard  of  any  cotton  burnt  or  unburnt.  The  Teche 
is  obstructed  but  can  be  easily  cleared  I  think.  It  is  said  there 
are  from  four  to  fourteen  steamboats  in  it.  Capt.  Fuller  com- 
mands the  "Cotton"  and  fights  her  well,  but  she  is  so  badly 
used  up  she  will  hardly  fight  again. 

The  Rebel  planters  would  be  glad  to  be  loyal  citizens  if  they 
were  not  deterred  by  the  political  vagabonds  in  the  Rebel 
army.  All  begin  to  think  slavery  must  go  if  Jan.  1st  finds 
them  in  rebellion. 

The  gun-boats  at  4  o'clock  P.M.  have  just  returned  from 
the  obstructions  on  the  Teche,  where  the  Rebels  are  building 
a  dirt  fort,  and  seem  determined  to  make  a  stand  for  a  fight. 
The  "Calhoun"  lost  three  seamen.  No  other  casualties,  I 
believe.  Their  works  can  be  easily  turned  or  passed  entirely, 
and  Franklin  reached  without  passing  near  their  forts.  The 
iron-clad  of  the  "Kinsman"  is  splendid,  turning  a  324b.  shot 
fired  at  a  less  distance  than  1000  yards.  The  Rebels  have 
added  to  their  stock  of  artillery.  They  have  20  pieces  of  Field 
Artillery  of  all  classes.  They  will  sink  the  "Hart"  and 
"Cotton"  after  mounting  their  guns  in  the  Fort.  Health 
good.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  very  obt.  servt., 
J.  W.  MCMILLAN,  Col.  Com.  Vols. 

From  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  Nov.  Qth,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  &c.>  at  N.  O. 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  instructs  me  to  forward 
a  translation  of  a  communication  from  the  Minister  of  France, 
relative  to  a  claim  of  Messrs.  Gautherin,  of  New  Orleans,  grow- 
ing out  of  your  prohibiting  them  from  exporting  lumber,  and 
to  request  that  you  will  report  to  this  Department  the  reasons 
for  your  action  in  the  premises. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 


446        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  25th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War, 
WASHINGTON,  D.C. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the 
communication  from  the  War  Department  of  Nov.  the  6th, 
enclosing  a  translation  of  the  communication  of  the  French 
Minister  relating  to  some  lumber  not  permitted  to  be  shipped 
to  Havana  by  the  House  of  Gautherin  and  Co.  Owing  to  the 
blockade  of  the  river  above,  and  the  interdiction  of  traffic 
across  the  Lake  by  the  Treasury  regulations,  lumber  has 
become  very  dear  and  scarce  in  New  Orleans.  Large  quantities 
being  needed  for  roofing  the  Custom  House,  to  render  it  hab- 
itable as  the  citadel  of  New  Orleans,  as  well  as  to  protect  the 
United  States  from  many  thousands  of  dollars'  loss,  and  also 
for  replanking  the  wharfs  and  levees,  which  had  been  burnt  by 
the  rebels  as  a  military  necessity,  I  forbade  the  exportation  of 
lumber  to  Havana  without  permission  from  these  Headquar- 
ters. I  was  specially  induced  to  this  because  the  materials 
of  a  rebel  gunboat,  all  sawed  and  fitted,  which  was  uncom- 
pleted at  the  time  of  our  coming  here,  had  been  secretly  shipped, 
as  I  afterwards  learned,  for  the  purpose  of  being  constructed 
elsewhere.  This  was  done  through  the  agency  of  a  foreign 
house,  the  Agent  of  which  had  gone  to  Havana.  I  therefore 
ordered  no  more  lumber  to  be  shipped  from  New  Orleans 
without  permission  from  these  Headquarters.  The  necessity 
of  which  Orders  I  trust  will  be  seen. 

M.  Gautherin  &  Co.'s  lumber  came  under  that  General 
Order.  I  forbear  entering  into  the  question  of  their  title, 
although  I  believe  the  lumber  which  they  had  bought  belonged 
to  the  Confederate  Government,  because  when  it  becomes 
necessary  to  the  U.  S.  to  use  it  that  question  can  be  examined. 

I  am  led,  however,  to  remark  upon  one  phrase  of  the  Hon. 
Minister  of  France's  communication,  that  Messrs.  Gautherin 
&  Co.  were  highly  respectable  French  citizens  of  New  Orleans. 
.  .  .  Gautherin  has  run  away,  and  the  other  two  partners 
have  [been]  confined,  awaiting  trial  for  supplying  the  rebel 
army  with  half  a  million  worth  of  cloth  in  a  transaction  closed 
on  the  22nd  day  of  June  last,  while  they  were  enjoying  the  pro- 
tection of  the  United  States. 

The  particulars  of  that  transaction  will  be  found  in  my 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        447 

despatch  of  the  13th  of  Nov.  to  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  State, 
relative  to  the  $405,000  spirited  away  from  the  Bank  of  New 
Orleans.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 

From  President  Lincoln 

Executive  Mansion,  WASHINGTON,  Nov.  6th,  '62 

Maj.  Genl.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  This  morning  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
read  to  me  a  letter  of  yours  to  him.  He  read  to  me  at  the 
same  time  one  from  Mr.  Denison  (I  think),  at  New  Orleans. 
I  was  much  interested  by  the  information  in  one  of  them 
that  some  of  the  planters  were  making  arrangements  with 
their  negroes  to  pay  them  wages.  Please  write  to  me  to  what 
extent,  so  far  as  you  know,  this  is  being  done.  Also  what,  if 
anything,  is  being  done  by  Mr.  Bouligny,  or  others,  about 
electing  members  of  Congress.  I  am  anxious  to  hear  on  both 

these  points.  ,r         .     7      A    T 

^  }  ours  truly,  A.  LINCOLN 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  28£&,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  U.S.A. 

DEAR  SIR:  I  am  exceedingly  obliged  for  your  kind  note 
inquiring  for  the  success  of  our  experiment  in  attempting  the 
cultivation  of  sugar  by  free  labor,  and  am  happy  to  report  it 
is  succeeding  admirably.  I  am  informed  by  the  Government 
Agent  who  has  charge  that  upon  one  of  the  plantations,  where 
sugar  is  being  made  by  the  negroes  who  had  escaped  there- 
from into  our  lines,  and  have  been  sent  back  under  wages 
with  the  same  negroes  and  the  same  machinery  by  free  labor, 
a  hogshead  &  a  half  more  of  sugar  has  been  made  in  a  day 
than  was  ever  before  made  in  the  same  time  on  the  planta- 
tion under  slave  labor. 

Your  friend,  Col.  Shaffer,  has  had  put  up  to  be  forwarded 
to  you  a  Bbl.  of  the  first  sugar  ever  made  by  free  black  labor 
in  Louisiana,  and  the  fact  that  it  will  have  no  flavor  of  the 
degrading  whip  will  not,  I  know,  render  it  less  sweet  to  your 
taste.  The  planters  seem  to  have  been  struck  with  a  sort  of 
judicial  blindness,  and  some  of  them  so  deluded  have  aban- 
doned their  crops  rather  than  work  them  with  free  labor.  I 


448        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

offered  them  as  a  basis  a  contract,  the  copy  of  which  is  enclosed 
for  your  information.  It  was  rejected  by  many  of  them 
because  they  would  not  relinquish  the  right  to  use  the  whip, 
although  I  had  provided  a  punishment  for  the  refractory  by 
means  of  the  Provost  Marshal,  as  you  will  see,  preferably 
imprisonment  in  darkness  on  bread  and  water.  I  did  not  feel 
that  I  had  a  right,  by  the  military  power  of  the  United  States, 
to  send  back  to  be  scourged,  at  the  will  of  their  former  and  in 
some  cases  infuriated  masters,  those  black  men  who  had  fled 
to  me  for  protection,  while  I  had  no  doubt  of  my  right  to 
employ  them,  under  the  charge  of  whomsoever  I  might  choose, 
to  work  for  the  benefit  of  themselves  and  the  Government. 
I  have,  therefore,  caused  the  negroes  to  be  informed  that 
they  should  have  the  same  rights  as  to  freedom,  if  so  the  law 
was,  on  the  plantation  as  if  they  were  in  camp.  And  they 
have  in  a  great  majority  of  instances  gone  willingly  to  work, 
and  work  with  a  will.  They  were  at  first  a  little  averse  to  going 
back  lest  they  should  lose  some  rights  which  would  come  to 
them  in  camp,  but  upon  our  assurances  are  quite  content. 

I  think  this  scheme  can  be  carried  out  without  loss  to  the 
Government,  and  I  hope  with  profit  enough  to  enable  us  to 
support  for  six  months  longer  the  starving  Whites  &  Blacks 
here,  a  somewhat  herculean  task. 

We  are  feeding  now  daily  in  the  City  of  New  Orleans  more 
than  32,000  Whites,  17,000  of  which  are  British-born  subjects, 
and  mostly  claiming  British  protection,  and  only  about  two 
thousand  of  whom  are  American  citizens,  the  rest  being  of 
the  several  Nationalities  who  are  represented  here  from  all 
parts  of  the  Globe. 

Besides  this,  we  have  some  ten  thousand  negroes  to  feed, 
besides  those  at  work  on  the  plantations,  principally  women 
&  children.  All  this  has  thus  far  been  done  without  any  draft 
upon  the  treasury,  although  how  much  longer  we  can  go  on  is 
a  problem  of  which  I  am  now  anxiously  seeking  the  solution. 

I  take  the  liberty  to  enclose  to  you  a  synopsis  of  our  reports 
of  the  Relief  Commission,  published  weekly,  which  may  be 
interesting  upon  this  topic  (the  synopsis  only  shows  the  free 
colored  before  the  war).  Of  course,  our  operations  are  mostly 
yet  unorganized,  and  without  that  completeness  necessary 
to  insure  success,  but  I  hope  to  get  them  in  such  form  that  they 
will  work.  The  operations  of  Gen'l.  Weitzel  in  the  Lafourche 
Country,  the  richest  sugar-planting  part  of  Louisiana,  have 
opened  to  us  a  very  large  number  of  slaves  all  of  whom  under 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.   BUTLER        449 

the  act -are  free,  and  large  crops  of  sugar,  as  well  those  already 
made  as  those  in  process  of  being  made.  I  do  myself  the 
honor  to  enclose  to  you  the  Order  that  I  have  made  to  meet 
this  state  of  things  (Order  No.  91),  to  protect  the  rights  of 
the  United  States  and  of  all  concerned  from  the  rapacity  of 
swindlers  &  speculators,  and  the  effects  of  disloyalty.  All 
this  portion  of  the  country  are  rapidly  returning  to  their 
Allegiance,  and  the  elections  are  being  organized  for  Wednes- 
day next,  and  I  doubt  not  a  large  vote  will  be  thrown. 

I  found  Dr.  Cottman  to  be  one  of  the  candidates  in  the 
field,  but  he  had  voluntarily  signed  the  Ordinance  of  Secession 
as  one  of  the  Convention  which  passed  it,  and  had  sat  for  his 
portrait  in  the  Cartoon  which  was  intended  to  render  those 
signers  immortal,  which  was  published  and  exhibited  here  in 
the  shop  windows,  in  imitation  of  the  picture  of  our  Signers  of 
the  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  as  the  Doctor  had  never 
by  any  public  act  testified  his  abnegation  of  that  act  of  sign- 
ing, I  thought  it  would  be  best  that  the  Government  should 
not  be  put  to  the  scandal  of  having  a  person  so  situated  elected, 
although  the  Doctor  may  be  a  good  Union  man  now.  So  I 
very  strongly  advised  him  against  the  candidature.  It  looked 
too  much  like  Aaron  Burr's  attempt  to  run  for  a  seat  in  parlia- 
ment, after  he  went  to  England  to  avoid  his  complication  in 
the  Mexican  affairs  and  his  combat  with  Hamilton.  It  is  but 
fair  to  say  that  Doctor  Cottman,  after  some  urging,  concluded 
to  withdraw  his  name  from  the  canvass.  Two  good  uncondi- 
tional Union  men  will  be  elected.  I  fear,  however,  we  shall 
lose  Mr.  Bouligny.  He  was  imprudent  enough  to  run  for  the 
office  of  Justice  of  Peace  under  the  Secessionists,  and  although 
I  believe  him  always  to  have  been  a  good  Union  man,  and  to 
have  sought  that  office  for  personal  reasons  only,  yet  that 
fact  tells  against  him.  However,  Mr.  Flanders  will  be  elected 
in  his  District  and  a  more  reliable  or  better  Union  man  can 
not  be  found. 

But  to  return  to  our  negroes.  I  find  this  difficulty  in  pros- 
pect —  many  of  the  planters  here,  while  professing  loyalty, 
and  I  doubt  not  feeling  it  if  the  "Institution"  can  be  spared 
to  them,  have  agreed  together  not  to  make  any  provision  this 
autumn  for  another  crop  of  sugar  next  season,  hoping  thereby 
to  throw  upon  us  this  winter  an  immense  number  of  blacks 
without  employment  and  without  any  means  of  support  for 
the  future,  the  planters  themselves  living  upon  what  they 
make  from  this  crop.  Thus  no  provision  being  made  for  the 

VOL.   II — 29 


450        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

crop,  either  of  corn,  potatoes,  or  cereal,  the  Government  will 
be  obliged  to  come  to  their  terms  for  the  future  employment  of 
the  negroes  or  to  be  at  enormous  expenses  to  support  them. 

We  shall  have  to  meet  this  as  best  we  may.  Of  course,  we 
are  not  responsible  for  what  may  be  done  outside  of  our  lines, 
but  here  I  shall  make  what  provisions  I  can  for  the  future,  as 
well  the  cereal  and  root  crop  as  the  cane.  We  shall  endeavor 
to  get  a  stock  of  cane  laid  down  on  all  the  plantations  worked 
by  Government,  and  to  preserve  seed-corn  and  potatoes  to 
meet  this  contingency.  I  shall  send  out  my  third  Regt.  of 
Native  Guards  (colored),  and  set  them  to  work  preserving  the 
cane  and  roots  for  a  crop  next  year.  It  cannot  be  supposed 
that  this  great  change  in  a  social  and  political  system  can  be 
made  without  shock,  and  I  am  only  surprised  that  possibility 
opens  up  to  me  that  it  can  be  made  at  all.  Certain  it  is  I  speak 
the  almost  universal  sentiment  and  opinion  of  my  Officers 
that  Slavery  is  doomed.  I  have  no  doubt  of  it,  and  with  every 
prejudice  and  early  teaching  against  the  result  to  which  my 
mind  had  been  irresistibly  brought  by  my  experience  here,  I 
am  now  convinced: 

1st.  That  labor  can  be  done  in  this  State  by  Whites  more 
economically  than  by  Blacks  and  Slaves; 

2nd.  That  Black  labor  can  be  as  well  governed,  used,  and 
made  as  profitable  in  a  state  of  freedom  as  in  slavery; 

3rd.  That  while  it  would  have  been  better  could  this  eman- 
cipation of  the  slaves  be  gradual,  yet  it  is  quite  feasible 
even  under  this  great  change  as  a  governmental  proposition  to 
organize,  control,  and  work  the  negro  with  profit  and  safety 
to  the  white,  but  that  this  can  be  best  done  when  under  mili- 
tary supervision.  Of  which,  allow  me  to  say,  I  do  not  desire 
the  charge. 

I  must  close  by  apologizing  for  this  very  long  and  discursive 
letter,  but  I  am  consoled  by  the  thought  that  it  is  entirely  at 
your  option  to  read  as  much  of  it  as  it  pleases  you  to  do.    I  am, 
Very  truly,  Your  friend  &  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  6,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT,  Com'g  Wesfn  Gulf  BVk'g  Squadron 
SIR:   I  am  pleased  to  return  to  you  a  copy  of  Lt.  Comg. 
Buchanan's  report  of  his  operations  at  Berwick  Bay.    I  am 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       451 

sorry  to  say  that,  owing  to  the  storms  and  delays  necessary 
and  unnecessary  in  moving  our  fleets,  we  were  not  able  to 
get  there  three  days  sooner,  where  we  should  have  infallibly 
bagged  the  whole  Rebel  party.  Now  as  it  is  we  must  do  the 
best  we  can. 

We  are  proposing  to  go  further,  and  may  yet  be  employed 
some  days  upon  this  matter.  I  will  keep  you  informed  of  all 
further  operations.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Commanding 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

U.S.S.  CALHOUN,  of  BRASHIEB  CITY,  Nov.  4,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Gen.  BUTLER,  Com'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  we  arrived  off  here 
on  the  night  of  the  first,  but  unfortunately  too  late  to  stop  the 
rebels  from  crossing.  We  had  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  in 
getting  over  the  Bay,  and  felt  the  want  of  our  light-draught 
vessels  very  much.  The  day  the  "Kinsman"  arrived  I  crossed 
in  her  and  tried  to  get  the  "Estrella"  over,  but  she  grounded. 
I  came  up  to  the  south  of  the  "Hart,"  which  we  chased  but 
could  not  catch,  and  got  the  "Estrella"  and  "St.  Mary's" 
over  the  next  day,  and  the  following  day  the  "Calhoun"  came 
up  with  the  "Diana." 

The  night  of  our  arrival  here  we  chased  the  Rebel  gunboat 
"Cotton,"  but  she  got  away  from  us  by  her  superior  speed. 
The  same  night  we  captured  the  Rebel  steamer  "A.  B.  Seger." 
She  is  a  small  boat  about  the  size  of  the  "Fancy  Natchez," 
and  is  very  useful.  Yesterday  I  went  with  all  the  gunboats 
up  Bayou  Teche,  and  found  the  enemy  about  fourteen  miles 
from  here  posted  above  the  obstructions  they  had  sunk  in 
the  Teche. 

We  engaged  them  for  two  hours  and  drove  them  off  as  we 
also  did  the  "Cotton."  The  "Kinsman"  bore  the  brunt  of 
it,  and  received  fifty-four  shells  in  her  upper  works  and  hull, 
and  had  one  man  killed,  a  soldier  of  the  21st  Indiana,  and  five 
wounded.  The  pilot,  John  Bellino,  had  his  leg  badly  shattered, 
and  died  to-day  from  the  effect  of  amputation.  Capt.  Cook 
in  the  "Estrella"  received  three  shots,  and  had  two  soldiers 
of  the  21st  Indiana  killed  whilst  working  the  guns,  and  one 
badly  wounded.  The  "Diana"  received  three  shots,  but  had 
on  person  hurt.  She  will  have  to  be  hauled  out,  as  her  stern 


452       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

is  shot  away.  I  received  eight  in  the  "Calhoun,"  but  fortu- 
nately received  no  material  damage. 

Capt.  Wiggins  fought  his  ship  nobly.  He  was  in  such  a 
position  that  he  received  the  fire  from  all  the  artillery  on  shore, 
and  at  the  same  time  had  the  "Cotton"  playing  upon  him. 
He,  however,  drove  the  artillery  away,  and  put  several  shots 
into  the  "Cotton."  The  whole  Rebel  force  was  there,  num- 
bering between  three  and  four  thousand  men,  with  seventy 
field  pieces. 

We  hear  to-day  we  did  them  a  great  deal  of  damage,  and 
that  the  "Cotton"  is  sunk.  They  had  thrown  up  a  mud  fort 
this  side,  but  evacuated  on  our  arrival.  We  tried  to  remove 
the  obstructions,  but  could  not  succeed.  But  I  think  that 
when  General  Weitzel  arrives,  so  as  to  protect  us  from  the 
sharpshooters  on  the  banks,  we  can  do  so.  I  keep  running  up 
and  down  all  the  time  so  as  to  keep  the  river  clear  of  the 
obstructions. 

We  can  make  all  our  repairs  here,  and  I  will  have  the  "Kins- 
man" ready  for  service  to-morrow.  The  "Diana"  is  getting 
timber  out  for  Col.  Thomas  to  repair  the  bridge  at  Bayou 
Boeuf .  The  enemy  destroyed  about  a  thousand  hhds.  of  sugar, 
a  lot  of  molasses,  and  also  burnt  98  cars  and  three  engines. 

I  send  requisitions  for  ammunition  for  the  three  gunboats 
which  we  want  very  badly,  as  we  fired  away  a  good  deal  yes- 
terday, and  I  expect  to  have  a  good  deal  more  firing  to  do,  and 
also  for  some  blouses  and  shoes  for  the  men  who  have  been 
shipped.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  they  should  have 
some  clothing,  and  I  hope  that  you  will  order  the  Quarter 
Master  to  furnish  it.  We  have  got  all  the  steamers  above  us, 
but  I  am  afraid  they  will  burn  them. 

The  officers  and  men  behaved  splendidly.  The  "Cotton" 
is  iron-cased,  and  did  some  splendid  shooting.  She  mounts 
one  long  32  pdr.  4-24  pdrs.  and  2-6  pdrs.  rifled  guns.  The  iron- 
casing  on  the  "Kinsman"  and  the  "Diana"  turned  the  shot 
beautifully.  Capt.  McLaughlin,  who  was  on  board  the  "Cal- 
houn" with  his  company,  went  on  shore  with  his  men,  and 
tried  to  get  opposite  the  "Cotton,"  but  before  he  got  up  to 
her  she  had  left.  If  she  has  not  been  sunk  we  will  get  her  yet. 

I  shall  send  the  coal  schooner  back  as  we  do  not  want  her, 
there  being  plenty  of  coal  here. 

Nov.  5, 1862 

I  HAVE  just  returned  from  another  trip  up  the  Teche  with 
the  "Estrella."  I  had  three  men  killed  by  a  shot.  The 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       453 

"Cotton"  was  there.  They  had  a  battery  on  each  bank,  but 
we  succeeded  in  driving  them  all  off.  I  can  do  nothing  until 
Gen.  Weitzel  arrives.  They  are  now  strongly  posted  at  the 
obstructions,  and  although  I  can  drive  them  off,  I  cannot  work 
at  them.  We  want  some  more  ammunition  now  badly.  I 
think  the  "Cotton"  is  casemated,  as  our  shell  glanced  off. 
We  had  him  on  fire  once.  We  could  plainly  see  our  shot  strike 
him;  but  he  fights  bow  on.  I  am, 

Very  respy,  Your  obdt.  Servant, 
THOS.  McKEAN  BUCHANAN.  Lieut  Commanding 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  6,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  Your  letter  enclosing  one  from  Mr.  Butler 
came  by  the  "Potomac"  three  days  ago.  She  goes  out  again 
tomorrow  and  takes  the  mail.  You  did  not  open  Mr.  Butler's 
letter  as  I  told  you  to  do.  I  hope  you  will  the  next  one,  as  he 
has  written  for  various  things  to  be  sent  to  him.  He  sent  out 
the  "McClellan"  almost  exclusively  for  me,  by  this  time  she 
is  on  her  way  back,  with  Mrs.  Strong  and  Mrs.  French  as 
passengers.  But  I  am  not  sorry  that  I  did  not  wait.  I  would 
not  like  to  be  in  New  York  to  make  the  passage  again.  I  was 
out  this  morning  for  half  an  hour's  drive.  The  weather  has 
changed  suddenly  from  summer  heat  to  not  extreme  cold,  but 
so  chilly  that  my  fingers  tingle  through  the  gloves.  I  wish 
you  were  here  and  the  children  too  for  three  months,  but  that 
cannot  be;  I  should  never  dare  to  have  them  make  the  passage, 
nor  could  they  bear  the  heat  of  spring.  Poor  Benny,  when  will 
he  get  his  present?  I  will  hunt  for  him  one  of  these  days. 
I  really  seem  to  have  no  time,  and  yet  I  have  nothing  to  do. 
Is  Paul  helping  you  to  take  care  of  the  other  two,  and  setting 
them  an  example  how  to  behave  at  table.  I  wish  he  would 
learn  to  write,  and  send  me  a  letter  sometimes.  Would  it  be 
too  much  trouble  for  you  to  give  them  lessons  in  spelling  some- 
times after  tea  when  the  evenings  are  long?  They  learn  more 
rapidly  in  this  way  than  in  any  other.  If  you  can  do  this,  and 
give  Paul  a  rubbing  twice  a  week  with  the  wash  with  less  of 
the  soda,  —  I  should  like  it  very  much.  If  there  is  anything 
you  wish  to  cut  up  or  change  in  the  house  that  we  did  not  speak 
of,  do  it  as  you  think  best  in  any  way  you  like,  either  of  mine 
or  Blanche's.  Mr.  Butler  would  be  glad  to  go  home;  I  think 
he  is  tired  and  half  homesick,  yet  he  would  struggle  for  his 


454        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

place  if  any  attempt  was  made  unfairly  to  dispossess  him.  The 
rumour  is  again  afloat  that  Fremont  is  to  be  sent  to  Texas, 
that  is  in  Mr.  Butler's  Department.  Gen.  Weitzel  has  made  a 
successful  move  about  sixty  miles  out  from  New  Orleans. 
It  is  opening  further  into  the  cotton  and  sugar  countries.  I 
hope  Fisher  has  my  letters  to  come  out,  and  is  already  on  the 
way.  The  articles  Mr.  Butler  wrote  for  were  embroidered  cuffs 
and  collar  and  a  cap  which  he  had  ordered  at  Burbank  &  Chase, 
and  he  will  perhaps  need  the  new  shirts  that  were  left  at  home. 
But  if  Fisher  has  started  and  you  have  not  opened  the  letter  I 
shall  write  about  it  again.  Several  of  the  ladies  and  gentle- 
men belonging  here  have  called,  and  all  of  our  own  officers. 
Headquarters  is  a  place  where  you  see  much  company  and  get 
great  attention,  but  one  gets  very  weary  talking  to  strangers, 
who  almost  always  have  some  interest  they  wish  your  influence 
to  advance.  Dr.  Edson's  charity  would  find  ample  scope  in 
this  town,  but  I  think  he  would  be  shocked  at  the  wickedness, 
not  of  one  people,  but  of  both  north  and  south.  Our  people 
are  prompt  to  imitate  their  vices.  Give  the  family,  Dr. 
Edson's,  my  regards.  Dearest  love  to  the  children  and  yourself. 

Your  affectionate  SISTER 

I  wrote  Fisher  eight  pages  giving  reasons  for  his  coming 
when  I  first  arrived.  Of  course  he  has  got  it  and  is  on  his  way. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  6,  1862 

M .  SHUFJELDT,  Consul  Gen.  U.  S.  at  HAVANA 

SIR:  I  have  received  your  note,  and  am  obliged  to  you  for 
its  kindly  suggestions,  and  the  interest  you  take  in  the  affairs 
of  this  Department.  I  can  best  inform  you  of  my  whole  action 
in  regard  to  the  Quarantine  laws,  which  have  been  relaxed 
because  the  frosts  have  settled  all  the  questions  of  epidemic, 
by  enclosing  a  report  made  to  the  Secretary  of  War  upon  the 
same  subject,  with  the  accompanying  exhibits.  You  can  make 
use  of  such  portions  of  the  report  as  you  please  among  our 
Spanish  friends  at  Havana. 

I  believe  the  entente  cordiale  now  exists  between  myself  and 
the  Spanish  authorities  except  upon  one  subject  —  that  of 
carrying  passengers  upon  National  vessels.  I  shall  not  permit 
this  to  be  done  hereafter.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        455 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  6th,  1862 

Brig.  Gen'l.  WEITZEL,  Commanding  District  of  the  Teche 

GENERAL:  Your  despatches  of  the  5th  of  November  have 
been  received,  as  also  your  telegram  of  this  evening.  I  am 
directed  by  the  Maj.  Gen'l.  Commdg.  to  reply. 

These  suggestions  as  to  the  field  works  at  Donaldsonville 
will  receive  consideration.  It  will  be  necessary  to  make  a 
Battery  at  Martin  City,  Berwick's  Bay,  or  perhaps  a  field 
work;  upon  this  subject  he  will  confer  with  you. 

In  establishing  the  Military  District  of  the  Teche,  he  was 
aware  that  at  the  moment  you  did  not  occupy  it  except  by 
your  boats,  and  he  gave  the  name  in  compliment  to  your  skill 
and  gallantry  as  it  was  undoubted  you  would  soon  be  in  occu- 
pation, and  in  putting  the  very  large  forces  under  the  command 
of  so  young  a  General,  he  designed  to  show  a  mark  of  confi- 
dence in  your  discrimination  and  judgment.  If  it  would  be 
more  desirable  to  yourself,  he  will  change  the  name  to  the 
District  of  Lafourche. 

That  you  should  have  declined  the  Command  is  the  occasion 
of  regret,  arising  most  of  all  from  the  reasons  given  for  so  doing. 
As  they  are  comprehended,  they  resolve  themselves  into  two  — 
First,  that  under  your  command  are  put  two  Regiments  of 
Native  Guards  (colored).  And  you  say  that  in  these  organi- 
zations you  have  no  confidence.  As  your  reading  must  have 
made  you  aware,  General  Jackson  entertained  a  different 
opinion  upon  that  subject.  It  was  arranged  between  the 
Commanding  General  and  yourself  that  the  colored  regiments 
should  be  employed  in  guarding  the  Railroad.  You  do  not 
complain  in  your  report  that  they  either  failed  in  this  duty  in 
that  respect,  or  that  they  have  acted  otherwise  than  correctly 
and  obediently  to  the  commands  of  their  Officers,  or  that  they 
have  committed  any  outrage  or  pillage  upon  the  inhabitants. 
The  General  was  aware  of  your  opinion  that  colored  men  will 
not  fight.  You  have  failed  to  show,  by  the  conduct  of  these 
free  men  so  far,  anything  to  sustain  that  opinion  —  and  the 
General  cannot  see  why  you  should  decline  the  command, 
especially  as  you  express  a  willingness  to  go  forward  to  meet 
the  only  organized  enemy  with  your  own  Brigade  alone, 
without  further  support.  The  Commanding  General  cannot 
see  how  the  fact  that  they  are  guarding  your  lines  of  communi- 
cation by  Rail  Road  can  weaken  your  defense.  He  must  there- 


456       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

fore  look  to  the  other  reason,  stated  by  you  for  an  explanation 
of  your  declining  the  Command. 

You  say  you  cannot  command  these  negro  Regiments.  Why 
not?  The  reason  must  be  found  in  these  sentences  of  your 

report : 

<(  " 

You  say  that  since  the  arrival  of  the  negro  regiments  at 
that  place  you  have  seen  symptoms  of  a  servile  insurrection. 
But  as  the  only  regiment,  that  has  arrived  there,  got  there  as 
as  soon  as  the  rest  of  your  command,  of  course  the  appearance 
of  such  symptoms  is  since  their  arrival.  Have  you  not  mistaken 
the  cause?  Is  it  the  arrival  of  a  negro  regiment  or  is  it  the 
arrival  of  United  States  troops,  carrying  by  the  Act  of  Congress 
freedom  to  this  servile  race?  Did  you  expect  to  march  into 
that  country,  drained  as  you  say  it  is  by  conscription  of  all 
its  able-bodied  white  men,  without  leaving  the  negroes  free  to 
show  symptoms  of  servile  insurrection?  Does  not  this  state 
of  things  arise  from  the  very  fact  of  war  itself?  You  are  in  a 
country  where  now  the  negroes  outnumber  the  whites  two  to 
one,  and  these  whites  are  in  rebellion  against  the  Government, 
or  in  terror  seeking  its  protection. 

Upon  reflection,  can  you  doubt  that  the  same  state  of 
things  would  have  arisen  without  the  presence  of  a  colored 
regiment?  Did  you  not  see  symptoms  of  the  same  thing 
upon  the  plantations  here  upon  our  arrival,  although  under 
much  less  favorable  circumstances  for  a  revolt? 

You  say  that  the  prospect  of  such  an  insurrection  is  heart- 
rending, and  that  you  cannot  be  responsible  for  it.  You  are 
in  no  degree  responsible  for  it.  This  responsibility  rests  upon 
those  who  have  begun  &  carried  out  this  war,  and  who  have 
stopped  at  no  barbarity,  at  no  act  of  outrage  upon  the  citi- 
zens &  soldiers  of  the  U.  S.  You  have  forwarded  me  records 
of  a  pretended  court-martial,  showing  that  seven  men  of  one 
of  your  regiments,  who  enlisted  here  in  the  Eighth  Vermont, 
who  had  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of  war,  were  in 
cold  blood  murdered,  and,  as  certain  information  shows,  were 
required  to  dig  their  own  graves.  You  are  asked  if  this  is  not 
an  occurrence  equally  as  heartrending  as  a  prospective  servile 
insurrection. 

The  question  is  now  to  be  met,  whether,  in  a  hostile,  rebel- 
lious part  of  the  State,  where  this  very  murder  has  been  com- 
mitted by  the  militia,  you  are  to  stop  in  the  operations  of  the 
field  to  put  down  servile  insurrection,  because  the  men  &  women 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       457 

are  terror-stricken.  Whenever  was  it  heard  before  that  a 
victorious  Gen'l.  in  an  unsurrendered  province  stopped  in  his 
course  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  rebellious  inhabitants 
of  that  province  from  destroying  each  other,  or  refused  to 
take  command  of  a  conquered  province  lest  he  should  be 
made  responsible  for  their  self-destruction?  As  a  military 
question,  perhaps,  the  more  terror-stricken  the  inhabitants 
are  that  are  left  in  your  rear,  the  more  safe  will  be  your  lines 
of  communication. 

You  say  there  have  appeared  before  your  eyes  the  very  facts, 
in  terror-stricken  women  &  children  and  men,  which  you  had 
before  contemplated  in  theory.  Grant  it;  but  is  not  the  remedy 
to  be  found  in  the  surrender  of  the  neighbors  and  fathers, 
brothers  &  sons  of  the  terror-stricken  women  and  children, 
who  are  now  in  arms  against  the  Government,  within  twenty 
miles  of  you?  And  when  that  is  done,  and  you  have  no  longer 
to  fear  from  these  organized  forces,  and  they  have  returned 
peaceably  to  their  homes,  you  will  be  able  to  use  the  full  power 
of  your  troops  to  ensure  your  safety  from  the  so-much-feared 
—  by  them  but  not  by  us  —  servile  insurrection. 

If  you  desire,  you  can  send  a  flag  of  truce  to  the  Commander 
of  these  forces,  embracing  these  views  and  placing  upon  him 
the  responsibility  which  belongs  to  him.  Even  that  course 
will  not  remove  it  from  you,  for  upon  you  it  has  never  rested. 
Say  to  them  that  if  all  armed  opposition  to  the  authority  of 
the  United  States  shall  cease  in  Louisiana,  on  the  West  Bank 
of  the  river,  you  are  authorized  by  the  Commanding  General 
to  say  that  the  same  protection  against  negro  or  other  violence 
will  be  afforded  that  part  of  Louisiana  that  has  been  in  the 
part  already  in  the  possession  of  the  troops  of  the  United 
States.  If  that  is  refused,  whatever  may  ensue  is  upon  them 
and  not  upon  you  or  upon  the  United  States.  You  will  have 
done  all  that  is  required  of  a  brave,  humane  man  to  avert 
from  these  deluded  people  the  horrible  consequences  of  their 
insane  war  upon  the  Government. 

With  or  without  such  a  message,  the  Commdg.  Gen'l.  can 
see  in  your  reasons  nothing  which  should  justly  cause  you  to 
decline  a  high  and  honorable  command.  Nor  does  he  see  how 
the  remedy  which  you  propose  will  aid  the  matter.  And  that 
remedy  is  that  either  he  or  some  one  of  his  officers  shall  take 
command  of  the  negro  regiments,  and  relieve  you  of  them. 
Do  you  think  that  change  will  be  less  likely  to  incite  a  servile 
insurrection  under  his  command  or  that  of  any  of  his  officers 


458       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

than  under  your  own?  Will  the  horror  be  less  if  they  are 
under  the  command  of  an  officer  not  present  on  the  scene  to 
check  and  allay  these  horrors,  any  less  than  if  commanded  by 
an  officer  present  and  ready  to  adopt  proper  measures?  If 
your  negro  or  other  regiments  commit  any  outrage  upon  un- 
offending and  unarmed  people,  quietly  attending  to  their  own 
business,  let  them  be  most  severely  punished.  But,  while 
operations  in  the  field  are  going  on,  I  do  not  see  how  you  can 
turn  aside  from  the  armed  enemy  before  you  to  protect  or 
defend  the  wives  and  children  of  these  armed  enemies  from 
the  consequences  of  their  own  rebellious  wickedness. 

Consider  this  case.  General  Bragg  is  at  liberty  to  ravage 
the  homes  of  our  brethren  of  Kentucky  because  the  Union 
Army  of  Louisiana  are  protecting  his  wife  and  his  home 
against  his  negroes.  Without  that  protection,  he  would  have 
to  come  back  to  take  care  of  his  wife,  his  home,  and  his  negroes. 
It  is  understood  that  Mrs.  Bragg  is  one  of  those  terrified  women 
of  whom  you  speak  in  your  report. 

This  subject  is  not  for  the  first  time  under  the  considera- 
tion of  the  Commdg.  General.  When  in  command  of  the 
Dept.  of  Annapolis,  in  May,  1861,  he  was  asked  to  protect  a 
community  against  the  consequences  of  a  servile  insurrection. 
He  replied  that  when  that  community  laid  down  its  arms  and 
called  upon  him  for  protection,  he  would  give  it,  because 
from  that  moment  between  them  and  him  war  would  cease. 
The  same  principles  initiated  there  will  govern  his  and  your 
action  now;  and  you  will  afford  such  protection  as  soon  as 
the  community,  through  its  organized  rules,  shall  ask  it.  Your 
reports  and  this  reply,  I  am  instructed  to  say,  will  be  forwarded 
by  to-morrow's  mail  to  the  Commanding  General  of  the  Army. 

In  the  meantime,  these  colored  regiments  of  free  men, 
raised  by  the  authority  of  the  President  and  approved  by  him 
as  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Army,  must  be  commanded 
by  the  Officers  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  like  any 
other  Regiment. 

The  Commdg.  General  does  not  doubt  that  everything  that 
prudence,  sagacity,  skill,  and  courage  can  do  will  be  done  by 
you,  General,  to  prosecute  the  campaign  you  have  so  success- 

fully  begun"  (BEN,.  F.  BUTLER) 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       459 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  7th,  1862 

Maj.  General  H.  W.  HALLECK,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
Army  of  the  U.  S. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  copies  of  Gen'l. 
WeitzePs  reports  of  his  operations  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
river,  and  of  my  instructions  to  him.  I  propose  today  to  visit 
him  in  person,  to  advise  whether  we  will  cross  Berwick's  Bay 
without  waiting  the  reconstruction  of  the  bridge  at  Bayou 
Boeuf.  It  will  be  apparent  that  Gen'l.  Weitzel  brings  up  the 
interesting  question  of  the  war.  I  trust  that  my  instructions 
on  it  will  meet  your  approbation.  The  President  and  your- 
self are  aware  that  I  am  wholly  without  guide  in  this  matter. 
I  take  occasion  to  call  to  the  attention  of  the  General  Com- 
mander-in-Chief that  more  than  70  days  since  I  called  the 
attention  of  the  War  Department  to  the  organization  of  three 
(3)  colored  regiments  by  my  General  Order  No.  63,  of  date  of 
August  22nd,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  President,  and 
though  I  have  had  many  communications  directly  from  the 
War  Dept.  and  the  General  Comm'd'r-in-Chief,  no  communi- 
cation approving  of  that  organization  has  been  received.  I 
must  therefore  take  it  to  be  approved,  but  would  prefer  dis- 
tinct orders  on  this  subject. 

Awaiting  further  instructions  from  the  General  Commander- 
in-Chief,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  Obedient  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Commanding 

From  Count  Mejan 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  ltht  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  A  new  attempt  of  violence  has  been  committed  upon 
Mr.  Coulon,  proprietor  of  the  orange  garden,  plantation  Hop- 
kins, yesterday  morning.  Since  the  facts  brought  to  your 
notice  by  Mr,  Fauconnet,  in  his  letter  of  October  3d  last, 
those  negroes  occupying  the  camp  opposite  of  his  place  have 
never  stopped  to  invade  his  place  every  night  to  take  away 
his  fruits,  the  produce  of  his  crop,  and  even  his  household 
utensils.  The  passion  of  this  Frenchman,  who  saw  himself 
ruined  in  such  a  way,  was  naturally  great,  when  yesterday 
morning  he  was  informed  that  a  troop  of  about  thirty  negroes 


460       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

invaded  his  yard.  He  thought  proper  to  arm  himself,  and 
then  presented  himself  before  this  troop  in  order  to  request 
them  to  leave  the  premises,  but  he  was  told  in  an  insolent 
manner  that  they  had  to  receive  no  orders  from  him,  that 
they  were  the  masters  and  would  do  as  they  liked.  It  appears, 
then,  that  he  threatened  to  make  use  of  his  arms,  when  one 
of  the  negroes  fired  a  shot  at  him,  upon  his  full  breast,  and  one 
of  the  barrels  of  Coulon's  gun  was  discharged  while  Coulon 
fell;  the  same  negro  then  wounded  him  badly  on  his  face 
with  his  musket,  wounding  his  face  again  cruelly.  The 
assistant  of  Mr.  Coulon  (Jules  Mongenot,  also  a  French 
subject)  seeing  his  employer  treated  in  such  a  manner  and 
his  own  life  in  danger,  took  up  Coulon's  gun  and  made  use  of 
it  against  the  negro,  who  would  have  murdered  him  but,  it 
appears,  did  not  hit  him.  This  Frenchman  is  now  in  prison. 

Informed  of  these  facts,  I  sent  at  once  the  Chancellor  of 
the  Consulate  with  Dr.  Mange,  principal  Surgeon  of  the  Im- 
perial Navy,  to  inquire  into  the  case.  This  assault  upon  the 
person  of  Mr.  Coulon  has  made  a  great  sensation  in  the  city, 
and  has  revived  all  the  fears  which  resulted  from  the  disarm- 
ing of  the  white  people  and  the  arming  of  the  negroes.  The 
attacks  upon  Mr.  Abadie,  a  few  weeks  ago,  by  the  negroes  in 
the  Touro  barracks,  and  upon  Mr.  Coulon  in  his  own  place, 
have  not  been  punished,  notwithstanding  the  solicitations  of 
Mr.  Fauconnet,  and  I  cannot  help  thinking  that  if  they  had 
been  punished  severely  this  new  crime  would  not  have  hap- 
pened. Dr.  Mange  and  several  other  physicians  have  declared 
Mr.  Coulon's  wounds  very  serious  and  probably  mortal. 

I  hope,  General,  that  you  will  have  these  aggressors  arrested 
at  once.  It  appears  that  they  left  the  camp  immediately  after 
the  crime,  leaving  this  last  remembrance  of  their  presence  in 
that  locality. 

An  exemplary  punishment  can  alone  calm  the  general  fear 
of  my  countrymen,  of  which  many  live  in  the  neighborhood 
of  the  camps  of  these  armed  negroes,  &  are  daily  exposed  to 
these  dangers.  Respectfully, 

The  Consul  of  France,  COUNT  MEJAN 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       461 

By  the  Secretary  of  War1 

War  Department,  Adj.  General's  Office,  WASHINGTON,  Nov.  9,  '62 

GENERAL  ORDER  No.  184 

BY  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  Major 
General  N.  P.  Banks  is  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Gulf,  including  the  State  of  Texas. 

By  order  of  the  SECRETARY  OF  WAR 

From  Mrs.  Laura  Pugh 

FRANKFORT,  KY.,  Aug.  30,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Sec'y  of  War 

DEAR  SIR:  .  .  .  that  you  will  write  to  Gen.  Butler,  giving 
me  your  moral  aid,  and  that  you  will  read  and  forward  the  two 
enclosed  letters.  My  only  acquaintance  with  Gen.  Butler  is 
through  two  very  unflattering  sources,  —  newspapers  and  his 
photograph.  I  am  not  ashamed  to  confess  to  quite  a  robust 

little  fear  of  him.  ...  TT/^L         *  *  T  T> 

With  great  respect,  LAURA  JTUGH 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS.  Nov.  11,  1862 

Mrs.  LAURA  PUGH,  FRANKFORT,  KENTUCKY 

MADAM:  Your  letter  of  Aug.  30,  1862,  addressed  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  with  two  enclosures  addressed  to  Major 
Gen.  Butler,  has  been  received  by  the  Commanding  General. 

Upon  investigation  it  does  not  appear  whether  the  words 
"Surgeon  La.  Vols.,"  used  in  crediting  the  deposit  of  the  late 
Dr.  A.  C.  Hensley  in  the  Bank  of  Louisiana,  were  intended  to 
denote  a  deposit  of  public  funds,  or  were  merely  descriptive  of 
the  person.  The  Com'g  General  decided  to  give  the  claimants 
the  benefit  of  the  doubt.  He  therefore  directed  payment  to  be 
made,  and  by  his  direction  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you 
a  check  on  New  York  for  576  &  6/100  dollars,  being  the 
amount  standing  to  the  credit  of  Dr.  Hensley,  less  twelve 
(12%)  per  cent.,  current  rate  of  exchange  this  day,  as  per  en- 
closed memorandum. 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  photograph  of  the  Commanding 


1  General  Butler  had  no  official  information  of  this  order  until  General  Banks 
presented  it  in  person  on  Dec.  12th. 


462       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

General,  which  he  trusts  will  hereafter  find  more  favor  in  your 
eyes.    I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
WM.  L.  G.  GREEN,  Lt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  11,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  Wo.  93 

I.  ANY  Commissioned  Officer  who  is  found  drinking  intoxi- 
cating liquors  in  any  public  drinking  place  or  other  public 
house  within  this  Department  will  be  recommended   to  the 
President  for  dismissal  from  the  service. 

II.  All  Police  Officers  are  ordered  to  report,  in  writing,  to 
these  Headquarters  all  instances  of  the  violation  of  this  order 
which  may  come  under  their  notice. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
R.  S.  DAVIS,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 

From  Major  J.  F.  Girault 

On  Board  Flag  of  Truce  Boat,  Louis  D*0n,  Miss.  River,  opposite  CARROLLTON, 

Nov.  IZtk,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  U.  S.  Forces, 
NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  announce  the  arrival  at  this 
point  of  the  Flag  of  Truce  Boat,  "L.  d'Or"  from  Vicksburg, 
under  my  charge,  with  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  Federal 
prisoners,  taken  at  or  near  Labadieville,  to  be  exchanged. 

These  are  the  same  whose  delivery  at  New  Orleans  was 
promised  by  Major  H.  G.  Watts,  agent  of  the  Confederate 
government,  about  9th  Oct.  ult.  Major  Watts  accompanies 
me  to  effect  the  exchange,  and  to  receive  a  receipt  for  any 
prisoners  of  the  Confederate  Government  in  your  hands  that 
you  may  desire  to  return. 

I  have  also  the  honor  to  be  the  bearer  of  a  sealed  communi- 
cation from  Lt.  General  Pemberton,  C.S.A.,  Commdg.  Dept. 
of  Mississippi  and  East  La.,  which  I  am  directed  to  deliver  to 
you  and  to  receive  from  you  a  reply  if  there  be  any.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  General, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 
J.  F.  GIRAULT,  Major  C.S.A.,  Commdg.  Flag  of  Truce 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        463 

From  Captain  T.  K.  Fuller 

Provost  Marshal's  Office,  THIBODEAUX,  Nov.  12,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  I  am  informed  that  many  of  the  poorer  class  in 
this  district  depend  upon  their  shotguns  for  support  during  the 
winter  season.  They  shoot  wild  ducks,  geese,  etc.  for  market. 
Shall  I  disarm  everybody,  or  grant  permission  to  certain  per- 
sons to  keep  their  arms?  —  those  who  take  the  Oath  of 
Allegiance? 

Shin-plasters  current  when  we  took  possession  are  now 
refused  to  the  distress  of  the  poorer  classes.  What  shall  be 
done,  if  anything,  in  reference  to  this  matter?  Grocers  refuse 
everything  except  specie  and  current  New  Orleans  money  — 
whole  bills.  I  am,  General,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  Servant,  T.  K.  FULLER, 
Capt.  75th  N.  Y.  Vols.,  Provost  Marshal,  etc. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  quarters  DepL  oj  the  Gu/f,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  12,  1862 

Mr.  PIERCE,  U.  S.  Consul  at  MATAMORAS 

SIR:  I  propose  to  send  down  the  first  regiment  Texas  Vols. 
with  some  other  troops  to  Galveston.  I  will  arrange  with 
Col.  Davis  of  that  command,  and  with  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 
that  refugees  who  may  desire  may  be  sent  to  Galveston  from 
Texas  and  Mexico.  Some  of  them  will  enlist  doubtless  in 
the  service  of  the  United  States.  The  preference  in  granting 
passage,  as  a  rule,  will  be  given  to  those  who  are  physically 
able. 

Of  course  it  will  be  improper  to  enlist  even  Americans  as 
soldiers  in  Mexican  soil,  but  there  can  be  no  impropriety  in 
sending  Americans  to  do  their  duty  to  their  country.  The 
letters  of  Col.  Davis,  commanding  the  Texas  Regiment,  and 
the  instructions  to  the  Commander  of  the  blockading  vessel, 
will  explain  what  is  desired.  Any  other  aid  that  I  can  furnish, 
if  suggested  by  you,  will  be  promptly  attended  to.  I  am, 

Very  respy.,  Your  obdt»  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 


464        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Fisher  A .  Hildreth  to  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Nov.  12,  1862 

MY  DEAR  BUTLER:  You  wish  to  know  what  consignments 
have  been  made  to  me  and  what  drafts  have  been  made  on 
me.  There  have  been  some  4900  hgds.  sugar  and  some  80  bbls. 
molasses,  and  a  few  loads  scrap  iron,  of  which  I  have  received 
bills  of  lading.  All  had  arrived  in  New  York  except  the  sugar 
on  the  "Charles  Kean,"  and  the  little  lot  of  metal  on  the 
"John  Griffin."  Those  may  have  arrived  since  I  left  New 
York  last  Friday. 

I  have  not  sold  so  much  sugar  as  I  have  paid  in  freights 
and  insurances.  I  met  your  drafts  of  $50,000  and  $9,409.00, 
and  the  Colonel's  for  $10995.00,  by  raising  the  money  at  the 
Railroad  Bank,  Lowell,  for  note  of  $71,151.08. 

The  Col.  has  notified  me  of  a  draft  in  favor  of  II.  M.  Jose 
of  $25,000.00.  Also  in  favor  of  C.  S.  Whittier  or  Read  for 
$20,000,  which  I  suppose  will  not  be  presented,  as  he  does  not 
recognize  the  sale  to  the  Col.,  and  Mr.  Whittier  and  as  you 
have  countermanded  the  trade. 

I  stored  the  sugars  for  better  prices,  as  they  would  not  pay 
invoices  on  their  arrival,  and  I,  as  well  as  the  Col.,  thought 
they  would  rise. 

I  got  notice  of  your  drafts  in  New  York  last  Thursday  with 
acceptance  waived,  which  gave  me  Friday  and  Saturday  to 
raise  the  amount  of  rising  seventy  thousand  dollars.  I  could 
not  raise  it  in  New  York,  as  no  one  would  take  the  sugar  as 
collateral,  as  I  was  not  the  owner  nor  had  written  authority  to 
hypothecate  them.  Nor,  if  I  had,  I  would  not  have  done  it 
for  less  than  one  per  ct.  brokerage  or  Commission  —  besides 
the  interest;  so  I  returned  to  Boston,  found  Carney  dry,  then 
came  to  Lowell  and  got  the  money  on  Carney's  recommenda- 
tion in  my  name,  Webster's,  Read's  and  George's,  at  regular 
interest. 

I  think  I  shall  accept  your  favor  and  come  to  New  Orleans 
in  a  few  days. 

If  you  have  occasion  to  draw  further  before  I  see  you,  do 
not  waive  acceptance,  and  draw  on  as  long  time  as  convenient. 
Your  drafts  frightened  me  when  I  found  I  could  not  raise  a 
dollar  on  the  sugar  in  New  York,  and  that  Carney's  loan  was 
up  so  that  I  could  not  get  it  of  him.  But  we  got  it  through 
after  much  tribulation. 

McClellan  is  again  superseded,  and  it  looks  as  if  the  Gov- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       465 

ernment  were  determined  on  pressing  the  war  to  an  emanci- 
pation end  if  not  for  emancipation  purposes. 

Have  a  great  deal  to  say  if  I  shall  have  the  good  fortune  to 

see  you*  Truly  yours,  FISHER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  12,  1864 

Hon.  HENRY  WILSON,  WASHINGTON,  D.C. 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Somewhat  irregularly,  perhaps,  but  impelled 
by  what  seems  to  me  a  grave  necessity,  I  venture  to  address 
you  upon  the  state  of  affairs  in  this  department.  We  want 
more  men.  We  have  now  about  10,000  effective  white  soldiers, 
of  which  two  regiments  were  raised  here.  We  have  two  regi- 
ments of  native  guards  (colored),  in  good  condition  and  doing 
good  service  in  the  field;  another  of  the  same  sort  has  nearly 
completed  its  organization;  and  we  are  now  raising  a  regi- 
ment of  Texas  cavalry.  From  the  North  we  get  no  recruits 
to  fill  up  the  ranks  of  our  old  regiments,  but  for  this  have  to 
depend  entirely  upon  enlistments  here.  With  this  little  force 
we  have  to  hold  this  city  against  Rebels  within  as  well  as 
without;  to  keep  our  lines  north  of  the  city  always  in  readi- 
ness to  receive  anything  which  may  drop  from  above  —  and 
something  may  come  after  any  battle  between  the  Rebels 
and  the  Army  of  the  West,  and  we  have  succeeded  during  the 
past  three  weeks  in  acquiring  a  foothold  in  Western  Louisi- 
ana, which  opens  the  richest  part  of  the  State  to  our  control, 
and  seriously  threatens  the  Rebel  communications  with  their 
Beef  Barrel  Texas,  and  we  are  now  casting  about  for  a  regi- 
ment to  send  to  Galveston  —  which  the  Navy  has  opened  to  us. 

Rear  Admiral  Farragut  is  rather  catching  it  for  not  having 
taken  Mobile  before  this.  That  he  has  not  done  so  is  no  fault 
of  his.  With  ten  thousand  —  even  with  7,000  troops  we  can 
take  it  and  hold  it.  Without  the  cooperation  of  the  Army,  it 
is  manifestly  quite  useless  for  the  Navy  to  attempt  to  operate 
against  the  place. 

We  want  to  extend  our  lines  of  men  so  as  to  complete  the 
cutting  off  of  Rebel  communication  with  the  West.  Up  to 
date,  we  have  been  victorious  wherever  we  have  met  the  enemy. 
We  only  want  more  men  to  keep  it  up.  Re-enforcements 
have  been  promised  us,  but  they  have  not  come.  Troops 
want  to  come  here  —  New  England  troops  especially,  I  know. 
Officers  write  me  to  get  their  command  ordered  here,  and  I 

VOL.    II — 30 


466        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

hear  the  same  thing  from  my  officers  who  have  come  back 
from  the  North. 

At  this  moment  —  while  writing  this  —  I  learn  that  Sterling 
Price  is  crossing  the  Mississippi  at  Port  Hudson,  and  is  work- 
ing for  the  salt  mines,  against  which  Gen.  Weitzel  is  operating. 
He  hopes  to  hold  the  mines,  which  are  of  incalculable  impor- 
tance to  the  Rebels,  and  he  hopes  to  keep  open  communica- 
tion with  the  "Beef  barrel"  above  mentioned.  He  has  10,000 
men.  I  can  spare  not  over  7,000  to  oppose  him.  Well,  there's 
10,000  less  for  Grant  to  fight,  and  if  I  had  5,000  more  men  the 
enemy  before  Grant  would  be  20,000  less. 

Believe  me,  when  the  rains  descend  and  the  mud  conies,  the 
army  of  the  Potomac  can't  move,  the  Rebels  will  move  down 
this  way  to  get  at  the  supplies.  With  5,000  more  men  I  will 
cut  them  off  from  Texas.  With  yet  7,000  men,  I  will  take  and 
hold  Mobile. 

I  beg  you,  as  chairman  of  the  Military  Committee,  to  use 
your  influence  to  have  more  troops  sent  here  —  Mass,  troops 
especially.  The  Rebels  are  near  starvation.  Send  us  troops 
enough  and  we  will  bring  them  quite  to  that  point. 

I  write  to  you  because  I  have  written  to  all  manner  of 
official  personages  and  get  nothing  except  promises  in  return, 
and  because  I  know  that  if  you  are  convinced  of  the  necessity 
of  my  call  for  more  troops  you  will  leave  no  means  untried  to 
have  it  answered.  Although  we  differ  in  politics  we  are  both 
bent  upon  doing  the  best  for  the  country,  and  I  have  no 
hesitation  therefore  in  asking  your  aid. 

(BENJ.  F.  BUTLER) 

From  Surgeon  Chartant 

On  Board  ST.  Louis  D'OR,  November  13th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  U.  S.  Forces, 

NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  hope  you  will  excuse  the  liberty  I  take  in  addressing 
you  to  make  a  request,  which  if  granted  will  be  regarded  in 
the  proper  manner,  and  for  which  I  will  be  greatly  obliged. 
I  am  very  anxious  to  see  Madame  Beauregard,  my  first  cousin, 
and  sister,  who  are  both  in  the  city;  I  wish  to  see  them  solely 
on  family  matters.  I  also  desire  with  your  permission  to 
purchase,  for  the  use  of  the  sick,  a  small  lot  of  medicines,  which 
are  actually  necessary  in  case  any  of  the  prisoners  to  be  returned 
by  our  boat  should  need  any  medical  attention.  This  is  made 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       467 

necessary  from  the  fact  that  I  had  only  arrived  at  Vicksburg 
just  previous  to  our  departure,  and  being  ordered  on  this 
expedition  as  Surgeon,  I  had  no  time  to  get  a  proper  supply 
there.  As  a  matter  of  course,  if  the  above  request  is  granted, 
I  will  consider  myself  on  "  parole  d'honneur,"  and  consider 
the  privilege  as  sacred  and  inviolable. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

A.  CHARTANT,  Surgeon  Flag  of  Truce 

I  submit  at  foot  for  your  inspection  the  list  of  medicines 
needed. 

Adhesive  Plaster  .  2  Yards. 

Perchlorate  of  Iron  lig.  .  1  oz. 

Collodion  2  oz. 

Chloroform  .  4  oz. 

Ether  sulph  1  oz. 

Laudanum  Sydenham  1  oz. 

Tinct  opir  Camph  4  oz. 

Sub.  nitrate  Bismuth.  1  oz. 

Bi-carb  Soda  i  oz. 

Spt.  Camph  2  Bottles 

Brandy  5  Gals. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  14,  1862 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secy  of  State 

SIR:  I  beg  leave  to  enclose  to  you  a  digest  of  the  Laws  of 
France  upon  the  subject  of  slavery,  which  an  eminent  French 
lawyer  has  prepared  for  me. 

As  every  owner  of  slaves  loses  his  nationality  by  owning 
them  (entrainera  la  perte  de  la  qualite  de  citoyen  franqais),  it 
becomes  a  most  vital  question  here,  where  every  man  of  any 
property  is  an  owner  of  slaves  and  every  other  man  claims  to 
be  a  French  citizen,  what  is  the  slave-owner's  status. 

The  French  Consul  claims  that  losing  a  quality  of  a  French 
citizen  only  means  that  he  loses  his  right  to  vote  in  France, 
I  claim,  on  the  contrary,  that  the  loss  is  of  nationality. 

In  support  of  this  proposition,  I  find  that  a  subject  of  France 
who  takes  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  a  foreign  power  and  becomes 
a  citizen  thereof  suffers  (la  perte  de  la  qualite  de  citoyenfranqais), 
the  civil  code  using  the  same  word  in  both  cases.  Is  it  to  be 
said  that  the  code,  in  the  case  of  the  abjuration  by  the  French 
citizen  of  his  Government,  means  only  that  he  loses  his  right 
to  vote  in  France,  or  does  he  lose  his  French  nationality? 

I  am  in  much  need  of  the  instruction  of  the  State  Depart- 


468        LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ment  upon  the  topic,  and  await  with  impatience  an  authorita- 
tive exposition  of  it.    I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy,  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Fauconnet 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  14,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

THE  Consul  of  France  has  the  honor  to  present  his  compli- 
ments to  the  Major  General,  and  to  call  again  his  attention 
to  the  imprisonment  on  board  one  of  the  men-of-war  of  Elie 
Lion,  Bertrand  Lacaze,  and  Charles  F.  Pelot,  French  subjects, 
brought  here  as  prisoners  from  Donaldsonville. 

The  first  of  these  Frenchmen,  it  appears,  is  suffering  with 
fever,  and  a  longer  confinement  may  endanger  his  life.  The 
Consul  of  France  also  desires  to  call  the  General's  attention 
to  another  Frenchman,  Vr.  Fonin,  who  was  arrested  at  La- 
fourche  the  5th  of  this  month,  and  who  is  confined  in  the 
prison  of  the  Custom-house. 

By  Order  of  the  CONSUL,  The  Chancellor,  FAUCONNET 

Endorsements  on  Foregoing  Letter 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  Nov.  15th,  1862 

RESPECTFULLY  referred  to  Col.  French,  Pro:    Marsh:    Genl. 
for  careful  inquiry  &  report. 

By  order  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER 
W.  L.  G.  GREEN,  A.D.C. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  Elie  Lion  & 
Bertrand  Lacaze  say  they  were  forced  into  a  Militia  Co. 
which  had  been  disbanded  previous  to  their  arrest.  Chas. 
F.  Pelot  escaped  on  the  night  of  Nov.  15th,  1862.  E.  Lion  has 
recovered  from  his  illness.  They  were  all  arrested  at  Donald- 
sonville and  sent  here  as  prisoners. 

Respectfully,  &c.,  &c., 
J.  H.  FRENCH,  Pro.  Marsh.  GenL  La. 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

UNOFFICIAL.    WASHINGTON,  D.C.,  November  14,  1862 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  have  been  waiting,  in  order  to  reply 
satisfactorily  to  your  letter  stating  fully  your  action  in  rela- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       469 

tion  to  trade  with  persons  in  rebel  lines,  for  some  decision 
by  the  Government  in  the  premises,  and  the  Government 
has  been  waiting  for  the  return  of  Lord  Lyons  in  order 
that  its  decision  may  not  conflict  with  assurances  given 
by  the  Secretary  of  State  to  the  representatives  of  foreign 
states.  Lord  Lyons  has  now  returned,  and  the  Secretary  of 
State  had  an  interview  with  him  yesterday,  which  I  under- 
stand was  satisfactory.  The  subject  of  cotton,  rice,  to- 
bacco, and  sugar  will  come  up  in  the  Cabinet,  perhaps,  today 
—  at  any  rate,  shortly  —  and  we  shall  get  on  to  some  defi- 
nite plan,  I  hope.  Meantime,  I  write  that  you  may  not  think 
I  have  neglected  a  matter  in  which  you  necessarily  feel  so  deep 
an  interest. 

Gen.  Banks  goes  to  New  Orleans,  not,  as  I  understood,  to 
supersede  you;  but  to  conduct  an  expedition  to  Texas  while 
you  are  engaged  nearer  to  your  present  Headquarters.  Most 
earnestly  do  I  hope  for  his  success. 

Your  own  success  has  been  very  great.  Except  the  com- 
plaints to  which  I  called  your  attention  in  my  last,  I  have 
heard  of  none  except  from  men  whose  loyalty  is  either  doubt- 
ful, or  at  any  rate  not  very  self-sacrificing.  I  hope  you  will 
not  misconstrue  that  letter.  It  was  prompted  solely  by  a 
true  regard  and  friendship  mixed  with  sincere  conviction  of 
public  duty.  I  do  not  believe  that  you  yourself  desire  more 
earnestly  your  distinguished  success  in  the  most  important 
sphere  you  have  occupied  and  must  yet  occupy,  and  in  the 
even  larger  scope  which  will  I  trust  soon  be  given  to  your 
powers,  and  I  am  sure  that  few  men  could  have  fulfilled  your 
difficult  task  so  well  as  you  have  —  no  man  better. 

The  removal  of  McClellan  will  not  take  you  by  surprise. 
His  course  made  it  indispensable.  The  President  postponed 
it  long  —  too  long  —  as  long  as  he  could;  but  at  length  felt 
driven  to  it  by  McClellan's  persistency  in  disregard  of  his 
wishes  and  directions,  and  by  his  manifest  purpose  to  keep  his 
army  practically  inactive,  as  it  was  kept  last  winter. 

For  General  of  the  Army  in  his  place  I  preferred  Hooker. 
The  President  and  Gen.  Halleck  preferred  Burnside.  I  hope 
their  preference  will  be  justified  by  the  event.  Burnside  has 
some  excellent  qualities,  and  I  hope  too  he  may  prove  to  pos- 
sess all  that  he  needs  for  his  trying  post.  He  shall  have  my 
most  cordial  support,  and  will,  I  am  sure,  have  that  of  the 
whole  administration. 

I  shall  write  you  as  soon  as  possible  again.    Meantime,  let 


470        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

trade  within  rebel  lines  cease,  and  the  Regulation  of  August 
be  strictly  observed  as  directed  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Yours  truly,  S.  P.  CHASE 

From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut  to  General  Butler 

F.  S.  HARTFORD,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  Uth,  1862 

DEAR  GENERAL:  We  take  away  the  licenses  for  general 
coasting  trade,  as  the  law  and  orders  prohibit  them,  except 
by  the  Dept.,  but  I  tell  these  fishermen  that  if  you  will  let 
them  go  a-fishing  I  will  sign  their  pass  for  that  purpose  only, 
or  for  vessels  coming  to  New  Orleans.  I  wrote  on  this  man's 
license,  "Fishing  and  oystering,  but  not  allowed  to  carry 
merchandise,"  I  think  day  before  yesterday,  before  I  learned 
from  you  that  you  had  a  company  of  them  —  but  he  produced 
his  license  to  show  that  he  had  the  privilege  of  the  City 

Very  respectfully,  D.  G.  FARRAGUT 
From  Captain  W.  M.  Wainwright  to  General  Butler 

U.S.  Steamer  HARRIET  LANE,  GALVESTON,  TEXAS,  Nov.  14,  1862 

GENERAL:  I  have  given  a  permit  to  the  sloop  boat  "Ven- 
geur,"  Wm.  II.  Bailey,  master,  to  proceed  to  New  Orleans, 
with  eight  passengers,  refugees  from  Confederate  persecution 
in  this  town.  The  master  of  the  boat  has  also  permission  to 
bring  back  such  provisions  as  he  can  carry.  The  poor  people 
who  have  remained  behind  are  in  a  sad  state  of  destitution, 
and  in  a  short  time  will  be  on  the  verge  of  absolute  starvation. 
The  Confederate  force,  who  hold  the  bridge  connecting  Gal- 
veston  Island  with  the  main  land,  will  not  allow  an  ounce  of 
provisions  to  cross,  besides  which  their  cavalry  squads  have 
driven  off  and  killed  all  the  cattle  they  could  get  at,  shooting 
in  their  tracks  those  that  they  were  unable  to  drive.  Some 
little  beef  is  still  left  on  the  Island,  which,  together  with  some 
hogs,  chickens,  and  such  fish  as  the  people  are  able  to  catch, 
is  all  that  they  have  to  eat.  Groceries  there  are  none,  very 
little  corn-meal  is  left,  and  that  is  selling  at  $5.00  a  bushel. 
What  flour  there  is,  is  held  at  $50.00  the  sack  of  100  Ibs.  in 
gold,  the  holder  refusing  to  take  Confederate  money  for  it. 
In  fact,  I  am  told  this  morning  that  neither  flour  nor  corn- 
meal  is  to  be  bought  at  any  price,  and  I  have  been  applied 
to  by  one  or  two  persons,  who  state  that  their  families  have 
not  a  mouthful  to  eat. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  3UTLER       471 

If  you  can,  General,  with  your  well-known  benevolence, 
forward  the  sending  of  some  provisions  to  this  port,  it  will 
be  the  means  of  rescuing  many  innocent  people  from  great 
suffering.  Our  own  supplies  are  too  short  to  enable  us  to  afford 
them  any  relief.  I  am  now  holding  this  harbor  with  this  vessel, 
the  gun-boat  "Owasco,"  and  one  of  the  mortar  schooners, 
Commander  Renshaw  having  gone  into  Matagonda  Bay  with 
the  "Westfield"  and  "Clifton"  a  fortnight  ago.  I  am  looking 
for  his  return  daily.  Though  the  town  is  under  our  guns, 
we  have  no  force  to  occupy  it,  and  feel  the  want  of  some 
troops  sadly.  The  place  can  easily  be  held  by  a  regiment  with 
the  aid  of  one  or  two  vessels  in  the  harbor,  and  the  people 
remaining  here  are  looking  anxiously  for  the  arrival  of  our 
troops.  Most  of  them  are  citizens  of  foreign  birth,  who  have 
no  sympathy  with  the  Confederate  cause,  and  I  am  assured 
that  large  numbers  would  gladly  enlist  in  our  service,  and  had 
I  arms  to  give  them  they  would  undertake  to  organize  them- 
selves, and  hold  the  town  under  cover  of  the  night.  Patrols 
of  the  enemy  come  in  from  the  other  side,  pick  up  conscripts 
wherever  they  can  catch  them,  and  harass  the  people  in 
every  possible  way,  which  we  are  powerless  to  prevent,  and 
which  renders  our  occupation  hitherto  anything  but  a  fortu- 
nate event  to  the  well-disposed  inhabitants.  We  have  now 
some  thirty  refugees  living  on  the  end  of  a  dock  near  our 
vessels,  as  their  only  asylum  from  seizure  by  the  Rebels. 
This  town  is  well-built,  containing  many  fine  stores  and  dwell- 
ing-houses, together  with  other  structures  which  could  be  con- 
verted into  quite  formidable  strong-holds,  and  easily  held 
against  anything  less  than  artillery,  from  which  the  guns  of 
our  vessels  would  prove  an  ample  protection.  There  are  two 
fine  foundries  here,  one  of  which  I  understand  to  be  in  com- 
plete running  order;  the  machinery  of  the  other  I  have  taken 
down,  but  it  can  readily  be  replaced.  In  conclusion,  permit 
me  to  say  that  if  you  can  spare  a  detachment  from  the  force 
under  your  command  to  hold  this  city,  I  am  sure  the  good  of 
the  public  service  will  be  vastly  benefited.  I  am,  with  great 
respect,  yOur  most  obt.  servt., 

W.  M.  WAINWRIGHT,  Com.  U.S.N. 


472       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Nov.  14th,  1862 

Hon.  JOSEPH  HOLT,  Judge  Advocate 

ENCLOSED  are  copies  of  records  of  Military  Commission  in 
two  cases  against  William  Wilson,  otherwise  called  Red  Bill, 
and  Frederico  Abellando.  The  sentences,  being  death,  may  re- 
quire the  approval  of  the  President.  Red  Bill  has  been  the  ter- 
ror of  this  country  for  many  years,  and  has  committed  many 
murders.  Abel,  made  one  of  the  most  unprovoked  and  brutal 
murders  on  record.  For  the  sake  of  the  peace  of  the  commun- 
ity I  request  that  an  early  approval  of  the  sentences  be  re- 
turned to  me. 

From  General  Sutler 

Head  Quarters  DepL  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  AW.  14,  1862 

Major  General  HALLECK,  Commanding  Armies  of  the 
UNITED  STATES 

GENERAL:  I  beg  leave  to  enclose  to  you  my  communica- 
tion to  Lt.  Gen.  Pemberton  of  the  Confederate  forces  upon 
the  subject  of  the  murder  of  seven  of  my  soldiers  when  two 
companies  of  my  Eighth  Vermont  Regiment  surrendered  at 
Bayou  des  Allemands.  There  were  enlisted  in  those  com- 
panies and  surrendered  as  prisoners  of  war,  with  them,  seven 
Germans,  residents  of  Louisiana,  who  owed  no  farther  alle- 
giance to  the  state  of  Louisiana  than  we  all  owe  to  our  states 
by  being  inhabitants  thereof. 

Because  of  their  enlistment  with  us,  they  were  tried  for 
desertion  in  the  militia  in  which  they  never  acted,  and  for 
treason  to  the  state  of  Louisiana  to  which  they  never  owed 
allegiance  —  because  they  were  naturalized  citizens  of  the 
United  States,  were  found  guilty  of  their  supposed  offences 
only,  and  were  executed  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  a  Militia 
Court  Martial,  acting  by  order  of  Major  Gen.  Lewis  of  the 
Militia  of  the  State. 

I  have  treated  of  the  subjects  in  my  letter  to  Gen.  Pember- 
ton, to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you.  I  send  also  a  partial 
copy  of  the  proceedings  of  that  Court  Martial,  which  I  have 
captured,  and  from  which  you  will  learn  the  facts. 

I  beg  specific  instructions  upon  this  matter.  I  hope  and 
trust  those  instructions  will  be  to  shoot  twice  as  many  more 
of  the  Confederate  prisoners  of  war  in  retaliation.  I  have 

the  honor  to  be,  v         *»,  , 

Your  oodt.  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  Gen.  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       473 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Lieut.  Gen.  PEMBERTON,  Com'g  at  VICKSBURG 

GENERAL:  I  have  received  your  communication  by  the 
flag  of  truce,  with  prisoners  which  have  been  duly  receipted  for. 
I  am  excessively  grieved  at  the  mistake  in  regard  to  Peming- 
ton.  I  had  supposed  that  he  was  confined  at  Fort  Jackson, 
and  sent  an  order  there  for  his  release;  but,  not  being  confined 
there,  by  some  unaccountable  blunder  the  matter  was  not 
reported  to  me,  he  remaining  without  being  paroled  till  Oct. 
18th.,  I  supposing  up  to  that  time  Pemington  had  been  released. 
I  have  ordered  his  unconditional  release  in  consideration  of  the 
unintentional  injustice  which  has  been  done  him,  and  will 
send  him  up  with  the  other  prisoners  if  you  desire. 

It  did  not  need  the  retaliation  of  the  detention  of  two 
privates,  I  assure  you,  to  cause  this  act  of  justice  to  be  done. 
I  beg  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  two  lieutenants 
of  the  Indiana  Regiment,  for  whose  exchange  I  sent  Capt. 
Murphy  of  the  Confederate  Navy,  have  not  been  released, 
and  Capt.  Murphy  has  not  returned  and  reported  to  the  Head 
Quarters.  May  I  ask  that  you  will  see  that  they  are  released. 

I  have  some  two  hundred  prisoners  whom  I  will  send  to  you 
as  soon  as  transportation  can  be  spared.  With  this  exception, 
I  will  retain  fourteen  of  the  most  considerable  of  them,  includ- 
ing Brig.  Gen.  Clark,  until  I  receive  instructions  from  my 
Government  as  to  the  course  to  be  taken  in  relation  to  the 
proceedings  of  a  pretended  Court  Martial,  held  on  the  pre- 
tended authority  of  Maj.  Gen.  Lewis,  by  which  seven  United 
States  soldiers  had  been  executed  for  no  crime.  The  charge 
alleges  "desertion  and  treason/'  but  that  desertion  is  only 
supported  by  the  fact  that  as  residents  of  Louisiana  they 
formed  a  part  of  the  supposed  militia  of  Louisiana.  There  is  no 
pretence  that  they  had  ever  been  in  the  field.  They  had  duly 
enlisted  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  were  surrendered 
prisoners  of  war,  were  made  to  dig  their  own  graves,  and  then 
wantonly  murdered.  You  will  be  pleased  to  inform  me  whether 
this  act  is  assumed  by  the  Confederate  Government. 

I  have  enlisted  a  number  of  thousand  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  State  of  Louisiana  into  the  army  of  the  United  States, 
and  I  am  naturally  desirous  to  know  whether  this  course  is 
to  be  taken  towards  them  when  they  surrender  prisoners  of 
war.  I  need  not  say  to  you  that  I  know  how  to  protect  my- 
self and  my  soldiers  from  such  acts. 


474       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

To  you,  formerly  a  soldier  of  the  United  States  Army, 
knowing  the  laws  and  rules  of  war,  I  need  not  further  enlarge 
upon  the  probable  consequence  of  allowing  the  proceedings  of 
such  a  court  to  go  on  unrevised.  The  copy  of  the  proceedings 
in  my  hands  is  not  complete,  but  is  sufficiently  so  to  show  the 
nature  of  the  transaction.  I  have  desired,  and  still  desire,  in 
all  cases  to  conduct  the  war  according  to  its  uses  among  civil- 
ized nations;  but  this  transaction  cannot  be  tolerated.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.,  your  obdt.  Servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  14.  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secy  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  addressed  you  directly  in  this  despatch  because 
the  subject  relates  to  other  matters  than  the  movement  of 
troops  in  the  field. 

As  you  may  have  learned  from  the  despatches  to  Gen. 
Halleck,  I  have  moved  Brig.  Gen.  Weitzel  into  the  Lafourche 
country,  and  have  taken  possession  of  the  richest  portion  of 
Louisiana.  Thousands  of  hhds.  of  sugar,  at  the  value  of  at 
least  a  million  of  dollars,  ought  at  once  to  pass  into  the  hands 
of  the  United  States,  together  with  much  other  property.  I 
have  therefore  organized  a  Commission  to  take  charge  of  the 
whole  business,  so  as,  if  possible,  to  save  this  property  to  the 
United  States,  and  have  put  the  oldest  and  most  honest  men 
I  have  at  the  head  of  it. 

I  annex  the  copy  of  the  Order  No.  91,  and  the  memo- 
randum of  contract,  which  will  explain  themselves.  The  ex- 
periment of  free  labor  which  I  am  trying  is  succeeding 
admirably,  and  I  hope  large  results,  not  so  much  in  profit 
to  the  United  States  as  in  example. 

Will  you  allow  me  to  avail  myself  of  this  note  to  ask  of  you 
re-enforcements?  I  have  had  none  save  my  free  native  guards 
(colored),  and  while  they  are  doing  good  service,  still  I  find 
trouble,  because  they  are  not  formally  recognized  by  the 
Department.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respy.  Your  obdt.  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   475 

Subject  Matter  of  "Memorandum"  referred  to 

OWING  to  the  necessity  of  employing  the  negroes  who  have 
left  plantations,  and  of  securing  the  present  crop  of  cane  and 
other  cereals,  repairing  the  levee,  &c.,  the  United  States  will 
employ  them  under  the  direction  of  loyal  planters  and  over- 
seers, to  be  paid  by  them  $10  per  month  for  males  (the  price 
for  females  and  minors  was  not  mentioned  in  the  memoran- 
dum), $3  of  which  may  be  expended  for  necessary  clothing, 
the  United  States  to  protect  them,  the  planters,  and  their 
plantations.  The  planters  to  furnish  proper  food  and  medi- 
cine, and  to  take  care  of  those  incapacitated  by  sickness  or 
age.  No  cruel  or  corporal  punishment  to  be  inflicted,  but 
any  refusal  to  do  labor  to  be  reported  to  the  Provost  Marshal 
of  the  district,  and  to  be  punished  under  his  orders.  If  any 
planter  refuses  to  enter  into  this  arrangement,  his  slaves  may 
hire  themselves  to  any  other  loyal  planter,  or  any  person 
whom  the  United  States  may  elect.  This  arrangement  is 
not  to  affect  the  legal  rights  of  either  master  or  slave. 

The  question  of  freedom  to  be  determined  by  considera- 
tions wholly  outside  the  provisions  of  this  contract. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  Uth,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDERS  No.  513 

THE  Daily  Advocate,  having  after  warning  published  the 
following  article, 

"  The  Ballot  Box 

"This  palladium  of  our  liberties,  this  charter  of  our  rights, 
this  emblem  of  Democracy,  has  been  speaking  in  a  voice  of 
thunder,  as  we  knew  it  would  if  the  people  could  be  aroused 
from  their  slumber.  It  has  been  our  unceasing  endeavor  to 
awake  them  throughout  the  nation.  We  were  the  first  to  tell 
our  readers  of  its  success  in  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  and  Indiana, 
and  now  we  have  gratifying  reports  from  Illinois,  New  Jersey, 
and  New  York,  if  these  reports  be  confirmed,  an  armistice 
will  soon  follow. 

"Negotiations  once  commenced,  there  will  not  be  any  more 
fighting.  Whether  an  armistice  results  from  the  Democratic 
success  or  from  foreign  intervention,  we  shall  hail  it  as  a  peace 
measure  to  be  welcomed  by  all  parties/' 


476       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

The  publication  of  that  Journal  will  be  discontinued  from 

18    a  e'  By  command  of  MAJ.  GEN.  BUTLER, 

GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G. 

From  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  November  Hth,  1862 

SIR:  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to  enclose  a  com- 
munication from  the  Secretary  of  State,  relative  to  your  action 
in  the  case  of  John  George  Lingham,  an  alleged  British  mer- 
chant, and  to  request  that  you  will  report  the  facts  of  the  case 
to  this  Department  at  your  earliest  convenience. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

P.  H.  WATSON,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

WASHINGTON,  November  6th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

SIR:  I  do  myself  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you  the  accom- 
panying extracts  from  a  letter  and  statement,  which  have 
been  received  by  Earl  Russell  from  Professor  Donaldson  and 
Mr.  Lingham,  the  Rector  of  Lambeth,  complaining  of  the 
arbitrary  conduct  of  General  Butler  towards  their  relative, 
Mr.  John  George  Lingham,  a  British  merchant  at  New  Orleans. 

You  will  perceive  that  Mr.  Lingham  appears  to  have  been 
sentenced  by  General  Butler  to  no  less  than  three  years'  im- 
prisonment in  Fort  Pickens,  for  an  offence  which  bears  no 
proportion  to  so  heavy  a  sentence,  and  I  have,  under  the 
circumstances,  been  instructed  to  apply  to  you  for  his  immedi- 
ate release,  unless  some  plot  or  conspiracy  has  been  proved 
against  him. 

Earl  Russell  has  observed  that  the  statements  submitted  to 
him  contained  no  mention  of  Mr.  Lingham  having  been  put 
upon  his  trial,  but  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  suppose  that 
the  punishment  which  has  been  inflicted  upon  him  should 
not  have  been  preceded  by  a  trial  of  some  sort. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  renew  to  you  the 
assurance  of  my  highest  consideration. 

W.  STUART 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       477 

Extract  from  Letter  of  Mr.  Thomas  C.  Donaldson  and  John 
Lingham,  Rector  of  Lambeth,  to  Earl  Russell 

BOLTON  GARDENS,  Russell  Square,  Oct.  I5lk,  18C2 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

I  HAVE  this  day  received  from  Mr.  W.  H.  Haynes,  mer- 
chant at  Liverpool,  a  letter  stating  that  my  brother-in-law, 
Mr.  John  George  Lingham,  an  English  merchant  at  New  Or- 
leans, has  been  seized  by  order  of  the  Federal  General  Butler, 
and  sentenced  to  three  years'  imprisonment  in  Fort  Pickens, 
and,  being  in  indifferent  health,  this  is  very  serious.  As  far 
as  Mr.  Haynes  can  understand,  three  gentlemen,  among 
whom  he  was  one,  fearing  an  outbreak  during  this  reign  of 
terror,  had  proposed  to  send  away  their  plate  and  valuables 
by  the  British  ship  "Essex,"  now  lying  in  New  Orleans,  and 
it  is  supposed  that  General  Butler  was  resolved  to  confiscate 
the  property  under  some  pretence  of  disloyalty.  The  names 
of  the  other  two  were  Mr.  Allen  and  Mr.  Mount;  the  sen- 
tence of  the  latter  is  one  year,  with  ball  and  chain  round 
his  legs. 

Mr.  Lingham  has  on  various  occasions  acted  as  Acting 
Consul  at  New  Orleans,  in  Mr.  Mure's  absence,  although 
not  so  at  this  period. 

I  beg  to  assure  your  Lordship  that  Mr.  Lingham  has  ever 
expressed  a  firm  determination  never  to  seek  naturalization 
in  America,  as  he  never  forsook  the  character  of  an  English- 
man; and  he  has  throughout  the  present  contest  between  the 
North  and  the  South  maintained  a  perfect  neutrality,  never 
in  any  of  his  letters  to  his  family  alluding  to  political  matters. 
He  married  a  Creole  lady  of  New  Orleans,  by  whom  he  has  a 
son  about  15  years  old. 

On  the  part  of  his  family  and  of  his  brother,  the  Revd.  J. 
Lingham,  Rector  of  Lambeth,  whose  signature  is  hereunto 
appended  with  my  own,  I  beg  to  entreat  your  Lordship  to 
take  such  steps  with  the  Federal  Government  of  America  that 
immediate  inquiry  be  made  into  the  circumstances,  in  order 
that  Mr.  G.  Lingham  may,  as  a  British  subject,  be  restored 
to  liberty,  and  his  life  and  property  secured  from  further 
aggression.  I  beg  permission  to  assure  your  Lordship  of  the 
deep  affliction  into  which  the  family  are  plunged  by  these 
cruel  circumstances;  and  we  throw  ourselves  on  your  Lord- 
ship's sympathy  to  obtain  redress  for  this  outrage  upon  our 
brother. 


478        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Statement  forwarded  by  Mr.  Donaldson 

Oct.  Wh,  1862 

A  party  some  time  ago  made  a  deposit  in  the  Merchants' 
Bank,  of  some  Confederate  notes,  and  recently  (about  18 
September)  presented  a  check  for  the  amount,  which  the  Cash- 
ier paid,  as  of  course,  in  the  Confederate  notes.  Upon  learning 
which  (and  it  seems  very  like  a  plot)  Butler  imprisoned  the 
Cashier  and  your  brother-in-law  (Mr.  Lingham)  and  two 
other  Directors. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  9th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Sec'y  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the 
despatch  of  the  Department,  of  date  of  Nov.  14th,  inclosing 
copy  of  a  letter  of  complaint  from  "W.  Stewart"  to  the  State 
Department,  bearing  the  statements  of  one  Donaldson  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Lingham  in  regard  to  my  action  in  the  case  of 
his  brother,  John  George  Lingham,  with  the  request  that  I 
would  report  the  facts  of  the  case. 

This  is  impossible,  as  there  is  not  one  fact  in  the  case.  The 
whole  statement  is  an  unmitigated  falsehood  from  beginning 
to  end,  and  in  testimony  I  enclose  the  statement  of  Mr.  Ling- 
ham  himself. 

Whenever  Mr.  Lingham  has  a  fancy  to  complain  of  what 
did  happen  to  him,  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  exhibit  facts  and 
circumstances.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obdt.  servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  9th,  1862 

[Not  m  chronological  order] 

I,  JOHN  GEO.  LINGHAM,  was  asked  to  come  before  Gen'L 
Butler  today,  and  was  shown  a  copy  of  a  letter  dated  Oct. 
16th,  1862,  headed  "statement,  forwarded  by  Mr.  Donaldson 
to  Earl  Russell."  So  far  as  it  relates  to  any  charge  ever  made 
against  me  on  account  of  the  Cashier  of  the  Merchants  Bank 
paying  out  any  Confederate  notes,  I  never  heard  of  it  until 
called  upon  by  Gen'L  Butler  today. 

I  have  also  read  an  extract  from  the  letter  dated  Bolfcon 
Gardens,  Russell  Square,  London,  Oct.  15th,  1862,  contain- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       479 

ing  the  statement  that  I  was  sentenced  by  Gen'l.  Butler  be- 
cause I  had  sent  away  my  plate  on  board  the  British  ship 
"Essex."  I  never  heard  of  that  until  I  was  called  here 
to-day.  My  plate  is  now  and  always  has  been  under  my  con- 
trol, and  not  disturbed  by  anybody.  I  had  sent  a  portion  of 
it  for  safety  to  the  Bank,  and  take  it  away  when  I  choose.  But 
I  never  attempted  to  send  any  away,  nor  was  I  accused  of 
sending  away  any  of  it  on  board  any  vessel. 

J.   G.   LlNGHAM 

Witness:  H.  C.  CLARK,  Lt.  and  A.  D.  C. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  November  I5tht  1862 

GEORGE  COPPELL,  Esq. 

DEAR  SIR:  I  should  be  happy  to  grant  any  request  of 
yours  for  a  pass,  especially  as  you  trouble  me  so  seldom  and 
generally  with  a  deserving  application,  but  Mr.  Chapman 
offered  a  bribe  to  the  officer  having  charge  of  the  passports 
to  obtain  one,  and  was  turned  out  of  the  office.  On  this  ac- 
count I  can  hear  no  application  for  him.  He  should  be  glad 
to  escape  being  imprisoned.  His  note  has  not  escaped  my 

attention.  /T,          «    ^  . 

(BENJ.  F.  BUTLER) 

An  Anonymous  Communication 

TRANSLATION 

GENERAL:  There  are  strange  things  going  on  in  this  City. 
The  Consuls  give  certificates  to  anybody  who  asks  for  one. 

Mr.  Lanata,  Consul  of  Italy,  himself  an  American  citizen, 
has  given  certificates  to  some  people  who  have  been  citizens 
for  10  years. 

A  certain  "Bossu,"  well-known  in  the  2nd  District  as  a 
citizen  for  the  last  15  years  at  least,  has  his  papers  as  a  French 
subject.  Mr.  Fauconnet,  Act'g  French  Consul,  gives  certif- 
icates as  French  subjects  to  Creoles  born  here,  who  have  been 
on  the  Police  &  other  public  offices,  who  have  been  mem- 
bers of  Military  companies,  and  have  shown  their  rights  as 
citizens  at  the  election  polls  with  knives  and  revolvers  in  hand. 

The  Vice  Consul  of  Italy  has  been  a  private  in  the  Garibaldi 

ANONYMOUS 


480       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Jacob  Barker 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  15th,  1862 

M aj.  Gen.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Department  of  the  Gulf 

GENL.:  I  take  pleasure  in  stating  to  you  in  this  note  what 
I  have  explained  to  you  personally,  that  the  purport  of  the 
objectionable  article,  which  is  the  basis  of  your  Order  for 
the  suppression  of  the  Advocate,  has  been  understood  entirely 
different  from  the  intention  of  the  writer.  The  design  of  the 
article  was  to  express  the  ardent  desire  of  the  Editor  for 
peace.  My  habits  of  life,  my  religious  professions,  have  always 
been  for  peace,  and  nothing  of  course  can  be  more  ardently 
sought  by  every  well-wisher  to  the  Country.  Armed  inter- 
vention was  inadvertently  mentioned  as  one  of  the  means 
through  which  peace  might  be  obtained,  and  the  article  would 
certainly  bear  the  interpretation  that  I  desired  such  inter- 
vention as  the  means  of  obtaining  peace.  This  I  regret.  I 
have  never  been  in  favor  of  armed  intervention  by  a  foreign 
power  in  this  war;  my  whole  thought  has  been  opposed  to 
it.  I  can  point  to  many  articles  in  my  paper  expressing  that 
thought.  I  am  entirely  opposed  to  any  interference  by  for- 
eigners with  the  affairs  of  this  Country,  and  if  permitted  the 
paper  will  most  fully  show  that  opposition. 

JACOB  BARKER,  Esq. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  15th,  1862 

JACOB  BARKER,  Esq. 

SIR:  Your  note  upon  the  subject  of  the  article  in  the  Advo- 
cate is  satisfactory,  and  its  publication  is  permitted.  I  can 
have  no  objection  to  any  proper  advocacy  of  peace.  To  ob- 
tain it,  the  United  States  are  making  war.  But  peace  can 
never  be  obtained  by  armed  intervention  of  a  foreign  power. 
That  would  be  an  act  of  war,  and  its  possible  effect  would 
only  be  to  put  away  the  day  of  peace. 

No  more  delusively  treasonable  idea  can  be  entertained 
than  the  advocacy  of  foreign  intervention,  which  can  never 
be  permitted  either  directly  or  covertly  in  this  department. 
Whoever  desires  foreign  aid  to  Rebellion,  and  expresses  that 
desire,  is  a  traitor  and  an  enemy  to  the  Government,  and  will 

Respectfully,  B.  F.  BUTLER 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        481 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  15th,  1862 

Major  General  H.  W.  HALLECK,  Commander-in-Chief,  U.S.A. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  the  proceedings  of 
the  Board  of  Inquiry  in  the  case  of  the  Seventh  Vermont, 
with  nay  own  indorsement  thereon.  I  have  endeavored  to 
treat  that  regiment  justly,  and  I  think  they  have  no  cause 
for  complaint.  But  of  that  you  are  to  judge.  I  have  the 

honor  to  be,      r7  ±f  7,  7    7. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  15,  1862 

His  Excellency,  Gov.  HOLBROOK,  MONTPELIER,  VT. 

GOVERNOR:  I  have  the  pleasure  of  inclosing  you  a  copy  of 
the  proceedings  of  a  Court  of  Inquiry  in  the  case  of  the  Seventh 
Vermont  Reg.  Volunteers.  When  the  request  for  such  a  board 
was  made,  I  informed  Major  Holbrook,  then  commanding, 
that  I  would  order  the  Court,  and  he  might  choose  any  offi- 
cers of  my  command  who  were  not  engaged  in  the  battle  to 
compose  the  board.  *  For  reasons  which  he  judged  sufficient, 
he  declined  the  offer,  and  requested  that  I  would  forward  the 
papers  to  Washington,  which  I  did. 

The  Major  General  Commanding  was  kind  enough  to 
approve  my  action,  but  informed  me  that  no  officers  could 
be  detailed  from  Washington  to  compose  the  Court.  I  then 
renewed  my  offer  to  the  commander  of  the  7th  Vermont,  and 
he  solicited  the  officers  who  composed  the  Board.  I  added  a 
recorder,  a  gentleman  of  considerable  legal  experience,  who 
was  not  even  present  in  the  Department  at  the  time  of  the 
matter. 

The  result  is  before  you.  I  trust  that  when  you  read  the 
proceedings  of  the  Court  of  Inquiry  you  will  see  that  no  in- 
justice has  been  done  to  the  Regiment  which  has  not  been 
repaired  —  in  the  single  particular  of  its  colors. 

I  shall  rely  upon  you  to  see  that  justice  is  done  to  me  in  the 
premises,  knowing  your  high  sense  of  justice.  I  have,  dear 
Governor,  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant 


VOL.  ii — 31 


482       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letters 

Headquarters  Dept.  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  6,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

THE  Commanding  General  has  examined  with  care  the 
findings,  proceedings,  and  testimony  of  the  Court  of  Inquiry, 
whereof  Col.  Henry  Deming  is  president,  in  the  matter  of  the 
7th  regt.  Vermont  Volunteers,  and  approves  the  proceeding 
and  finding.  It  is  apparent  that  every  conclusion  arrived  at 
by  the  Court  is  supported  by  the  testimony  of  the  witnesses 
called  on  behalf  of  the  Regiment.  The  General  is  constrained 
to  find  that  the  charge  against  the  Regiment  of  breaking  in 
disorder  before  the  enemy  is  fully  proved.  Two-fifths  of  the 
Regiment  never  returned  to  the  line  of  battle  after  they  broke 
and  fled. 

That  the  Regiment  did  fire  upon  the  Indiana  Regiment, 
and  that  that  was  the  only  firing  done  by  the  Regiment  that 
day,  although  they  held  the  centre  of  the  line  which  was 
mostly  hotly  pressed. 

The  General  is  glad  to  find  that  most  of  the  line  officers 
behaved  well,  and  that  the  official  reports  which  led  him  to 
believe  that  the  Regimental  colors  were  lost  by  the  Regi- 
ment were  mistakes,  and  therefore  he  has  pleasure  in  ordering 
the  colors  of  the  Regiment  to  be  restored  to  the  Regiment,  with 
privilege  to  carry  them.  But  he  cannot  order  them  to  be  in- 
scribed with  the  name  of  the  glorious  battle  of  Baton  Rouge. 

The  General  doubts  not  that,  now  having  an  officer  as 
commander  who  will  not  force  them  out  of  sight  for  shelter 
in  a  ravine  during  an  action  as  did  their  late  Lt.  Col.,  the 
Regiment  will  in  its  next  action  retrieve  its  position  and  earn 
a  proud  name  for  itself  and  State. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Qulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  20,  1862 

|_Not  in  chronological  order] 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  98 

THE  Commanding  General,  upon  the  finding  of  the  Board 
of  Inquiry  upon  the  conduct  of  the  7th  Regiment  Vermont 
Volunteers  at  the  battle  of  Baton  Rouge,  learns  that  he  was 
led  into  a  mistake  by  the  official  reports  of  that  action  as  to 
the  loss  by  that  regiment  of  its  colors;  it  proving  to  have 
been  the  camp  color  left  in  camp,  and  not  the  regimental  color, 
that  was  brought  off  the  field  by  the  Massachusetts  Battery. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       483 

He  therefore  has  pleasure  in  ordering  the  regimental  colors 
to  be  restored  to  the  regiment,  not  doubting  that  it  will,  in 
its  next  action,  earn  for  itself  a  position  and  name  which 
will  be  a  credit  to  itself,  its  State,  and  country. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BUTLER 
GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G.  and  Chief  of  Staff 

From  Colonel  J.  W.  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Office  Chief  Quarter  Master,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  17,  1862 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  copy  of  pro- 
ceedings of  Board  of  Survey  on  horses  at  Pensacola,  and  Cap- 
tain A.  N.  Shipley's  protest,  etc.,  I  also  send  you  Shipley's 
report  of  sale  of  Rebel  steamer  "Neafic"  by  General  Dow. 
I  would  most  respectfully  request  that  you  annul  both  the 
proceedings  of  board  and  sale  of  steamer,  and  order  no  more 
horses  sold  to  officers,  nor  property  of  any  kind  or  description 
to  anybody  at  Pensacola  until  we  have  time  to  get  matters 
arranged. 

I  would  call  to  see  you,  but  do  not  feel  able  to  leave  my 

Respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  SHAFFER,  Quarter  Master 

P.S.     The  "Syke"  leaves  this  afternoon,  and  I  send  man  on 
her  to  look  after  Quarter  Master  matters. 

Yours,  J.  W.  S. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

PENSACOLA,  FLA.,  November  15,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

DEAR  COLONEL:  I  enclose  you  a  statement  of  "as  far  as  I 
can  learn"  the  selling  of  the  steamboat.  Do  by  all  means 
send  an  order  by  return  Steamer  either  to  send  to  you,  or  sell 
at  public  auction,  the  steamboat  "Neafic,"  now  lying  at  the 
wharf  at  Pensacola.  The  sale  made  by  General  Dow  is  cer- 
tainly unauthorized  and  illegal.  He  is  in  a  perfect  stew  about 
that,  and  the  proceedings  of  a  board  which  apprised  a  lot  of 
horses,  a  copy  of  which  I  herewith  send  you  so  that  you  may 
be  posted  on  what  is  going  on  here.  Candidly  speaking,  the 
whole  is  a  complete  swindle  of  Government  property,  —  this 
is  a  little  the  d — st  command  I  ever  saw.  Everybody  here 
is  complaining  of  General  Dow.  My  God,  is  there  no  way 
to  stay  this?  Letters  from  good  and  loyal  citizens  representing 
gross  injustice  done  them  by  General  Dow,  I  am  told,  have 


484       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

been  sent  to  General  Butler,  no  reply  received  to  any  one  of 
them.  They  say  they  fear  that  these  letters  never  reached  the 
Commanding  General  of  the  Department. 

But  about  our  own  Department,  do  all,  everything  you  can 
to  have  the  proceedings  of  the  Board  on  the  horses  and  mules 
made  null  and  void.  Look  carefully  at  my  letter  marked 
"A,"  and  at  the  proceedings  of  the  "B,"  and  my  endorsement 
thereon.  Have  also  an  order  published  forbidding  the  sale 
of  any  more  horses  to  Officers,  on  the  grounds  that  they  are 
absolutely  necessary  for  service  in  the  Quarter  Master's 
Department,  also  for  Cavalry  and  Light  Artillery  Service. 

I  commenced  today  to  turn  over  the  Quarter  Master  Stores. 
A  quarter  master  is  much  needed  here,  some  one  who  will 
take  an  interest  in  the  Government,  setting  General  Dow  to 
one  side.  If  you  can  possibly  send  one,  please  do  so.  It  is 
all  important  for  the  public  interest.  Also  have  orders  sent 
here  that  no  timber  or  lumber  will  be  shipped  from  this  place 
without  orders  from  Hd  Qr  Dept.  I  shall  go  over  on  the  next 
trip  of  the  boat  and  see  you. 

My  kindest  regards  to  Turner,  Peters,  and  all  my  friends. 
I  will  keep  you  posted  as  to  the  doings  here.  I  have,  when  I 
get  there,  something  to  tell  you  about  money  turned  in  to  me 
by  General  Dow. 

Trusting  that  you  will  destroy  the  sale  of  the  "Neafic," 
and  upset  the  proceedings  of  the  Bd  on  the  horses,  and  pre- 
vent the  further  sale  of  them,  and  shipping  of  timber,  the 
latter  has  not  been  done  but  they  are  preparing  to  do  so.  I 

'  Yours  faithfully,  A.  N.  SHIPLEY 

P.S.  I  am  sorry  that  the  Red  Fish  and  Trout  I  sent  you  by 
last  steamer  spoiled.  When  it  gets  cooler  I  will  have  some 
sent  you.  A.  N.  S. 

Endorsed:  PRIVATE 

GENERAL:  You  will  see  that  this  is  a  private  letter,  but  I 
send  it  to  you  thinking  it  contains  information  you  should 

now'  Yours  truly,  3.  W.  SHAFFER 

Please  keep  this  that  I  may  get  it  again.    J.  W.  S. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   485 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  Nov.  17th,  1862 

Brig.  General  NEAL  Dow,  Commanding  Forces  at 

PENSACOLA  % 

GENERAL:  Major  General  Butler  disapproves  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  board  of  survey  convened  by  Special  Orders  No. 
136,  current  series,  from  your  headquarters,  and  refers  you  to 
General  Orders  No.  36  from  A.  G.  O.,  June  24,  1861. 

He  directs  that  no  horse  of  those  submitted  to  that  board 
(or  other  horse  not  condemned)  be  sold  for  less  than  ($110) 
one  hundred  and  ten  dollars,  —  the  lowest  price  horses  have 
been  purchased  for  in  this  department.    I  am,  General, 
Very  respectfully  Your  obliging  servant, 

GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  G. 

From  Count  Mejan 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  ISth,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 

THE  Consul  of  France  in  New  Orleans  has  the  honor  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  General  Commanding  to  the  imprison- 
ment in  the  Custom  house  prison  of  a  Frenchman  named 
Gustave  Lasalle,  a  blacksmith,  who  has  been  arrested  some 
days  ago,  in  order  to  be  a  witness  in  a  case  of  contraband  of 
quinine,  of  which  a  certain  Mr.  Fassman  is  accused.  It  is 
so  much  harder  for  Lasalle  to  be  in  prison,  as  he  knows  nothing 
about  Passman's  affair  and  because  his  health  is  very  poor. 
The  undersigned  takes  the  liberty  to  ask  the  General  to  re- 
lease Lasalle,  or  at  least  to  hurry  the  investigation  in  which 
Lasalle  is  a  witness. 

He  profits  of  this  opportunity  to  renew  the  assurance  of 
his  high  consideration.  CQUNT 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gvlf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  18,  1862 

Count  MEJAN,  Consul  of  France 

SIR:  Mr.  Gustave  Lasalle,  who  now  claims  to  be  a  French 
citizen,  has  been  Provost  Marshal  of  the  Confederates  at 
Pass  Christian.  He  has  imprisoned  and  destroyed  the  prop- 
erty of  Union  citizens.  The  proof  against  him  is  ample,  and 


486        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

he  will  be  tried  and  punished  at  my  earliest  convenience.    I 

have  the  honor  to  be,  TZ         ,,.  . 

Your  obliging  servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Quars.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  ISth,  1862 

JOHN  C.  HAMILTON,  Esq.,  NEW  YORK  CITY 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  In  the  harbor  of  Annapolis,  in  April  of  last 
year,  before  I  had  landed  at  that  place,  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  Mr.  Schuyler  Hamilton,  then  private  in  the  New 
York  Seventh  —  now  by  right  of  brilliant  service  Major 
General.  He  immediately  joined  my  Staff,  and  remained  with 
me  until  his  services  were  claimed  by  Gen.  Scott.  Upon  his 
judgment  and  skill  I  was  accustomed  to  rely  with  entire  con- 
fidence. His  success  since  that  time  has  increased  that  con- 
fidence, if  that  were  possible.  I  believe  that  here  he  would 
be  very  useful  to  the  public  service. 

I  have  written  to  Gen.  Halleck  setting  forth  these  facts, 
and  asking  that,  if  consistent  with  his  views  of  the  public 
necessities,  he  may  be  assigned  to  a  command  in  this  Depart- 
ment. I  take  the  liberty  to  write  this  to  you,  in  order  to  solicit 
your  influence  to  procure  a  favorable  answer  to  my  petition. 

I  need  more  men  —  and  with  them  I  need  the  presence  of 
Maj.  Gen.  Hamilton.  May  I  count  upon  your  assistance? 
Yours  very  truly,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  John  C.  Hamilton  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Dec.  4,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  Your  very  kind  and  complimentary  letter 
as  to  my  son,  Schuyler,  I,  immediately  on  its  receipt,  communi- 
cated to  Gen.  Halleck.  What  course  he  may  pursue  I  am  un- 
able to  judge.  It  is  a  fact  that  the  Secretary  of  War  requested 
Schuyler  to  remain  at  Washington  to  confer  with  him  from 
time  to  time  as  to  army  arrangements.  This  may  possibly  have 
been  prompted  by  his  knowledge,  in  the  staff  of  General  Scott, 
of  the  administrative  part  of  the  service  on  a  large  scale. 

Schuyler  declined  the  honor,  preferring  to  serve  at  the 
west,  where  he  was  known  and  where  the  field  of  honor  would 
be  a  wide  one.  He  is  now  near  Nashville.  I  take  for  granted 
no  person  can  better  appreciate  the  very  important  services 
you  have  been  rendering  to  the  nation,  in  your  present  scene. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       487 

I  may  say  to  you,  without  compliment  and  with  entire  truth, 
that  in  the  minds  of  intelligent  men  you  have  established 
yourself  in  an  estimation  few  public  servants  have  had  the 
good  fortune  to  reach  at  any  time  in  any  country.  Great  and 
hazardous  as  have  been  the  difficulties  of  your  position,  you 
have,  with  a  wonderful  perspicacity,  directness,  and  energy, 
surmounted  them  all.  The  attacks  upon  you  I  have  noticed. 
Not  one  seems  to  me  to  have  the  least  force.  I  presume  from 
your  letter  you  have  an  incursion  in  view.  Whether  the  War 
Department  can  supply  the  force  you  need  is  a  question  at 
this  moment.  The  expedition  of  Gen.  Banks  numbers  38,000 
men,  and  unless  new  bodies  come  in  I  presume  it  absorbs  all 
the  troops  now  at  command.  I,  of  course,  speak  without  any 
authority  or  precise  knowledge  on  this  subject.  But  so  strong 
is  my  impression  that,  were  I  situated  as  you  are,  I  think  my 
efforts  would  be  to  embody  the  slaves  in  corps  under  white 
officers,  give  them  the  preparatory  drilling,  and  to  hold  them 
ready  for  events.  'Tis  certain  that  a  great  change  has  taken 
place  in  thinking  minds  on  this  subject.  I  am  aware  of  your 
former  views  —  mine  were  similar.  The  magnitude  of  the 
rebellion  demands  a  change  of  policy,  and  this  is  the  change 
most  obvious. 

A  recent  publication  by  Mass.  Historical  Society  contains 
all  that  I  am  aware  has  been  written  in  relation  to  the  negro 
as  a  soldier  and  a  citizen.  It  is  pregnant  with  valuable  facts. 
I  will  write  to  Boston  and  urge  a  copy  may  be  sent  you. 

You  will  pardon  this  long  note,  and  accept  my  thanks  for 
your  kind  remembrance  of  my  son,  and  much  more  for  your 
invaluable  services. 

Yours  very  respectfully,  JOHN  C.  HAMILTON 

P.S.  Since  I  wrote,  I  find  published  in  the  Herald  a  note 
of  Mr.  Seward's,  proving  the  true  temper  of  the  cabinet.  Noth- 
ing has  transpired  to  indicate  any  change,  and  I  am  well 
informed  that  General  Banks  declared  while  here  that  the 
President  would  carry  into  effect  his  proclamation.  I  expect 
to  go  to  General  Halleck  in  a  few  days,  and  will  have  an  inter- 
view with  the  President  myself,  as  he  has  thought  proper  to 
communicate  to  me  previously  matters  of  high  importance. 
In  my  opinion,  the  early  employment  of  negroes  as  soldiers, 
under  white  officers,  is  the  measure  the  loyal  portion  of  this 
country  will,  with  few  exceptions,  most  warmly  approve. 
The  statements  as  to  the  conduct  of  those  already  employed 


488       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

justify  confidence.  I  think  it  certain  that  it  must  come  to 
this  at  last,  and  the  man  who  earliest  meets  the  great  neces- 
sity will  be  the  object  of  most  approval.  You  will  see  a  great 
clamor  is  being  raised  as  to  General  Halleck's  report.  I  am 
happy  to  be  able  to  state  that  the  impression  it  has  made  is 
extending;  and  that  General  McClellan's  friends  are  pursuing 
their  object  with  a  heated  indiscretion  that  must  ere  long 
powerfully  react.  General  Scott  deems  the  report  of  General 
H.  unanswerable.  Please  consider  what  I  write  confidential, 
and  if  I  can  serve  by  any  politeness,  please  apprise  me. 

J.  C.  H. 


From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  18,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  A  steamer  goes  out  tomorrow,  and  you 
must  have  a  letter.  You  would  not  think  it  possible  I  could 
be  hurried,  yet  it  is  a  truth  that  every  moment  is  taken  up 
with  something.  This  morning  I  went  out  to  look  at  the 
house  again  that  we  are  to  move  into,  and  gave  some  orders 
about  the  cleaning  of  it,  etc.  I  rode  a  little  way  after  that, 
and  returned  in  haste  to  dress  to  receive  some  relations  of 
Mr.  Soule,  who  went  North  with  me  last  summer  as  a  pris- 
oner. His  friends  say  he  is  suffering  from  ill-health,  and  are 
very  desirous  Mr.  Butler  should  write,  asking  his  release  on 
parole.  One  was  an  old  lady,  a  French  woman  and  sister-in- 
law  of  Soule 's;  the  other  rather  a  fine  looking  woman  who 
acted  as  interpreter.  The  interview  was  not  long,  and  by 
no  means  unpleasant.  Both  were  ladies,  and  this  town  swarms 
with  such  a  set  of  worthless  women  coming  about  on  any 
pretence  they  can  pick  up,  that  to  meet  with  a  refined  and 
elegant  woman  is  a  pleasure.  The  old  lady  was  satisfied  that 
I  would  further  her  petition  if  I  could,  and  went  away  quite 
cheerful.  The  house  would  be  crowded  with  petitioners,  ur- 
ging me  to  use  my  influence,  if  the  guard  allowed  them  to 
enter.  Mr.  Butler  refuses  to  have  them  come  to  the  house; 
and  insists  that  the  office  shall  be  the  only  place,  yet  a  great 
many  present  themselves  and  are  received  at  the  house.  The 
Sisters  of  Charity  come  to  see  me  almost  every  day.  Yes- 
terday we  steamed  down  the  river  fifteen  miles,  to  see  sugar 
making  on  a  large  Plantation,  twenty  gentlemen  perhaps,  the 
French  Admiral,  and  our  Admiral  Farragut.  Mr.  Butler 
invited  them.  We  dined  at  the  plantation,  —  fortunately,  a 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       489 

very  excellent  dinner.  No  lady  but  myself,  yet  it  was  not  in 
the  least  embarrassing.  I  declined  to  go  at  first,  but  Mr. 
Butler  insisted,  and  I  found  it  quite  delightful.  I  wish  you 
could  see  the  splendid  roses  the  younger  gentlemen  gathered 
for  me.  The  dinner  was  partly  provided  by  our  servants. 
The  plantation  is  owned  by  an  old  bachelor,  who  would  have 
found  it  difficult  to  provide  for  such  a  party  if  we  had  not  car- 
ried the  material  with  us.  Plantation  life  would  never  please 
me.  A  strip  of  land  bordering  the  river,  running  back  a  mile 
to  an  impassable  swamp.  Houses  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
apart,  more  or  less.  The  land  a  dead  level,  lower  than  the 
river.  The  negroes  a  miserable,  ragged,  degraded-looking 
people,  far  behind  the  city  negro.  On  Saturday  evening  a 
great  Union  meeting,  the  theater  was  crammed,  thousands 
outside.  Mr.  Durant,  a  citizen,  and  Col.  Deming  were  the 
speakers.  Both  were  excellent.  Mr.  Durant's  was  a  finished, 
classical  speech.  Col.  Deming's  contrasted  well,  full  of  fun. 
and  warmly  applauded.  I  look  for  Fisher  by  the  next  boat. 
You  need  not  be  afraid  your  letters  will  be  uninteresting.  The 
smallest  thing  you  do,  or  the  children  say,  is  of  much  more 
interest  than  what  chances  in  N.  O.,  so  write  a  few  lines  every 
day,  and  that  will  bring  the  week  round.  Loty,  I  trust,  is 
quite  content.  I  have  not  yet  made  up  my  box,  nor  written 
much  to  interest.  Love  to  the  children  and  all. 

Most  affectionately,  SARAH 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  \4tth,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  been  asked  by  the  members  of  the  family  of 
Mr.  Pierre  Soule,  now  in  confinement  at  Fort  Lafayette,  to 
suggest  the  propriety  of  having  him  released  on  his  parole, 
because  of  his  age.  It  is  represented  that  his  health  is  suffer- 
ing from  the  confinement.  I  am  convinced  that  Mr.  Soule 
might  with  safety  be  given  his  parole  to  reside  in  the  city  of 
Boston,  and  not  to  communicate  with  the  enemies  of  the 
United  States,  until  such  time  that  he  might  be  brought  to 
trial.  I  believe  he  would  keep  that  parole,  and  hope  you  will 
grant  him  that  indulgence,  if  not  inconsistent  with  your  views 
of  public  duties.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commd'g. 


490        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  18,  1862 

Maj.  Gen  1.  H.  W.  HALLECK,  Commander '-in-Chief  U.  S.  Army 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  recount  a  very  successful 
expedition  under  General  Weitzel,  of  the  preparations  for  the 
march  of  which  I  have  previously  informed  the  Commanding 
General. 

General  Weitzel  landed  at  Donaldsonville,  and  took  up  his 
line  of  march  on  Sunday  the  26th  inst.  About  nine  miles 
beyond  Donaldsonville  he  met  the  enemy  in  force.  A  sharp 
engagement  ensued,  in  which  he  lost  18  killed  and  68  wounded. 
Full  list  of  casualties  has  been  recorded  and  published.  The 
Comm'd'g.  Officer  of  the  enemy,  Col.  McPheeters,  was  killed, 
and  the  enemy  lost  quite  a  large  number  in  killed  and  wounded. 
Two  hundred  and  sixty-eight  prisoners  were  captured,  and 
also  one  piece  of  Artillery.  Since  then  he  has  met  with  no 
opposition,  and  the  whole  of  the  country  is  now  open  to  him. 

The  enemy  has  evacuated  Brashier  City,  having  by  means 
of  the  Railroad  got  away  before  our  gunboats  could  cut  off 
their  retreat,  the  Naval  force  having  been  delayed  by  a  very 
severe  storm.  I  send  you  General  Weitzel's  report  received 
to-day. 

Sending  off  so  large  a  proportion  of  our  effective  force  has 
necessarily  left  me  very  weak  here,  and  I  beg  leave  to  urge 
upon  the  Commanding  General  the  necessity  of  reinforce- 
ments, with  which  I  can  operate  on  Mobile  or  Texas  or  up  the 
river.  I  am  organizing  some  companies  of  Texas  Volunteers 
of  Cavalry,  which  I  hope  will  grow  into  a  Regiment. 

I  will  forward  by  the  next  mail  my  letter  of  instructions  to 
General  Weitzel,  in  answer  to  his  despatch  herewith  sent.  I 
am  just  informed  that  our  Railroad  communications  with 
General  Weitzel  are  open,  and  his  messenger  has  come  in  bring- 
ing a  despatch  while  I  write,  which  I  enclose.  I  cannot  too 
much  commend  the  energy  of  Col.  Thomas  with  his  Regt., 
the  8th  Vermont,  who  have  in  six  days  opened  5|  miles  of 
Rail  Road  with  9  Culverts,  and  rebuilt  a  bridge  burned  by 
the  enemy,  435  feet  long,  besides  hauling  up  iron  from  the 
track,  which  entirely  impeded  locomotives  the  whole  way. 
In  this  work  they  were  assisted  by  the  first  Native  Guards 
(colored),  under  the  command  of  Col.  Stafford.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   491 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  19,  1862 

The  Count  MEJAN,  Consul  of  France 

SIR:  Your  note  of  Nov.  7th  1862,  calling  my  attention  to 
the  imprisonment  of  Chas.  Pelot  and  others  has  been  received. 

I  take  leave  to  invite  your  attention  to  the  enclosed  copy 
of  a  communication  received  by  me  from  the  consulate,  in 
which  Pelot  is  claimed  as  a  resident  of  Switzerland,  and  to 
beg  that  the  French  and  Swiss  consuls  will  decide  upon  the 
nationality  of  the  man,  as  I  intend  to  proceed  against  him  for 
fraudulently  seeking  the  protection  of  a  foreign  power. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosure  to  Foregoing  Letter 

TRANSLATION.     Swiss  Consulate,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  10 , 1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  A  Swiss  citizen,  Chas.  F.  Pelot,  resident  of  Thibo- 
deaux,  had  been  pressed  into  the  Confederate  militia,  and  was 
in  the  camp  near  Lafourche,  when  the  General  Weitzel  dis- 
persed them. 

He  presented  himself  to  Captain  Fuller,  Provost  Marshal, 
who  made  him  take  the  oath  of  neutrality,  and  gave  him  the 
enclosed  pass,  authorizing  him  to  come  to  this  city.  When  he 
arrived  at  Donaldsonville  he  was  put  aboard  of  a  steamboat 
and  brought  here  to  the  prison-ship,  opposite  Lafayette  St., 
where  he  is  confined,  although  the  other  foreigners  have  been 
released.  I  take  the  liberty  to  ask  for  his  release,  being  sure 
that  his  case  is  of  serious  consequence. 

Most  respectfully,  A.  PIAGET,  Swiss  Consul 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  19,  1862 

A.  PIAGET,  Consul  of  Switzerland 

SIR:  Yours  of  Nov.  10th,  calling  attention  to  the  detention 
of  Chas.  F.  Pelot  on  board  a  prison-ship,  has  been  received. 

I  take  leave  to  invite  your  attention  to  the  inclosed  commu- 
nication from  the  French  Consulate,  in  which  Pelot  is  claimed 
as  a  subject  of  France,  and  beg  that  the  French  and  Swiss 
Consuls  will  decide  and  report  upon  the  nationality  of  the 


492       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

man,  as  I  intend  to  proceed  against  him  for  fraudulently  seek- 
ing the  protection  of  a  foreign  power. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

TRANSLATION.     NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  7th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Gulf 
SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  call  your  attention  to  the  incar- 
ceration, on  board  of  one  of  the  United  States  ships,  of  three 
French  gentlemen,  viz.,  Elie  Leon,  Bertrand  Lecaze,  Chas.  F. 
Pelot,  inhabitants  of  Donaldsonville,  having  been  arrested  by 
the  U.  S.  Troops  there  and  sent  to  this  city  as  prisoners  of 
war.  These  Frenchmen  declare  to  have  never  lost  their 
nationality,  and  to  have  done  no  act  except  to  obey  the  local 
militia  laws.  I  should  be  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  the 
order  to  release  them,  and  give  them  a  pass  to  return  to  their 
homes.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant,  COUNT  MEJAN 

From  Count  Mejan 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  19th  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  Mr.  Chas.  F.  Pelot  has  not  personally  claimed  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Consulate  of  France,  and  may  perhaps  not 
know  the  steps  I  have  taken  in  his  behalf.  His  name  has 
been  given  to  me  by  a  third  person,  who  thought  him  with- 
out doubt  to  be  a  Frenchman,  and  for  that  reason  addressed 
himself  to  my  Consulate. 

I  wanted  only  to  call  your  attention  to  a  fact,  but  not  to 
discuss  it,  and  I  should  regret  if  you  make  Mr.  Pelot  respon- 
sible for  an  error  which  is  not  his  own.  Accept,  Sir,  the  assur- 
ance of  my  high  consideration. 

The  Consul  of  France,  COUNT  MEJAN 

From  A.  Piaget 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  22nd,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Genl.  BUTLER,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  reply  to  your  note  of  the  19th, 
that  Mr,  Chas.  F.  Pelot  is  really  a  Swiss  citizen. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       493 

The  Consul  of  France  has  called  your  attention  to  him  in 
consequence  of  a  third  person,  having  been  induced  by  his 
fellow-prisoners  to  request  his  protection. 

Pelot  himself  has  never  requested  his  protection.  Accept, 
sir,  the  assurance  of  my  consideration. 

The  Swiss  Consul,  A.  PIAGET 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  19,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  to  you  the  enclosed  state- 
ment of  the  Captain  of  Co.  "C,"  13th  Maine  Volunteers, 
with  the  indorsement  of  Major  Usher,  senior  paymaster, 
thereon.  I  fully  agree  that  the  allotment  system  as  at  present 
conducted  is  a  great  hindrance  to  the  service.  Many  men 
have  allotted  their  whole  pay,  or  all  but  a  dollar  or  two  a  month. 
That  money  does  not  reach  the  families  without  very  consid- 
erable delay.  It  leaves  the  men  nothing  for  their  own  neces- 
sities, dispirits  them,  causes  them  to  be  discontented  and 
uneasy,  and  many  are  trying  to  be  transferred  to  the  regular 
service,  or  to  other  regiments,  to  get  rid  of  their  allotments, 
and  in  some  cases  even  deserting.  If  any  remedy  can  be 
found,  I  wish  it  might  be  adopted  by  the  War  Department. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Tr          L    7-     , 

1  our  obedient  servant^ 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

To  Major  R.  G.  USHER,  Paymaster  U.S.A. 

WE  the  undersigned,  members  of  the  Co.  "C,"  13th  Maine 
Volunteers,  do  respectfully  represent  that  upon  the  solicita- 
tion of  our  Field  and  Company  officers  at  the  organization  of 
our  regiment,  we  were  induced  to  take  advantage  of  the 
allotment  system  as  a  safe  method  to  send  money  to  our  friends, 
and  one  that  would  facilitate  its  transmission.  But  that 
since  the  workings  of  the  system  has  been  just  the  reverse  of 
what  was  expected,  and  since  no  allotted  money  has  been 
paid  for  the  nine  months  the  system  has  been  in  operation, 
we  for  these  reasons  respectfully  request  that  the  allotment 
rolls  of  Co.  "C"  be  given  up  to  our  Co.  Commander,  to  insure 
us  hereafter  a  full  payment  of  our  money  as  U.  S.  soldiers. 
AUGUSTUS  C.  MYRICK,  and  Itf  others  of  Co.  "C" 


494        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

MAJOR 

THE  above  statement  was  drawn  up  at  an  organized  meet- 
ing of  Co.  "C,"  13th  Me.  Vols.,  Oct.  19th,  1862,  at  which  we, 
commanding  officers  of  the  company,  were  present.  The  as- 
signors by  the  allotment  were  present  and  unanimously  voted 
and  signed  the  above. 

Believing  the  request  therein  proper,  and  one  that  might  be 
complied  with  in  justice  to  the  men,  we  heartily  endorse  and 
present  it. 

Most  respectfully  and  truly,  your  obedient  servants, 
A.  E.  BUCK,  Capt.   Co.  C,  13th  Maine,  AUGUSTUS  MYRICK, 
2nd  Lt.,  Co.  C.,  13th  Maine. 

Paymaster's  Office,  NEW  ORLEANS    Nov.  15,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Endorsement:  MOST  respectfully  referred  to  Major  General 
Butler.  The  allotments  for  the  months  of  May,  June,  July, 
and  August  have  been  forwarded  to  the  assignees,  but  will 
always  be  attended  by  considerable  delay,  which  is  unavoid- 
able, and  in  my  judgment  the  whole  thing  is  most  decidedly 
impracticable,  notwithstanding  it  is  a  Law  of  Congress. 

R.  G.  USHER,  Sen.  Paymaster,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

From  Juan  Callejon 

TRANSLATION.    NEW  ORLEANS,  November,  1862 

Senor  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SEI^OR  GENERAL:  On  the  13th  inst.  thirty-three  Spanish 
subjects  have  been  released  from  the  public  prison  where  they 
had  been  since  the  5th  inst.  One  of  them  has  informed  me  of 
the  manner  in  which  that  arrest  had  been  made,  and  the  cir- 
cumstances which  followed,  and  I  beg  to  bring  it  to  your 
knowledge,  that  in  future  abuses  of  this  character  may  be 
avoided. 

When,  on  the  4th  inst.,  they  returned  from  fishing  on  Lake 
Borgne  and  had  hardly  anchored,  they  were  taken  prisoners 
by  some  eight  soldiers  belonging  to  the  U.  S.  Service  at  that 
post.  The  fishermen  showed  their  certificates  of  nationality 
of  Spain,  issued  by  this  Consulate,  but  the  troop  insisted  and 
they  obeyed.  They  were  then  conducted  to  the  military  prison 
at  the  Custom-house,  and  from  there  to  the  public  prison. 
Once  there,  one  of  the  employees,  supposed  to  be  the  Chief 
of  the  Prison,  made  the  offer  to  the  fishermen  that  if  they  would 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       495 

enlist  in  theU.  S.  Service  they  would  be  released  immediately. 
The  prisoners  refused,  and  this  was  the  cause,  that  they  were 
rudely  treated  and  worse  fed,  until  on  the  13th  inst.  they 
were  released. 

Under  like  circumstances  are  now  confined  in  the  same 
prison  the  following  Spanish  subjects:  Basilio  Jufante,  Juan 
Antonio,  Ambrosio  de  Luis,  Marcelino  Saudego,  Severo  Alez, 
Juan  Mariano,  Pedro  Pascual,  Hilario  Villanueva,  Lorenzo 
Francisco,  Ignacio  de  la  Cruz,  and,  as  I  am  told,  several  more 
are  in  the  Custom-house  prison. 

The  above-mentioned  individuals  are  peaceable  fishermen, 
who  live  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Borgne,  where  they  exercise 
their  industry.  To  none  of  them  has  been  reproached  any 
criminal  offence,  nor  has  there  been  taken  any  declaration, 
nor  do  they  know  by  whose  order  they  have  been  arrested. 
I  suppose  that  you  have  no  knowledge  of  these  facts.  I  bring 
them  therefore  to  your  notice,  that  you  may  take  measures 
to  stop  those  abuses  of  your  subordinates.  I  am  confident 
that  you  will  not  permit  such  acts  to  be  repeated,  and  that 
you  will  give  orders  that  hereafter  the  certificates  of  national- 
ity, issued  by  this  Consulate,  shall  be  sufficient  guaranty  of 
respect  for  the  Spaniards,  who  keep  strict  neutrality  and 
observe  the  laws  of  the  country  and  obey  the  constituted 
authorities.  God  guard  you  many  years, 

The  Consul  of  H.  C.  M.,  JUAN  CALLEJON 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  ZSth,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Honorable  JUAN  CALLEJON,  Her  Catholic  Majesty's 

Consulate,  NEW  ORLEANS 

SIR:  I  am  directed  by  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler,  in  reply  to  your 
communication  addressed  to  these  headquarters,  to  transmit 
to  you  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  report  from  Col.  T.  W.  Cahill, 
Commdg.  United  States  Forces  in  this  city,  in  relation  to  the 
alleged  improper  detention  of  Spanish  subjects. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  Officer  denies  that  Spanish 
papers  were  exhibited  to  him.  Spanish  protection  will  be 
respected.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Resp'y.  Y.  0.  Servt., 

W.  L.  G.  GREEN,  A.  D.  C. 


496        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Headquarters  United  States  Forces  in  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.  Nov.  24^,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen'l.  BUTLER,  Commdg.  Department  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  On  the  20th  of  November  was  sent  to  these 
Headquarters  a  document  from  the  Consulate  of  Spain  in 
this  city,  bearing  your  endorsement  with  directions  to  see 
Capt.  Sawyer  and  report. 

In  obedience  to  which  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the 
parties  alluded  to  were  not  sent  in  by  Capt.  Sawyer.  That 
they  were  arrested  by  Serg't.  Joseph  McQuestion,  Co.  C., 
26th  Mass.  Vols.,  then  in  charge  of  the  Guard  at  Proctorville, 
whose  statement  I  have  heard.  They  were  arrested  in  obedi- 
ence to  your  Order  to  respect  no  passes  without  your  personal 
signature.  None  showed  any  Spanish  papers,  some  had  passes 
from  General  Shepley,  some  from  Gen.  Weitzel.  In  my  opin- 
ion it  would  be  impossible  to  prevent  these  fishermen  from 
carrying  on  a  contraband  traffic  to  some  extent  if  they  are 
allowed  to  hover  along  the  coast. 

Still,  Capt.  Sawyer  and  the  man  Knox,  who  seems  a  man  of 
judgment,  thinks  some  of  them  might  be  trusted  under  a 
strict  surveillance.  If  they  are  compelled  to  quit  their  fishing 
it  would  probably  leave  them  destitute,  but  we  have  nothing 
but  their  word  to  depend  on  for  their  being  faithful. 

The  man  Knox  says  he  has  known  some  of  them  for  many 
years.  I  am  inclined  to  trust  his  judgment  to  some  extent, 
as  he  has  proved  himself  very  active  and  faithful  so  far,  and 
is  well  acquainted  with  the  coast  and  people.  All  of  which  is 
respectfully  submitted. 

THOS.  W.  CAHILL,  Col.  Commdg.  Brigade 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  19,  1862 

PEPIN  vs.  BANK  OF  AMERICA 

Appeal  from  Provost  Court 

HAVING  heard  the  appeal  in  the  case  of  J.  F.  Pepin  vs.  Bank 
of  America,  upon  the  arguments  both  written  and  oral  of  the 
counsel  for  the  several  parties,  and  having  given  it  the  best 
consideration  possible,  I  am  of  opinion  that  the  claim  of  the 
plaintiff,  to  be  paid  in  the  currency  of  the  bank  and  not  in 
Confederate  notes,  is  valid. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        497 

This  claim  is  resisted  by  the  bank  upon  two  grounds, 
1st.  That  the  Commercial  Water  Works  Co.  made  their 
deposit  in  Confederate  notes,  and  that  they  being  a  quasi 
banking  company  themselves,  the  order  of  the  Department 
relating  to  currency  did  not  apply,  it  not  being  intended  to 
control  transactions  between  banks  or  banking  companies. 
2nd.  That  Pepin,  being  the  drawer  of  the  check  made  by  the 
company  in  their  deposit  in  the  bank,  cannot  bring  suit  in  his 
own  name,  because  of  the  familiar  principle  that  the  creditor 
or  depositor  cannot  divide  his  debt  or  deposit,  and  make  the 
creditor  or  depositor  liable  to  several  parties  without  his  own 
consent. 

That  is  true;  but  not  in  the  case  of  a  bank  deposit  which  is 
taken  under  the  well-known  commercial  usage  that  is  to  be 
paid  out  in  checks,  so  that  the  promise  of  the  bank  upon  the 
receipt  of  the  money  is  in  law  a  promise  to  pay  any  portion 
of  his  deposit  to  whomsoever  the  depositor  shall  nominate  by 
his  check  in  the  usual  form.  The  authorities  cited  at  the  hear- 
ing will  be  found  upon  examination  to  be  applicable  only  to 
an  ordinary  debt  between  individuals,  or  an  ordinary  deposit, 
and  not  applicable  to  deposits  in  Banks  which  are  subject  to 
well  known  commercial  laws. 

The  first  objection  would  require  more  consideration  did  it 
not  appear  that  Pepin  was  a  stockholder  in  the  Commercial 
Water  Works  Co.,  and  took  the  check  in  the  usual  course  of 
business  for  his  dividend,  and  of  course  is  not  subject  to  any 
of  the  equity  existing  between  the  company  and  the  bank. 
It  is  clearly  admitted  by  the  pleadings  that  the  bank  owes 
the  Water  Works  Co.  more  than  the  amount  of  Pepin 's  draft, 
whether  we  reckon  that  indebtment  in  Confederate  notes  or 
in  bank  notes.  The  Co.  has  drawn  its  check,  and  if  the  bank 
has  sufficient  funds  it  is  bound  to  pay,  and  if  there  are  any 
equities  existing  between  the  company  and  the  bank  in  Con- 
federate notes,  and  the  bank  is  obliged  to  pay  Pepin  in  bank 
notes,  it  would  have  a  right  to  charge  the  difference,  if  any, 
between  their  notes  and  Confederate  notes,  in  the  amount 
paid  to  Pepin,  in  its  account  current  with  the  Water  Works. 

An  attempt  was  made  in  the  argument  to  draw  into  this 
case  the  supposed  equities  between  the  company  and  the 
bank,  and  the  case  was  treated,  in  argument,  in  both  sides, 
and  their  equities  were  raised  by  the  pleadings.  But  the 
decision  is  not  based  upon  those  grounds.  It  was  urged  in 
argument  that  the  Gen'l.  Order  did  not  contemplate  that  any 

VOL.    II 32 


498       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

bank  or  banking  company  which  had  deposited  large  sums  in 
Confederate  notes  in  any  other  bank,  and  had  thus  aided  to 
put  this  illegal  currency  in  circulation,  should  be  allowed  to 
turn  round  and  claim  in  good  currency  the  amount  of  its 
deposit  from  the  deposit  bank. 

This  may  be  true  and  may  require  consideration. 

Again  it  was  urged  that  if  the  Water  Works  Co.  could  draw 
checks  in  favor  of  third  parties,  they  might  evade  the  sup- 
posed equities  existing  between  them  and  the  bank  by  sub- 
stituting these  third  parties,  as  in  the  case  of  Pepin,  as 
creditors,  in  place  of  themselves.  Their  considerations  were 
urged  as  against  the  plaintiff.  If  any  collusion  between  the 
plaintiff  and  the  Water  Works  Co.  had  been  claimed,  the 
argument  would  at  least  have  had  foundation.  But  the  good 
faith  is  not  impugned.  It  is  not  for  the  Commanding  Gen- 
eral to  suggest  to  the  learned  counsel  having  the  rights  of  the 
bank  in  charge,  how  the  supposed  wrong  may  be  remedied, 
as  the  counsel  will  readily  see  that  the  bank  cannot  be  made 
the  depositor  of  the  Water  Works  Co.  unless  the  bank  chooses. 
And  if  therefore  the  bank  chooses  to  tender  to  the  Water 
Works  Co.  the  amount  of  its  deposit,  and  if  the  Water  Works 
Co.  are  bound  under  Gen'l.  Orders,  and  by  the  equities  exist- 
ing between  the  parties,  to  take  that  amount  in  Confederate 
notes,  the  tender  of  such  notes  would  put  an  end  to  all  the 
right  of  the  Water  Works  to  draw  further  checks  upon  the 
bank.  And  then  the  bank  and  Water  Works  Co.  would  be  in 
condition,  if  they  choose,  to  raise  any  questions  before  the 
civil,  or  other  tribunals,  which  may  exist  between  them.  But 
with  this  the  plaintiff  has  nothing  to  do. 

The  appeal  is  dismissed,  and  the  judgment  of  the  Provost 

Court  is  affirmed.      T,          -n    T»  ™   •   ^       ^         ^ 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  May.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Quars.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  November  2(M,  1862 

Hon.  H.  A.  RATHBURN,  President  Canal  Bank 

SIR:  I  am  informed  that  the  notes  of  your  Bank  command 
a  premium  in  the  market,  and  that  you  are  selling  Sterling 
Exchange  payable  with  the  same.  This  is  a  speculation  upon 
your  circulation,  which  is  withdrawing  from  the  community 
where  it  is  needed  for  the  purposes  of  business. 

You  will  therefore  make  no  further  purchases  of  Exchange 
without  orders,  and  you  will  show  cause  why  the  foreign 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       499 

exchange  of  your  Bank  should  not  be  sold,  and  your  Bank 
resume  the  payment  of  its  notes  in  specie. 

You  will  report  in  detail  the  condition  of  your  Bank  to  these 
Head  Quarters  tomorrow. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  Paul  R.  George  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Nov.  Z5th,  (1862) 

MY  BEAR  GENL.:  Your  wife's  letter  compels  me  to  write 
plain,  simple  facts,  just  as  they  appear  to  me.  Of  all  duties 
ever  put  upon  me,  the  most  disagreeable  is  to  state  to  a 
friend,  not  his  three-fourths  of  nearly  perfection,  his  glorious 
prospects,  his  consummate  ability,  his  resolute  purposes,  all 
these  are  agreeable  to  recapitulate,  to  use  by  designing  men  for 
selfish  purposes,  to  drown  his  necessary  judgment  to  success; 
mine  is  the  task  to  be  plain,  to  tread  the  narrow  path  of  the 
quarter  track,  to  note  to  my  friends  the  brambles,  the  thistles, 
the  quick-sands,  and  the  rocks  that  seem  to  me  to  obstruct 
the  easy  progress  of  his  hopes  that  look  so  green  in  the  dis- 
tance. I  hinted  in  rny  former  letter  the  necessity  for  great 
care  in  all  commercial  enterprises.  I  find  no  fact  afloat  to 
your  prejudice.  Still,  my  dear  Genl.,  the  atmosphere  is  rife 
with  change,  with  intrigue,  with  passion,  with  avarice,  coupled 
with  ambition,  and  you  are  aimed  at  among  its  victims.  Al- 
ways remember,  my  dear  Genl.,  that  the  blow  aimed  at  Danton 
killed  Robespierre  too.  You  may  still  be  considered  the  Dan- 
ton  of  the  present  crisis.  Be  warned  by  Danton's  or  McClel- 
lan's  death.  Imbecility,  malignity,  and  courage  surround 
authority  at  headquarters.  I  have  industriously  explored, 
since  I  have  been  in  N.  Y.,  all  these  attacks.  Upon  the  whole, 
have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  there  is  just  at  present  no 
danger.  Now  for  example: 

Chase  says:  —  Why  will  Genl.  Butler  allow  his  friends  to  be 
so  loaded,  so  embarrassed  with  his  commercial  connexions. 
Garrison :  —  George,  I  tell  you  (because  you  are  a  friend  of 
Butler's)  I  am  afraid  he  will  be  removed,  indeed  I  have  been 
afraid  of  it  before  now.    I  tell  you  there  is  hell  to  pay  among 
the  merchants.    The  talk  is  awful  and  it  has  its  effect. 
Col.  Jones:  —  I  am  just  from  Washington.     I  tell  you  before 
Banks  is  done  he  will  have  Butler's  place,   etc.      Governor 
Andrew  I  see  about  the  Astor  House,  I  think  for  no  good. 


500        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Seward:  I  am  afraid  of  the  consular  affairs;  if  Butler  is 
changed  he  will  have  an  important  command  etc.  etc. 

Very  many  lesser  lights  I  could  name  for  examples  but  the 
above  will  suffice  for  the  dark  side  of  the  question  for  condi- 
tion and  discussion  in  the  public  mind.  Now,  then,  all  this  is 
met  by  three-fourths  of  all  those  who  speak  of  you  at  all  with, 
"By  God,  if  they  remove  Butler  I  hope  the  country  will  sink;" 
"They  dare  not  do  it;"  "Butler  is  the  only  live  General  we 
have  got;"  "Butler  is  the  right  man  in  the  right  place;" 
"Butler  has  the  ring  of  a  good  General;"  "Butler  is  the  only 
Genl.  that  has  done  anything,"  etc;  "I  have  carefully  read 
all  of  Butler's  despatches  —  show  me  any  other  Genl.'s  writ- 
ing that  has  the  same  ring  in  it,  or  that  begins  to;  'By  God, 
gentlemen,  don't  talk  to  me,'"  etc.  etc. 

Now,  my  dear  Genl.  my  opinion  and  advice  is  you  want  a 
friend  at  court,  entire  disconnexion  of  all  commercial  enter- 
prises. Pursue  on,  as  you  have,  as  a  Genl.  and  I  have  great 
hopes.  Fisher's  and  Pierce's  visit  will  accomplish  much  in 
allaying,  both  here  and  at  Washington  and  at  New  Orleans, 
difficulties  and  surroundings  that  now  lay  in  the  pathway  of 
the  future.  You  now  stand  high,  so  high  that  to  fall  would 
crush  you.  Heed,  I  beg  you,  what  Fisher  may  say  upon  com- 
mercial matters.  McClellan  is  out  and  will  die  with  Burn- 
side's  success.  Banks'  destination  was  Texas  —  his  plan  to 
make  two  free  states,  etc.  He  goes  now  to  reinforce  Burnside, 
in  my  judgment  much  against  his  will.  All  this  is  well  for 
you.  Such  is  war.  Seymour  is  Gov.  of  N.  Y.,  and  may  bring 
on  a  collision  with  the  U.  S.  authorities  —  will  certainly  if 
writ  of  Habeas  Corpus  is  denied  citizens  of  N.  Y.  Such  a 
calamity  would  change  all  the  future.  I  have  pressed  so  hard 
the  necessity  of  Fisher's  and  Pierce's  visit  that  finally  they  have 
concluded  to  go.  I  sincerely  hope  good  will  grow  out  of  it. 
So  frank,  so  plain,  I  know  you  will  believe  me  an  unchanged 

friend.  T>    T>    ^ 

r.  K.  GEORGE 

To  Mrs.  Genl.  BUTLER 

IF  the  General  will  allow  you  to  read  this  letter  so  that  you 
can  make  out  its  meaning  I  would  be  glad.  I  write  and  spell 
so  badly  and  oftentimes  mean  so  much  more  than  I  say  that 
it  often  takes  the  keen  eye  of  a  lady  to  work  out  its  full  mean- 
ing. It  always  takes  time  for  male  or  female  to  work  out  any 
sense  or  to  connect  ideas  in  my  bad  writing.  It  is  to  save  the 
General  valuable  time  that  I  make  this  request,  and  to  make 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       501 

this  letter  answer  to  yours,  which  I  felt  both  honored  and 
instructed  by.  Please  remember  me  to  each  and  every  mem- 
ber  of  the  staff.  p  R  GEORGE 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  Z5th,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT,  Commanding  Western  Gulf  Squadron 
ADMIRAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  letter  from  the 
War  Department,  ordering  restitution  of  the  "West  Florida/' 
seized  as  a  prize,  and  to  request  that  you  will  order  her  to  be 
returned  to  her  owners  in  accordance  with  said  Order.  I 

have  the  honor  to  be,       T7  Tr        ^L,    0 

Very  respy.  Your  Obt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Commdg. 
Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  Nov.  \\tht  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

May.  Gen'l.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  has  brought  to  the 
notice  of  the  President  the  pass  issued  by  you  to  the  United 
States  Vessel  "West  Florida,"  to  proceed  from  New  Orleans 
to  Matamoras,  etc.  The  pass  was  not  respected  by  the  Block- 
ading Squadron  in  that  quarter  and  the  vessel  was  seized  as  a 
prize.  As  it  is  presumed,  however,  that  the  document  was 
given  in  good  faith,  the  restitution  of  the  vessel  will  in  this 
instance  be  ordered,  but  it  is  expected  that  you  will  not  in 
future  issue  similar  passes  without  further  instructions  from 
this  Department.  I  am,  General, 

Your  very  Obedient  Servt., 
EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Sec'y.  of  War 

From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 

F.  S.  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Oct.  20,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENL.  :  I  herewith  send  you  the  copy  of  a  letter  sent 
me  by  the  commander  of  one  of  my  vessels  that  captured  the 
"West  Florida"  at  Sabine  Pass.  The  Commander  believes  it 
to  be  a  forgery,  and  therefore  sent  the  vessel  up  to  me.  He 
landed  the  passengers  at  Matamoras,  from  which  place  he 
took  passage,  and  appeared  much  surprised  at  finding  himself 


5m   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

at  Sabine  Pass.  If  such  is  the  intention  of  the  Govt.,  why 
send  me  such  stringent  regulations,  "not  to  permit  passes 
from  any  officer  of  the  army  or  navy  to  parts  not  in  the  pos- 
session of  our  Forces."  In  fact,  N.  O.  is  the  only  post  they 
allow  any  trade  with  —  but  I  send  you  copies  of  all  my  latest 
instructions,  which  I  think  very  clearly  show  that  they  do  not 
recognize  the  right  to  trade  with  any  Post  but  New  Orleans. 
I  sent  copies  of  all  this  vessel's  papers  to  Dept.  when  she  was 
captured  before,  and  shall  now  advise  them  of  the  capture 
again,  and  forward  Capt.  Crocker's  report.  The  vessel  is 
detained  here  in  quarantine. 

Very  respectfully  and  truly,  D.  G.  FARRAGUT 

From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD,  PENSACOLA  BAY,  Oct.  28,  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  enclose  herewith  a  copy  of  a  letter 
handed  to  one  of  Blockading  Officers  as  a  pass  for  the  schooner 
"West  Florida,"  captured  in  the  act  of  running  the  blockade 
at  Sabine  Pass. 

Very  truly  yours,  D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Rear  Admiral 

From  General  Butler 

CONFIDENTIAL.     Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS, 
Sept.  24,  1862  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Officers  of  the  Blockading  Squadron 

THE  "West  Florida"  schooner  has  been  loaded  with  her 
present  cargo  and  cleared  for  Matamoras,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  out  cotton  from  Texas.  She  proposes  to  make  Sabine 
Pass,  exchange  her  cargo  for  cotton,  and  then  make  a  port  in 
Cuba  or  New  Orleans,  as  may  be  best. 

The  owner,  a  loyal  citizen,  has  property  here  to  insure  his 
good  faith.  You  will  therefore  aid  what  I  understand  to  be 
the  policy  of  my  Government  in  getting  cotton  to  foreign 
ports,  by  passing  this  vessel.  This  course  of  trade  should  be 
secret,  of  course,  to  be  successful.  You  will  not,  therefore, 
allow  any  information  of  this  pass  of  this  vessel  to  be  made 
public,  but  report  the  matter  with  a  copy  of  this  letter  to 
Admiral  Farragut  or  your  superior  officer. 

Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Genl 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       503 

From  M.  F.  Bonzano 

U.  S.  Branch  Mint,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  Wtht  1862 

Major  Gen'l.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Comd'g  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  It  affords  me  much  pleasure  to  be  able,  herewith, 
to  return  to  you  the  sum  of  Two  Thousand  One  Hundred 
Dollars,  which  you  so  kindly  advanced  me  for  the  purpose  of 
defraying  the  expenses  of  the  Mint  and  L.  N.  establishment. 
But  for  your  timely  aid,  the  work  under  my  charge  could  not 
have  been  so  successfully  carried  on,  and  I  beg  leave  to  assure 
you  of  my  grateful  appreciation  of  the  favor  you  have  ex- 
tended to  v  L  , , 

Your  humble  servt., 

M.  F.  BONZANO,  Special  agent,  Treasury  Dept. 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  November  28,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  Your  letter  enclosing  Mr.  Butler's  long 
one  came  this  week.  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  have  everything 
ready  to  send.  They  are  started  before  now,  of  course.  We 
thought  they  might  be  on  board  the  "McClellan,"  but  nothing 
is  reported.  Yesterday  I  called  to  see  Maria,  and  was  amazed 
to  hear  that  she  expected  Nina  next  week  You  said  nothing 
about  it  in  your  letter,  and  I  could  hardly  believe  it  possible 
that  the  two  would  venture  on  such  a  voyage.  Hope  they  will 
reach  here  all  safe  and  that  she  will  find  some  pleasure  when 
she  gets  here  for  the  winter.  But  there  is  a  doubt  expressed 
about  Fisher's  coming,  yet  I  shall  expect  to  see  him  with  them. 
If  they  have  started  you  must  have  had  a  dull  Thanksgiving. 
Blanche  writes  me  she  is  dull  and  studies  too  hard,  having  no 
time  for  recreation.  I  have  written  her  to  take  the  full  time 
for  play,  etc. 

The  London  Times  is  out  on  Mr.  Butler  in  the  ugliest  form, 
calling  Jackson  a  negro  stealer,  and  saying  he  is  a  partner  of 
his  brother,  and  that  great  iniquity  has  been  done  in  New 
Orleans,  and  so  forth,  taking  up  two  columns  and  more  on 
the  subject.  Mr.  Butler  feels  all  this,  and  would  not  allow 
his  brother  about  in  the  same  way  again.  But  is  this  any 
consolation  to  me,  who  knew  what  the  result  must  be  from 
the  first,  and  have  nearly  died  because  I  could  not  prevent  it? 
It  is  rather  terrible  that  your  own  government  must  inter- 
fere, and  a  foreign  one  comment,  before  the  acts  of  an  indi- 
vidual like  that  could  be  stopped.  Is  it  not  enough  to  make 


504        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

one  mad  that  two  years  of  agony  which  I  have  borne,  and 
after  I  had  proved  to  him  that  Jackson  was  the  cause  of  his 
failure  at  Fortress  Monroe,  yet  again  that  he  should  bestow 
all  power  and  give  all  confidence  once  more,  to  have  his  repu- 
tation assailed,  and  the  power  he  has  and  might  yet  gain,  slip 
from  his  grasp  and  crumble  to  nothing?  Banks  we  hear  is 
already  on  his  way  with  reinforcements  to  do  the  very  work 
we  had  planned  for  Mr.  Butler.  Chase  writes  to  Mr.  Butler 
that  Banks  will  come,  but  not  he  thinks  to  supersede  him. 
And  this  is  all  he  gets  for  applying  in  that  quarter.  Chase 
will  never  help  him.  This  is  Major  Bell's  opinion  too,  after 
seeing  him  last  summer.  So  he  has  lost  one  who  could  and 
would  have  served  him,  and  gained,  nothing.  Has  not  every 
word  that  I  have  said  proved  true,  and  more?  My  imagina- 
tion has  not  cheated  me.  There  is  one  comfort  out  of  it,  only 
one.  This  pest  has  played  through  and  will  at  last  be  obliged 
to  go,  not  soon,  I  think,  to  regain  his  hold;  so  that  there  is 
a  chance,  if  Mr.  Butler  is  again  successful,  that  he  will  not  be 
at  hand  to  pull  him  down.  But  there  is  yet  more  that  I  dread. 
This  man  has  plunged  into  everything,  and  what  the  final 
result  may  be  I  do  not  believe  he  knows.  I  wish  you  would 
suggest  to  Fisher  to  have  a  care,  I  think  he  should  not  answer 
drafts  unless  they  are  Mr.  Butler's,  but  yet  I  may  be  wrong. 
I  know  Mr.  Butler  said  one  day  it  was  not  likely  that  he  would 
answer  any  but  his.  But  Fisher  may  be  nearly  here,  and  then 
it  will  be  understood.  I  shall  feel  relieved  when  this  man  has 
gone  and  no  more  to  be  dreaded  from  him. 

You  wrote  that  Benny  and  Hattie  were  not  well.  But  they 
must  be  over  it  by  this.  What  a  dull  Thanksgiving  for  all. 
Try  and  make  yourselves  happy  as  possible.  I  have  several 
things  to  send  home,  not  much  value.  But  nothing  yet  for 
Benny.  There  are  some  splendid  things  will  be  sold,  but  I 
do  not  know  how  I  can  buy.  The  house  we  are  now  in  is 
gorgeous  with  pictures,  and  statues,  and  bronzes.  However, 
it  is  not  worth  while  to  talk  about  it.  I  may  have  a  chance 
to  send  you  something.  M^  SARAH 


From  G.  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  1 

PRIVATE.    NEW  ORLEANS,  November  ZSth,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:   I  have  frequently  conversed  with  Gen'l.  Butler 
about  an  expedition  to  Texas,  and  since  it  was  known  here 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  332. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        505 

that  Gen.  Banks  was  to  command  the  expedition,  I  have  had 
two  or  three  conversations  with  him.  The  General  evidently 
expected  that  this  expedition  would  be  under  his  command, 
and  now  thinks  that  Gen.  Banks  should  report  to  him  and 
act  under  his  orders  —  for  the  following  reasons. 

1st.  Because  Ship  Island  is  an  inconvenient  and,  for  ship- 
ping, a  dangerous  rendezvous.  Most  of  the  steam  vessels 
from  New  York  would  be  unable  to  enter  the  Texas  harbors. 
Gen.  Butler  would  put  the  troops  on  board  his  own  light- 
draught  steamers,  and  wait  just  in  the  mouth  of  the  river 
until  fair  weather  permitted  him  to  run  to  Galveston  in  48 
hours.  The  troops  from  the  sailing  vessels  could  be  landed 
here  and  the  vessels  return  home,  thus  saving  expense,  while  a 
few  trips  of  the  General's  steamer  would  convey  all  the  troops 
to  the  Texas  coast. 

2nd.  Gen.  Butler's  troops  are  acclimated  —  well  disci- 
plined —  have  all  been  under  fire,  and  the  weak  and  sickly 
have  all  been  weeded  out.  Gen.  Banks'  troops  will  be  new  and 
undisciplined,  etc.  Gen.  Butler  would  retain  the  new  troops 
here,  and  send  to  Texas  an  equal  number  of  his  veterans,  who 
would  form  a  far  more  effective  force  than  new  troops,  and 
not  liable  to  be  weakened  by  sickness. 

3d.  A  large  army  could  be  accommodated  in  the  City  with 
greater  ease  and  comfort  than  upon  Ship  Island. 

4th.  This  point  is  the  most  convenient  depot  for  supplying 
Quartermaster  and  Commissary's  stores  to  Gen.  Banks  in 
Texas,  and  beef  and  other  supplies  to  be  obtained  in  Texas 
are  most  needed  here. 

5th.  When  the  rebel  army  retreats  from  Vicksburg  and 
Port  Hudson,  they  may  go  west  to  Texas  and  crush  Gen. 
Banks'  force.  This  can  be  prevented  by  cooperating  from  this 
point,  and  cutting  them  off  by  taking  Shreveport  (on  Red 
River)  —  and  this  cooperation  can  be  efficient  only  by  unity 
of  counsel  and  command. 

6th.  The  General  has  prepared  four  or  five  iron-clad  gun- 
boats, —  the  only  strong  boats  on  the  Gulf  coast,  capable  of 
operating  advantageously  in  the  shallow  bays  and  bayous  of 
Texas. 

Such  are  the  reasons  I  have  collected  why  Gen.  Butler  should 
have  command,  or  rather,  why  Gen.  Banks  should  report  to 
him.  These  reasons  come  from  Gen.  Butler  himself.  Perhaps 
others  could  be  given,  and  perhaps  these  already  stated  are 
not  weighty.  I  thought  it  proper,  at  any  rate,  to  state  them 


506        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

to  you.  Gen.  Butler  says  the  above  plan  would  advance  the 
expedition  thirty  days.  Of  course,  I  am  ignorant  of  Gen. 
Banks'  plan  of  operations.  Intelligent  Texans  now  here  think 
the  capture  of  the  town  of  Houston  should  be  the  first  object. 
This  is  the  center  of  railroads  and  (they  say)  the  controlling 
position  (in  military  sense)  of  the  state.  The  slave  population 
is  large  in  that  part  of  the  state,  and,  if  properly  employed, 
would  prove  a  source  of  great  weakness  to  the  Rebels. 

(GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 

P.S.  I  do  not  know  whether  Gen.  Butler  or  Gen.  Banks  is  the 
ranking  officer.  I  have  written  this  letter  only  that  you 
might  be  informed  of  Gen.  Butler's  opinions.  He  will  soon 
send  troops  to  Galveston. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  28th,  1862 

Hon.  JOSEPH  HOLT,  Judge  Advocate  General,  U.S.A. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  letter 
from  your  Office  of  Nov.  21st,  relating  to  the  forwarding  of 
copies  of  the  record  of  a  Military  Commission.  These  copies 
went  forward  through  inadvertence,  and  I  now  have  the  pleas- 
ure to  enclose  the  originals. 

I  trust  you  will  find  the  proceedings  substantially  regular. 
We  cannot  in  the  field  expect  the  minute  technicality  which 
characterizes  the  proceedings  of  Civil  Courts,  but  I  believe  a 
substantial  justice  and  right  is  maintained  in  the  Military 
Courts. 

I  observe,  in  looking  at  Gen'l.  Orders  No.  170  current  series, 
that  it  is  said  that  a  Military  Commission  has  not  jurisdiction 
in  the  case  of  a  spy.  I  had  supposed  that  a  Military  Com- 
mission, appointed  by  the  Commander  of  a  Department,  had 
jurisdiction  of  life  and  death,  and  I  came  to  this  conclusion 
after  an  examination  of  the  usage  of  the  service  and  from  his- 
torical recollection.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Major  Andre 
was  tried  in  our  service  by  a  Board  of  Officers.  The  proceed- 
ings by  Court  Martial  are  so  slow,  requiring  questions  and 
answers  to  be  in  writing,  that  it  is  impossible  to  punish  crime 
so  rife  in  a  large  city  with  such  a  population  as  ours.  I  trust 
your  Department  has  not  come  to  a  final  determination  against 
the  jurisdiction  of  a  Military  Commission  in  that  respect. 

We  are  very  much  embarrassed  here  because  of  the  want  of 
promptness  of  punishment.  The  prompt  punishment  which  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       507 

accorded  to  offenders  when  I  came  here  had  the  most  salutary 
effect,  but  that  has  now  worn  away.  It  has  come  to  be  under- 
stood by  the  villains  of  New  Orleans  that  no  capital  punish- 
ment can  be  inflicted  even  upon  them,  without  the  sanction 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  further  that  he  is 
opposed  to  capital  punishment,  and  that  delays  will  intervene 
sufficient  to  give  them  the  chances  of  escape  which  existed 
under  the  laws  and  administration  of  the  Civil  Government, 
so  that  of  sixty-nine  murders  committed  in  the  State  of  Louisi- 
ana in  a  single  year  there  was  no  capital  punishment. 

I  will  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  translation  of  a  cypher  letter 
whereby  we  have  just  detected  a  conspiracy  against  our  elec- 
tions, to  be  executed  by  force,  a  favorite  amusement,  by  the 
by,  with  these  people.  I  believe  that  I  am  not  usually  blood- 
thirsty, but  I  am  convinced  that  nothing  but  the  promptest 
and  severest  punishment  can  govern  the  Carbonari  of  Italy, 
the  Brigands  of  Sicily,  and  the  secret  Bands  of  other  Nation- 
alities, as  well  as  our  own  citizens,  descendants  and  comrades 
of  the  Pirate  Lafitte,  —  all  congregated  here. 

Another  question  of  jurisdiction  is  raised  which  it  is  quite 
important  to  settle.  We  have  convicted  of  murder  a  man 
who  was  indicted  last  March  by  authority  of  seceded  State  of 
Louisiana,  but  the  Court  ran  away  before  his  trial,  which  was 
set  down  for  the  19th  of  May.  I  have  addressed  your  Depart- 
ment upon  this  question  but  have  as  yet  received  no  reply, 
owing  probably  to  the  original  record  not  being  sent  forward. 
We  have  no  means  of  confining  such  desperate  villains.  We 
found  them  at  large  a  terror  to  the  community.  The  United 
States  can  hardly  be  responsible  for  the  protection  of  life  and 
property  if  we  have  not  this  power  of  punishment. 

In  one  case,  which  is  now  pending,  a  man  was  tarred  and 
feathered  to  be  driven  from  the  city  a  few  days  before  we 
landed.  He  is  now  here,  and  the  "Thug  Association"  which 
did  this  deed  are  many  of  them  here,  some  under  an  arrest, 
and  those  at  large  are  threatening  the  life  of  the  complainant, 
in  order  to  drive  him  away  again.  Can  it  be  possible  that 
we  are  powerless  to  punish  such  crimes?  Awaiting  your  early 
reply.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Most  truly  Your  obdt.  Servt., 
Maj.  Gen.  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 


508        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  ZSth,  1862 

Capt.  NIMS,  Commdg.  2nd  Mass.  Vol.  Battery 

CAPTAIN:  I  am  directed  by  the  Maj.  General  to  call  your 
attention  to  certain  portions  of  the  report  of  Col.  N.  H.  M. 
Dudley,  Act'g.  Inspector  General  of  this  Department,  upon 
the  condition  of  the  2nd  Mass.  Vol.  Battery.  Viz:  "Not  a 
Knapsack  or  valise  properly  packed,  discipline  not  good, 
Clothing  Book  improperly  kept,  Adjt.  Office  too  far  from 
camp  and  in  dirty  condition,  stables  not  clean,  yard  dirty  and 
in  fact  filthy,  Kitchens  very  dirty  and  badly  managed,  Colts- 
revolvers,  some  rusty  and  nearly  all  in  bad  condition,  horse, 
drawing  Government  forage,  yet  is  not  branded." 

Capt.  Nims'  attention  is  also  called  to  the  remarks  in  same 
report  upon  the  subjects  of  company  and  weight  of  bread. 

The  Commanding  General  directs  that  the  foregoing  receive 
the  instant  attention  of  Capt.  Nims. 

Respectfully,  Your  Obdl.  Servt., 

GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  %9th,  1862 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Secy,  of  State 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  for  the  information  of  the 
Department  of  State  copies  and  translations  of  a  correspond- 
ence between  Admiral  Reynaud  and  myself  upon  the  subject 
of  the  imprisonment  of  Alfred  and  Jules  Lemore.  As  these 
will  form  a  part  of  the  papers  relating  to  the  case  of  the  French 
Consul  and  the  "New  Orleans  Bank,"  I  have  transmitted 
them  directly  to  the  Department  of  State. 

It  will  be  observed,  in  his  reply,  that  the  Admiral  does  not 
deny  or  remark  upon  the  claim  of  Alfred  Lemore,  that  his 
papers  were  concealed  on  board  the  "Catinat"  a  French  Ship 

Most  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 
TRANSLATION.   NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  17 th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  After  the  interview  which  I  had  the  honor  to 
have  with  you  last  Friday  14th  inst.,  and  in  which  you  had 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       509 

the  complaisance  to  communicate  to  me  the  different  papers 
relating  to  the  affair  "Gautherin  &  Co.,"  and  in  consequence 
of  remarks  which  it  was  my  duty  to  make  to  you,  I  had  left 
you  with  the  conviction  that  Messrs.  Lemore  would  be  de- 
tained only  provisionally  until  a  regular  Court  would  decide 
upon  the  offence  with  which  they  were  charged,  namely,  to 
be  engaged  in  an  unlawful  commerce  with  the  government  of 
the  Confederate  States;  it  is  in  this  sense  that  I  have  rendered 
an  account  to  my  government  by  the  mail  which  left  last 
Saturday. 

I  have  just  learned  that  Mr.  Alfred  Lemore  is  confined  in 
Fort  Pickens,  not  to  suffer  a  provisional  imprisonment,  but 
with  the  order  of  close  confinement  at  hard  labor,  with  ball 
and  chain,  and  that  Mr.  Jules  Lemore  is  to  leave  today  for 
Fort  Jackson,  in  the  same  conditions. 

These  measures  are  so  serious  that  I  must  doubt  the  veracity 
of  the  assertion.  But  not  having  the  means  to  verify  it,  I 
should  be  much  obliged  to  you,  General,  if  you  would  let  me 
know  the  present  position  of  these  gentlemen,  and  the  nature 
of  the  orders  which  you  thought  proper  to  give  in  their  regard. 
However,  if  against  my  expectation,  Mr.  Alfred  Lemore  has 
been  submitted  to  such  treatment  without  that  legal  forms 
have  been  respected,  without  that  the  Consul  of  France  has 
been  informed,  I  should  see  myself  with  regret  in  the  necessity 
to  support  near  you  the  official  protest  which  in  this  case  Mr. 
Mejan  would  have  to  address  to  you,  against  an  order  which 
would  be  outside  of  all  regular  legislation.  Please  accept, 
General,  the  assurance  of  my  high  consideration. 

REYNATJD, 

The  Contre  Admiral  commanding  in  chief  the  naval  division 
of  the  Gulf  and  North  America. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  18,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Admiral  REYNAUD,  French  Marine  Service 

ADMIRAL:  You  were  quite  correct  in  your  understanding  of 
the  conversation  upon  the  subject  of  the  disposition  made  of 
Alfred  and  Jules  Lemore,  with  which  you  did  me  the  honor 
to  favor  me.  I  have  at  present  detained  them  for  trial,  which 
I  propose  will  take  place  immediately  after  the  affair  upon 
the  Conlon  plantation  can  be  investigated,  which  you  desired 
should  have  the  preference,  as  soon  as  the  case  now  before 


510        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  military  Commission  is  finished.  In  the  meantime,  I 
have  ordered  Jules  Lemore  to  Fort  Jackson  for  safe  keeping 
till  further  orders,  and  as  I  don't  think  the  United  States  is 
bound  to  clothe  and  feed  anybody  without  an  equivalent,  I 
have  directed  him  to  be  put  to  work. 

The  case  of  Alfred  Lemore  stands  differently  in  this,  that 
he  treated  my  authority  with  contempt,  refused  to  answer  all 
proper  questions  put  to  him  in  regard  to  the  matter  of  the 
bank,  and  contumaciously,  contemptuously,  and  utterly  re- 
fused to  produce  certain  papers  which  were  within  his  con- 
trol, necessary  to  my  investigation  of  the  affairs  of  the  Bank 
of  New  Orleans. 

For  this  contempt  of  all  authority  on  the  part  of  a  confessed 
criminal,  I  directed  that  until  Lemore  would  produce  the 
papers  he  should  be  confined  closely,  and  as  we  are  quite 
unprepared  at  Fort  Pickens  for  means  of  certain  confine- 
ment, I  added  the  ball  and  chain. 

This  portion  of  his  confinement  Lemore  can  at  any  time 
alleviate  by  producing  the  papers  as  required.  He  intimated 
in  the  presence  of  the  Directors  of  the  Bank  that  these  papers 
were  on  board  your  ship,  the  "Catinat,"  an  idea  I  at  once 
repelled  as  it  was  not  possible  that  a  French  ship-of-war  could 
be  the  willing  custodian  of  the  evidence  of  guilt  of  any  person. 

The  form  of  the  order  of  confinement  of  the  Lemores,  "till 
further  orders,"  will  show  you  that  the  imprisonment  is  merely 
provisional.  I  can't  look  upon  the  crime  of  the  Lemores  in 
the  light  you  seem  to  do.  While  living  in  this  city  in  June 
last  under  the  protection  of  the  United  States  they  were  en- 
gaged in  delivering  clothing  to  the  Rebel  army  to  the  amount 
of  more  than  two  million  francs. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the  heinousness  of  the  crime 
of  those  foreigners  who,  living  here,  aid  in  the  rebellion.  The 
native  rebel  has  the  palliation  that  his  association,  his  train- 
ing, his  education,  his  sympathies,  and  perhaps  almost  neces- 
sities have  led  him  into  acts  of  treason.  Not  so  the  alien  of 
the  rebellion.  He  has  been  warned  of  the  heinousness  of  his 
offence  against  a  sovereign  proclamation,  he  has  no  ties  or  asso- 
ciations, he  has  no  state  rights  doctrines,  imbibed  from  child- 
hood's teachings,  to  mislead  him,  he  has  no  country  here  to 
save  or  ruin.  He  is  merely  the  voluntary  guest  of  a  nation 
which  protects  him,  and  grants  him  more  commercial  advan- 
tages than  he  believes  his  own  country  affords  him,  —  and  this 
nation  he  aids  to  destroy.  His  acts,  if  done  by  a  citizen,  are 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       511 

treason.  His  have  all  the  moral  guilt  of  treason.  He  breaks 
the  laws  of  hospitality  of  the  country  whose  subject  he  is,  and 
the  laws  of  the  country  whose  protection  and  home  he  enjoys. 
His  only  excuse  is  greed  and  gain  —  the  love  of  the  thirty  pieces 
of  silver  which  Judas  got  for  betraying  his  master  from  the 
same  motive. 

You  may  be  sure,  Admiral,  that  the  imprisonment  of  the 
Lemores  is  not  definitive  punishment,  for  if  the  military  tribu- 
nal before  whom  their  case  shall  be  brought  take  the  same 
view  of  the  heinousness  of  their  offence  that  I  do,  and  if  the 
proof  is  undoubted,  their  punishment  is  likely  to  be  much 
more  suited  to  the  depth  of  their  guilt. 

While,  however,  I  claim,  and  in  a  proper  case  should  exer- 
cise, the  right  and  power  to  try  and  judge,  and  if  found  guilty 
to  sentence  these  men  myself,  as  the  highest  authority  here, 
I  repeat  that  at  the  earliest  possible  moment  these  men  shall 
be  tried  by  an  impartial  commission  of  officers  of  rank,  ap- 
pointed before  they  were  arrested. 

Meanwhile,  I  claim  the  right  to  protect  myself  and  my  Gov- 
ernment from  the  contumacious  acts  of  those  who  are  engaged 
in  an  attempt  to  overthrow  it,  whether  alien  or  native-born. 

I  have  the  honor  to  assure  you,  Admiral,  of  my  most  sincere 
respect  and  personal  esteem. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  Admiral  Reynaud 

TRANSLATION.   NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  19th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  reception  of 
the  letter  which  you  had  the  favor  to  address  me  yesterday, 
18th  inst.  You  do  me  the  honor  to  inform  me  that  Messrs. 
Lemore  will  be,  as  I  requested,  tried  by  a  regular  court,  and 
confined  provisionally  until  their  case  can  be  called  up  for 
trial. 

You  inform  me  also  of  the  nature  of  the  orders  which  you 
have  given  in  their  regard,  and  of  the  motives  which  dictated 
them. 

I  shall  not  discuss  these  motives;  in  relation  to  the  ques- 
tions of  principle  &  right  mentioned  in  your  letter,  I  shall 
submit  them  to  my  Government,  and  shall  ask  Mr.  Mercier, 
Minister  of  H.  M.  the  Emperor,  in  Washington,  to  do  the 
same  near  yours. 


512        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  beg,  General,  to  accept  the  assurance  of  my  high  con- 
si  era  ion.  J£EYNAUD,  the  Contre  Admiral  commanding,  &c. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  29*A,  1862 

Hon.  WM.  H.  SEWARD,  Sec'y.  of  State 

SIR:  I  send  enclosed  two  affidavits,  a  letter,  and  answer  of 
the  Commander  of  the  Spanish  Ship-of-War,  "Blasco  de 
Garay,"  and  also  a  note  from  a  private  party  tending  to  per- 
petuate the  evidence  of  the  fact  that  that  vessel  was  engaged 
in  the  employment  of  carrying  away  passengers  and  political 
refugees.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  fact  is  not  denied  by  the 
Spanish  Commander. 

On  the  fifth  of  October  I  also  forwarded  to  the  Spanish 
Consul  an  anonymous  communication  which  I  had  received, 
and  which  I  herewith  transmit  together  with  the  Consuls' 
answer.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  facts  alleged  are  not  denied 
but  affirmed.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  servt., 

Maj.  Gen.  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Sutler 

PRIVATE.   Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  29,  1862 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  take  the  liberty  of  addressing  you,  not  as 
Chief  Magistrate  and  Commander-in-Chief,  but  as  a  friend 
and  a  kind  and  just  man. 

I  think  I  have  a  right  to  give  you  the  exact  state  of  facts 
personally  to  myself.  I  see  by  the  papers  that  Gen'l.  Banks 
is  about  being  sent  into  this  Department  with  troops  upon 
an  independent  expedition  and  command.  This  seems  to 
imply  a  want  of  confidence  in  the  Commander  of  this  Depart- 
ment, perhaps  deserved,  but  still  painful  to  me.  In  my  judg- 
ment it  will  be  prejudicial  to  the  public  service  to  attempt  any 
expedition  into  Texas  without  making  New  Orleans  a  base  of 
supplies  and  co-operation,  to  do  this  there  must  be  but  one 
head,  and  one  Department.  I  do  not  propose  to  argue  the 
question  here  —  still  further  is  it  from  my  purpose  to  suggest 
even  that  there  may  not  be  a  better  head  than  the  one  now  in 
the  Department.  I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  that  since 
I  came  into  the  field,  the  day  after  your  first  proclamation, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       513 

that  I  have  ever  been  in  the  frontier  line  of  the  rebellion  — 
Annapolis  when  Washington  was  threatened,  Relay  House 
when  Harper's  Ferry  was  being  evacuated,  Baltimore,  Fort 
Monroe,  Newport  News,  Hatteras,  Ship  Island,  New  Orleans. 
It  is  not  for  me  to  say  with  what  meed  of  success.  But  I  have 
a  right  to  say  that  I  have  lived  at  this  station  exposed  at  once 
to  the  pestilence  and  the  assassin  for  eight  months,  awaiting 
reinforcements  which  the  needs  of  the  Government  could  not 
give  me  until  now.  And  now  they  are  to  be  given  to  another. 
I  have  never  complained.  I  do  not  now  complain.  I  have 
done  as  well  as  I  could  everything  which  the  Government 
asked  me  to  do.  I  have  eaten  that  which  was  set  before  me 
asking  no  questions. 

It  is  safe  now  for  any  person  to  come  to  New  Orleans  and 
stay.  It  has  been  demonstrated  that  the  Quarantine  can 
keep  away  the  fever.  The  assassins  are  overawed  or  punished. 

Why,  then,  am  I  left  here  when  another  is  sent  into  the  field 
in  this  Department?  If  it  is  because  of  my  disqualification 
for  the  service,  in  which  I  have  as  long  an  experience  as  any 
General  in  the  United  States  Army  now  in  the  service  (being 
the  Senior  in  rank),  I  pray  you  say  so,  and  so  far  from  being 
even  aggrieved,  I  will  return  to  my  home,  consoled  by  the 
reflection  that  I  have  at  least  done  my  duty  as  far  as  endeavor 
and  application  goes.  I  am  only  desirous  of  not  being  kept 
where  I  am  not  needed  or  desired.  And  I  will  relieve  the 
Administration  of  all  embarrassment.  Pray  do  me  the  favor 
to  reflect  that  I  am  not  asking  for  the  command  of  any  other 
person,  but  simply  that,  unless  the  Government  service  require 
it,  my  own,  which  I  have  a  right  to  say  has  not  been  the  least 
successful  of  the  War,  shall  not  be  taken  from  me  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  leave  me  all  the  burden  without  any  of  the 
results. 

Permit  me  also  to  say  that  towards  General  Banks,  who  is 
selected  to  be  the  leader  of  the  Texas  expedition,  I  have  none 
but  the  kindest  feelings,  he  having  been  my  personal  friend 
for  years,  and  still  being  so. 

Writing  about  my  personal  affairs,  which  I  have  never  done 
before,  I  hardly  know  how  to  express  myself,  but  what  I  mean 
is  this:  If  the  Commander-in-chief  find  me  incompetent  (un- 
faithful I  know  he  cannot),  let  me  be  removed  and  be  allowed 
to  meet  the  issue  before  him  and  my  country,  but  as  I  never  do 
anything  by  indirection  myself,  all  I  ask  of  the  President,  as  a 
just  man,  is  that  the  same  course  may  be  taken  toward  me. 

VOL.-  ii — 33 


514        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  have  told  you  before,  what  you  well  know,  that  I  have  not 
acted  with  you  politically,  but  I  defy  all  and  any  to  show  a 
political  act  of  mine  since  I  left  my  hearth-stone  for  my 
country's  service  l  .  .  .  whenever  and  wherever  a  friend  would 
be  influenced  by  me.  Allow  me  to  repeat  again,  Sir,  what  I 
have  before  said,  although  the  determination  may  cause  my 
recall,  put  the  Department  which  includes  Louisiana  and  Texas 
under  one  head9  and  it  will  be  best  for  the  service.  I  pray  you, 
Sir,  not  to  misunderstand  me.  I  have  given  up  something  for 
my  country,  can  give  up  more.  And  this  command  is  a  small 
matter  in  comparison,  in  my  mind,  to  my  own  self-respect,  or 
to  the  good  of  the  service. 

I  do  not  seek  to  embarrass  the  Government  by  any  action 
of  mine,  or  in  regard  to  myself.  Far  from  it.  I  would  even 
take  myself  away  rather  than  to  do  anything  which  would 
weaken  by  one  ounce  the  strength  with  which  the  adminis- 
tration should  strangle  this  rebellion. 

I  have  written,  therefore,  this  present  note  to  the  President, 
so  that  if  no  action  should  be  had  upon  it,  there  need  be  no 
official  embarrassment.  With  sentiments  of  esteem  and  re- 
spect, I  am,  Most  iruly^  yourfriend)  BENJ  F  BUTLER 


From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Nov.  Z9th,  1862 

Maj.  Gen.  HALLECK,  Commanding  in  Chief,  U.S.  Army 

GENERAL:  The  enemy  has  concentrated  a  large  force  — 
not  less  probably  than  ten  thousand  men,  some  excellent 
authorities  stating  the  number  as  high  as  fifteen  thousand  — 
at  Fort  Hudson.  The  position  is  naturally  a  strong  one  — 
stronger  even  it  is  believed  than  Vicksburg.  The  design  of 
the  enemy  is  to  fight  the  great  battle  for  the  possession  of  the 
Mississippi  at  that  point.  For  the  want  of  a  sufficient  land 
force  —  the  Navy  say  they  must  have  ten  thousand  men  at 
least  —  I  have  been  compelled  to  postpone  a  projected 
attack  upon  the  position.  It  might  have  been  taken  by 
five  regiments  five  weeks  since  had  I  had  troops  sufficient  to 
hold  it. 

As  the  case  stands  now,  it  will  be  easy,  with  a  force  as  large 
as  that  of  the  enemy,  to  compel  him  to  give  battle  elsewhere, 
if,  in  no  other  way,  certainly  by  drowning  him  out  by  destroy- 

1  Writing  illegible. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       515 

ing  the  Levee  above  him.  Brig.  General  Sherman  is  now  en- 
gaged in  exploring  the  country  above  here,  on  the  left  bank 
of  the  river,  with  a  view  to  movement  which  may  take  place 
hereafter.  He  has  reached  a  point  within  six  miles  of  Baton 
Rouge,  meeting  no  force  of  the  enemy. 

It  is  believed  that  before  the  middle  of  January  we  shall 
be  compelled  to  withdraw  General  Weitzel's  force  to  the 
other  side  of  the  Bayou  Lafourche,  as  by  that  time  the  lower 
Teche  Country  and  the  country  from  Lafourche  to  Brashier 
City  will  be  flooded  from  the  Red  River  neighborhood.  The 
levees  being  much  out  of  repair,  no  means  are  in  our  power 
to  ward  off  the  impending  danger. 

The  levees  on  the  right  bank  far  above  are  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  and  totally  neglected  by  him,  and  the  conforma- 
tion of  the  country  such  that  the  overflow  will  extend  hundreds 
of  miles.  This  will  be  a  serious  blow  to  the  people  of  that 
country,  already  great  sufferers  from  the  effects  of  the  war, 
and  most  of  whom  are  ready  and  most  heartily  anxious  to 
return  to  their  allegiance.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 


From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  1 

PRIVATE.    NEW  ORLEANS,  November  Z9th,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  letter  of  the  14th 
inst.  Whenever  it  is  deemed  expedient  to  put  another  in  the 
place  now  occupied  by  me,  I  should  like  to  be  made  Surveyor, 
as  you  suggest. 

Naturally  it  will  be  a  little  painful  to  occupy  the  second 
place  in  this  Custom  House  where  I  have  so  long  been  first 
—  which  I  cannot  help  regarding  as,  in  some  sort,  created  by 
myself  in  the  midst  of  great  difficulties  and  in  the  face  of  many 
obstacles  —  now  that  the  great  labor  is  done  and  the  road  is 
becoming  smooth  and  easy.  But  that  is  of  little  moment,  and 
the  President  and  yourself  are  the  only  proper  judges  of  what 
is  desirable  and  expedient. 

I  cannot  recompense  your  constant  kindness  to  me,  except 
by  endeavoring  to  deserve  its  continuence.  .  .  . 

The  expedition  to  the  salt  works  (spoken  of  in  my  last) 
failed.  The  gunboats  could  not  get  up  the  Bayou,  and  the 


1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  333. 


516        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

troops  could  not  pass  through  the  swamps.     They  will  have 
to  be  taken  from  New  Iberia. 

The  affairs  of  the  Dep't.  of  the  Gulf,  are  managed  with 
entire  honesty,  so  far  as  I  can  perceive.  At  any  rate  no  trade 
of  any  kind  with  the  enemy  is  permitted.  The  pressure  for 
permission  to  renew  the  trade  has  been  very  great.  One  man 
offered  me  $50,000  cash  for  permission  to  take  salt  across  the 
lake.  A  sack  of  salt  was  worth  here  $1.25  —  across  the  lake, 
$60  to  $100.  A  thousand  sacks  would  be  worth  $60,000, 
with  which  cotton  could  be  bought  for  10  cts.  per  pound  and 
brought  here  and  sold  for  60  cts.  So  that  one  cargo  would 
be  a  great  fortune.  Another  man  wanted  to  bring  here  several 
thousand  bales  cotton,  but  must  take  back  stores.  He  would 
give  me  one-fourth  of  all  the  cotton  brought  hither,  and 
there  were  many  other  cases  —  but  they  make  these  offers 
with  such  skill  that  it  is  impossible  to  get  any  legal  hold  on 
them.  I  don't  know  how  many  offers  would  have  been  made 
if  I  had  been  suspected  to  be  of  easy  virtue.  People  here 
think,  if  a  man  has  a  chance  to  make  money,  however  dishon- 
orably, that  he  will  avail  himself  of  it,  of  course.  I  again 
express  the  hope  that  no  trade  of  any  kind  with  the  enemy 
will  be  authorized  from  Washington. 

(GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 

From  Honorable  Henry  Wilson 

Senate  Chamber,  Dec.  Ind,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Your  note  was  placed  in  my  hand  to-day, 
and  I  at  once  called  upon  the  Secretary  of  War  and  pressed 
the  importance  of  increasing  your  forces.  He  agreed  with  me 
and  promised  to  do  what  he  could  to  aid  you.  He  expressed 
his  confidence  in  you  and  his  approval  of  your  vigor  and 
ability.  This  was  gratifying  to  me,  but  I  should  have  been 
more  pleased  to  have  had  him  order  an  addition  to  your 
force  so  that  you  might  have  a  larger  field  of  action.  I  will 

press  the  matter  all  I  can.  T7       m     1     TT    T,r 

^  Very  Truly,  H.  WILSON 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  3rd,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  A  bounty  having  been  offered  by  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment for  soldiers  that  should  be  recruited  under  the  provision 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       517 

of  the  offer,  there  were  enlisted  in  this  Department,  and  before 
the  order  discontinuing  the  bounty  reached  us,  a  large  portion 
of  a  regiment,  being  the  Second  Louisiana  Vols.  There  was 
no  other  State  Regt.  in  which  these  recruits  could  be  consoli- 
dated, there  was  nothing  left  for  me  but  to  continue  the  recruit- 
ing. The  regiment  was  afterwards  filled.  It  is  but  justice  to 
these  men,  and  sustaining  the  faith  of  the  Government,  as  they 
were  promised  this  bounty,  that  they  should  be  paid.  It  can 
be  done,  however,  by  the  Superintendent  of  recruiting  only 
by  the  Order  of  the  War  Department.  Such  Order  is  respect- 
fully asked. 

Another  class  of  cases  arises  —  that  of  men  enlisted  here 
into  the  old  regiment  under  the  same  promises  and  before  the 
Order  discontinuing  the  bounty  reached  us. 

Another  class  still  —  a  large  number  recruited  after  the 
Order  was  issued  and  before  it  came  here. 

Are  these  to  be  paid?  They  claim  it,  and  by  the  letter  their 
claim  must  be  allowed.  But  it  is  not  so  just  as  theirs  who 
enlisted  under  its  inducements  between  the  time  when  the 
Order  was  issued  and  when  it  reached  this  Department.  I 

have  the  honor  to  be,  77        r>  v  n    e 

Very  Respy.  Y.  0.  S. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLEK,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  OKLEANB,  December  4t  1862 

Hon.  E.  M.  ST ANTON,  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  You  will  remember  that  the  banks  of  this  city  sent 
away  about  four  millions  of  their  specie  upon  the  advent  of 
our  troops  in  the  city.  They  have  made  application  to  the 
Confederate  authorities  to  bring  it  back,  but  have  been  refused. 

The  banks  now  desire  that  I  would  permit  their  specie  in 
the  Confederacy  to  be  put  upon  a  war  vessel  of  some  foreign 
power  and  sent  either  to  France  or  England,  or  to  be  kept 
there  safely  till  after  the  termination  of  the  war,  the  money  to 
be  under  the  care  of  two  agents,  one  appointed  by  the  banks 
and  the  other  by  the  Confederate  Government.  All  this  to 
be  done,  of  course,  only  if  the  Richmond  people  consent.  To 
effect  this  arrangement,  I  informed  the  agent  of  the  banks  I 
could  not  consent  to  apply  to  the  department,  because  of  the 
great  need  that  the  Confederacy  have  of  gold  in  Europe.  The 
agent  of  the  banks  might  be  corrupted  by  the  Confederate 
Agent,  and  the  money  when  there  applied  to  Confederate 


518        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

uses.  But  that  if  the  representative  of  the  foreign  Govern- 
ment near  Washington,  upon  whose  vessel  that  coin  might  be 
placed,  would  pledge  his  Government  that  the  money  should 
be  kept  intact,  unpledged,  and  undrawn  upon  during  the  war, 
to  be  then  returned  to  the  banks  in  specie  after  peace,  I  thought 
the  Department  might  entertain  the  proposition. 

I  have  in  pursuance  of  this  idea  been  requested  to  put  this 
matter  before  the  War  Department.  This  I  have  done  await- 
ing instructions.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  truly,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  May.  Gen.  Com. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  WASHINGTON  CITY,  December  16th  1862 
|~ Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  The  Secretary  of  War  has  received  your  letter 
of  the  4th  instant,  submitting  the  proposition  of  the  banks  of 
New  Orleans  to  send  their  specie,  at  present  within  the  lines 
of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  on  board  of  some  war  vessel  to 
England  or  France,  to  be  kept  there  safely,  and  returned  at 
the  termination  of  the  war,  and  asking  instructions  as  to  the 
course  to  be  pursued  in  the  matter. 

In  reply , I  am  instructed  to  inform  you  that  the  Depart- 
ment, after  due  consideration  of  the  arrangement  thus  pro- 
posed by  the  Banks  of  New  Orleans,  feels  compelled  to 
withhold  its  sanction  therefrom. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  P.  WOLCOTT,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

PRIVATE.     BOSTON,  December  4,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  Dexter  has  exceeded  my  authority  in 
drawing  upon  me  for  very  large  sums  at  short  sight,  to  such 
an  extent  that  I  have  found  myself  obliged  in  self  defence  to 
protest  a  large  draft  of  his  for  non-acceptance.  If  he  sends 
forward  Bills  of  Lading  of  merchandise  in  time  to  cover  his 
bill  before  its  maturity,  I  shall  probably  pay  it.  If  not,  it  must 
go  back,  and  he  must  take  care  of  it  as  best  he  may.  I  shall 
be  very  sorry  to  have  his  credit  in  New  Orleans  injured,  but 
he  has  brought  it  on  himself  by  such  recklessness  in  the  use 
of  my  money  and  credit  that  there  was  no  alternative. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       519 

So  far  as  I  can  see  there  is  no  possible  combination  of  cir- 
cumstances which,  even  under  these  trials,  can  affect  my  sol- 
vency, but  I  may  be  very  much  embarrassed  for  a  time,  and 
I  do  not  intend  you  should  have  a  moment's  uneasiness  or 
risk,  and  I  have  therefore  made  you  a  remittance  (as  advised 
in  a  business  letter  of  this  date)  of  a  cargo  of  merchandise 
which  will  cover  your  balance  on  my  hands,  about  $33,000. 

I  have  ordered  Mr.  Dexter  to  turn  over  to  Colonel  Butler 
(or  in  his  absence  to  you)  all  the  interests  I  have  in  New  Or- 
leans, which,  with  other  arrangements  I  am  making  here,  will 
in  like  manner  secure  him.  I  have  cancelled  Mr.  Dexter's 
authority  to  act  for  me  on  any  further  business,  and  ask  as 
a  favor  that  if  he  hesitates  in  acceding  to  my  instructions  you 
will  advertise  my  revocation  of  his  power  of  attorney,  and 
take  my  interests  under  your  own  protection. 

I  cannot  imagine  anything  short  of  mania  which  can  have 
induced  Dexter  to  go  so  wild.  I  have  known  him  for  years 
as  a  merchant  of  large  experience,  and  as  an  honorable,  warm- 
hearted man,  to  whom  I  would  trust  anything  I  possessed. 
It  was  in  a  strong  feeling  of  personal  regard  that  I  sent  him  to 
New  Orleans,  to  give  him  the  opportunity  to  make  a  fresh 
start,  and  repair  the  loss  of  fortune  caused  by  a  dishonest 
associate.  I  still  have  the  fullest  confidence  in  his  integrity, 
and  it  is  with  the  deepest  regret  I  now  find  myself  obliged 
to  act  so  peremptorily,  but  I  cannot,  in  my  unwillingness  to 
hurt  his  feelings,  allow  myself  to  be  involved  any  deeper  in 
speculation. 

Everything  goes  well  with  the  Middlesex.  We  shall  divide 
10%.  You  are  on  the  whole  the  popular  favorite  just  now  (no 
great  honor),  but,  what  is  better  worth  having,  I  do  not  hear  a 
dissenting  voice  from  the  opinion  among  my  own  best  acquaint- 
ances that  you  have  done  more  real  service  and  shown  greater 
ability  in  separate  command  than  any  other  of  our  own  Com- 
manders. Long  may  your  success  continue,  as  ever, 

Faithfully  yours,  RICHARD  S.  FAY,  JR. 

If  you  like,  I  have  no  objection  to  Colonel  Butler  and  Mr. 
Dexter  seeing  this  letter.  Of  course  you  will  not  have  time  to 
manage  the  "Emblem"  merchandise  yourself.  Select  your 
own  agent,  and  let  him  render  his  accounts  to  me  through  you. 
You  may  know  of  circumstances  which  may  render  Dexter's 
conduct  excusable.  If  so,  I  would  be  happy  to  have  him 
manage  this  stuff,  unless  the  Colonel  prefers  to  do  so. 


520       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

Dec.  4,  1862 

I  MUST  add  a  little  more.  There  are  some  things  about 
Banks'  coming  that  I  think  are  well.  If  he  comes  with  an 
independent  command  into  Mr.  Butler's  department,  for 
Texas  is  a  part  of  it,  Mr.  Butler  can  ask  to  be  recalled  —  and 
by  that  means  we  can  return  early  in  the  spring.  Otherwise, 
if  the  reinforcements  were  sent  to  him,  he  might  from  neces- 
sity be  obliged  to  stay  another  summer.  I  had  rather  Banks 
came  than  accept  that  alternative.  Seward  wrote  by  the  last 
mail  more  conciliatory.  Say  this  to  Capt.  G.,  if  Fisher  has 
started.  Now  I  think  Mr.  B.  might  be  ready  to  look  in 
that  direction.  The  other  parties  have  failed  him.  But  I 
will  write  to  the  Capt.  as  soon,  tell  him,  as  the  next  mail  comes 
in.  I  shall  urge  Mr.  B.  to  meet  promptly  any  kindly  over- 
tures from  S.  I  think  I  may  send  a  box  not  by  this  vessel  but 
the  next.  Dear  love  to  the  children.  Do  not  read  this  to  the 

^'  Affectionately,  SARAH 

From  Honorable  Charles  Sumner  to  General  Butler 

Senate  Chamber,  5th  Dec.,  '62 

DEAR  GENERAL:  "The  President  says  that  you  shall  not 
be  forgotten."  Those  were  his  words  to  me.  General  Halleck 
and  Mr.  Stanton  say  substantially  the  same  thing,  although 
the  former  adds  "all  generals  call  for  more  troops,"  but  I 
shall  follow  it  up.  Do  not  fail  to  call  on  me. 

I  understand  that  the  French  government  has  forbidden  the 
papers  to  mention  your  name.  The  name  of  Marlboro  was  once 
used  in  France  to  frighten  children,  —  more  than  a  century  ago. 
You  have  taken  his  place.  Believe  me,  my  dear  Sir, 

Faithfully  yours,  CHARLES  SUMNER 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  5th,  1862 

General  (P.)  G.   (T.)  BEAUREGARD 

GENERAL:  This  note  will  be  handed  you  by  your  relatives, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Proctor,  who  go  to  meet  you  under  a  pass  from 
me.  They  will  inform  you  of  the  dangerous,  and  it  is  feared 
soon  to  be  fatal,  illness  of  your  wife.  You  have  every  sym- 
pathy with  your  affliction. 

If  you  desire  to  visit  Mrs.  Beauregard,  this  will  be  a  safe- 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       521 

guard,  pass,  and  protection  to  come  to  New  Orleans  and  return. 
All  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  United  States  will  respect  this 

pass.    I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Tr         7  •,.    0     ^ 

^  Your  obdt.  Servt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  Lieutenant  Commander  Buchanan 

U.  S.  Gunboat  CALHOUN,  off  BRASHIER  CITY,  December  6th,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  Commanding  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  "Diana"  has 
arrived  from  Petit  Ause  Bayou,  and  that  the  " Kinsman"  is 
still  aground  on  the  bar.  Captain  Weeks  has  been  relieved 
from  the  "Diana"  to  be  tried  by  a  Court  Martial,  and  Act. 
Master  Goodwin  from  the  "Hartford"  has  been  ordered  in 
his  place.  Captain  Wiggins  writes  me  word  that  he  cannot 
get  off  until  he  gets  a  high  tide,  and  that  he  is  perfectly  safe 
and  has  plenty  of  coal  and  provisions.  His  boilers  are  in  a 
very  bad  condition,  however.  The  boats  all  require  some 
repairs.  I  have  sent  the  "Diana"  up  Grand  Lake,  and  when 
she  comes  back  I  will  lay  her  up  for  repairs. 

Captain  McMillan  wished  me  to  make  a  statement  to  you 
in  regard  to  some  store  which  was  ransacked  upon  our  arrival 
here.  Captain  Wiggins  reported  to  me  that  the  store  had  been 
broken  open  by  the  soldiers  and  sailors,  and  that  there  was  a 
great  deal  of  paint  and  rope  laying  about,  some  of  it  outside, 
and  that  it  would  be  of  use  to  us.  I  ordered  him  to  get  it  on 
board,  and  to  find  out  to  whom  it  belonged  and  give  a  receipt 
for  it.  The  paint  we  wanted,  as  also  we  did  the  rope  for  our 
guns.  We  had  broken  most  all  our  back  lanyards,  and  this 
stuff  suited  exactly.  Captain  Wiggins  said  he  could  find  no 
person  to  give  a  receipt  to,  and  I  told  him  to  keep  it  ready. 
The  store  was  broken  open  two  or  three  times,  and  a  great 
many  things  were  taken  out  by  the  citizens  of  this  place.  I 
caught  some  of  my  men  with  plates  and  canned  meats,  which 
I  sent  back  and  had  the  men  punished.  There  was  no  person 
to  look  out  for  it,  and  therefore  every  person  I  presume  helped 
themselves. 

I  would  respectfully  call  your  attention  to  the  following  case 
of  mine,  which  if  not  inconsistent  with  your  duty  I  would 
request  it  to  be  allowed.  On  the  6th  of  November,  five  days 
after  our  arrival  here,  I  sent  the  "Diana"  up  the  lake  to  bring 
away  255  bales  of  cotton,  which  Mr.  Lod,  the  owner,  had  re- 
quested me  to  seize  to  prevent  the  Confederates  from  burning 


522        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

it.  Mr.  Lod  went  with  the  boat  and  showed  where  it  was,  and 
came  down  here  the  next  day  and  offered  to  sell  the  cotton. 
He  represented  himself  as  a  loyal  citizen,  and  said  he  wished 
to  take  the  oath.  As  I  thought  I  could  make  some  money, 
and  not  thinking  that  under  the  circumstances  I  would  be 
doing  anything  wrong,  I  bought  the  cotton.  I  was  not  then 
aware  of  your  General  Order  No.  91,  and  as  soon  as  I  saw  it 
I  sent  it  in  to  Col.  J.  W.  Shaffer.  Mr.  Lod  has  taken  the  Oath 
of  Allegiance,  and  has  looked  to  us  for  protection  ever  since 
our  arrival  here  although  he  lives  outside  of  our  lines. 

I  bought  the  cotton  in  good  faith,  and  this  is  the  first  time 
I  have  ever  had  an  opportunity  of  making  anything  outside 
of  my  pay,  and  if  you  can  consistently  let  me  have  it  I  would 
be  greatly  obliged  to  you.  I  have  written  to  the  Commission, 
and  have  appointed  Col.  A.  J.  Butler  my  agent  to  receive  it, 
if  you  will  let  me  have  it.  I  am, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servt., 
THOS.  McKEAN  BUCHANAN,  Lieut.  Commander,  U.S.N. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  6tht  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FAKRAGUT,  Commdg.  Western  Gulf  Squadron 

ADMIRAL:  From  information  received  I  deem  it  of  the 
last  importance  that  the  "Essex"  should  be  ordered  to  remain 
within  sight  of  Port  Hudson,  so  as  to  continually  observe  the 
rebel  force  there.  The  other  boats  might  ply  between  there 
and  Donaldsonville.  I  wish  you  would  issue  such  orders,  if 

this  meets  your  approbation.  T7       ,     f 

J  ^  Very  truly  yours, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  OBLEANS,  Dec.  6th,  1862 

Col.  JOSEPH  HOLT,  Judge  Advocate  General,  U.S.A. 

COL.:  Your  letter  of  Nov.  17th,  concerning  the  steamer 
"Morning  Light,"  has  been  received.  The  steamboat  was 
long-since  delivered  to  William  Dillon,  who  seems  to  be  an 
honest  owner,  and  to  have  been  defrauded  by  his  agent  in 
whose  care  he  entrusted  her,  and  who  sold  her  to  the 
Confederates. 

That  sale  raised  the  only  doubt  in  my  mind  as  to  restoring 
her.  But  upon  personal  examination  I  found  the  sale  had 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   523 

been  made  with  an  intent  to  defraud  Dillon,  and  thereupon, 
although  she  was  captured  from  Rebel  owners,  I  ordered  her 
restoration.  I  have  never  claimed  salvage  where  property 
has  been  seized  by  the  Confederates,  being  at  the  time  of  the 
seizure  the  property  of  loyal  owners,  and  I  am  glad  that  my 
determination  coincides  with  that  of  the  Sec'y-  of  War  upon 
this  point. 

I  think  the  administration  of  this  department  is  as  little 
liable  to  censure  as  that  of  any  other  in  treating  the  Rebels 
otherwise  than  as  Rebels.  My  belief  has  been  that  we  were  a 
little  in  advance  on  that  subject,  and  I  beg  leave  to  assure 
you  that  I  shall  be  the  last  to  recognize  the  Confederates  as 
belligerents. 

Upon  this  matter  of  captured  steamboats,  however,  the 
truth  is  that  most  of  the  boats  were  left  by  their  Northern 
owners  in  the  hands  of  agents  who  sold  them  to  the  Rebels, 
and  they  were  used  in  that  service  and  Confederate  registers 
were  taken  out  for  them.  In  such  cases  I  deem  the  property 
fit  to  be  confiscated  to  the  United  States,  and  I  have  refused 
to  return  the  boats.  But  when  I  have  returned  a  boat  I  have 
never  made  a  claim  for  salvage,  than  this  may  be  considered 
such  a  claim,  I  have  refused  to  pay  for  the  use  of  boats  between 
the  time  of  recapture  and  the  time  of  delivery  to  the  claimant. 

I  think  it  enough  for  the  Government  to  recapture,  pre- 
serve, and  restore  the  property  to  owners,  generally  deprived 
of  it,  by  the  act  of  their  own  agents,  without  paying  for  its 
intermediate  use,  or,  to  use  the  illustration  given  in  your 
letter,  the  rebel  being  considered  in  the  light  of  a  robber  who 
has  taken  an  honest  man's  purse,  and  the  officer  of  the  Gov't. 
when  they  rescue  it,  being  bound  to  restore  it,  I  think  the  party 
robbed  could  with  no  good  grace  make  a  claim  for  interest  on 
the  money  while  it  was  in  the  hands  of  the  officer.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  yery  Respy  ?  Youf  om  Servt^ 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qts.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  8th,  1862 

Messrs.  DURANT  &  HORNER,  Attorneys  at  Law 

GENTLEMEN:  Your  communication  of  6th  instant,  relating 
to  the  Phoenix  Iron  Co.,  is  received.  I  am  informed  and 
believe,  and  you  will  correct  me  if  I  am  wrong,  that  the  Phoe- 
nix Iron  Co.'s  works  were  leased  to  Mr.  Busac,  and  with  the 


524        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

knowledge  and  consent  of  the  company  were  used  by  him  as 
a  foundry  for  the  Rebels,  making  shot,  shell,  and  ordnance, 
and  that  there  are  now  on  the  premises  such  machinery  and 
partly-finished  ordnance,  Mr.  Busac  having  run  away,  leaving 
these  evidences  of  his  rebellious  trade  behind  him.  It  may  be 
true  that  your  clients  instituted  in  the  rebel  court,  when  pre- 
sided over  by  a  rebel  judge  under  authority  of  a  rebel  state, 
a  suit  for  the  division  of  spoils  between  rebels,  which  had  been 
acquired  by  working  for  the  rebel  government.  I  am  now 
called  upon  to  confirm  the  Provisional  Seizure  of  the  Court  of 
this  Rebel  property,  in  favor  of  Rebels,  and  to  allow  the 
present  Courts  established  by  the  United  States  to  sit  in 
judgment  upon  this  claim.  If  I  am  not  mistaken  in  the  above- 
recited  facts,  the  Court  will  not  prostitute  itself  to  such  work. 
Lord  Mansfield  said,  in  deciding  a  case  where  the  plain  tiff 
was  before  him  with  much  cleaner  hands  than  your  clients 
seem  to  have,  that  the  Court  of  Kings  Bench  would  not  sit 
to  divide  spoils  between  the  highwaymen.  I  trust  that  Courts 
established  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States  will  not  sit 
to  divide  profits  or  adjudicate  rents  between  the  owners  and 
occupants  of  rebel  foundries.  Unless,  therefore,  it  can  be  shown 
to  me  that  I  am  wholly  misinformed  in  the  above  state  of  facts, 
I  shall  direct  my  Quartermaster  not  only  to  retain  the  iron  he 
has  taken,  but  to  seize  the  rest  for  the  use  of  the  United  States, 
and  shall  ask  your  clients  to  show  cause  why  they  should  not 
be  tried  for  treason,  in  aiding  the  Rebellion  by  furnishing  a 
place  for  the  manufacture  of  arms  for  traitors.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  Very  Respectfuuy^  your  Obdt.  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  M aj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  DepL  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  8,  1862 

MOSES  BATES 

IT  having  been  represented  to  me  by  the  report  of  Com- 
mander Renshaw  of  the  Navy,  and  in  conversation  with 
Rear  Admiral  Farragut,  that  those  well-disposed  to  the  Union 
in  Galveston  are  in  a  state  of  starvation,  I  am  therefore 
endeavoring  to  furnish  them  with  supplies. 

Moses  Bates  has  permission  to  ship  supplies  aboard  the 
Brig.  "Adams"  and  schooner  "West  Florida"  to  Galveston, 
on  the  pledge  that  they  shall  go  for  the  use  of  loyal  people. 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       5<£5 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  December  9th,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDERS  No.  560 

I.  IN  consequence  of  a  military  necessity,  and  from  the 
fact  of  having  to  furnish  the  Charity  Hospital  monthly  with 
money  and  needful  supplies,  it  is  ordered  that  hereafter  it  be 
conducted  upon  the  economical  plan  of  a  General  Military 
Hospital. 

II.  That  hereafter  as  heretofore  the  Sister  Regina  and  the 
other  sisters  of  Charity  resident  therein  shall  have  especial 
charge  of  everything  relating  to  the  internal  police  and  economy 
of  the  establishment,  of  the  storeroom,  kitchen  and  laundry, 
and  all  needful  control  over  nurses,  attendants,  &c.    All  this, 
however,  under  the  direction  of  the  Surgeon  in  charge. 

III.  The  medical  arrangements  to  be  as  heretofore  under 
the  charge  of  the  Resident  Surgeon  and  the  visiting  physicians 
selected  for  this  purpose. 

IV.  This  arrangement  is  made  to  secure  necessary  aid  to 
the  military,  but  shall  in  no  manner  interfere  with  the  succor, 
shelter,  and  comfort  of  the  poor  who  shall  always  find  a  refuge 
within  its  walls  when  sick. 

By  command  MAJOR  GENERAL  BUTLER 

GEO.  C.  STRONG,  A.  A.  General 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  9,  1862 

Hon.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Sec'y.  of  War 

SIR:  The  1st  Texas  Cavalry  has  been  recruited  with[out] 
bounty  or  expense  to  the  Government  to  the  number  of  about 
150  men.  I  am  about  sending  it  to  Galveston,  where  it  is 
expected  to  fill  up  its  ranks  from  the  same  class  of  people  who 
have  enlisted  in  it  here.  I  have  therefore  had  to  find  it  officers 
and  an  organization.  These  officers  most  of  them  are  Texas 
Refugees,  and  deserving  non-commissioned  officers  of  my 
command,  and  in  either  case  sadly  in  need  of  their  pay  to  meet 
their  increased  expense. 

Under  General  Orders  No.  61,  series  of  1861, 1  am  not  allowed 
to  muster  them  into  the  service,  although  I  have  given  them 
provisional  commissions  under  the  authority  of  the  Depart- 
ment. I  think  that  a  special  order,  giving  them  their  pay 
from  their  actually  acting,  which  is  the  date  of  their  commis- 


526        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

sions,  will  be  just,  and  I  desire  authority  so  to  do.    Awaiting 
instructions,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respy.,  Your  obdt.  Servt., 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  May.  Gen.  Commanding 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  9,  1862 

Brig.  Gen.  MEIGS,  Quarter  Master  General,  U.S.A. 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  specifications, 
drawing,  and  model  of  a  roof  for  the  Custom  House  at  New 
Orleans.  It  is  a  building  which  has  already  cost  the  United 
States  millions  of  dollars.  It  is  left  without  a  roof,  and  is 
crumbling  away  under  the  effects  of  the  weather. 

To  leave  it  uncovered  during  the  winter  and  spring  will  be 
exceedingly  disastrous  and  expensive.  Besides,  it  is  the  citadel 
of  New  Orleans,  and  we  have  found  it  necessary  to  have  it 
roofed,  and  we  have  devised  a  plan  which  you  will  understand 
from  the  drawings.  I  think  the  work  can  be  done  within  the 
estimates.  I  am  now  changing  the  plan  so  far  as  to  adopt  the 
fitting  composition  roof,  instead  of  shingling,  by  which  we 
shall  save  the  cost  of  the  gutters. 

If  this  were  not  a  matter  of  prime  necessity  I  should  not 
believe  the  expense  justifiable.  The  whole  matter  I  had  put 
in  charge  of  Gen.  Arnold,  the  Military  Commandant  of  the 
city;  but  his  being  struck  by  paralysis  caused  delay  until  this 
time.  We  shall  have  all  that  is  necessary  done  in  much  less 
time  than  three  months.  We  hope  to  have  it  nearly  completed 
by  the  time  we  receive  the  answer  to  this.  I  shall  be  able  to 
employ  upon  it  many  laborers  whom  I  am  now  feeding.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be, 


rr       r>  ^       /-w  7, 

Very  ttespy.  Your  Ubdt. 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 
From  Rear  Admiral  Farragut 

Flag  Ship  HARTFORD  off  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  10,  1862 

Major  GENERAL  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  While  no  one  appreciates  more  highly 
than  myself  the  energetic,  persevering,  and  skilful  merchant, 
I  must  confess  that  no  one  has  a  greater  abhorrence  and  detes- 
tation of  the  unscrupulous  speculator  who  takes  advantage  of 
every  necessity  of  his  fellow-beings,  and,  regardless  of  conse- 
quences, by  bribery  and  corruption  forces  his  trade  into  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        527 

enemy's  country,  drawing  down  dishonor  upon  the  cause  as 
well  as  the  country  we  serve,  and  upon  us  who  are  exerting 
every  nerve  to  sustain  our  honor  among  nations,  and  even 
claim  the  respect  of  our  enemies,  however  unwilling  they  may 
be  to  yield  it.  I  have  therefore  determined  to  call  to  your 
attention  the  case  of  the  Schooner  "L.  L.  Davis,"  whose  cargo 
is  owned  by  one  Mr.  Wyer  of  New  Orleans. 

Lieut.  Comdr.  Read  reported  to  me,  sometime  since,  that 
this  vessel  was  fitting  out  avowedly  for  Matamoras,  but  it 
was  intimated  to  him  that  she  was  intended  to  run  the  block- 
ade by  going  into  some  intermediate  port  he  might  find 
unguarded.  I  directed  him  to  watch  her  closely,  and  as  soon 
as  she  left  the  precincts  of  the  Civil  and  Military  jurisdiction 
of  New  Orleans  to  examine  his  papers  carefully,  and  see  that 
all  was  right.  He  did  so,  and  reported  her  papers  all  signed  by 
the  proper  authorities.  She  sailed  —  and  it  now  appears 
that  instead  of  going  through  the  Rigolets,  she  changed  her 
course  and  ran  over  to  Pontchatoula,  the  well-known  depot  of 
the  Confederates.  On  calling  upon  Mr.  Denison,  the  Col- 
lector, for  information  of  this  vessel,  he  informed  me  that  he 
had  been  unwilling  to  give  clearances  to  vessels  for  Matamoras, 
and  that  he  had  stated  to  Mr.  Wyer  (in  the  case  of  the  "L. 
L.  Davis")  that  his  cargo  was  unsuited  to  the  place;  to  which 
he  replied  "never  mind,"  and  appeared  indifferent  as  to  the 
Collector's  opinion;  which  now,  as  the  result  is  seen,  leaves 
but  little  doubt  in  my  mind  that  she  was  originally  intended 
by  Mr.  Wyer  to  go  precisely  where  she  did,  and  I  call  your 
attention  to  the  facts,  General,  in  order  that  the  affair  may  be 
properly  investigated,  and  Mr.  Wyer  dealt  with  according  to 
law.  This  and  similar  things  are  the  theme  of  public  dis- 
cussion, and  bring  discredit  upon  the  whole  of  us,  for  it  is 
said  publicly  that  it  could  not  be  done  without  the  con- 
nivance of  the  authorities,  a  charge  which  I  am  sure  we  all 
desire  to  avoid  by  a  fair  investigation.  All  of  which  is 
respectfully  submitted  by 

Your  obt.  servt.,  D.  G.  FARRAGUT,  Rear  Admiral 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gvlf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  10,  1862 

Rear  Admiral  FARRAGUT 

MY  DEAR  ADMIRAL:  I  agree  most  fully  to  your  feelings  of 
indignation  in  the  matter  of  the  "L.  L.  Davis."  I  have  already 


528        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

begun  the  inquiry,  and  propose  to  investigate  the  matter  to- 
morrow morning  at  10-30  o'clock.  In  connection  with  me 
and  Collector  Denison,  you  are  respectfully  and  earnestly 
desired  to  be  present  and  aid  the  examination.  Whoever  is 
guilty  shall  be  punished  if  within  the  power  of  the  Department. 

Most  truly  yours, 
BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commanding 

From  General  Butler  to  G.  S.  Denison 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS  Dec.  10,  1862 

MY  DEAR  SIR  :  Will  you  come  yourself  and  bring  Mr.  Grey, 
and  any  papers  you  may  have,  or  witnesses  from  your  Depart- 
ment, that  will  throw  any  light  upon  the  matter  of  "L.  L. 
Davis."  I  propose  to  investigate  that  transaction,  with  the 
aid  of  the  Rear  Admiral  Farragut,  to-morrow  morning  at  half 
past  ten  o'clock. 

Yours  truly,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Commdg. 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  l 

UNOFFICIAL     NEW  ORLEANS,  December  Wth,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  I  send  this  letter  by  Mr.  Flanders,  who  leaves 
to-day  for  Washington,  and  suggest  that  you  talk  fully  with 
him  concerning  affairs  here.  I  mean  military  and  political 
affairs,  with  which  he  is  quite  familiar.  You  can  rely  per- 
fectly on  the  integrity  of  Mr.  F.  An  occurrence  has  just  taken 
place  which  causes  me  to  feel  much  indignation  and  some 
chagrin. 

Col.  Butler  has  three  or  four  men  in  his  employ  who  manage 
his  business  for  him.  The  principal  one  is  Mr.  Wyer.  Some 
days  ago  Wyer  loaded  a  vessel  for  Matamoras.  She  was 
loaded  in  the  New  Basin,  and  when  she  got  into  the  lake,  ran 
into  Pontchatoula. 

This  information  reached  me  two  days  ago,  and  since  then 
I  have  been  investigating  the  matter,  and  am  satisfied  that  it 
was  a  pre-determined  plan  to  take  the  cargo  to  Pontchatoula 
for  the  rebels,  instead  of  going  to  Matamoras.  I  am  also 
satisfied  that  Col.  Butler  was  the  sole  owner  of  the  cargo. 

The  vessel  was  the  Schooner  "L.  L.  Davis,"  95  tons 
burden,  and  500  sacks  salt  was  the  greater  portion  of  her 
cargo.  This  is  worth  in  Rebeldom  the  astonishing  price  of 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  338. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       529 

$150.  per  sack.  Cotton  could  be  bought  there  at  not  more 
than  15  cts.  per  pound,  and  delivered  at  some  point  on  the 
Mississippi  whence  it  could  be  brought  hither.  Near  Mata- 
moras  salt  is  abundant  and  cheap.  I  expressed  astonishment 
to  Wyer  when  he  cleared  the  vessel,  that  he  should  send  salt 
to  that  port,  but  he  pretended  to  have  information  that  he 
could  get  a  good  price  for  it. 

I  have  just  been  to  see  Gen.  Butler,  and  laid  the  whole 
matter  before  him,  with  statement  of  proof  that  the  "Davis" 
was  loaded  with  intention  to  run  the  blockade.  I  cannot  give 
this  statement  in  one  letter,  but  it  is  sufficient  to  say  that 
Gen.  Butler  expressed  himself  perfectly  satisfied  that  such 
was  the  intention.  I  then  told  him  I  believed  Col.  Butler  was 
the  owner  of  the  cargo  —  &  gave  my  reasons. 

Gen.  Butler  assures  me  he  will  immediately  investigate 
the  matter  thoroughly,  &  if  Col.  Butler,  or  those  associated 
with  him,  are  interested  in  the  operation,  he  &  they  shall 
instantly  leave  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  He  manifested 
great  indignation  which  I  cannot  believe  feigned,  judging  from 
his  appearance.  I  am  confident  I  can  bring  forward  sufficient 
proof  to  convince  any  honest  jury  that  the  vessel  is  Col.  But- 
ler's, and  that  he  intended  to  take  the  cargo  to  Rebels.  This 
statement  I  intend  to  make  to  Gen.  Butler  to-morrow  morning, 
so  that,  if  he  please,  he  can  permit  me  to  collect  and  present 
the  evidence. 

Yesterday  I  had  a  long  conversation  with  Admiral  Farragut, 
who  holds  the  same  opinion  regarding  this  matter  as  myself. 

The  gunboat  at  the  mouth  of  New  Canal  is  the  "New  Lon- 
don," commanded  by  Capt.  Read  (Lieut.  Commanding).  I 
am  afraid  he  will  be  made  to  suffer  —  but  it  would  be  very 
unjust,  for  he  was  not  deficient  in  vigilance,  and  is  an  honest 
and  faithful  officer.  I  am  more  in  fault  than  he  is,  for  I  allowed 
myself  to  be  deceived  —  though  any  man,  however  vigilant, 
would  have  been  deceived  in  the  same  manner. 

I  shall  report  to  you  promptly  this  progress  and  result  of 
the  investigation.  Please  excuse  the  hasty  manner  in  which 

I  am  obliged  to  write.  ^  ^    ^ 

&  GEORGE  S.  DENISON 

P.S.  Pontchatoula  is  in  the  northern  part  of  Lake  Pontchart- 
rain  —  somewhat  inland. 


VOL.  ii — 34 


530        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  10,  '62 

DEAR  HARRIET:  The  time  runs  by,  and  two  months  have 
gone  since  I  left  home.  A  fortnight  ago  and  I  thought  it  likely 
enough  we  should  be  home  at  Christmas.  But  I  do  not  feel 
so  sure  of  it  now,  yet  I  think  the  chances  are  we  return  this 
winter.  We  look  for  the  next  mail  with  considerable  eager- 
ness, as  that  may  settle  it  one  way  or  another.  It  is  far  better 
to  go  now  than  run  the  risk  of  another  summer.  You  would 
be  amazed  to  know  how  closely  my  time  is  occupied,  and  yet 
I  do  nothing.  Other  people  with  their  calls,  wants,  and 
troubles,  take  up  my  time.  This,  with  observing  and  gather- 
ing up  the  thread  of  things  that  run  wild,  is  all  I  can  attend 
to.  I  usually  have  a  budget  for  Mr.  Butler  when  evening 
comes,  which  I  try  to  make  as  little  distasteful  as  possible. 

Last  night  I  told  him  of  a  story  I  had  heard  during  the 
day.  That  J — n  was  engaged  in  one  of  the  largest  gambling 
houses  here  —  that  two  sporting  men  from  California  carried 
it  on  ostensibly,  but  one  of  them  is  his  partner  in  other  things, 
and  he  is  secretly  himself  a  partner  in  the  gambling  house. 
We  are  not  through  with  results  from  this  creature  yet.  Mr. 
B.  says  he  goes  from  here  in  ten  days,  but  where?  To  Havana, 
where  he  intends  to  take  blood  horses  taken  here  from  the 
finest  stud  in  America.  So  with  gambling  and  horse-racing 
he  will  still  manage  to  have  his  name  ahead  of  the  Gen'L 
Mr.  B.  has  great  energy,  and  has  found  ways  to  rise  however 
great  the  pressure,  but  this  fellow  has  gone  as  near  to  blast 
him  as  he  can  and  miss  it,  of  that  I  am  quite  sure.  Nor  do 
I  feel  at  all  certain  that  he  has  missed  it.  There  may  be  a 
stigma  left  that  cannot  be  wiped  out. 

I  have  packed  a  box  with  the  bronze  clock  I  wrote  you  Mr. 
B.  bought  and  some  books  to  keep  it  in  place,  and  in  the 
crevices  I  have  dropped  pecan  nuts  for  the  children.  An  old 
torn  volume  of  "Robinson  Crusoe"  for  Paul  to  read.  You 
must  tell  him  the  beginning  of  the  story.  I  think  he  has  never 
read  it.  I  want  to  send  you  something,  and  could  do  so,  but 
I  am  afraid  of  the  conveyance.  The  clock  you  can  put  on  the 
mantel  in  my  room.  I  do  not  much  fancy  it,  but  it  is  bought 
and  must  be  sent  along.  The  other  books  you  can  put  aside. 
There  is  a  picture  book,  square  with  a  blue  cover  and  rather 
worn,  that  will  please  the  children,  "A  Foreign  Tour"  I  think 
it  is  called.  The  little  book  of  heraldry  do  not  give  them. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       531 

Poor  Benny  and  Hatty,  are  they  never  to  get  anything?  We 
were  at  a  dinner  party  last  Sunday  at  Mr.  Durant's,  a  lawyer 
here.  Among  other  things  they  gave  us  for  dessert  delicious 
candy  made  of  roasted  almonds  pounded,  and  sugar.  If  I 
could  send  a  box  of  that,  how  the  children  would  like  it.  I 
begin  to  doubt  if  Fisher  or  Read  will  come,  things  have  such 
an  uncertain  look.  However,  if  they  are  coming  they  have 
already  started.  I  hope  you  are  not  greatly  troubled  about 
domestic  affairs.  If  Timothy  goes  with  Gen.  Banks  I  may 
possibly  see  him  here.  Love  to  all. 

Affectionately.,  SAKAH 

Do  not  leave  my  letters  lying  about.  I  wished  very  much  to 
put  a  little  package  for  you  in  the  box,  but  I  send  the  box  by 
the  "Catawba." 

From  F.  W.  Bird  to  General  Butler 

BOSTON,  Dec.  11,  (1862) 

DEAK  GENERAL:  You  will  pardon  the  liberty  I  take  in 
enclosing  these  papers  to  you,  asking  you  to  put  them  in  the 
hands  of  some  suitable  person.  We  shall  memorialize  Congress 
in  favor  of  a  Bureau  of  Emancipation,  and  we  want  all  the 
facts  we  can  get.  God  keep  you  in  your  fight  with  wild  beasts. 

Faithfully  yrs.,  F.  W.  BIRD 

From  Committee  of  the  Democratic  League 

NEW  YORK,  December  llth,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS 

DEAR  GENERAL:  You  will  allow  us,  as  individuals,  to  ex- 
press our  commendation  of  your  course,  and  to  congratulate 
you  upon  its  effectiveness  in  the  public  service.  You  have 
discriminated  truly  on  the  question  as  to  what  could  be  turned 
into  an  element  of  national  assistance,  and  what  could  not. 
You  have  taken  into  favor  and  encouraged  the  naturally  demo- 
cratic element,  whilst  you  have  treated  with  becoming  firmness 
those  aristocratic  forces  which  are  now  in  league  with  the 
despotisms  of  Europe  to  overthrow  free  government.  Allow  us 
to  say  to  you,  General,  that  you  have  gone  to  work  in  a  sen- 
sible way,  thinking  in  the  right  direction  and  fighting  in  the 
right  direction,  which  accounts  for  the  results  of  your  wise 
and  discriminate  action. 

Of  course,  General,  the  leading  rebels  are  against  you;    so 


532        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

are  our  vitiated  enemies  in  Europe;  so  are  the  traitors  and 
rebel  sympathizers  in  the  North.  But,  General,  the  great 
bulk  of  the  heart  of  the  North  is  with  you.  The  great  demo- 
cratic heart  of  the  South,  we  trust  will  soon  be  with  you;  but 
the  anti-democratic  element  that  inaugurated  the  rebellion 
will  never  be  with  you.  Some  of  this  element  may  be  alarmed 
into  a  seeming  decency  by  threatened  peril,  but  nothing  more. 
It  started  off  years  ago  with  the  idea  that  "Slavery  and 
democracy  were  incompatible,"  and  hence  the  antipathy  to 
our  form  of  government.  It  has  the  seeds  of  disloyalty  mixed 
with  its  principles,  and  those  seeds  are  ineradicable.  If  any 
other  course  of  treatment  can  be  adopted  in  order  to  prevent 
those  seeds  from  germinating  into  overshadowing  growth, 
than  by  encouraging  and  bringing  into  the  ascendency  the 
natural  free  government  element  in  Southern  population,  then 
indeed  are  we  mistaken.  The  hope,  the  delusive,  lingering 
hope  of  conciliating  the  conspirators,  and  of  bringing  back 
this  hopelessly-vitiated  element  of  national  weakness,  has 
greatly  hazarded  the  Union  cause.  We  much  fear  that  we 
shall  not  only  be  obliged  to  fight  them,  but  also  their  allies  in 
Europe. 

There  is  a  great  democratic  family  in  these  states  composed 
of  the  free  labor  element  of  the  Union.  The  welfare  of  this 
great  family  is  now  periled  by  treason  at  home,  and  the  alli- 
ance of  this  treason  with  the  free  government-haters  in  Europe. 
This  great  democratic  family  must  be  brought  into  unity.  If 
every  man  like  you  had  power  to  discriminate  as  to  the  proper 
course  to  be  pursued,  there  could  be  little  difficulty.  Whether 
the  great  free  government,  free  labor  democracy  of  the  Union, 
shall  be  brought  into  political  affiliation  through  foresight 
and  judgment,  or  whether  it  will  indulge  in  distractions  that 
will  make  unendurable  calamity  the  basis  of  unity,  is  a  prac- 
tical question  now  to  be  solved. 

With  many  assurances  of  high  regard,  we  are, 

Very  truly  yours, 

LORENZO  SHERWOOD,  HENRY  C.  GARDINER,  CHARLES  P. 
KIRKLAND,  GEORGE  P.  NELSON,  HENRY  O'RIELLY,  JOHN  J. 
SPEED,  THOMAS  EWBANK,  Corresponding  Committee  of  the 
Democratic  League. 

P.S.  We  sent  a  copy  of  the  above  letter  through  the  columns 
of  the  Evening  Post  of  the  12th  instant. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        533 

From  Charles  S.  Bartles 

PRIVATE.   Custom  House,  NEW  YORK,  Sat.  Afternoon,  Dec.  13th,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

DEAR  SIR:  This  morning  I  wrote  to  you  somewhat  at 
length,  and  in  concluding  stated  I  would  again  write  to  you 
to-day;  and  having  some  leisure  I  take  the  opportunity  of  ful- 
filling this  promise. 

The  removal  of  General  McClellan  from  the  command  of 
the  army  of  the  Potomac  occasioned  great  surprise  at  the 
North.  By  the  Democrats  —  that  is  I  mean  by  the  democratic 
politicians  and  editors  —  it  was  considered  not  only  a  blunder, 
but  crime;  by  the  republicans  it  was  deemed  an  act  of  justice, 
and  to  the  outcries  of  their  opponents  they  maliciously  referred 
to  the  removal  of  General  Fremont  some  twelve  months  ago. 
But  by  the  great  body  of  the  people  the  measure  was  looked 
upon  as  being  made  by  the  Executive  with  the  best  inten- 
tions —  namely,  to  insure  a  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  War, 
as  well  as  to  promote  harmony  between  the  War  Department 
and  the  generals  in  the  field.  As  to  Gen.  Burnside,  all  com- 
mended his  appointment  —  the  removal  of  General  McClellan 
having  previously  been  made.  Had  General  Banks  or  Fre- 
mont received  the  command,  the  administration  would  have 
been  liable  to  the  charge  of  partisanship,  so  recklessly  made 
against  it  by  men  who,  lacking  patriotism  themselves,  believe 
our  rulers  to  lack  it  likewise. 

Some  of  the  friends  of  General  McClellan  confidently  affirm 
that  he  will  be  made  General-in-Chief  vice  Halleck  Jan.  1st. 
This  appears  so  grossly  improbable  that  I  almost  fear  I  do 
wrong  in  mentioning  it.  I  have  pretty  good  authority  for 
asserting  that  Mr.  Lincoln  intends  to  decline  a  re-nomination 
for  the  Presidency  in  1864,  and  that  it  is  well  understood  in 
official  circles  that  General  Banks,  should  he  continue  as 
popular  as  he  is  now,  is  to  be  the  Republican  candidate  for 
that  position.  Should  this  be  the  case,  it  is  highly  probable 
that  a  Democrat  will  be  named  for  Vice-President,  to  give 
the  ticket  additional  influence  with  the  people.  Whether 
this  be  so  or  not,  it  is  certain  that  the  wind  sets  in  the  quarter 
I  have  indicated. 

When  is  Mobile  to  be  captured  by  our  forces?  It  is  pos- 
sible that  General  Banks'  expedition  may  have  sailed  for  that 
quarter?  —  but  I  have  always  imagined  that  the  honor  of 
reducing  the  Metropolis  of  Alabama  would  fall  to  yourself; 


534        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

and  that  having  redeemed  New  Orleans  you  would  in  like 
manner  redeem  Mobile  from  Secession  rule. 

The  election  of  Messrs.  Flanders  and  Hahn  as  representa- 
tives in  Congress  from  New  Orleans  is  variously  commented 
upon  by  the  northern  newspapers  according  to  their  political 
proclivities.  For  instance,  the  Democratic  press  assume  that 
the  election  is  an  attempt  on  the  part  of  the  Administration 
to  secure  for  themselves  a  majority  in  the  next  Congress,  which 
otherwise  would  be  democratic;  that  it  is,  in  fine,  an  odious 
conspiracy  to  over-ride  public  opinion.  This  assumption  can 
only  be  maintained  on  the  ground  first  that  there  are  no 
loyal  citizens  in  New  Orleans  to  be  represented  in  Congress 
—  or  second  that  the  National  troops  stationed  in  that  city 
exercised  the  right  of  suffrage,  and  thus  nullified  the  will  of 
the  people.  As  these  premises  are  wanting,  the  election  is 
of  course  valid,  and  must  be  respected  accordingly. 

The  bill  for  the  admission  of  West  Virginia  as  a  state  into 
the  Union  has  passed  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  now 
only  needs  the  President's  signature  to  become  a  law.  This 
proposed  enactment  also  excites  the  ire  of  the  opponents  of 
the  Administration,  who  indignantly  exclaim  that  Mr.  Lincoln 
violates  the  Constitution  for  partisan  purposes.  Here  again 
are  they  mistaken.  Mr.  Lincoln  being  a  practical  man,  looks 
at  the  subject  in  all  its  lights  and  shadows.  He  knows  it  is 
possible  we  may  not  be  able  to  subdue  all  the  revolted  states; 
although  believing,  as  I  also  believe,  that  it  will  be  done. 

Hence,  to  secure  ourselves  every  possible  safeguard  against 
ill-fortune,  ought  we  not  to  detach  from  the  rebellious  states 
every  foot  of  ground  we  can  obtain  during  the  progress  of 
hostilities?  In  my  opinion  clearly  so.  And  every  inch  of 
territory  so  obtained  must  never  be  yielded.  By  pursuing  this 
course  we  shall  conquer  the  South  by  piecemeal  —  leaving  to 
our  main  armies  the  work  of  destroying  those  of  the  Rebels. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  at  a  time  like  this  there 
should  be  two  parties  in  the  North.  The  influence  of  the 
President's  Emancipation  Proclamation  was  the  signal  for 
partisan  men  to  range  themselves  either  on  one  side  or  the 
other.  I  had  hoped  that  your  wise  counsels  to  your  friends 
in  Massachusetts  in  1861  to  support  Governor  Andrew,  differ- 
ing from  him  widely  as  you  did  in  his  anti-slavery  opinions, 
would  have  been  productive  of  lasting  results.  The  adminis- 
tration has  been  defeated  in  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  Ohio,  in  the  first-named  as  well  as  in  the  latter 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        535 

two  states  by  majorities  which  would  probably  have  been 
overcome  had  the  Volunteers  therefrom  been  allowed  to  vote. 
For  my  own  part,  I  think  that  during  the  continuance  of  this 
war,  and  so  long  as  the  Administration  does  not  wilfully  vio- 
late the  Constitution,  it  is  the  duty  of  every  voter  remaining 
at  home  to  sustain  the  government  in  its  great  work  of  sup- 
pressing the  rebellion. 

The  report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  discloses  an 
amount  of  expenditure  hardly  covered  by  a  thousand  million 
of  dollars.  Of  this  sum,  enormous  as  it  is,  the  major  part  has, 
I  presume,  been  expended  upon  the  Army;  contractors  and 
sub-contractors,  commissaries  and  assistant  commissaries  have 
doubtless  reaped  extraordinary  profits  —  profits  altogether 
disproportioned  to  their  service.  While  the  war  lasts  these 
things  continue,  nay,  must  increase.  And  the  unhappy  man 
who  has  the  vast  responsibilities  of  the  Treasury  Department 
resting  upon  him  can  do  no  more  than  endeavor  to  detect 
fraud,  and  vigilantly  guard  the  public  deposits  when  the 
attempt  in  a  majority  of  cases  is,  after  all,  doomed  to  failure. 

Galveston  having  been  occupied  by  our  forces,  it  becomes  a 
question  whether  they  will  attempt  to  penetrate  any  distance 
in  the  interior.  Houston,  the  capital  of,  I  think,  Harris  county, 
ought  to  be  seized  and  occupied  at  the  earliest  possible  moment. 
This  is  the  great  cotton  mart  of  Texas,  and  surpasses  in  impor- 
tance even  Galveston  itself.  I  hope  this  matter  will  receive 
early  attention.  Business  at  the  Custom  House  of  New  York 
has  greatly  decreased  of  late  owing  to  the  heavy  duties  imposed 
by  the  new  tariffs.  Secretary  Chase  estimates  that  $70,000,000 
receipts  from  customs  will  be  made  during  the  present  fiscal 
year;  but  he  is  too  sanguine.  Between  $50,000,000  and 
$60,000,000  will  be  nearer  the  amount. 

It  now  seems  probable  that  the  system  of  so-called  "arbi- 
trary arrests"  up  to  but  recently  pursued  by  the  War  Depart- 
ment will  be  soon  entirely  abandoned,  as  a  portion  of  our  truly 
loyal  people  have  taken  umbrage  at  the  measure,  which  they 
foolishly  believe  to  be  destructive  of  their  rights,  forgetting 
that  it  is  only  the  disloyal  who  really  suffer  in  the  majority  of 
cases,  and  that  by  their  own  act. 

Absurd  statements  relating  to  "Overtures  for  Peace,"  said 
to  have  come  from  Jeff  Davis,  are  afloat;  but  generally  dis- 
credited by  the  press.  There  is  no  truth  in  them;  and  they 
are  brought  forth  only  by  the  near  approach  of  the  1st  of 
January. 


536        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

General  McDowell's  court  martial  will  beyond  question 
result  in  his  honorable  acquittal  of  all  charges  preferred  either 
against  his  honor  as  a  soldier  or  his  ability  as  a  commander  of 
a  corps.  Public  opinion,  which  in  this  case  is  undoubtedly 
correct,  declares  General  McDowell  to  have  been  simply  un- 
fortunate. In  the  course  of  the  trial  (which  will  soon  be  ter- 
minated) General  McClellan  was  called  to  the  witness  stand, 
and  deposed  or  rather  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that  had  he  at 
any  time  during  the  Peninsular  campaign  been  re-enforced 
by  the  35,000  men  commanded  by  McDowell,  he  could  have 
taken  Richmond!  This  statement  is  now  going  the  rounds  of 
the  press,  and  as  might  be  expected  creates  a  sensation.  It 
appears  from  the  evidence  (documentary)  given  that  McDowell 
was  by  the  express  orders  of  the  President  and  the  Secretary 
of  War  prohibited  from  effecting  a  junction  with  McClellan 
during  the  continuance  of  Jackson's  raid  in  the  Shenandoah 
Valley  (in  whose  pursuit  General  McDowell  ineffectually  par- 
ticipated), and  for  some  time  thereafter,  notwithstanding,  as 
an  ex  parte  statement  has  it,  more  than  40,000  troops  remained 
to  guard  Washington  with  a  large  reserve  at  Baltimore.  Now 
the  question  comes  up,  who  was  responsible  for  McClellan's 
failure  on  the  peninsula? 

Now,  a  week  or  ten  days  ago  there  was  published  an  official 
statement  from  General  Halleck  with  regard  to  this  very 
subject.  General  Halleck  states  in  brief  that  after  the  seven 
days'  battles  before  Richmond,  he  called  upon  General  McClel- 
lan, and  a  discussion  took  place  as  to  the  (future)  plans  of  the 
war  department.  In  the  evening,  General  McClellan  stated 
that  with  50,000  fresh  troops  he  could  take  Richmond;  being 
assured  that  not  more  than  £0,000  could  be  furnished,  he  took 
the  night  to  reflect  upon  the  subject.  In  the  morning  he 
stated  that  with  20,000  men  he  would  make  an  attempt,  and 
stood  "some  chance"  of  success.  It  was  then  understood 
that  this  number  (all  that  could  be  spared,  including  Mc- 
Dowell's Corps)  should  be  given  General  McClellan,  provided 
the  concurrence  of  the  President  thereto  should  be  obtained. 
But  just  prior  to  or  upon  General  Halleck's  arrival  at  Wash- 
ington, he  received  a  telegram  from  General  McClellan  to  the 
effect  that  he  (McClellan)  could  not  or  would  not  make  the 
attempt  without  being  reinforced  by  35,000  troops,  15,000 
more  than  the  number  agreed  upon.  Thereupon  General 
Halleck  telegraphed  in  reply  to  commence  the  evacuation  of 
the  peninsula  —  which  movement  was  commenced  fourteen 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       537 

days  thereafter,  General  McClellan  having  in  the  interim 
strongly  remonstrated  against  it,  to  which  remonstrance 
General  Halleck  replied  at  length,  and  in  defense  of  his  order. 

I  confess  that  the  testimony  given  before  the  McDowell 
court  martial  materially  disagrees  with  the  statement  of 
General  Halleck,  who  stated  that  he  could  not  give  McClellan 
more  than  20,000  troops  (including  McDowell's  corps),  while 
McClellan  or  some  other  General  affirms  that  nearly  70,000 
men  were  left  in  northern  Virginia,  the  District  of  Columbia, 
Baltimore,  and  Fortress  Monroe,  when  the  peninsular  cam- 
paign was  undertaken,  and  that  at  the  time  of  Jackson's  raid 
McDowell  had  35,000  men.  It  is  clear  that  somebody  was 
mistaken,  but  who,  it  is  hard  to  say. 

The  Emperor  Napoleon  has  recently  seen  fit  to  endeavor  to 
obtain  England's  rulers  to  concur  with  him  in  offering  media- 
tion in  the  affairs  of  this  country,  preliminary  to  an  armistice 
taking  place  between  the  contending  parties.  Earl  Russell, 
who,  whatever  his  shortcomings  in  other  respects,  is  certainly 
a  clear-headed  and  practical  Statesman,  perceiving  that  such 
an  offer  would  be  at  once  rejected,  and  do  no  good  whatever, 
rejects  the  proposition.  I  have  no  idea  that  armed  interven- 
tion is  likely  to  occur  for  many  months,  if  ever;  and  if  it  does 
come,  it  will  do  more  to  promote  a  restoration  of  the  Union 
than  otherwise.  Such  at  least  is  my  opinion. 

I  have  written  at  much  greater  length  than  I  intended  when 
I  commenced,  and  will  therefore  close  with  the  remark  that  I 
hope  you  will  not  find  this  communication  either  tedious  or 
unprofitable. 

Very  Truly  Your  obdt.  Servt.,  CHARLES  S.  BARTLES 

From  Richard  S.  Fay,  Jr. 

PRIVATE.     BOSTON,  December  14fA,  1862 

General  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  By  the  " Marion"  and  "Creole"  I  am  in 
receipt  of  invoices  and  bills  from  Mr.  Dexter,  which  will 
enable  me  without  inconvenience  to  take  up  his  draft  for 
$60,000,  about  which  I  wrote  you  in  my  last.  His  letters, 
while  they  confirm  my  opinion  of  his  good  faith,  also  confirm 
me  in  my  intention  to  cancel  all  authority  to  act  for  me  in  any 
way.  He  has  taken  risks  for  me  to  an  amount  and  of  a  kind 
entirely  unjustified  by  my  authority  or  instructions,  and  the 
chances  now  are  that  I  shall  sustain  a  considerable  loss  by 
them.  I  shall  be  sustained  by  law  and  right  in  repudiating 


538        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

his  acts  to  a  very  large  extent,  but  I  shall  carry  them  out  so 
far  as  I  can,  partly  out  of  a  personal  regard  for  him  and  partly 
on  account  of  the  strength  of  my  recommendation  to  you  and 
your  brother. 

I  have  recovered  from  my  fears  of  any  inconvenience  even 
temporary  from  the  weight  of  the  business,  though  it  taxes 
my  resources  very  heavily,  but  I  shall  prefer  that,  while  I  am 
so  largely  in  debt  to  you  and  Col.  Butler,  you  should  hold 
whatever  property  I  have  in  New  Orleans.  I  hope  you  will 
draw  as  lightly  as  possible  until  I  have  had  time  to  turn  Mr. 
Dexter's  shipments  into  money.  Of  this  Col.  Butler  will 
keep  the  run. 

I  now  enclose  your  invoices  and  duplicate  bills  of  mdse. 
per  "Emblem,"  consigned  to  you  for  sale  on  my  account,  the 
proceeds  to  be  placed  to  my  credit  in  account  as  a  remittance. 
I  should  like  this  cargo  closed  out  promptly  if  your  market 
will  permit  without  too  much  loss.  I  expect  no  profit,  and 
only  wish  my  business  with  New  Orleans  closed  up,  so  that  I 
can  see  where  I  stand.  This  of  course  does  not  apply  to  any 
business  you  or  Col.  Butler  may  send  me,  which  I  shall  always 
gladly  attend  to.  The  "Emblem"  invoices  do  not  amount  to 
quite  so  much  as  I  had  expected,  but  the  amount  will  very 
nearly  offset  your  present  balance. 

I  have  given  you  a  letter  to  give  to  my  friend,  Mr.  Brooks, 
whose  house  at  Medford  you  will  remember.  He  is  one  of 
my  best  friends,  and  a  sterling  fellow  in  every  respect.  His 
family  has  a  large  property  in  New  Orleans,  and  he  goes  to 
ascertain  its  condition. 

The  Middlesex  has  made  $200,000,  and  divides  10%.  The 
Washington  Mills  make  $200,000  on  its  woolen  and  $100,000 
on  its  cotton  business. 

We  are  having  news  of  great  fighting  at  Fredericksburg.  I 
trust  we  may  win,  but  even  if  we  do,  it  is,  I  fear,  too  late  in 
the  season  to  do  anything  on  that  line  of  operations. 

Sincerely  yours,  RICHARD  S.  FAY  JR., 

From  Charles  S.  Bartles 

PRIVATE.     Custom  House,  NEW  YORK,  Monday,  Dec,  I5th,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Comdg.  U.  S.  Forces 

DEAR  SIR:  I  should  not  have  troubled  you  with  this  com- 
munication to-day  had  I  not  seen  in  the  Washington  corre- 
spondence of  the  World  of  this  morning  a  recapitulation  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       539 

charges  alleged  against  you  by  your  enemies,  and  said  to  have 
been  submitted  to  the  President.  I  enclose  you  the  paper  in 
question,  or  rather  send  it  by  mail. 

Now,  why  a  democratic  newspaper  like  the  World  should  pur- 
sue you  with  such  vindictiveness  as  it  does  is  hard  to  determine, 
except  on  the  assumption  that  believing  you  to  be  an  active 
supporter  of  the  administration  it  prefers  to  strike  at  it  through 
you.  Heretofore  the  World  was  republican  in  its  politics,  but 
differing  from  the  government  on  the  subject  of  so-called  "ar- 
bitrary arrests,"  it  finally  went  over  to  the  democracy,  and  is 
now  their  recognized  organ  in  this  city.  Its  chief  editor  is  a 
gentleman  of  high-standing,  and  one  of  the  most  efficient  busi- 
ness men  I  know  of;  why  he  should  allow  the  column  of  his 
Journal  to  be  used  against  you  is  a  question  beyond  my  com- 
prehension to  solve,  unless  the  above  hypotheses  be  correct. 

Your  rigid  performance  of  the  duties  appertaining  to  the 
station  you  hold  has  of  course  excited  the  utmost  animosity 
of  those  who  are  secessionists  per  se,  or  sympathize  with  them 
to  an  extent  hard  to  define,  but  none-the-less  tangible  on  that 
account.  That  these  two  representatives  of  opposition  to  the 
administration  should  form  an  alliance  to  effect  your  removal 
cannot  excite  surprise.  But  that  they  should  be  joined  in 
this  attempt  by  others  whose  loyalty  is  unquestioned,  appears 
strange.  In  these  days,  however,  it  is  party  ties  that  bring 
about  such  curious  combinations. 

I  have  not  the  slightest  idea  that  you  will  be  removed  or 
interfered  with  at  all;  on  the  contrary,  I  believe  that  hereafter 
as  heretofore  your  conduct  will  be  approved  of  by  the  execu- 
tive. Secure  in  his  support,  General,  and  of  the  approbation 
of  the  great  body  of  our  loyal  citizens  as  well,  go  on  in  your 
career  adding  laurels  to  your  wreath,  and  promoting  the  public 
welfare.  Your  reputation  rests  upon  too  firm  a  basis  to  be 
shaken  by  the  breath  of  your  enemies,  who  are  impotent  to 
wreak  that  vengeance  they  so  long  to  inflict. 

Gen.  Burnside  having  affected  a  lodgement  in  the  ruined 
city  of  Fredericksburg,  finds  out,  to  his  surprise,  the  rebel 
army  strongly  entrenched,  and  prepared  to  dispute  his  advance 
on  Richmond.  Severe  fighting  has  taken  place  without  those 
decisive  results  so  confidently  looked  for  by  the  public.  But 
he  will  triumph,  or  I  am  deceived  in  my  estimation  of  his 
character.  Our  brave  troops  have  had  enough  of  repulses; 
henceforth  they  propose  to  celebrate  victories.  The  papers 
of  this  morning  will  give  you  full  particulars  of  the  engagement. 


540        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  will  inform  you  in  confidence  of  an  interesting  fact,  Gen. 
Cameron  has,  as  you  are  probably  aware,  returned  home  from 
his  Russian  mission  on  leave  of  absence.  Should  Mr.  Wilmot 
decline  to  be  a  candidate  for  re-election  to  the  Senate,  Mr. 
Cameron  will  be  the  administration  nominee  for  that  position, 
with  every  prospect  of  success  notwithstanding  the  democracy 
have  a  small  majority  on  joint  ballot.  From  the  fact  of 
their  candidate,  Frank  Hughes,  being  strongly  tinctured  with 
secession  proclivities,  judging  from  his  effusions  in  the  press 
and  on  the  stump,  Mr.  Cameron  will  probably  receive  a  suffi- 
cient support  from  the  democratic  members  to  insure  his  re- 
turn. Whatever  others  may  say,  I  firmly  believe  General 
Cameron  to  be  one  of  the  best  and  purest  of  our  public  men. 
A  true  patriot,  he  accepted  the  position  of  Secretary  of  War 
against  his  own  inclination  and  at  the  urgent  solicitations  of 
the  Executive.  Finding  the  duties  of  the  post  too  arduous  for 
him,  he  resigned  in  February,  1862,  at  a  time  when  our  forces 
were  victorious  both  on  land  and  on  sea.  He  was,  as  I  believe, 
a  warm  friend  of  yourself,  and  appreciated  your  talents  as 
they  deserved.  I  sincerely  hope  he  will  be  successful;  for  it 
is  morally  certain  that  if  he  is  not,  an  opponent  of  the  admin- 
istration will  succeed  Mr.  Wilmot. 

The  Delta  is  your  recognized  organ  in  New  Orleans,  and  a 
better  conducted  Journal,  considering  its  limited  space,  does 
not  exist.  I  well  remember  its  disunion  tendencies  before  the 
commencement  of  the  rebellion,  and  that  for  ten  years  pre- 
vious to  that  time  it  divided  with  the  Charleston  Mercury  the 
honor  of  extreme  pestilential  opinions  in  behalf  of  secession, 
the  reopening  of  the  slave  trade,  etc.  A  staunch  Union  Jour- 
nal now,  it  supports  with  the  greatest  vigor  the  policy  of  the 
Government,  although  taking  due  care  to  avoid  needlessly 
offending  public  sentiment  in  New  Orleans  with  regard  to  the 
abolition  of  slavery  there  and  in  the  adjoining  parishes.  The 
True  Delta  is  also  an  excellent  journal,  true,  I  believe,  to  the 
Union  and  the  Constitution,  and,  like  the  Richmond  Whig, 
having  yielded  to  secession  only  when  resistance  was  impos- 
sible. The  True  Delta  I  think  supported  Douglas  for  Presi- 
dent in  1860,  the  Delta,  Breckinridge,  and  Picayune  and  Bee, 
John  Bell.  The  Picayune,  I  am  sorry  to  see,  still  clings  under 
its  present  management  to  its  former  sympathy  with  traitors, 
although  careful  to  observe  what  it  is  facetiously  pleased  to 
term  "neutrality."  Were  George  W.  Kendall  of  Texas  in 
control  of  its  columns  there  would  be  no  neutrality  exhibited, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       541 

but  in  lieu  thereof  a  warm  espousal  of  the  cause  of    the 
Union. 

In  nay  letters  of  Saturday  I  expressed  belief  that  General 
Banks  would  not  disembark  his  expeditionary  force  in  the 
Virginia  coast,  but  would  doubtless  proceed  to  some  important 
Southern  city,  either  Charleston,  Savannah,  or  Mobile.  It 
appears  from  the  papers  of  to-day  more  than  probable  that  I 
was  mistaken  in  this  assumption;  and  that  the  corps  have 
been  or  will  be  landed  at  some  point  on  the  North  Carolina 
coast,  whence  they  can  proceed  first  to  cut  off  railroad 
communications  between  the  South  and  Richmond,  say  at 
Weldon,  and  then  march  on  the  Confederate  Capitol  while 
Burnside's  army  is  proceeding  southward  by  the  Fredericks- 
burg  route.  I  earnestly  hope  that  this  belief  be  not  ill- 
founded;  as,  if  it  is  not  we  shall  (Providence  permitting)  be 
in  possession  of  Richmond  by  January  1st. 

Your  Sincere  Friend,  CHARLES  S.  BARTLES 


From  Honorable  Salmon  P.  Chase 

WASHINGTON  D.C.,  December  14th,  1862 

Major  General  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Your  letter  was  handed  by  me  per- 
sonally to  the  President,  and  he  read  it  all  through  in  my 
presence,  and,  as  he  did  so,  acknowledged  fully  the  capacity 
for  service  you  have  exhibited,  and  the  past  services  you  have 
actually  performed.  Beyond  this  he  said  nothing,  except  that 
he  had  written  you  some  days  since.  He  had  promised  this 
to  me,  and  I  was  glad  to  learn  that  he  had  not  forgotten  to 
do  so. 

It  was  only  since  I  received  the  letter  to  the  President  (with 
one  to  myself)  that  I  learned  from  Mr.  Stanton  the  real  des- 
tination and  instructions  of  Gen.  Banks.  I  now  understand 
that  he  is  actually  to  take  charge  of  the  Department  of  the 
Gulf,  to  which  Texas  is  annexed;  and  that  he  goes  to  New 
Orleans  to  direct  operations  on  the  river  until  it  is  opened, 
and  on  Texas,  and  I  suppose  on  Mobile.  I  do  not  remember, 
however,  that  Mobile  was  mentioned.  Of  course,  this  com- 
mission supersedes  yours.  Before  this  conversation,  I  had 
supposed  that  General  Banks  was  simply  intrusted  with  the 
command  of  the  expedition  to  Texas,  and  that  though  his 
command  might  lead  to  some  conflict,  if  there  were  a  disposi- 
tion to  make  or  have  trouble,  that  your  great  work  on  the  river 


542        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

in  Louisiana  and  Mississippi  and  at  Mobile  would  not  neces- 
sarily be  interfered  with.  I  need  hardly  say  to  you  that  I 
regret  profoundly  to  find  myself  mistaken.  My  respect  for 
General  Banks  and  confidence  in  his  ability  is  entirely  sincere; 
but  I  must  frankly  say  to  you  (and  I  really  hope  you  will  not 
take  what  I  say  as  a  mere  compliment  but  as  what  it  is  —  my 
honest  conviction)  that  in  my  judgment  you  have  done  more 
work  and  more  important  work  and  have  done  it  better  than 
any  General  whom  the  President  has  commissioned;  and  I 
believe  this  is  the  judgment  of  the  country.  Of  course,  I 
cannot  think  it  for  the  good  of  the  country  that  you  should 
be  superseded  even  by  General  Banks.  We  have  not  a  great 
many  men  of  first-rate  ability,  and  I  think  there  is  work  for 
them  all,  and  room  enough  to  do  it  in,  without  bringing  one 
over  another  in  this  fashion. 

And  this  brings  me  to  what  I  want  most  particularly  to 
say.  You  intimate  a  purpose  of  resigning.  I  most  earnestly 
hope  you  will  dismiss  this  thought.  It  is  no  discredit  to  serve 
under  a  prior  officer.  General  Banks  is  your  friend  and  you 
are  his.  Each  can  greatly  help  the  other,  and  there  is  room 
enough  in  the  honor  and  gratitude  of  the  country  for  both.  It 
would  grieve  many  if  you  should  retire,  and  the  country,  I 
am  sure,  would  suffer  immensely.  Don't  think  that  the 
appointment  of  General  Banks  will  really  harm  you.  It  will 
not.  Your  retirement  would,  for  it  would  be  ascribed  to 
wounded  self-love.  If  you  remain,  doing  your  duty  as  here- 
tofore, everyone  will  feel  that  you  are  governed  by  a  gen- 
erous patriotism,  and  your  present  enviable  position  will  be 
enhanced. 

I  wish  I  could  repeat  to  you  all  I  have  said.  Our  friends  in 
Congress  are  unanimous  in  your  praise.  Nobody  finds  fault 
except  some  honest  people  who  really  believe  what  has  been 
said  about  your  connection  with  trade,  and  some  designing 
people  who  circulate  their  stories  probably  without  much  regard 
to  their  truth  or  falsehood. 

The  election  of  Mr.  Flanders  gratifies  me  much.  I  know 
nothing  of  Mr.  Hahn.  I  hope  he  is  as  good  a  man.  I  should 
like  to  have  a  talk  with  you  about  our  political  future.  There 
must  be  a  new  organization  of  parties.  The  party  which  now 
opposes  the  National  Government  is  not  in  any  just  sense  the 
Democratic  party,  and  ought  not  to  be  so  called.  It  is  simply 
the  opposition,  in  which  old  Whigs,  Know-nothings,  and 
Democrats  unite  to  expel  the  Republican  from  power.  A  new 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       543 

party,  really  Democratic  and  really  Republican,  must  arise, 
of  which  you  ought  to  be  an  honored  and  able  leader. 

But  at  present  let  us  give  all  our  thoughts  to  the  salvation 
of  our  country.  A  very  considerable  battle  was  fought  yes- 
terday. Today,  Sunday,  there  is  a  sort  of  truce.  Tomorrow 
we  expect  decisive  work.  May  God  give  us  the  victory. 

Your  friend,  S.  P.  CHASE 

David  Glasgow  Farragut's  Comments  on  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler  l 

ONE  bright  day  in  December  (the  16th),  some  excitement 
was  created  on  the  levee  by  the  appearance  of  several  large 
steamers  coming  up  the  river,  loaded  with  soldiers,  their  bands 
playing  and  the  men  cheering  as  they  passed  the  city.  It  was 
the  army  of  the  new  commander  of  the  Department,  Gen. 
N.  P.  Banks,  now  sent  to  supersede  General  Butler.  The 
change  was  a  surprise  to  many,  and  to  none  more  than  to  Far- 
ragut.  His  relations  with  General  Butler  had  always  been 
friendly,  and  in  the  various  military  operations  in  the  Gulf, 
Butler  had  lent  his  hearty  cooperation.  His  administration 
of  affairs  as  military  governor  has  been  seriously  criticised; 
but  it  is  only  justice  to  say  that  in  every  instance  when  com- 
plaint was  made  of  apparent  irregularities,  Gen.  Butler  showed 
a  desire  to  have  matters  thoroughly  investigated. 

His  policy  in  allowing  vessels  to  clear  from  New  Orleans 
with  merchandise,  and  his  efforts  generally  to  restore  traffic, 
caused  many  adventurers  to  flock  thither,  and,  under  the 
semblance  of  loyalty,  abuse  these  privileges. 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  2 

PRIVATE.   NEW  ORLEANS,  December  17th,  1862 l 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

DEAR  SIR:  Gen.  Banks  and  staff  arrived  here  on  the  even- 
ing of  Sunday,  the  14th,  and  he  assumed  command  of  the 
Department  of  the  Gulf  yesterday.  Enclosed  is  Gen.  Butler's 
final  order,  and  Gen.  Banks'  order  on  assuming  command. 

I  endeavor  to  ascertain  how  this  change  is  received  here, 
and  the  result  of  my  inquiries  and  observations  is  very  satis- 
factory. Probably  those  most  intimately  connected  with 
Gen.  Butler  regret  the  change,  and  many  of  the  loyal  citizens 
express  a  fear  that  the  new  administration  of  affairs  will  lack 

1  From  "Life  and  Letters  of  Admiral  D.  G.  Farragut,"  pages  300-301. 

2  American  Historical  Association  Report  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  339. 


544        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  P.   BUTLER 

the  vigor  and  ability  of  the  former.  Some,  also,  think  that 
injustice  has  been  done  Gen.  Butler  in  removing  him  from  a 
command  where  he  has  succeeded  so  admirably.  But  the 
general  expression  is  one  of  satisfaction.  The  fact  is,  that  the 
extensive  commercial  proceedings  which  were  tolerated  (to 
say  the  least)  by  the  former  Commanding  General  have 
created  a  general  disgust.  The  public  opinion  was  fixed  that 
these  transactions  were  for  Gen.  Butler's  own  benefit,  and  the 
dissatisfaction  on  this  account  was  intense.  Gen.  Butler  has 
always  been  very  kind  to  me,  and  assisted  me  whenever  asked, 
&  I  feel  very  grateful  to  him.  But  yet  I  believe  the  change  is 
a  good  one.  I  was  intending  to  write  to  you  by  this  mail, 
giving  considerable  information  about  speculations  here,  but  it 
is  now  unnecessary  —  &  I  suppose  all  such  evils  will  be  speedily 
corrected. 

I  have  seen  Gen.  Banks  but  once,  but  by  his  invitation  am 
to  meet  him  to-day  or  to-morrow,  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
him  all  the  information  in  my  possession.  I  shall  endeavor 
to  keep  you  promptly  informed  of  everything  transpiring  here. 
Gen.  Banks'  troops  have  arrived  in  large  numbers.  I  do  not 
know  whether  all  have  come.  It  is  not  certainly  known  why 
Gen.  Butler  was  removed.  Some  say  it  is  on  account  of 
demands  of  France  —  others  that  it  is  on  account  of  specu- 
lations —  others  that  it  is  owing  to  representations  of  Admiral 
Farragut. 

I  have  learned  little  more  in  regard  to  the  Schooner  "L.  L. 
Davis"  which  run  into  Pontchatoula.  Gen.  Butler  believes 
that  I  am  satisfied  that  Col.  Butler  had  nothing  to  do  with 
it.  I  am  not  so  satisfied.  Gen.  Butler  says  he  has  ascertained 
that  a  prominent  officer  (I  suspect  he  refers  to  Col.  French, 
Pro.  Marshal)  loaded  the  vessel  in  good  faith  for  Matamoras, 
and  that  the  captain  ran  away  from  him.  I  do  not  know 
whether  the  evidence  taken  down  will  be  sent  to  Washington. 
I  think  I  shall  lay  the  whole  matter  before  General  Banks. 

I  want  some  money.  Three  hundred  dollars  in  gold,  which 
I  brought  with  me,  and  a  few  hundred  dollars  since  received 
by  your  order,  have  been  sufficient  to  pay  my  expenses,  but 
is  now  consumed.  I  transmit  to-day  an  official  receipt  for 
$25,000  legal  tender  notes,  which  have  just  arrived  to  pay 
expenses  of  the  office.  About  my  own  pay,  I  wrote  to  you 
Oct.  10th.  I  shall  not  pay  myself  out  of  the  $25,000  for  the 
fact  is  I  never  really  understood  what  my  compensation  is. 

(GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        545 

From  General  N.  P.  Banks 

Head  Quarters,  Banks'  Expedition,  NEW  ORLEANS,  December  16,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  BUTLER,  Commanding  Department  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  you  will  direct 
the  officers  of  the  Staff  Departments  attached  to  your  Head 
Quarters  to  remain  here  for  the  present,  and  report  to  me  for 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

N.  P.  BANKS,  Major  General 

From  General  Butler 

Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  16,  1862 
\  £Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  N.  P.  BANKS,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  Gulf 

GENERAL:  In  compliance  with  your  request  I  have  directed 
all  my  Staff  who  are  heads  of  departments  to  remain  such  time 
as  will  enable  them  to  turn  over  the  property  in  their  hands, 
and  fully  instruct  the  corresponding  officers  of  your  Staff, 
so  that  there  may  be  the  least  possible  embarrassment  from 
the  change. 

Respectfully,  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Genl.  U.S.V. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  NEW  ORLEANS,  December  15,  1862 

GENERAL  ORDERS  No.  106 
Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Gulf 

RELIEVED  from  further  duties  in  this  Department  by  direc- 
tion of  the  President,  under  the  date  of  November  9,  1862, 
I  lake  leave  of  you  by  this  final  order,  it  being  impossible  to 
visit  your  scattered  out-posts,  covering  hundreds  of  miles  of 
the  frontier  of  a  larger  territory  than  some  of  the  kingdoms  of 
Europe. 

I  greet  you,  my  brave  comrades,  and  say  farewell! 

This  word,  endeared  as  you  are  by  a  community  of  priva- 
tions, hardships,  dangers,  victories,  successes,  military  and 
civil,  is  the  only  sorrowful  thought  I  have. 

You  have  deserved  well  of  your  country.  Without  a  mur- 
mur you  sustained  an  encampment  on  a  sand-bar,  so  desolate 
that  banishment  to  it,  with  every  care  and  comfort  possible, 
has  been  the  most  dreaded  punishment  inflicted  upon  your 
bitterest  and  most  insulting  enemies. 
VOL.  ii — 35 


546        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

You  had  so  little  transportation  that  but  a  handful  could 
advance  to  compel  submission  by  the  Queen  City  of  the  Re- 
bellion, whilst  others  waded  breast-deep  in  the  marshes  which 
surround  St.  Philip,  and  forced  the  surrender  of  a  fort,  deemed 
impregnable  to  land  attack  by  the  most  skilful  engineers  of 
your  country  and  her  enemy. 

At  your  occupation,  order,  law,  quiet  and  peace  sprang  to 
this  city,  filled  with  the  bravos  of  all  nations,  where  for  a 
score  of  years,  during  the  profoundest  peace,  human  life  was 
scarcely  safe  at  noonday. 

By  your  discipline  you  illustrated  the  best  traits  of  the 
American  soldier,  and  enchained  the  admiration  of  those  that 
come  to  scoff. 

Landing  with  a  military  chest  containing  but  seventy-five 
dollars,  from  the  hoards  of  a  rebel  government  you  have  given 
to  your  country's  treasury  nearly  a  half  million  of  dollars,  and 
so  supplied  yourselves  with  the  needs  of  your  service  that 
your  expedition  has  cost  your  Government  less  by  four-fifths 
than  any  other. 

You  have  fed  the  starving  poor,  the  wives  and  children  of 
your  enemies,  so  converting  enemies  into  friends  that  they 
have  sent  their  representatives  to  your  Congress  by  a  vote 
greater  than  your  entire  numbers,  from  districts  in  which, 
when  you  entered,  you  were  tauntingly  told  that  there  was 
"no  one  to  raise  your  flag." 

By  your  practical  philanthropy  you  have  won  the  confidence 
of  the  "oppressed  race"  and  the  slave.  Hailing  you  as  deliv- 
erers, they  are  ready  to  aid  you  as  willing  servants,  faithful 
laborers,  or,  using  the  tactics  taught  them  by  your  enemies, 
to  fight  with  you  in  the  field. 

By  steady  attention  to  the  laws  of  health,  you  have  stayed 
the  pestilence,  and,  humble  instruments  in  the  hands  of  God, 
you  have  demonstrated  the  necessity  that  His  creatures 
should  obey  His  laws,  and,  reaping  His  blessing  in  the  most 
unhealthy  climate,  you  have  preserved  your  ranks  fuller  than 
those  of  any  other  Battalions  of  the  same  length  of  service. 

You  have  met  double  numbers  of  the  enemy,  and  defeated 
him  in  the  open  field ;  but  I  need  no  further  enlarge  upon  this 
topic.  You  were  sent  here  to  do  that. 

I  commend  you  to  your  Commander.  You  are  worthy  of 
his  love. 

Farewell,  my  comrades!  again  farewell! 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major-General  Commanding 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       547 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  Mrs.  Heard 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  mh,  1862 

DEAR  HARRIET:  All  is  over  for  the  present.  The  Depart- 
ment of  the  Gulf  has  passed  into  other  hands.  We  leave  next 
Monday.  I  cannot  say  by  what  vessel.  Mrs.  Read  may  or 
may  not  come  us  with.  The  rest  of  the  family  will  stay  longer. 
Get  another  servant  if  you  can.  I  shall  bring  the  hair  dresser 
with  me.  It  will  be  rather  pell  mell,  but  never  mind  it.  We 
may  go  to  Washington  before  returning  home. 

I  shall  soon  see  the  children;  that  is  a  comfort  amid  the 
trouble.  Dear  love  to  all.  Affectionately,  SARAH 

From  General  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  ISth,  1862 

Hon.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN,  President 

ON  the  14th  instant,  Sunday,  at  night,  I  received  from  the 
hand  of  Maj.  Gen.  Banks,  General  Orders  No.  184,  attested 
by  Major  Gen'l.  Halleck,  directing  Maj.  Gen.  Banks  to  assume 
the  command  of  this  Department.  At  12  o'clock  at  noon,  on 
the  16th,  the  command  was  turned  over  to  him. 

Having  received  no  further  orders,  either  to  report  to  him 
or  otherwise,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  suppose  that  I  was 
permitted  to  return  home,  my  services  being  no  longer  needed 
here.  I  have  given  Major  Gen'l.  Banks  all  the  information  in 
my  power,  and  more  than  he  has  asked  in  relation  to  the 
affairs  of  this  Department. 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  for  the  information  of  the  Presi- 
dent a  copy  of  my  last  general  order,  as  commander  of  the 
Department  of  the  Gulf. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that,  until  further  orders, 
my  address  will  be  Lowell,  Massachusetts.  I  have  the  honor 

to  be>  Very  Respt.,  Yr.  Obed.  Ser., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  Com. 

From  Captain  John  F.  Appleton 

LAKEPOKT,  Dec.  I5iht  1862 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

SIR:  Last  summer  you  had  occasion  to  reprimand  an  officer 
for  an  unintentional  neglect  of  duty.  Your  manner  and  your 
words  sunk  deep  into  his  memory;  and  he  always  wished  some 


548        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

opportunity  might  present  itself  when  he  could  evidence  by  his 
actions  his  full  appreciation  of  your  delicate  reproval.  I  am 
that  officer,  and  in  part  the  wished-for  opportunity  came  when 
I  was  ordered  here.  I  have  tried  to  do  my  duty,  and  feel  that 
I  have  done  it,  because  my  General  for  whose  command  I  raised 
my  company,  who  never  forgets  to  censure  or  to  reward,  has 
not  reproved  me.  For  your  kindness  to  the  soldiers  you  will 
ever  be  held  in  loving  remembrance  and  your  past  services  will 
be  remembered  by  the  country  and  be  rewarded. 

Now  that  you  are  to  leave  us  there  can  be  no  want  of  deli- 
cacy in  my  thus  expressing  my  feelings. 

May  good  fortune  attend  you.  Goodbye,  General!  God 
bless  you.  I  remain,  with  great  regard, 

Yours  ever  to  command, 
JOHN  F.  APPLETON,  Capt.  Comdg.  at  LAKEPORT 

From  Colonel  S.  H.  Stafford 

Head  Quarters  1st  Reg.  La.t  National  Guards,  Dec.  18,  '62 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  The  Regiment  has  instructed  me  to  speak  for 
it  its  words  of  farewell. 

As  men  and  soldiers  they  look  upon  you  as  their  Creator 
and  their  Father,  —  they  regret  the  parting,  obeying  the 
"orders  of  the  President  and  the  officers  appointed  over 
them,"  and  they  will,  when  opportunity  offers,  seek  to  prove 
themselves  worthy  of  you,  who  made  them  what  they  are. 

Wherever  you  go  there  will  their  hearts  be  also,  and  their 
pride  will  grow  on  whatever  honors  you  may  win. 

Relying  upon  the  facts  of  the  past,  they  look  with  hope  to 
your  future,  and  pray  that  God  may  be  with  you  and  the 
country. 

For  myself  I  beg  to  avail  of  this  occasion  to  thank  you  for 
the  many  acts  of  kindness  and  consideration  which  you  have 
extended  to  me,  and  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Respectfully  and  truly,  Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  H.  STAFFORD,  Col.  Comg. 

From  a  " She  Adder" 

NEW  ORLEANS,  December  22nd,  1862 

General  BUTLER 

SINCE  your  arrival  in  our  city  I  have  addressed  you  upon 
several  occasions,  through  the  press  and  in  private;  and  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       549 

would  do  so  once  more  before  you  leave  our  city  —  the  scene 
of  your  Herculean  labors  for  the  past  seven  months.    I  thought 
of  calling  on  you,  and  while  bidding  you  a  loving  (?)  farewell, 
informing  you  of  the  true  light  with  which  your  departure  is 
viewed  by   us.     Self-respect,   however,   prevented   me  from 
doing  so,  as  I  feared  contamination  by  even  breathing  the 
polluted  air  with  which  you  are  surrounded.    Ever  since  you 
came  among  us,  we  have  felt  for  you  hatred  so  violent  that  no 
words  can  express  it.    We  have  always  regarded  you  as  a 
monster  in  whose  composition  the  lowest  of  traits  were  con- 
centrated;  and  "Butler  the  brute"  will  be  handed  down  to 
posterity  as  a  by-word,  by  which  all  true  Southerners  will  "re- 
member ihee  monster,  thou  vilest  of  scum."    When  you  came 
here,  it  was  in  your  power  to  make  friends  instead  of  enemies, 
by  marking  your  course  with  gentlemanly  conduct,  but  that 
was  foreign  to  your  nature,  and  instead  of  treating  the  citi- 
zens of  New  Orleans  with  that  respect  and  consideration  which 
a  civilized  and  refined  people  were  entitled  to,  you  heaped 
every  indignity  upon  us  that  your  brutal  nature  was  capable 
of  conceiving.    Not  content  with  thieving  and  stealing  from 
all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men,  you  insulted  our  best  citizens, 
and  used  language  to  our  gentlemen  such  as  they  never  heard, 
and  such  as  you  only  are  capable  of  uttering.    Even  the  ladies 
were  not  free  from  your  vile  imprecations.     You  have  ren- 
dered yourself  famous   (as  well  as  infamous)  for  your  28th 
order,  and  in  all  coming  time  your  name  will  be  linked  with 
all  that  is  loathsome  and  detestable.     May  you  return  to 
Lowell  (the  Yankee  hole  that  gave  you  birth),  and  when  your 
miserable  wife  decks  herself  off  in  her  stolen  finery,  and  appears 
with  you  in  public,  may  every  eye  be  turned,  and  every  finger 
pointed  to  the  "pair  of  Yankee  thieves."    You  may  possibly 
reach  Yankeedom  in  safety  —  but  remember,  vile  old  coward, 
that  the  day  will  come  when  you  will  be  hunted  down  like  a 
fox  in  your  den,  and  retribution  will  surely  fall  upon  you.    There 
are  noble,  dauntless  hearts  in  our  Confederate  army  who  will 
surely  avenge  the  insults  which  you  have  heaped  upon  us. 

Farewell,  and  may  your  conscience  (if  you  have  any  left) 
cause  your  life  to  be  one  torment  by  day,  and  may  the  spirit 
of  the  glorious  Mumford  haunt  you  by  night. 

One  of  your  SHE  ADDERS 


550        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  l 

PRIVATE.     NEW  ORLEANS,  December  Z5th,  1862 

DEAR  SIR:  The  mail  has  just  arrived,  and  I  see  that, 
among  other  charges,  Gen.  Butler  is  accused  of  interfering  in 
various  ways  with  the  Custom  House,  to  the  great  injury  of 
commerce.  Gen.  Butler  has  interfered  with  the  Custom  House 
in  four  instances,  but  not  more. 

1st.  He  ordered  me  not  to  permit  the  shipment  of  specie  and 
plate  without  his  written  consent  to  each  shipment.  His  object 
was  to  prevent  property  liable  to  confiscation  [from]  being  re- 
moved from  the  country.  The  Prussian  bark,  "Essex,"  had  re- 
ceived on  board  several  large  cases  of  silver,  and  by  Gen.  Butler's 
orders,  I  refused  a  clearance  until  these  cases  were  delivered  up. 
They  were  delivered  up,  and  clearance  was  then  granted. 

2nd.  Gen.  B.  took  possession  of  about  $2000.  worth  of 
printer's  paper  in  the  warehouse,  for  his  official  newspaper, 
The  Delta  —  on  the  ground  that  it  was  a  military  necessity. 

3d.  He  took  possession  of  forty  barrels  of  brandy  (imported 
two  or  three  years  ago)  for  hospital  purposes  —  as  a  military 
necessity. 

4th.  He  took  possession  of  ten  bales  of  blankets  for  hospi- 
tal purposes  —  as  a  military  necessity. 

In  each  of  the  last  three  instances  I  have  his  written  order 
to  deliver  up  the  articles  to  the  officer  presenting  the  order  — 
and  in  each  he  settled,  I  suppose,  with  the  owners  of  the  articles. 
Except  in  the  above  instances,  Gen.  Butler  has  not  interfered 
with  the  Custom  House  business.  I  make  this  statement  for 
your  information. 

I  send  you  a  paper  containing  Gen.  Butler's  farewell  address, 
and  Gen.  Banks'  proclamation  concerning  the  Emancipation 
Proclamation.  Each  article  explains  itself.  From  appear- 
ances, I  judge  that  Gen.  Butler  intends  to  join  the  extreme 
radicals,  as  the  Democratic  papers  term  the  only  party  which 
(as  it  seems  to  me)  appreciates  the  position.  The  Texan  men 
are  bitterly  disappointed  that  they  cannot  invade  Texas  at 
once,  and  think  great  injustice  has  been  done  them.  It  seems 
to  me  that  the  thorough  opening  of  the  river  is  of  most  con- 
sequence just  now  —  after  which  the  whole  Southwest  falls 
easily.  Texas,  Louisiana  and  Arkansas  are  pretty  well  drained 
of  men,  but  full  of  corn  and  cattle.  The  Rebels  would  like 
to  retreat  thither,  but  if  the  river  is  opened  at  once,  they  will 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report,  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  342. 


LETTERS  OF    GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       551 

be  forced  back  toward,  or  into,  Alabama.  With  the  loss  of 
the  three  Southwestern  states,  the  rebels  lose  one-half  their 
material  resources.  They  could  not  break  through  the  line 
of  defence  (Mississippi  River)  to  recover  it.  In  no  other  way 
can  the  Confederate  cause  be  so  much  injured,  with  so  little 
expenditure  on  the  part  of  the  Gov't.  of  men,  time,  and  money. 
The  Arkansas,  White,  and  Red  Rivers,  and,  in  Louisiana, 
various  bayous,  enable  gunboats  to  penetrate  in  all  directions 
to  the  heart  of  the  country.  Fifty  thousand  men,  together 
with  the  Union  forces  now  in  Arkansas  and  at  El  Paso  (Texas), 
would  be  fully  able  to  accomplish  this  in  two  or  three  months 
after  the  opening  of  the  river  —  and  provided  Emancipation 
attended  the  march,  success  would  be  absolutely  certain.  Lou- 
isiana is  virtually  subdued  already,  and  wishes  herself  back  in 
the  Union.  I  hope  Gen.  Banks  will  adopt  some  such  plan  as 
the  above,  and  have  told  him  so.  Lest  he  might  mistake  my 
political  position,  I  took  the  first  opportunity  to  tell  him 
also  what  my  opinions  were,  particularly  in  regard  to  Slavery. 

According  to  the  best  information  I  can  get,  the  rebels  have 
at  Vicksburg  12,000  men,  at  Jackson  (and  Grenada)  40,000, 
&  at  Port  Hudson,  20,000.  The  men  are  said  to  be  deserting 
very  fast.  Port  Hudson  is  twenty  miles  above  Baton  Rouge, 
and  is  said  to  be  much  stronger  than  Vicksburg.  Many 
believe  that  to  be  the  point  (instead  of  Vicksburg)  where  the 
great  fight  will  be. 

Our  troops  are  moving  up  to  Baton  Rouge,  where  perhaps 
20,000  have  already  arrived.  All  the  old  (Butler's)  regiments 
will  probably  be  sent  up.  I  should  judge  that  the  attack  on 
Port  Hudson  would  take  place  in  about  ten  days.  Gen.  Banks 
is  expected  to  command  in  person. 

Mobile  is  not  fortified  with  such  strength  as  is  represented 
by  Southern  accounts.  The  Rebel  gunboats  there  are  of  very 
little  account.  I  have  just  seen  a  reliable  (white)  man  who 
escaped  from  there  five  weeks  ago.  Admiral  Farragut  can 
take  the  place  whenever  he  chooses. 

Please  do  not  authorize  more  officers  for  the  Appraiser's 
Department  to  be  sent  here  from  New  York.  One,  Mr. 
Paulson,  appointed  by  your  order,  has  just  arrived.  He  is 
one  too  much.  I  understand  still  another  is  to  come.  I  want 
to  keep  down  expenses,  and  this  expense  is  entirely  unneces- 
sary. Mr.  Sarjeant  did  wrong  in  making  such  representations 
as  he  did  to  you  concerning  the  want  of  Examiners  here. 

(GEORGE  S.  DENISON) 


552        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Charles  S.  Parties 

NEW  YORK,  Friday  Dec.  26^,  1862 

M aj.  General  BUTLER,  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

DEAR  SIR:  Christmas  day  passed  off  pleasantly  here  as  I 
trust  it  did  everywhere. 

Before  you  receive  this  communication  you  will  of  course 
have  been  informed  of  the  recent  Cabinet  fiasco.  It  appears 
that  a  majority  of  the  Republican  Senators,  headed  by  Mr. 
Sumner,  believing  that  the  time  had  arrived  when  the  Presi- 
dent should  have  a  united  Cabinet,  called  a  caucus,  and 
decided  to  send  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  President  and 
ask  for  a  reconstruction  of  the  Cabinet.  This  was  done. 
When  Secretary  Seward  heard  of  the  action  of  the  caucus,  he 
promptly  tendered  his  resignation.  Mr.  Chase,  desirous  of 
convincing  Mr.  Seward,  with  whom  he  had  always  been  on 
the  most  friendly  terms,  that  he  had  no  part  in  the  move- 
ment, and  that  he  disapproved  of  it,  also  resigned.  The 
President  after  due  consideration  declined  to  accept  either 
resignation. 

This  decision  ought  to  convince  the  most  skeptical  that 
hereafter  we  shall  have  a  united  cabinet. 

A  rumor  was  lately  in  circulation  that  you  were  to  be  re- 
lieved of  your  command  by  Gen.  Banks,  he  having  [been] 
appointed  your  successor.  I  have  no  confidence  in  this  story. 
It  may  be  true  that  Gen.  Banks  has  gone  to  New  Orleans, 
and  that  his  forces  will  rendezvous  at  Ship  Island,  for  the 
purpose  of  cooperating  with  your  own  command  in  the  capture 
of  Mobile,  now  believed  to  be  imminent. 

The  report  of  Hon.  Reverdy  Johnson  on  the  result  of  his 
mission  to  New  Orleans  has  been  submitted  to  the  Senate, 
but  has  not  yet,  I  believe,  been  published.  When  it  is  I  will 
try  and  forward  you  a  copy. 

Gen.  Burnside's  army,  which  now  ought  to  number  150,000 
men,  is  still  encamped  on  the  hills  of  Stafford  County,  Va. 
It  is  not  possible  he  will  again  move  on  Richmond  before 
January  1st. 

From  an  estimate  just  made  it  appears  that  upward  of 
$12,000  will  be  collected  as  internal  revenue  in  this  city  during 
the  present  fiscal  year. 

Attorney  General  Bates  recently  decided  that  the  negroes 
are  citizens.  I  enclose  a  copy  of  his  opinion,  which,  if  sus- 
tained by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  completely 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       553 

reverses  the  Dred  Scott  decision.     Business  in  the  city  is 
*  Respectfully  Yours,  CHARLES  S.  BARTLES 

From  President  Lincoln 

Executive  Mansion,  WASHINGTON,  Dec.  QQth,  1862 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  believe  you  have  a  family,  and  I  dislike 
to  deprive  you  of  an  early  visit  to  them.  But  I  really  wish 
to  see  you  at  the  earliest  moment.  I  am  contemplating  a 
peculiar  and  important  service  for  you,  which  I  think,  and 
hope  you  will  think,  is  as  honorable  as  it  is  important.  I 
wish  to  confer  with  you  upon  it.  Please  come  immediately 
upon  your  arrival  at  New  York. 

Yours  very  truly,  A.  LINCOLN 

Estimate  by  Horace  Greeley  l 

"General  Butler  had  taken  13,700  soldiers  from  the  North 
for  the  capture  of  New  Orleans.  He  had  received  no  re-inforce- 
ments  since;  and  he  now  turned  over  to  his  successor  17,800 
drilled  and  disciplined  men,  including  three  regiments  and 
two  batteries  of  negroes.  He  sent  home  to  the  treasury  the 
sum  of  $345,000;  expended  $525,000  in  feeding  the  poor  of 
New  Orleans;  and  turned  over  about  $200,000  to  the  Com- 
missary and  Quartermaster  of  his  successor.  He  had  collected 
by  taxation,  assessments,  fines,  forfeitures,  and  confiscations 
an  aggregate  of  $1,088,000,  which  he  had  faithfully  applied 
to  the  public  service.  He  had,  of  course,  made  himself  very 
unpopular  with  the  wealthy  Rebels,  whom  he  had,  in  propor- 
tion to  their  several  volunteer  contributions  of  money  in  aid 
of  the  Rebel  cause,  assessed  for  the  support  of  the  New  Orleans 
poor,  deprived  of  employment  by  the  war;  and  he  had  been 
especially  detested  by  that  larger  body  of  influential  foreign- 
ers, who,  having  freely  devoted  their  efforts  and  their  means 
to  the  support  of  the  Rebellion,  were  neither  regarded  nor 
treated  by  him  as  though  they  had  been  honestly  neutral  in 
the  contest." 


"The  American  Conflict,"  Vol.  II,  page  106. 


554        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Farewell  Address  by  General  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  24,  1862 
£  Not  in  chronological  order] 

Citizens  of  NEW  ORLEANS 

IT  may  not  be  inappropriate,  as  it  is  not  inopportune  in 
occasion,  that  there  should  be  addressed  to  you  a  few  words 
at  parting,  by  one  whose  name  is  to  be  hereafter  indissolubly 
connected  with  your  city. 

I  shall  speak  in  no  bitterness,  because  I  am  not  conscious  of 
a  single  personal  animosity.  Commanding  the  Army  of  the 
Gulf,  I  found  you  captured,  but  not  surrendered;  conquered, 
but  not  orderly;  relieved  from  the  presence  of  an  army,  but 
incapable  of  taking  care  of  yourselves.  I  restored  order,  pun- 
ished crime,  opened  commerce,  brought  provisions  to  your 
starving  people,  reformed  your  currency,  and  gave  you  quiet 
protection,  such  as  you  had  not  enjoyed  for  many  years. 
While  doing  this,  my  soldiers  were  subjected  to  obloquy, 
reproach,  and  insult. 

And  now,  speaking  to  you  who  know  the  truth,  I  here 
declare  that  whoever  has  quietly  remained  about  his  business, 
affording  neither  aid  nor  comfort  to  the  enemies  of  the  United 
States,  has  never  been  interfered  with  by  the  soldiers  of  the 
United  States. 

The  men  who  had  assumed  to  govern  you  and  to  defend 
your  city  in  arms  having  fled,  some  of  your  women  flouted  at 
the  presence  of  those  who  came  to  protect  them.  By  a  simple 
order  (No.  28),  I  called  upon  every  soldier  of  this  army  to  treat 
the  women  of  New  Orleans  as  gentlemen  should  deal  with  the 
sex,  with  such  effect  that  I  now  call  upon  the  just-minded 
ladies  of  New  Orleans  to  say  whether  they  have  ever  enjoyed 
so  complete  protection  and  calm  quiet  for  themselves  and  their 
families  as  since  the  advent  of  the  United  States  troops. 

The  enemies  of  my  country,  unrepentant  and  implacable,  I 
have  treated  with  merited  severity.  I  hold  that  rebellion  is 
treason,  and  that  treason,  persisted  in,  is  death,  and  any 
punishment  short  of  that  due  a  traitor  gives  so  much  clear 
gain  to  him  from  the  clemency  of  the  government.  Upon  this 
thesis  have  I  administered  the  authority  of  the  United  States, 
because  of  which  I  am  not  unconscious  of  complaint.  I  do 
not  feel  that  I  have  erred  in  too  much  harshness,  for  that 
harshness  has  ever  been  exhibited  to  disloyal  enemies  to  my 
country,  and  not  to  loyal  friends.  To  be  sure,  I  might  have 
regaled  you  with  the  amenities  of  British  civilization,  and  yet 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       555 

been  within  the  supposed  rules  of  civilized  warfare.  You 
might  have  been  smoked  to  death  in  caverns,  as  were  the  Cove- 
nanters of  Scotland  by  the  command  of  a  general  of  the  royal 
house  of  England;  or  roasted,  like  the  inhabitants  of  Algiers 
during  the  French  campaign;  your  wives  and  daughters 
might  have  been  given  over  to  the  ravisher,  as  were  the  unfor- 
tunate dames  of  Spain  in  the  Peninsular  War;  or  you  might 
have  been  scalped  and  tomahawked,  as  our  mothers  were  at 
Wyoming  by  the  savage  allies  of  Great  Britain  in  our  own 
Revolution;  your  property  could  have  been  turned  over  to 
indiscriminate  "loot,"  like  the  palace  of  the  Emperor  of  China; 
works  of  art  which  adorned  your  buildings  might  have  been 
sent  away,  like  paintings  of  the  Vatican;  your  sons  might 
have  been  blown  from  the  mouths  of  cannon,  like  the  Sepoys 
at  Delhi;  and  yet  all  this  would  have  been  within  the  rules  of 
civilized  warfare  as  practised  by  the  most  polished  and  the 
most  hypocritical  nations  of  Europe.  For  such  acts  the  records 
of  the  doings  of  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  your  city  toward 
the  friends  of  the  Union,  before  my  coming,  were  a  sufficient 
provocative  and  justification. 

But  I  have  not  so  conducted.  On  the  contrary,  the  worst 
punishment  inflicted,  except  for  criminal  acts  punishable  by 
every  law,  has  been  banishment  with  labor  to  a  barren  island, 
where  I  encamped  my  own  soldiers  before  marching  here. 

It  is  true,  I  have  levied  upon  the  wealthy  rebels  and  paid  out 
nearly  half  a  million  of  dollars  to  feed  forty  thousand  of  the  starv- 
ing poor  of  all  nations  assembled  here,  made  so  by  this  war. 

I  saw  that  this  Rebellion  was  a  war  of  the  aristocrats  against 
the  middling  men,  of  the  rich  against  the  poor;  a  war  of  the 
land-owner  against  the  laborer;  that  it  was  a  struggle  for  the 
retention  of  power  in  the  hands  of  the  few  against  the  many; 
and  I  found  no  conclusion  to  it,  save  in  the  subjugation  of  the 
few  and  the  disenthrallment  of  the  many.  I  therefore  felt  no 
hesitation  in  taking  the  substance  of  the  wealthy,  who  had 
caused  the  war,  to  feed  the  innocent  poor,  who  had  suffered 
by  the  war.  And  I  shall  now  leave  you  with  the  proud  con- 
sciousness that  I  carry  with  me  the  blessings  of  the  humble 
and  loyal,  under  the  roof  of  the  cottage  and  in  the  cabin  of 
the  slave,  and  so  am  quite  content  to  incur  the  sneers  of  the 
salon,  or  the  curses  of  the  rich. 

I  have  found  you  trembling  at  the  terrors  of  servile  insur- 
rection. All  danger  of  this  I  have  prevented  by  so  treating 
the  slave  that  he  had  no  cause  to  rebel. 


556        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  found  the  dungeon,  the  chain,  and  the  lash  your  only 
means  of  enforcing  obedience  in  your  servants.  I  leave  them 
peaceful,  laborious,  controlled  by  the  laws  of  kindness  and 
justice. 

I  have  demonstrated  that  the  pestilence  can  be  kept  from 
your  borders. 

I  have  added  a  million  of  dollars  to  your  wealth  in  the 
form  of  new  land  from  the  batture  of  the  Mississippi. 

I  have  cleansed  and  improved  your  streets,  canals,  and  pub- 
lic squares,  and  opened  new  avenues  to  unoccupied  land. 

I  have  given  you  freedom  of  elections  greater  than  you  have 
ever  enjoyed  before. 

I  have  caused  justice  to  be  administered  so  impartially  that 
your  own  advocates  have  unanimously  complimented  the 
judges  of  my  appointment. 

You  have  seen,  therefore,  the  benefit  of  the  laws  and  justice 
of  the  government  against  which  you  have  rebelled. 

Why,  then,  will  you  not  all  return  to  your  allegiance  to  that 
government,  —  not  with  lip-service,  but  with  the  heart? 

I  conjure  you,  if  you  desire  ever  to  see  renewed  prosperity, 
giving  business  to  your  streets  and  wharves  —  if  you  hope  to 
see  your  city  become  again  the  mart  of  the  western  world,  fed 
by  its  rivers  for  more  than  three  thousand  miles,  draining  the 
commerce  of  a  country  greater  than  the  mind  of  man  hath 
ever  conceived  —  return  to  your  allegiance. 

If  you  desire  to  leave  to  your  children  the  inheritance  you 
received  from  your  fathers  —  a  stable  constitutional  govern- 
ment; if  you  desire  that  they  should  be  in  the  future  a  portion 
of  the  greatest  empire  the  sun  ever  shone  upon  —  return  to 
your  allegiance. 

There  is  but  one  thing  that  stands  in  the  way. 

There  is  but  one  thing  that  at  this  hour  stands  between  you 
and  your  government  —  and  that  is  slavery. 

The  institution,  cursed  of  God,  which  has  taken  its  last 
refuge  here,  in  His  providence  will  be  rooted  out  as  the  tares 
from  the  wheat,  although  the  wheat  be  torn  up  with  it. 

I  have  given  much  thought  to  this  subject. 

I  came  among  you,  by  teachings,  by  habit  of  mind,  by  polit- 
ical position,  by  social  affinity,  inclined  to  sustain  your  domes- 
tic laws,  if  by  possibility  they  might  be  with  safety  to  the 
Union. 

Months  of  experience  and  of  observation  have  forced  the 
conviction  that  the  existence  of  slavery  is  incompatible  with 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       557 

the  safety  either  of  yourselves  or  of  the  Union.  As  the  system 
has  gradually  grown  to  its  present  huge  dimensions,  it  were 
best  if  it  could  be  gradually  removed ;  but  it  is  better,  far  better, 
that  it  should  be  taken  out  at  once,  than  that  it  should  longer 
vitiate  the  social,  political,  and  family  relations  of  your  country. 
I  am  speaking  with  no  philanthropic  views  as  regards  the 
slave,  but  simply  of  the  effect  of  slavery  on  the  master.  See 
for  yourselves.  Look  around  you  and  say  whether  this  sad- 
dening, deadening  influence  has  not  all  but  destroyed  the  very 
framework  of  your  society? 

I  am  speaking  the  farewell  words  of  one  who  has  shown  his 
devotion  to  his  country  at  the  peril  of  his  life  and  fortune, 
who  in  these  words  can  have  neither  hope  nor  interest,  save 
the  good  of  those  whom  he  addresses;  and  let  me  here  repeat, 
with  all  the  solemnity  of  an  appeal  to  heaven  to  bear  me 
witness,  that  such  are  the  views  forced  upon  me  by  experience. 

Come,  then,  to  the  unconditional  support  of  the  govern- 
ment. Take  into  your  own  hands  your  own  institutions;  re- 
model them  according  to  the  laws  of  nations  and  of  God, 
and  thus  attain  that  great  prosperity  assured  to  you  by  geo- 
graphical position,  only  a  portion  of  which  was  heretofore 

yours'  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 


By  Jefferson  Davis 
A  Proclamation  by  the  President  of  the  Confederate  States 

"WHEREAS,  a  communication  was  addressed  on  the  6th 
day  of  July  last,  1862,  by  General  Robert  E.  Lee,  acting  under 
the  instructions  of  the  secretary  of  war  of  the  Confederate 
States  of  America,  to  General  H.  W.  Halleck,  commander-in- 
chief  of  the  United  States  Army,  informing  the  latter  that  a 
report  had  reached  this  government  that  Wm.  B.  Mumford, 
a  citizen  of  the  Confederate  States,  had  been  executed  by  the 
United  States  authorities  at  New  Orleans  for  having  pulled 
down  the  United  States  flag  in  that  city  before  its  occupation 
by  the  United  States  forces,  and  calling  for  a  statement  of  the 
facts,  with  a  view  of  retaliation  if  such  an  outrage  had  really 
been  committed  under  the  sanction  of  the  authorities  of  the 
United  States; 

"And  whereas  (no  answer  having  been  received  to  said 
letter),  another  letter  was,  on  the  2nd  of  August  last,  1862, 
addressed  by  General  Lee,  under  my  instructions,  to  General 


558        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Halleck,  renewing  the  inquiries  in  relation  to  the  execution 
of  the  said  Mumford,  with  the  information  that,  in  the  event 
of  not  receiving  a  reply  within  fifteen  days,  it  would  be  assumed 
that  the  fact  was  true,  and  was  sanctioned  by  the  government 
of  the  United  States; 

"And  whereas,  an  answer,  dated  on  the  7th  of  August  last, 
1862,  was  addressed  to  General  Lee  by  General  H.  W.  Halleck, 
the  said  general-in -chief  of  the  armies  of  the  United  States, 
alleging  sufficient  cause  for  failure  to  make  early  reply  to  said 
letter  of  the  6th  of  July,  asserting  that  'no  authentic  informa- 
tion had  been  received  in  relation  to  the  execution  of  Mum- 
ford;  but  measures  will  be  immediately  taken  to  ascertain 
the  facts  of  the  alleged  execution,'  and  promising  that  General 
Lee  should  be  duly  informed  thereof; 

"And  whereas,  on  the  26th  of  November  last,  1862,  another 
letter  was  addressed,  under  my  instructions,  by  Robert  Ould, 
Confederate  agent  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  under  the 
cartel  between  the  two  governments,  to  Lieutenant-Colonel 
W.  H.  Ludlow,  agent  of  the  United  States  under  said  cartel, 
informing  him  that  the  explanation  promised  in  the  said  letter 
of  General  Halleck,  of  7th  of  August  last,  had  not  yet  been 
received,  and  that  if  no  answer  was  sent  to  the  government 
within  fifteen  days  from  the  delivery  of  this  last  communica- 
tion, it  would  be  considered  that  an  answer  is  declined; 

"And  whereas,  by  a  letter  dated  on  the  3rd  day  of  the  pres- 
ent month  of  December,  the  said  Lieutenant-Colonel  Ludlow 
apprised  the  said  Robert  Ould  that  the  above  recited  com- 
munication of  the  19th  of  November  had  been  received  and 
forwarded  to  the  secretary  of  war  of  the  United  States;  and 
whereas,  this  last  delay  of  fifteen  days  allowed  for  answer 
has  elapsed,  and  no  answer  has  been  received; 

"And  whereas,  in  addition  to  the  tacit  admission  resulting 
from  the  above  refusal  to  answer,  I  have  received  evidence 
fully  establishing  the  truth  of  the  fact  that  the  said  William 
B.  Mumford,  a  citizen  of  the  Confederacy,  was  actually  and 
publicly  executed,  in  cold  blood,  by  hanging,  after  the  occu- 
pation of  the  city  of  New  Orleans  by  the  forces  under  General 
Benjamin  F.  Butler,  when  said  Mumford  was  an  unresisting 
and  non-combatant  captive,  and  for  no  offense  even  alleged 
to  have  been  committed  by  him  subsequent  to  the  date  of  the 
capture  of  the  said  city; 

"And  whereas,  the  silence  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  and  its  maintaining  of  said  Butler  in  high  office  under 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       559 

its  authority  for  many  months  after  his  commission  of  an  act 
that  can  be  viewed  in  no  other  light  than  as  a  deliberate  murder, 
as  well  as  of  numerous  other  outrages  and  atrocities  hereafter 
to  be  mentioned,  afford  evidence  too  conclusive  that  the  said 
government  sanctions  the  conduct  of  the  said  Butler,  and  is 
determined  that  he  shall  remain  unpunished  for  these  crimes; 

"Now,  therefore,  I,  Jefferson  Davis,  President  of  the  Con- 
federate States  of  America,  and  in  their  name,  do  pronounce 
and  declare  the  said  Benjamin  F.  Butler  to  be  a  felon,  deserv- 
ing of  capital  punishment.  I  do  order  that  he  shall  no  longer 
be  considered  or  treated  simply  as  a  public  enemy  of  the  Con- 
federate States  of  America,  but  as  an  outlaw  and  common 
enemy  of  mankind,  and  that,  in  the  event  of  his  capture,  the 
officer  in  command  of  the  capturing  force  do  cause  him  to  be 
immediately  executed  by  hanging. 

"And  I  do  farther  order  that  no  commissioned  officer  of  the 
United  States,  taken  captive,  shall  be  released  on  parole,  be- 
fore exchanged,  until  the  said  Butler  shall  have  met  with  due 
punishment  for  his  crimes. 

"And  whereas,  the  hostilities  waged  against  this  Confed- 
eracy by  the  forces  of  the  United  States,  under  the  command  of 
said  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  have  borne  no  resemblance  to  such 
warfare  as  is  alone  permissible  by  the  rules  of  international 
law  or  the  usages  of  civilization,  but  have  been  characterized 
by  repeated  atrocities  and  outrages,  among  the  large  number 
of  which  the  following  may  be  cited  as  examples: 

"Peaceful  and  aged  citizens,  unresisting  captives  and  non- 
combatants,  have  been  confined  at  hard  labor,  with  iron  chains 
attached  to  their  limbs,  and  are  still  so  held,  in  dungeons  and 
fortresses. 

"Others  have  been  submitted  to  a  like  degrading  punish- 
ment for  selling  medicines  to  the  sick  soldiers  of  the 
Confederacy. 

"The  soldiers  of  the  United  States  have  been  invited  and 
encouraged  in  general  orders  to  insult  and  outrage  the  wives, 
the  mothers,  and  the  sisters  of  our  citizens. 

"Helpless  women  have  been  torn  from  their  homes,  and 
subjected  to  solitary  confinement,  some  in  fortresses  and  pris- 
ons, and  one  especially  on  an  island  of  barren  sand,  under  a 
tropical  sun;  have  been  fed  with  loathsome  rations  that  have 
been  condemned  as  unfit  for  soldiers,  and  have  been  exposed 
to  the  vilest  insults. 

"Prisoners  of  war,  who  surrendered  to  the  naval  forces  of 


560        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  United  States,  on  agreement  that  they  should  be  released 
on  parole,  have  been  seized  and  kept  in  close  confinement. 

"Repeated  pretexts  have  been  sought  or  invented  for  plun- 
dering the  inhabitants  of  a  captured  city,  by  fines  levied  and 
collected  under  threats  of  imprisoning  recusants  at  hard  labor 
with  ball  and  chain.  The  entire  population  of  New  Orleans 
have  been  forced  to  elect  between  starvation  by  the  confisca- 
tion of  all  property  and  taking  an  oath  against  conscience  to 
bear  allegiance  to  the  invader  of  their  country. 

"Egress  from  the  city  has  been  refused  to  those  whose  forti- 
tude withstood  the  test,  and  even  to  lone  and  aged  women,  and 
to  helpless  children;  and,  after  being  ejected  from  their  homes 
and  robbed  of  their  property,  they  have  been  left  to  starve  in 
the  streets  or  subsist  on  charity. 

"The  slaves  have  been  driven  from  the  plantations  in  the 
neighborhood  of  New  Orleans  until  their  owners  would  con- 
sent to  share  their  crops  with  the  commanding  general,  his 
brother,  Andrew  J.  Butler,  and  other  officers;  and  when  such 
consent  had  been  extorted,  the  slaves  have  been  restored  to 
the  plantations,  and  there  compelled  to  work  under  the  bayo- 
nets of  the  guards  of  United  States  soldiers.  Where  that  part- 
nership was  refused,  armed  expeditions  have  been  sent  to  the 
plantations  to  rob  them  of  everything  that  was  susceptible  of 
removal. 

"And  even  slaves,  too  aged  or  infirm  to  work,  have,  in  spite 
of  their  entreaties,  been  forced  from  the  homes  provided  by 
their  owners,  and  driven  to  wander  helpless  on  the  highway. 

"By  a  recent  General  Order  No.  91,  the  entire  property  in 
that  part  of  Louisiana  west  of  the  Mississippi  river  has  been 
sequestrated  for  confiscation,  and  officers  have  been  assigned 
to  duty,  with  orders  to  gather  up  and  collect  the  personal 
property,  and  turn  over  to  the  proper  officers,  upon  their 
receipts,  such  of  said  property  as  may  be  required  for  the  use 
of  the  United  States  army;  to  collect  together  all  the  personal 
property  and  bring  the  same  to  New  Orleans,  and  cause  it  to 
be  sold  at  public  auction  to  highest  bidders  —  an  order  which, 
if  executed,  condemns  to  punishment,  by  starvation,  at  least  a 
quarter  of  a  million  of  human  beings,  of  all  ages,  sexes,  and 
conditions,  and  of  which  the  execution,  although  forbidden 
to  military  officers  by  the  orders  of  President  Lincoln,  is  in 
accordance  with  the  confiscation  law  of  our  enemies,  which  he 
has  effected  to  be  enforced  through  the  agency  of  civil  officials. 

"And,  finally,  the  African  slaves  have  not  only  been  incited 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        561 

to  insurection  by  every  license  and  encouragement,  but  num- 
bers of  them  have  actually  been  armed  for  a  servile  war  — 
a  war  in  its  nature  far  exceeding  the  horrors  and  most  merci- 
less atrocities  of  savages. 

"And  whereas,  the  officers  under  command  of  the  said  Butler 
have  been,  in  many  instances,  active  and  zealous  agents  in 
the  commission  of  these  crimes,  and  no  instance  is  known  of 
the  refusal  of  any  one  of  them  to  participate  in  the  outrages 
above  narrated; 

"And  whereas,  the  president  of  the  United  States  has,  by 
public  and  official  declarations,  signified  not  only  his  approval 
of  the  effort  to  excite  servile  war  within  the  Confederacy,  but 
his  intention  to  give  aid  and  encouragement  thereto,  if  these 
independent  states  shall  continue  to  refuse  submission  to  a 
foreign  power  after  the  1st  day  of  January  next,  and  has  thus 
made  known  that  all  appeal  to  the  law  of  nations,  the  dictates 
of  reason,  and  the  instincts  of  humanity  would  be  addressed 
in  vain  to  our  enemies,  and  that  they  can  be  deterred  from 
the  commission  of  these  crimes  only  by  the  terrors  of  just 
retributions; 

"Now,  therefore,  I,  Jefferson  Davis,  president  of  the  Con- 
federate States  of  America,  and  acting  by  their  authority, 
appealing  to  the  Divine  Judge  in  attestation  that  their  conduct 
is  not  guided  by  the  passion  of  revenge,  but  that  they  reluc- 
tantly yield  to  the  solemn  duty  of  redressing,  by  necessary 
severity,  crimes  of  which  their  citizens  are  the  victims,  do  issue 
this  my  proclamation,  and,  by  virtue  of  my  authority  as  com- 
mander-in-chief  of  the  armies  of  the  Confederate  States,  do 
order  — 

"First  —  That  all  commissioned  officers  in  the  command  of 
said  Benjamin  F.  Butler  be  declared  not  entitled  to  be  con- 
sidered as  soldiers  engaged  in  honorable  warfare,  but  as  rob- 
bers and  criminals,  deserving  death;  and  each  of  them  be, 
whenever  captured,  reserved  for  execution. 

"Second  —  That  the  private  soldiers  and  non-commissioned 
officers  in  the  army  of  said  Butler  be  considered  as  only  the 
instruments  used  for  the  commission  of  crimes  perpetrated  by 
his  orders,  and  not  as  free  agents;  that  they,  therefore,  be 
treated  when  captured  as  prisoners  of  war,  with  kindness  and 
humanity,  and  be  sent  home  on  the  usual  parole  that  they 
will  in  no  manner  aid  or  serve  the  United  States  in  any  capac- 
ity during  the  continuance  of  this  war,  unless  duly  exchanged. 

"  Third  —  That  all  negro  slaves  captured  in  arms  be  at  once 

VOL.    II — 36 


563       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

delivered  over  to  the  executive  authorities  of  the  respective 
states  to  which  they  belong,  to  be  dealt  with  according  to  the 
law  of  said  states. 

"Fourth  —  That  the  like  orders  be  issued  in  all  cases  with 
respect  to  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  United  States 
when  found  serving  in  company  with  said  slaves  in  insurrec- 
tion against  the  authorities  of  the  different  states  of  this 
Confederacy. 

"In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  signed  these  presents,  and 
caused  the  seal  of  the  Confederate  States  of  America  to  be 
affixed  thereto,  at  the  city  of  Richmond,  on  the  23d  day  of 
December,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred  and  sixty-two.  '<  JEFFERSON  DAVIS 

"By  the  President,  J.  P.  BENJAMIN,  Secretary  of  State" 

By  Richard  Yeadon 

CHARLESTON,  S.C.,  January  1     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

TEN  THOUSAND  DOLLARS  REWARD!  —  $10,000! 

PRESIDENT  DAVIS  having  proclaimed  Benjamin  F.  Butler, 
of  Massachusetts,  to  be  a  felon,  deserving  of  capital  punish- 
ment, for  the  deliberate  murder  of  Win.  B.  Mumford,  a  citi- 
zen of  the  Confederate  States  at  New  Orleans;  and  having 
ordered  that  the  said  Benjamin  F.  Butler  be  considered  or 
treated  as  an  outlaw  and  common  enemy  of  mankind,  and 
that,  in  the  event  of  his  capture,  the  officer  in  command  of 
the  capturing  force  do  cause  him  to  be  immediately  executed 
by  hanging,  the  undersigned  hereby  offers  a  reward  of  ten 
thousand  dollars  ($10,000)  for  the  capture  and  delivery  of 
the  said  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  dead  or  alive,  to  any  proper 
Confederate  authority.  RICHARD  YEADON 

From  William  Tyler 

RECD.  WASHINGTON,  Feb.  5,  1863    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  With  this  I  send  you  the  Providence  Evening 
Press  of  the  27th,  containing  extracts  from  Jeff.  Davis'  Procla- 
mation against  you  and  Emancipation,  along  with  strictures 
on  your  administration  as  military  governor  at  New  Orleans 
—  an  administration  which  to  my  judgment  has  been  eminently 
just,  able,  and  efficient.  The  Press  is  understood  to  be  Gov. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       568 

Sprague's  organ,  if  not  his  property  in  whole  or  in  part.  It 
has,  of  late,  discovered  more  than  heretofore  a  proclivity  to 
politics  of  the  Valendingham  and  Judge  B.  T.  Thomas  type. 
But  it  is  rumored  that  Gov.  Sprague  is  inclining  to  the  policy 
of  the  national  administration.  How  the  Press  and  the  Gov- 
ernor will  come  out  hereafter  remains  to  be  seen. 

I  am  sure  that  the  strictures  of  the  Press  on  your  admin- 
istration will  pass  by  you  as  the  idle  wind,  and  that  you  will 
treat  the  fulmination  of  the  bogus  rebel  President  as  Martin 
Luther  did  the  Pope's  bull  of  excommunication.  That  you 
will  be  intimidated  by  the  malignant  sentence  of  outlawing, 
those  who  know  you  do  not  believe.  Doubtless  the  proclama- 
tion is  chiefly  designed  to  anticipate  the  forthcoming  one  of 
President  Lincoln,  and  to  counteract  its  influence.  You  are 
singled  out  for  special  vengeance  because  of  your  superior 
vigilance,  boldness,  and  efficiency  in  curbing  the  insolence  and 
suppressing  the  machinations  of  the  rebels. 

Quos  Deus  vult  perdere,  etc.  is  true  of  these  rebels.  Infatu- 
ated they  are,  and  when  the  "peculiar  institution"  shall  be 
overthrown,  as  it  will  be,  it  will  be  patent  to  the  world  that 
the  initiation  of  the  event  will  be  credited  to  them.  But  I 
tax  your  attention  too  much  by  expatiating  on  matters  better 
understood  by  you. 

Perhaps  the  only  thing  I  can  mention  worth  your  notice  is 
the  fact  that  in  the  small  circle  of  my  intercourse,  you  are 
winning  golden  opinions  from  all  sorts  of  people,  excepting 
only  a  few  political  bigots.  I  am,  Dear  Sir, 

Very  truly  yours,  WILLIAM  TYLER 

From  P.  H.  Morgan 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Jan.  Ind,  1863 

General  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  The  day  I  sailed  from  New  York  I  was 
authoritatively  informed  that  you  had  been  superseded;  I 
was  therefore  prepared  to  find  you  deprived  of  your  command. 
I  was  disappointed,  however,  in  not  finding  you  here,  as  I 
hoped  to  have  seen  you  before  your  departure. 

Very  shortly  after  reaching  Washington  I  became  convinced 
that  the  authorities  were  working,  or  had  already  worked, 
against  you,  although  they  professed  to  be  your  friends.  The 
day  I  arrived  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  see  the  Secretary  of 
State;  I  however  saw  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  explained  to 
him  what  your  despatches  to  the  State  Department  were.  He 


564        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

promised  to  have  them  delivered  immediately.  They  were 
not  received  for  several  days,  and  had  not  been  read  the  day 
after  the  Secretary  got  them.  When  I  expressed  my  surprise 
to  Mr.  Seward  at  this,  he  said  it  made  no  difference,  as  he  had 
had  no  time  to  read  them,  even  if  they  had  been  received. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  positively  refused  to  grant  me 
the  permission  which  you  had  sanctioned,  and  not  only  that, 
even  returned  a  letter  to  me,  written  by  the  collector  at  N.  Y., 
with  the  seal  unbroken.  All  these  things  forced  upon  me  the 
suspicion  that  a  new  government  had  been  determined  upon 
for  this  section,  notwithstanding  their  protestations  of  friend- 
ship, and  the  facts  that  the  Secretary  of  War  had  reported  most 
favorably  of  your  conduct  here,  and  the  President  was  then 
recommending  to  Congress  that  you  should  be  presented  with 
a  sword.  In  my  opinion  several  things  conspired  against  you. 

1.  The  Secretary  of  War  knew  that  there  was  a  clamor  against 
him,  and  a  large  share  of  public  attention  was  directed  towards 
Gen.  Banks  as  his  successor.     He  was  therefore  not  opposed 
to  have  him  out  of  the  way. 

2.  Seward  was  always  opposed  to  you,  and  he  was  constantly 
in  a  state  of  alarm  lest  you  should  bring  about  what  he  termed 
some  complications  with  European  Powers.     You  out  of  the 
way,  and  he  considered  such  a  contigency  as  a  very  remote 
one.    He  was  therefore  in  favor  of  your  removal. 

In  the  third  place,  you  will  have  discovered  that  so  far 
this  war  has  been  nothing  but  a  political  campaign :  the  ques- 
tion with  the  present  incumbents  being  how  they  can  best 
keep  where  they  are;  and  with  the  opposition,  which  Gen- 
eral can  fight  himself  into  the  Presidency. 

Now,  the  people  in  the  North  and  West  are  divided  into 
two  classes:  those  who  are  your  friends  and  those  who  are 
opposed  to  you;  and  a  very  large  party  there  are  already  in 
your  favor  for  that  position.  The  Government,  then,  was 
all  in  fear  of  you,  and  thus  determined  upon  breaking  you 
down  if  they  could,  just  as  they  attempted  to  do  it  when  they 
sent  you  here. 

I  make  these  suggestions  to  you  thinking  that  they  may 
possibly  throw  some  light  upon  what  would  seem  their  inex- 
plicable conduct.  But,  General,  this  is  not  the  object  of  my 
troubling  you  with  this  already  long  letter.  Your  own  pene- 
tration will  no  doubt  have  discovered  to  you  long  ago  the 
reasons  for  your  treatment  you  have  received. 

My  purpose  in  addressing  you  now  is  to  attempt  to  express 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       565 

to  you  the  gratitude  I  feel  for  the  very  many  services  which 
you  rendered  me  while  you  were  in  this  city.  You  were  truly 
and  disinterestedly  my  friend,  and,  come  what  come  may,  I 
can  never  fail  to  think  of  you  with  anything  but  the  strongest 
feelings. 

The  machinations  of  designing  men  may  seemingly  have 
triumphed  over  you  for  the  present,  and  it  pains  me  to  think 
that  you  are  in  some  trouble.  The  pretended  belief  in  slanders 
on  the  part  of  the  Government  may  make  some  action  on  your 
part  necessary,  and  I  had  thought  that  it  might  be  possible 
that  I  might  have  an  opportunity  to  serve  you.  If  so,  I  claim 
it  as  a  right  that  you  call  upon  me.  You  would  not,  I  know, 
ask  anything  of  any  man  which  is  not  bounded  by  the  largest 
horizon  of  honor;  anywhere  within  that  circle,  in  any  manner, 
or  at  any  risk,  you  can  command,  and,  believe  me,  confide 
in  me. 

Again  thanking  you  for  all  you  have  done  and  have  tried 
to  do  for  my  advantage,  I  remain, 

Yours  Most  Truly,  P.  H.  MORGAN 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase  l 

PRIVATE.    NEW  ORLEANS,  January  Znd,  1863 

DEAR  SIR:  Everything  remains  nearly  as  when  I  last 
wrote.  Troops  have  been  moving  up  to  Baton  Rouge,  and 
the  whole  army  and  navy  here  are  occupied  in  preparations 
for  advancing  on  Port  Hudson.  It  will  certainly  be  captured 
when  attacked,  and,  according  to  the  best  information  I  can 
collect,  the  attack  will  be  made  in  about  twelve  days.  Gen. 
Banks  seems  disposed  to  occupy  himself  more  with  military 
and  less  with  civil  and  commercial  affairs  than  Gen.  Butler 
did.  He  does  not  yet  communicate  his  intentions  to  me  so 
freely  as  Gen.  Butler  did. 

Two  regiments  of  infantry  and  a  battery  have  gone  to  Gal- 
veston,  to  occupy  that  Island.  I  have  laid  before  Gen.  Banks 
a  plan  for  the  capture  of  Brownsville,  opposite  Matamoras  on 
the  Rio  Grande.  The  occupation  of  this  place  is  becoming 
of  great  consequence,  on  account  of  the  great  trade  at  that 
point  with  the  Rebel  states.  Gen.  Hamilton  urges  the  proj- 
ect, and  Gen.  Banks  seems  to  regard  it  favorable. 

Gen.  Hamilton  asks  for  five  thousand  men.  The  1st.  Texas 
regiment  (only  200  or  300  in  number)  accompanied  the  other 

1  American  Historical  Association  Report,  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  344. 


566        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

two  regiments  to  Galveston.  Gen.  Hamilton  is  still  here,  and 
will  probably  remain  until  the  expedition  goes  to  Brownsville. 
I  suppose  great  complaints  will  be  made  of  Gen.  Butler  when 
he  gets  North.  You  may  be  sure  that  Gen.  Butler  deserves 
well  of  the  country  and  Government,  and  I  believe  he  did  no 
bad  thing,  except  permitting  his  brother  and  other  friends  to 
make  large  sums  of  money  —  dishonorably,  as  I  think.  All 
the  other  accusations  against  him,  which  I  have  seen,  are  not 
true. 

I  do  not  think  Gen.  Butler  sent  to  Washington  the  evidence 
respecting  the  schooner  which  run  into  Pontchitoula.  He  said 
the  testimony  would  be  presented  to  the  witnesses  for  signa- 
ture, but  this  has  not  been  done. 

Statements  are  in  circulation  here  that  you  and  Mr.  Seward 
have  resigned.  In  respect  to  yourself,  I  can  truly  say  that 
the  report  is  received  by  all  with  regret.  When  I  say  by  all, 
I  mean  the  public  generally. 

I  have  sent  to  you  to-day  a  bill  of  lading  for  $195,000.00, 
shipped  to  John  J.  Cisco  in  accordance  with  your  instructions. 

(GEO.  S.  DENISON) 

From  Count  Adam  Gurowski 

WASHINGTON,  January  3rd,  1863 

Major  General  BUTLER 

GENERAL:  Only  after  I  had  the  honor  and  the  pleasure  to 
shake  hands  with  you,  I  read  your  parting  word  to  the  people 
of  New  Orleans.  I  master  not  my  feelings,  my  rapture,  and 
bring  to  you  my  homage. 

You  speak  deeds  not  words;  deeds  of  eternal  honor  of  a 
noble  and  true  patriot  and  citizen,  a  lofty-minded  and  genuine 

Q-l- Q  i"p>CTY"|  f\  T| 

Your  very  devoted  and  very  respectful,  GUROWSKI 
From  Edward  L.  Pierce 

BOSTON,  January  Srd,  1863,  26  Old  State  House 

General  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  wish  I  could  see  you  and  thank  you 
for  your  services  at  New  Orleans,  where  you  have  done  so 
nobly  and  well.  But  as  distance  separates  us,  I  want  you  to 
see  my  friend,  Rev.  James  Freeman  Clarke,  of  West  Roxbury, 
who  takes  a  great  interest  in  public  affairs,  and  who  exerts  a 
wide  moral  and  political  influence  in  this  community.  You 
ought  to  know  him,  and  on  your  account  as  well  as  on  his,  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       567 

have  handed  him  this  note,  and  you  can  talk  freely  with  him 
of  your  position  and  labors. 

I  would  like  now  to  publish  your  private  letter  to  me  on 
Aug.  (15)  1861 — in  relation  to  slavery  and  the  necessity  of 
destroying  it.  It  shows  you  as  foreseeing  and  anticipating 
events.  A  personal  allusion  to  an  officer  of  a  Mass,  regiment 
would  of  course  be  suppressed.  You  speak  of  Cameron's 
answer  to  your  letter  as  "evasive,  unsatisfactory,  and  incon- 
clusive." This  might  be  omitted  if  you  desired,  though  I  see 
no  impropriety  in  retaining  it.  What  do  you  say? 

Be  not  afraid  of  the  calumniators.  God  never  deserts,  the 
American  people  never  desert,  a  man  determined  to  do  his 
duty.  At  this  hour  no  General  in  the  army  has  so  much  the 
respect  of  the  people  as  yourself,  and  your  administration  of 
New  Orleans  has  now  the  admiration  of  all  who  are  in  earnest 
in  suppressing  the  rebellion. 

Hoping  on  Mr.  Blake's  return  to  learn  fully  about  you 

am'  Yours  truly,  EDWARD  L.  PIERCE 

From  Citizens  of  New  York 

NEW  YORK,  January  6th,  1863 

Major  General  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER,  United  States  Army 

DEAR  SIR:  At  a  meeting  of  citizens  of  this  city,  held  at  the 
Fifth  Avenue  Hotel  on  the  evening  of  the  5th  instant  for  the 
purpose  of  expressing  the  sense  of  this  community  in  refer- 
ence to  the  public  services  rendered  by  you  to  the  country, 
the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted. 

"Resolved:  That  the  loyal  patriotism,  indomitable  energy,  and 
great  administrative  ability  shown  by  Major  General  Benjamin 
F.  Butler  in  the  various  commands  held  by  him  in  the  service 
of  the  country,  and  especially  in  his  civil  and  military  admin- 
istration of  the  duties  pertaining  to  his  command  of  the  De- 
partment of  the  Gulf,  eminently  entitle  him  to  an  expression 
of  approbation  on  the  part  of  the  citizens  of  New  York." 

In  furtherance  of  the  views  thus  expressed,  it  was  also  resolved 
that  in  addition  to  such  action  as  may  be  taken  by  our  mu- 
nicipal authorities  in  extending  to  you  the  hospitalities  of  this 
city,  a  public  dinner  be  tendered  to  you  by  the  citizens,  and 
the  undersigned  were  appointed  a  committee  to  communi- 
cate with  you  upon  the  subject. 

We  have  now  the  honor  to  apprise  you  of  the  action  thus 


568        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

taken,  and  to  ask  that  you  will  meet  with  our  citizens  at  a 
public  dinner  at  such  time,  to  be  appointed  by  you,  as  may 
be  consistent  with  your  official  duties  and  your  personal 
convenience. 

In  conveying  to  you  this  invitation,  intended  as  a  tribute  of 
personal  respect  and  esteem,  we  are  well-assured  that  it  will 
not  be  the  less  acceptable  to  you  as  marked  by  a  still  higher 
significance.  The  citizens  of  New  York,  watching  the  events 
of  the  war  with  a  degree  of  vigilance  and  anxiety  proportioned 
to  the  vast  interests  and  influences  which  converge  towards 
and  radiate  from,  this  great  commercial  centre,  have  recog- 
nized in  the  course  pursued  by  you,  in  the  service  and  support 
of  the  Government,  the  principles  which  they  deem  most 
essential  and  indispensable  to  its  triumph.  They  share  with 
you  in  the  conviction  that  there  is  no  middle  or  neutral  ground 
between  loyalty  and  treason;  that  traitors  against  the  Gov- 
ernment forfeit  all  rights  of  protection  and  of  property;  that 
those  who  persist  in  armed  rebellion,  or  aid  it  less  openly,  but 
not  less  effectively,  must  be  put  down,  and  kept  down  by  the 
strong  hand  of  power  and  by  the  use  of  all  rightful  means, 
and  that,  so  far  as  may  be,  the  sufferings  of  the  poor  and  the 
misguided,  caused  by  the  rebellion,  should  be  visited  upon 
the  authors  of  their  calamities.  We  have  seen  with  appro- 
bation that  in  applying  these  principles  amidst  the  peculiar 
difficulties  and  embarrassments  incident  to  your  adminis- 
tration in  your  recent  command,  you  have  had  the  sagacity 
to  devise,  the  will  to  execute,  and  the  courage  to  enforce 
the  measures  they  demanded,  and  we  rejoice  at  the  success 
which  has  vindicated  the  wisdom  and  the  justice  of  your 
official  course.  In  thus  congratulating  you  upon  these  results, 
we  believe  that  we  express  the  feeling  of  all  those  who  most 
earnestly  desire  the  speedy  restoration  of  the  Union  in  its 
full  integrity  and  power,  and  we  trust  that  you  will  be  able 
to  afford  us  the  opportunity  of  interchanging  with  you,  in  the 
manner  proposed,  the  patriotic  sympathies  and  hopes  which 
belong  to  this  sacred  cause.  We  are,  General, 

With  high  respect,  Your  friends  and  obedt.  servants, 

E.  E.  MORGAN,  RICH.  GRANT  WHITE,  CHARLES  GOULD, 
GEO.  BLUNT,  WM.  ALLEN  BUTLER,  JOHN  BLUNT,  of  Brooklyn* 
FRANK  GEO.  SHAW,  R.  J.  THOME,  PETER  COOPER,  C.  W. 
MARSHALL,  CHARLES  KING,  R.  H.  McCuRDY,  HIRAM  BARNEY, 
SETH  B.  HUNT,  E.  NYE,  JOHN  WADSWORTH,  CHARLES  BUTLER, 
EDWARD  MINTURN,  RUSSELL  STURGIS,  HAMLIN  BLAKE 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        569 

From  "New  Yorker" 

NEW  YORK,  January  9th>  1863 

To  BUTLER  the  Boast 

BEFORE  you  attend  that  dinner  which  is  gotten  up  on  your 
behalf  by  a  few  truckling  scoundrels,  who,  like  yourself,  have 
taken  part  in  public  demonstrations  with  the  purpose  of 
promoting  your  own  interest,  it  may  be  as  well  for  you  to 
know  that  this  is  no  compliment  from  the  citizens  of  New 
York.  The  leading  members  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce 
refused  to  allow  their  rooms  to  be  desecrated  by  any  meeting 
to  do  honor  to  a  man  whose  private  character  was  so  well- 
known  before  he  had  the  opportunity  to  disgrace  our  country 
by  his  public  acts.  You  are  well-known  in  the  little  town  of 
Boston,  also  many  a  wretched  strumpet  arid  gambler  can 
testify  to  your  private  character,  and  don't  think  that  you 
have  so  easily  gone  to  New  Orleans  and  robbed  with  the  aid 
of  your  relatives  everywhere  you  had  a  chance,  and  that  you 
will  not  be  exposed.  No;  you  are  to  answer  to  the  people  of 
the  North  for  your  thieving;  an  account  is  coming  out  which 
may  take  down  your  bombastic  vanity  a  degree,  and  another 
little  account  for  which  you  try  on  all  public  occasions  to 
excuse  yourself,  is  the  murder  of  Mumford,  whom  you  call  a 
drunken  gambler,  —  the  idea  of  a  drunken  sot  like  you  calling 
another  a  "drunken  gambler."  But  make  your  peace  with 
God,  for  the  arrangements  are  all  made  to  despatch  you. 
Thousands  thirst  for  your  blood,  and  are  determined  to  have 
it.  You  cannot  avert  it;  you  will  be  despatched  when  least 
you  think.  You  are  fully  as  much  detested  here  in  the  North 
as  in  the  South,  and  your  day  of  reckoning  is  at  hand,  although 
you  may  look  two  ways.  It  is  something  like  your  official 
administration  in  the  South,  when  you  looked  to  your  own 
pocket  while  professing  to  serve  the  good. 

Your  rotten-hearted  carcass  must  be  deprived  of  vitality, 
your  thieving  soul  of  life,  so  prepare  to  meet  your  cohort,  the 
Devil,  who  wants  you  more  than  this  country  does. 

NEW  YORKER 

From  President  Lincoln  to  Congress 

Dec.  16th,  1862    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Fellow-citizens  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 

I  HAVE  in  my  possession  three  valuable  swords,  formerly  the 
property  of  General  David  E.  Twiggs,  which  I  now  place  at  the 


570        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

disposal  of  Congress.  They  were  forwarded  to  me  from  New 
Orleans  by  Major  General  Benjamin  F.  Butler.  If  they,  or  any 
of  them,  shall  be  by  Congress  disposed  of,  in  reward  or  compli- 
ment of  military  service,  I  think  General  Butler  is  entitled  to 
the  first  consideration.  A  copy  of  the  General's  letter  to  me, 
accompanying  the  swords,  is  herewith  transmitted. 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN 

In  the  Senate  of  the  United  States 

January  7th,  1863 

MR.  WILSON,  of  Massachusetts,  from  the  Committee  on 
Military  Affairs  and  the  Militia,  reported  the  following  joint 
resolution,  which  was  read  and  passed  to  a  second  reading.1 

Joint  Resolution 

making  disposition  of  three  swords,  formerly  the  property  of 
David  E.  Twiggs,  late  brevet  brigadier  general  in  the  army  of 
the  United  States. 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled  — 
That  the  three  presentation  swords,  seized  by  Major  General 
Benjamin  F.  Butler  after  the  capture  of  New  Orleans,  Louisi- 
ana, as  the  property  of  David  E.  Twiggs,  late  brevet  major 
general  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  and  abandoned  by 
him  in  his  flight  from  that  city  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  April, 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-two,  be  disposed  of  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit: 
The  sword  voted  by  Congress  on  the  second  March,  1847, 
to  be  presented  to  Major  General  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  as  a 
reward  for  his  distinguished  military  services  during  the  pres- 
ent rebellion;  the  sword  presented  by  the  State  of  Georgia 
to  be  deposited  in  the  library  of  the  Military  Academy  at 
West  Point,  New  York;  and  the  sword  given  him  by  Augusta, 
his  native  city,  to  be  preserved  in  the  Patent  Office,  at  Wash- 
ington, as  a  trophy  of  the  present  rebellion. 

From  Honorable  Charles  Sumner  to  General  Butler 

WASHINGTON,  D.C.  Senate  Chamber,  Jan.  8,  1863 

DEAR  GENERAL:  Mr.  Stan  ton  assured  me  last  evening 
that  had  he  known  your  real  position  with  regard  to  the 
Proclamation,  he  would  have  cut  off  his  right  hand  before 

1  This  bill  was  pigeon-holed  in  Committee,  and  no  further  action  taken  in  regard 
to  General  Butler. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       571 

he  would  have  allowed  anybody  to  take  your  place.  That  his 
fixed  purpose  was  that  on  the  1st.  Jan.  a  General  should  be 
in  command  at  New  Orleans  to  whom  the  Proclamation  would 
be  a  living  letter,  and  that  in  this  respect  it  was  natural,  after 
the  recent  elections  in  Pa.  and  N.  Y.,  that  he  should  look  to 
a  Republican  rather  than  to  an  old  Democrat. 

I  mention  these  things  frankly,  that  you  may  see  the  precise 
motive  of  the  recent  change. 

I  afterwards  saw  the  President,  who  said  that  he  hoped 
very  soon  to  return  you  to  New  Orleans.  He  added  that  he 
was  anxious  to  keep  you  in  the  public  service  to  gratify  you, 
as  you  had  deserved  well  of  the  country. 

I  do  not  know  that  you  will  care  to  hear  these  things,  but  I 
trust  that  you  will  appreciate  the  sympathy  and  friendly 
interests  which  dictate  their  communication.  Believe  me, 

'  Very  faithfully  yours,  CHARLES  SUMNER 

From  T.  D.  Eliot  to  General  Butler 

WASHINGTON,  January  Sth,  1863 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  had  prepared  a  vote  of  thanks  to  you,  but 
the  state  of  Ohio  was  first  called,  and  Mr.  Hutchins  offered  a 
resolution  to  the  same  effect,  which  after  some  opposition  (not 
by  speech,  but  by  motions  to  defeat)  we  have  now  passed  by 
a  vote  of  83  to  28. 

The  8th  of  January  is  a  good  day  to  pass  it,  and  it  is  an  act 
in  all  respects  fit  to  be  done. 

Sincerely  your  friend,  T.  D.  ELIOT 

From  George  S.  Denison  to  Salmon  P.  Chase 1 

PRIVATE.     NEW  ORLEANS,  January  Sth,  1863 

DEAR  SIR:  A  disaster  has  occurred  at  Galveston,  similar 
to  that  near  Fortress  Monroe,  when  the  "Cumberland"  and 
"Congress"  were  destroyed. 

The  rebels,  under  Magruder,  came  down  from  Houston 
with  four  boats  (steam)  protected  by  cotton  bales.  At  the 
same  time,  a  land  force,  estimated  from  3,000  to  7,000,  crossed 
the  bridge  to  the  Island  and  occupied  Galveston.  This  occurred 
about  one  or  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  Jan  1st.  About 
3  o'clock,  an  attack  was  made  by  land  and  water  on  the  gun- 
boats —  which  were  in  the  narrow  channel  within  musket 
shot  of  the  shore.  The  "Harriet  Lane"  run  into  a  rebel 


1  American  Historical  Association  Report,  1902,  Vol.  II,  p.  345. 


572   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

boat  and  sunk  her,  but  became  entangled  in  the  wreck  and 
could  not  get  off.  She  was  carried  by  boarding  and  captured. 
Less  than  twenty  of  her  men  are  supposed  to  survive  (out  of 
130).  The  "Westfield"  (Flag  Ship)  was  aground.  Commo- 
dore Renshaw  sent  off  to  the  other  vessels  all  the  men  and 
officers  except  eight  or  ten,  and  then  blew  up  the  vessel  and 
himself  with  her.  He  did  not  intend  to  destroy  himself,  but 
the  magazine  took  fire  unexpectedly,  just  as  he  was  escaping. 
Two  hundred  and  fifty  men  of  a  Massachusetts  regiment 
(infantry  only)  were  posted  in  the  town,  and  were  all  captured 
or  killed.  The  gunboats  had  previous  notice  of  the  attack, 
and  there  must  have  been  negligence  on  the  part  of  the  officers. 
Our  loss  is  —  "Harriet  Lane"  captured,  but  believed  to  be 
too  much  injured  to  be  fit  for  sea  for  some  time.  The  "West- 
field"  blown  up.  Two  sailing  vessels  loaded  with  coal  for  the 
navy.  About  400  men  killed  or  taken  prisoners. 

All  the  other  vessels  (two  were  gunboats)  escaped.  The 
fight  lasted  from  three  o'clock  until  10  A.M. 

Admiral  Farragut,  on  receipt  of  the  news,  immediately 
despatched  several  vessels  to  Galveston,  which  will  set  things 
right  again,  I  hope.  The  1st.  Texas  Regt.,  Col.  Davis,  arrived, 
after  the  capture  on  the  S.  Ship  "Cumbria,"  and  narrowly 
escaped  capture.  The  reg't.  numbers  about  200  men,  who  tiave 
all  returned  here. 

The  condition  of  things  here  does  not  seem  to  me  to  be  very 
satisfactory  —  but  Gen.  Banks  has  not  been  here  long  enough 
to  determine  the  prospect  of  improvement. 

I  think  Gen.  Banks  lacks  decision.  With  one  or  two  excep- 
tions, his  staff  are  not  men  of  ability.  He  seems  to  favor  the 
policy  of  conciliation  —  which  policy  is  weak  and  will  always 
be  unsuccessful.  I  can  hardly  get  him  to  express  an  opinion 
—  or  if  he  does,  it  does  not  seem  to  be  an  earnest  conviction. 
Secessionists  grow  more  defiant,  and  Union  men  despondent. 
This,  I  hope,  and  think,  will  be  changed.  I  believe  he  is 
thoroughly  honest,  and  he  already  has  effected  much  good  by 
putting  down  swindlers  and  army  speculators.  Gen.  Butler's 
military  commission  (Gen.  orders  No.  91)  did  an  immense 
amount  of  mischief  and  injustice.  Gen.  Butler  is  an  extraor- 
dinary man,  but  did  very  wrong  in  all  things  connected  with 
internal  trade.  I  have  frequently  heard  Union  men  say  they 
wished  he  was  President,  for  though  he  would  make  mil- 
lions for  himself  during  the  first  three  months,  he  would  finish 
the  war  in  three  months  more. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        573 

Gen.  Banks  has  a  very  difficult  position,  for  he  comes  here 
a  stranger,  and  four  weeks  at  least  are  necessary  for  him  to 
become  informed  of  the  situation. 

The  Government  can  finish  this  war  in  twelve  months  — 
in  one  way  and  in  only  one.  Arm  the  negroes.  I  am  per- 
fectly satisfied  it  must  be  done.  Why  delay  it?  It  can  be 
done  here  without  throwing  the  border  states  into  a  fever. 
Here  and  in  S.  Carolina  and  not  well  elsewhere.  I  called 
upon  Gen.  Banks  this  morning  and  urged  the  matter  on  his 
attention,  as  I  have  often  done  before.  He  agreed  with  me 
that  the  war  could  be  finished  in  that  way,  but  seems  afraid 
of  taking  the  responsibility.  I  wish  I  could  assume  the  respon- 
sibility for  him.  I  would  suggest  that  you  write  me  a  letter 
to  be  shown  to  Gen.  Banks,  giving  your  opinion  of  the  expedi- 
ency of  raising  negro  troops,  and  stating  how  such  a  step  will 
be  regarded  by  the  Administration.  If  he  is  assured  in  this 
manner  that  the  Government  will  approve,  perhaps  he  will  en- 
list the  negroes.  There  at  least  20,000  black  men  within  our 
lines  who  will  make  good  and  willing  soldiers,  50,000  more  can 
be  raised  west  of  the  Mississippi  as  our  army  advances. 

The  three  colored  regiments  already  organized  have  peti- 
tioned Gen.  Banks  to  be  put  in  the  front  rank  at  Port  Hudson, 
that  they  may  have  a  chance  of  removing  the  stigma  of  alleged 
cowardice  from  their  race,  and  vindicate  their  rights  and 
abilities  as  soldiers.  I  urge  him  to  grant  their  request,  but  do 
not  know  what  he  will  do  about  it.  The  negroes  all  say  they 
can  finish  the  war  if  the  Gov't.  will  give  them  a  chance.  By 
no  other  means  is  success  certain.  Why  delay  it? 

If  it  had  not  been  for  speculations  in  the  sugar  crops,  Gen. 
Butler  would  have  raised  more  regiments,  but  the  men  were 
wanted  on  the  plantations  to  take  off  the  crops. 

Our  last  dates  from  the  North  are  of  the  20th  December. 
It  is  rumored  that  Gen.  Butler  may  go  into  the  Cabinet.  I 
almost  wish  he  would.  He  is  a  man  of  wonderful  energy,  will, 
and  ability,  and  will  always  be  admired  by  the  Union  men  of 
New  Orleans,  even  though  he  is  believed  by  some  to  have  ac- 
quired great  wealth  here. 

Military  affairs  remain  in  the  same  condition  as  when  I 
last  wrote.  Port  Hudson  has  not  been  attacked,  and  I  don't 
know  when  it  will  be.  The  rebels  are  said  to  be  receiving  re- 
inforcements  there.  (QEOBGE  S.  DENISON) 

P.S.    Gen.  Hamilton  is  still  here. 


574       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  W.  W.  Murphy 

Consulate  General  of  the  United  States  of  America,  FRANKFORT,  M.,  January  8th,  1863 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  I  was  obliged  to  you  for  the  denial  of  the  nu- 
merous falsehoods  published  in  the  London  papers.  To-day  I 
cut  another  article  from  the  London  Herald,  a  Tory  paper 
which  is  as  much  worse  than  the  other  in  falsehoods  as  you  can 
well  imagine.  No  sensible  man  believes  the  stories  here,  but 
I  thought  as  a  matter  of  amusement  I  concluded  to  send  it 
to  you.  We  know  your  efforts  for  the  Union  cause,  and  every 
good  Union  man  appreciates  them.  I  observe  that  my  letter 
is  written  on  the  glorious  8th  of  January,  the  anniversary  of 
the  celebration  of  the  victory  of  General  Jackson.  I  hope 
that  noble  motto  of  his,  "The  Union  must  and  shall  be  pre- 
served/' will  soon  be  realized. 

Yours  truly,  W.  W.  MURPHY 

From  Emerson  Etheridge 

House  of  Representatives,  January  Sth,  1863 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER,  City  of  NEW  YORK 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  to  you  a  copy 
of  the  resolution  this  day  adopted  by  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, expressive  of  its  appreciation  of  your  able,  energetic, 
and  humane  administration  of  the  Department  of  the  Gulf. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Your  obedient  Servant,  EM.  ETHERIDGE,  Clerk  House  of  Rep. 

From  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  MASSACHUSETTS,  Jan.  17th,  1863.    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  EMERSON  ETHERIDGE,  Clerk  of  the  House  of 

Representatives,  U.  S.  Congress 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  an 
engrossed  copy  of  the  vote  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
For  your  promptness  in  forwarding  I  am  truly  grateful.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be, 

Most  respy.  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  U.S.V. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       575 

From  H.  M.  Fuller  to  Paul  R.  George 

NEW  ORLEANS,  January  9th,  1863 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND,  CAPT.  GEORGE:  As  there  is  a  mail  going 
from  here  for  New  York  to-morrow,  I  will  try  and  give  you 
some  idea  of  New  Orleans  as  I  see  it  now.  I  was  somewhat 
prepared  to  find  the  change  in  this  Department  of  the  Gulf, 
remembering  what  you  told  me  in  New  York,  and  then  pass- 
ing some  of  Banks'  expedition  near  Key  West,  I  began  to  think 
that  General  Banks  was  to  relieve  General  Butler,  which  we 
found  was  true  when  we  arrived  at  the  Passes.  We  arrived 
in  the  city  the  24th  of  Dec.  about  9  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
The  next  day,  being  Christmas,  was  a  holiday,  and  of  course  a 
good  deal  of  liquor  drank,  which,  with  General  Banks'  flatter- 
ing proclamations  and  mild  treatment  with  them  here,  brought 
out  their  true  feelings  into  words,  and  in  many  places  quite 
loud.  The  health  of  Jeff  Davis  was  drank  often  by  crowds  in 
bar-rooms  so  as  to  be  heard  in  the  streets  by  those  passing. 

I  found,  what  I  always  told  you  was  true,  that  there  was  no 
Union  feeling  in  New  Orleans.  They  dared  do  nothing  but 
obey  when  General  Butler  was  here,  but,  now  he  is  gone, 
they  curse  him,  and  tell  all  sorts  of  stories  about  him,  and 
speak  in  high  terms  of  Banks.  I  saw,  the  day  after  I  came 
here,  in  a  window  in  Camp  Street,  the  portrait  of  Beauregard 
with  forty  tickets  at  50  cents  each  for  sale,  and  when  all  sold 
to  be  raffled  for.  The  portrait  never  would  have  been  exhibited, 
neither  the  health  of  Jeff  Davis  drank,  had  Gen.  Butler  been 
in  command  here.  I  dont  think  Banks  is  "big"  enough  for 
the  place. 

I  have  been  out  to  the  Texas  line  to  bring  sugar,  but  it  has 
all  been  bought  up.  I  saw  the  Confederate  soldiers  across  the 
Rio.  We  have  about  fifteen  hundred  men  stationed  there 
with  three  gun  boats,  and  it  is  said  they  have  three  thousand 
men  and  three  or  four  boats,  such  as  they  are,  a  short  distance 
up  the  Rio.  I  think  Banks  had  better  look  out  or  they  will 
recapture  the  Opelousas  R.  R.,  and  all  the  territory  south 
and  west  of  the  Miss,  that  Gen.  Butler  captured. 

Trade  is  very  dull  here,  as  Gen.  Banks  will  not  give  any 
one  permit  to  trade  out  of  the  city.  'Tis  well  that  we  did  not 
get  a  permit  to  go  to  Galveston,  as  we  tried,  for  had  we  got 
it  I  should  be  there  with  the  " Franklin."  The  "Franklin" 
arrived  here  on  the  first  of  January,  just  commenced  dis- 
charging her  with  the  crew  as  there  is  no  hurry.  Freights 


576        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

are  very  low,  they  have  got  nothing  yet  to  freight  the  "Frank- 
lin" home.  Read  feels  very  blue;  Fisher  says  he  should  feel 
well  enough  if  he  had  you  here.  The  " Saxon"  started  last 
night  for  New  York.  I  wanted  to  go  in  her,  but  Fisher  said  I 
must  stay  till  the  " Relief  "  came;  he  might  want  me.  We  have 
not  heard  a  word  from  the"  Relief  "  yet,  save  by  the  paper  that 
she  was  to  leave  New  York  the  25th  Dec.  The  transports  are 
all  leaving  for  N.  York.  The  "Quincy"  is  repairing  her  fur- 
nace or  something  about  the  boiler,  and  will  be  ready  to  leave 
the  first  of  the  week.  I  am  stopping  on  the  "Franklin,"  live 
better  than  at  any  hotel  in  this  city.  I  presume  I  shall  go  home 
in  the  "Franklin,"  she  beats  most  all  the  clippers,  coming  out 
here  in  seventeen  days.  I  am  anxious  to  hear  from  home.  We 
have  had  no  mail  for  nearly  two  weeks.  Where  is  the  Rio,  Rio? 

Your  friend,  H.  M.  FULLER 

From  Richard  Grant  White 

186  Tenth  Street,  NEW  YORK,  Jan.  10th,  1863 

Major  General  BUTLER 

SIR:  I  beg  your  acceptance  of  the  accompanying  volume 
with  the  assurance  of  my  respect.  It  is  a  book  to  which  in 
October  last  I  added  some  notes,  in  one  of  which  (on  page 
107)  I  expressed,  briefly  and  imperfectly,  an  appreciation  of 
your  rule  and  your  writing  in  New  Orleans,  which  since  then 
has  only  been  confirmed  and  heightened.  Indeed,  though 
neither  a  military  man  nor  a  politician,  I  venture  to  say, 
after  narrowly  watching  the  course  of  events,  during  the  last 
year  and  a  half,  that  you,  Sir,  have  exhibited  during  the 
whole  of  that  time  those  qualities  the  lack  of  which  in  others 
has  brought  us  to  the  present  pass  in  our  national  affairs. 

Trusting  that  the  order  which  relieved  you  of  your  ardu- 
ous duties  at  New  Orleans  will  prove  to  have  been  justified  by 
the  necessity  of  assigning  you  to  a  wider,  though  it  can  be 
hardly  a  more  important  field  of  labor,  I  am,  Sir, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

RICHARD  GRANT  WHITE 

Will  you  pardon  me,  for  adding  that  I  know  how  many  and 
how  various  must  be  the  demands  upon  your  time  and  atten- 
tion, and  that  should  these  prevent  you  from  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  this  note,  I  should  still  be  unwilling  to  dissent 
from  Count  Mejan's  gracious  admission  that  "General  Butler 
knows  how  to  be  polite"  on  proper  occasions.  R.  G.  W. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        577 

From  William  Alexander 

PRIVATE.    NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  Jan.  13th,  1863 

Hon.  M.  BLAIR,  P.  M.  Gen'l.  of  the  U.  S.9  WASHINGTON 

DEAR  SIR:  As  I  believe  that  you  sincerely  desire  to  crush 
the  rebellion  by  military  force  and  not  to  palter  with  treason 
by  compromises,  I  again  trouble  you  with  a  line.  Can't  Texas 
be  taken  out  of  Gen.  Banks'  military  department?  If  so,  I 
do  most  earnestly  urge  you  to  use  your  influence  to  accom- 
plish that  end.  Since  he  came  here  I  have  not  called  upon 
him  (and  have  been  but  very  little  about  Gen.  Hamilton; 
my  contempt  for  their  contented  inefficiency  was  too  great 
to  permit  me  to  waste  my  personal  attentions  upon  them), 
but  from  what  has  come  before  the  public  I  have  seen  that  he 
is  wholly  unequal  to  his  position.  With  but  small  adminis- 
trative intent,  and  without  military  capacity  or  even  confi- 
dence in  his  own  views  and  energy  to  carry  them  out,  he  has 
done  nothing  arid  can  and  will  do  nothing  —  he  is  a  complete 
failure.  Even  his  sycophants  will  have  to  acknowledge  that 
the  well-known  quotation,  "Signus  imperio  nisi  imperasset," 
would  form  a  motto  peculiarly  appropriate  to  his  case.  Thus 
far  his  administration  has  served  no  purpose  save  to  afford  a 
foil  to  Butler's. 

For  Heaven's  sake  don't  let  Banks  go  to  Texas!  He  won't 
suit  the  job.  He  has  not  sense  and  does  not  possses  the  pluck 
to  do  any  good  there,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  staff  that  would 
paralyze  the  genius  of  the  1st  Napoleon.  Give  this  some 
earnest  and  energetic  man  that  does  not  in  the  meantime 
appear  too  plainly  to  be  the  compromise  of  Seward  candidate 
for  the  presidency  of  the  United  States,  and  let  him  commence 
his  attack  on  or  near  the  Rio  Grande,  and  success  will  certainly 
cover  his  efforts. 

It  appears  that  inasmuch  as  five  railroads  converge  to 
Houston,  and  a  trunk  road  goes  from  thence  to  Galveston, 
making  Galveston  the  only  point  on  the  entire  coast  of  Texas 
out  of  which  all  the  rebel  forces  within  150  miles  could  be 
massed  within  a  few  hours,  it  was  selected  by  Admiral  Farra- 
gut  as  a  point  to  be  taken  and  by  Gen.  Banks  as  a  point  to  be 
occupied.  The  result  is  already  before  you.  Now,  if  Napo- 
leon 1st  were  at  the  head  of  our  Government,  he  would  dis- 
grace Farragut  for  taking  a  place  without  military  value  to 
us,  and  for  attacking  at  a  point  where  our  enemies  wish  us  to 
attempt  to  make  an  entrance  into  the  state,  and  leaving  the 

VOL.  ii — 37 


578        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

railroad  bridge  from  the  mainland  to  the  island  unbroken;  and  he 
would  at  least  have  removed  Banks  for  suffering  a  small  force 
to  be  landed  where  so  long  as  the  bridge  stood  they  would  be 
entirely  at  the  mercy  of  the  enemy.  These  officers,  through 
neglect  or  ignorance  of  facts  they  could  have  easily  have 
mustered,  have  caused  defeat  and  loss.  I  suppose  that  some 
petty  naval  officer  will  be  made  the  scape-goat,  and  that 
Farragut  and  Banks  will  escape  even  an  inquiry. 

I  know  something  about  Texas,  having  spent  some  16  years 
of  my  life  there,  and  I  now  assure  you  that  if  any  move  be 
made  to  recover  that  State  by  way  of  Red  River,  or  the  Sa- 
bine,  or  Galveston,  it  will  cause  a  wanton  and  useless  sacrifice 
of  treasure  and  of  blood.  Indianola  is  the  point  at  which  an 
adequate  force  ought  to  enter.  A  smaller  force  could  main- 
tain itself  and  do  much  good  if  landed  at  Point  Isabel. 

In  the  meantime,  my  loyal  friends  in  Texas  were  sacrificed 
by  useless  delay  on  the  part  of  the  Government.  Can't  a 
few  men,  provided  with  arms  and  ammunition  and  authority 
to  recruit  be  sent  to  Point  Isabel,  and  protected  by  a  light- 
draft  gunboat?  If  so,  thousands  can  be  saved.  The  rebel 
trade  with  and  through  Mexico  would  be  broken  up,  and  you 
little  dream  how  important  it  has  become. 

Gen.  Banks  contemplates  sending  a  steamer  there  to  bring  off 
the  Union  men  to  this  place.  I  can  scarce  conceive  of  greater 
folly.  Such  action  would  cause  our  Government  to  be  looked 
upon  in  Mexico  as  the  most  cowardly  and  inefficient  on  earth. 

I  forgot  to  say  that  Fort  Brown  has  long  since  been  evacu- 
ated by  the  Rebels,  and  the  heavy  guns  removed  to  Ringgold 

arrac  s*  Very  respectfully,  WM.  ALEXANDER 

From  Estwick  Evans 

WASHINGTON  CITY,  Jan.  13th,  1863 

To  Major  General  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  Allow  me  to  congratulate  you  for  your  suc- 
cesses. I  thank  you  for  the  line  to  me,  and  your  order  from 
New  Orleans.  We  must  make  a  Midas  of  misfortune  and 
sorrow.  The  affair  of  Vicksburg  and  Galveston  must  produce 
a  strong  sway  back  in  the  other  direction.  The  nature  of 
things  is  God. 

It  won't  be  so  easy  for  a  mole-hill  to  overtop  a  mountain 
as  for  the  South  to  overcome  the  great  Union  cause.  But  our 
sacrifices  and  sorrows  are  awful,  and  our  efforts  gigantic. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       579 

The  effects  should  be  more  so.  We  must  have  even  greater 
enterprises  and  move  with  greater  velocity  —  together  with 
powerful  preparation,  prudence,  and  strategy.  I  like  your 
grand  idea  of  a  cross-cut  near  Vicksburg.  May  it  not  be 
practicable?  We  must,  if  need  be,  burn  out  or  drown  out  the 
rascals,  and  is  it  not  most  time?  Shall  we  first  sacrifice  a 
hundred  thousand  more  of  our  noble  children? 

Adieu,  General,   accept  my  best  consideration  and  great 

'  ESTWICK  EVANS 

From  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  MASSACHUSETTS,  Jan.  17 'th,  1863 

Hon.  Jos.  HOLT,  Judge  Advocate  General,  U.S.A. 

DEAR  SIR:  If  such  occurrences  can  take  place  in  our  army 
as  is  shown  by  written  copy  of  order  and  statement,  is  it  pos- 
sible to  maintain  discipline? 

A  more  gross  case  than  Capt.  Bidwell's  is  rarely  met,  and 
yet  he  is  re-commissioned. 

The  matter  is  submitted  to  your  judgment.     I  have  the 

honor  to  be,  T-        t>  v         i  j*    o 

V  ery  Kespy.,  i  our  obat.  bervt., 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  U.S.V. 
Exhibits  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Headquarters,  Department  of  the  Gulf.  Sept.  Uth,  1862 

SPECIAL  ORDER  No.  374 

IN  which  Capt.  Bidwell  was  dishonorably  discharged  from 
the  service  for  retaining  the  money  of  discharged  private 
soldiers,  under  pretences  of  altering  the  pay-rolls,  and  while 
under  arrest  for  previous  misdemeanor. 

Statement  of  E.  II.  Brie 

LOWELL,  MASSACHUSETTS,  Jan.  llth,  1863 

ON  the  llth  inst.  I  saw  the  above-named  Capt.  Bidwell, 
whom  I  personally  know,  in  New  York  City,  and  then  con- 
versed with  him.  He  was  in  full  uniform,  and  wore  his  sash 
as  Officer  of  the  Day.  He  informed  me  then  that  he  was  a 
Captain  in  the  176  Reg.  New  York  Vols.,  and  expected  to 
leave  for  New  Orleans  soon.  R 


580        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 
From  J.  0.  A.  Griffin  to  General  Butler 

CHARLESTOWN,  Sunday  Evening,  Jan.  18th,  1863 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  Miracles  are  occurring  in  our  time,  if  never 
before.  I  have  just  come  from  Tremont  Temple  where,  to  an 
immense  audience,  Wendell  Phillips  has  delivered  an  eulogy 
(to  appropriate  a  phrase  applicable  to  dead  men)  on  yourself, 
and  his  commendations  were  not  because  of  your  views  on 
slavery,  but  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  you  have  done  some- 
thing and  know  how  to  do  more.  He  spoke  of  you  as  the  only 
man  who  "had  organized  victory/'  He  rebuked  the  govern- 
ment for  recalling  you  and  filling  your  place  by  a  man  who 
could  organize  nothing  more  formidable  than  a  caucus.  And 
he  went  on,  at  great  length,  in  a  strain  of  highly  eulogistic 
remarks.  The  audience  received  what  he  said  with  en- 
thusiastic applause,  Sunday  night  "to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding . ' ' 

Phillips,  in  these  winter  months,  manufactures  a  vast  amount 
of  popular  opinion.  No  man  will  speak  oftener  or  to  larger 
audiences  in  America  for  the  next  few  months.  He  is  really  a 
statesman  though  not  recognized  as  such  "by  the  general." 
A  mention  of  this  fact  I  make,  because  I  think  now  the  only 
hope  of  America  rests  in  keeping  up  a  healthy  state  of  senti- 
ment both  as  to  measures  and  men  in  the  great  masses.  These 
masses  in  New  England  and  New  York  and  Ohio  are  reached  by 
men  like  Phillips  who  have  the  public  ear  in  Lyceum  Halls. 

Besides,  considering  your  antecedents  and  his,  I  think  it 
something  that  you  wrung  from  the  lips  of  this  Modern  Cicero 
such  words  as  he  spoke  tonight. 

Yours  truly,  J.  O.  A.  GRIFFIN 

From  Moses  Bates 

BATON  ROUGE,  LA.,  Jan.  I8th,  1863 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  am  arraigned  before  Gen.  C.  Grover,  Brig. 
Gen.  Comdg.  at  this  Post,  and  prohibited  from  trading  here, 
having  been  tried,  condemned,  and  sentenced  without  a  hear- 
ing,  for  a  paper  which  one  Zeigler  signed  here  last  summer 
agreeing  not  to  purchase  cotton  above  the  maximum  price 
fixed  for  me  to  purchase  to  stock  the  Penitentiary.  Having 
been  advised  by  Col.  McMillan  that  this  affidavit  of  Zeigler 
had  been  acted  upon  by  a  board  of  enquiry,  who  had  decided 
that  I  was  simply  discharging  my  duty  as  an  officer,  I  had 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       581 

contented  myself  in  regard  to  the  matter,  but  now  I  find  — 
and  this  is  not  the  first  instance  I  have  had  of  the  same  spirit 
—  that  I  am  to  be  pursued  by  Gen.  Banks'  subordinates  until 
I  am  driven  from  the  Department. 

The  circumstances  connected  with  this  subject  are  briefly 
these:  When  the  factory  of  the  Penitentiary  was  stopped  for 
want  of  cotton,  and  the  prisoners  were  being  fed  from  the 
Commissary  Department,  this  Ziegler  shipped  a  quantity  of 
cotton  to  New  Orleans  in  violation  of  your  order  to  first  offer 
it  to  the  Penitentiary.  This  cotton  was  by  your  order  returned 
to  this  city,  where  I  was  waited  upon  by  Lt.  S.  W.  Peree, 
A.  Q.  M.  of  the  Post,  in  company  with  Zeigler,  and  I  was 
urged  by  this  officer  to  allow  the  cotton  to  be  returned,  Zeigler 
at  the  same  time  expressing  a  determination  not  to  buy  any 
more  cotton  at  this  place,  and  asking  the  privilege  of  express- 
ing that  determination  in  writing,  —  his  previous  relations 
with  my  clerk  having  convinced  me  that  his  word  was  not  to 
be  taken,  a  fact  which  he  very  well  knew.  Having  procured 
several  weeks'  supply  between  the  shipment  and  the  return 
of  Zeigler's  cotton,  I  complied  with  the  Quartermaster's  re- 
quest, and  released  this  cotton,  at  the  same  time  complying 
with  Zeigler's  request  to  allow  him  to  sign  the  paper  for  which 
I  am  now  outlawed  by  Gen.  Grover. 

The  transaction  had  no  other  object  than  a  compliance 
with  the  necessity  for  providing  the  Penitentiary  with  stock 
to  keep  the  prisoners  employed  profitably,  and  was  in  har- 
mony with  your  order  and  those  of  Gen.  Williams,  the  paper 
itself  having  been  written  at  the  request  of  the  Quartermaster 
in  charge,  and  since  at  no  time  during  my  charge  of  the  Peni- 
tentiary factory  did  I  buy  or  sell  a  bale  of  cotton  except  for 
the  Government,  of  which  I  have  rendered  a  just  and  full 
account  to  the  military  Governor  of  the  State,  in  compliance 
with  your  commands,  I  have  no  alternative  but  through  you, 
to  demand  of  the  war  department  not  only  full  restitution 
for  being  deprived  of  my  rights  as  a  citizen  of  the  United 
States,  but  a  reasonable  compensation  for  the  loss  to  which 
I  am  subjected  by  the  Military  authorities  here,  —  upon  the 
unsupported  affidavit  of  an  individual  who  left  this  State  as 
it  is  believed  to  avoid  being  convicted  of  felony. 

With  renewed  assurances  of  my  regards,  and  my  sincere 
congratulations  for  your  reception  on  arriving  among  your 
friends.  I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Your  Obdt.  Servant,  MOSES  BATES 


582        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Mason  Brothers,  5  &  7  Mercer  St.,  Jan.  19,  1863 

SIR:  I  wish  to  write  the  history  of  your  administration  in 
New  Orleans.  This  I  would  do  for  the  vindication  of  the 
country  as  well  as  to  do  honor  to  one  who,  in  this  most  diffi- 
cult of  all  wars,  has  shown  a  capacity  equal  to  the  occasion. 

The  work  which  I  propose  ought  not  to  be  done  without 
your  sanction,  and  cannot  be  well  done  without  your  coop- 
eration. I  now  ask  your  sanction  and  cooperation. 

I  shall  require  of  you:  1st,  one  or  two  long  conversations; 
2nd,  occasional  short  interviews  or  notes;  3d,  some  introduc- 
tions to  your  friends,  here  and  in  New  Orleans;  4th,  perhaps, 
copies  of  a  few  unpublished  papers. 

I  propose  a  volume  duodecimo  of  four  or  five  hundred 
pages,  suitable  for  universal  circulation,  to  be  issued  in  about 
eight  months  from  this  time  —  sooner  if  possible.  In  about 
three  weeks  I  shall  be  ready  to  begin,  and  in  three  more  to 
start  for  New  Orleans. 

I  have  no  right  to  suppose  that  you  have  heard  my  name. 
Yet  you  may  have  done  so.  I  have  written  a  life  of  Aaron 
Burr,  and  one  of  Andrew  Jackson,  besides  some  smaller  things. 

I  beg  that  you  will  take  this  matter  into  consideration,  and 
favor  me  with  an  answer  within  a  week  or  two.  Perhaps  I 
should  inform  you  in  addition  that  I  am  a  slavery  loathing 
democrat,  and  that  you  are  my  candidate  for  President. 

With  the  highest  respect,  JAS.  PARTON 

From  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  Jan.  21,  1863  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

JAMES  PARTON,  Esq. 

DEAR  SIR:  You  are  by  far  too  modest  in  your  supposition 
that  I  might  not  have  heard  of  your  name.  One  of  the  con- 
solations permitted  me  at  New  Orleans  was  reading  your  chap- 
ters of  the  life  of  Jackson,  and  finding  that  he  had  the  same 
and  worse  difficulties  than  those  which  beset  me. 

I  am,  too,  much  flattered  by  your  request,  and  will  endeavor 
to  give  you  every  assistance  in  the  directions  you  mention. 
My  letter  and  order  books  shall  be  at  your  disposal,  as  well 
as  the  official  and  unofficial  correspondence  directed  to  me. 
If  I  can  by  personal  conversation  elucidate  many  matters 
wherein  otherwise  history  might  be  a  perversion  of  the  truth, 
I  will  be  at  your  service. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       583 

One  thing  I  beg  shall  be  understood  between  us,  however 
(as  I  have  no  doubt  it  would  have  been  without  this  paragraph), 
that  while  I  will  furnish  you  with  every  possible  facility  to 
learn  everything  done  by  me  in  New  Orleans  and  elsewhere, 
it  will  be  upon  the  express  condition  that  you  shall  report  it 
in  precisely  the  manner  you  may  choose  —  without  the  slight- 
est sense  of  obligation  "aught  to  extenuate"  because  of  the 
source  from  which  you  derive  the  materials  of  your  work,  and 
farther,  that  no  sense  of  delicacy  of  position  in  relation  to 
myself  shall  interfere  with  the  closest  investigation  of  every 
act  alleged  to  have  been  done  or  permitted  by  me.  I  will 
only  ask  that  upon  all  matter  I  may  have  the  privilege  of 
presenting  to  your  mind  the  documentary  and  other  evidence 
of  the  fact.  I  should  be  happy  to  confer  with  you  personally 
at  such  time  as  may  be  convenient. 

Respectfully,  B.  F.  BUTLER 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

NEW  YORK,  Mason  Brothers,  5  and  7  Mercer  St.,  Jan.  24^,  1863 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

DEAR  SIR:  I  received  yesterday  your  letter  of  the  21st, 
and  read  it  with  perfect  satisfaction.  To  the  honorable  con- 
dition which  you  impose  I  most  cordially  assent.  It  is  the 
truth,  and  the  truth  only,  that  I  desire  to  relate. 

This  morning  I  was  about  to  ask  you  whether  I  could 
depend  on  finding  you  at  home  during  the  latter  half  of  next 
month,  and  to  say  that  if  I  could  I  would  spend  that  time  at 
Lowell.  But  I  see  in  the  Tribune  of  this  morning  a  statement 
that  you  are  about  to  return  to  New  Orleans,  and  re-assume 
command  of  the  Southwestern  department.  If  this  is  true 
(and  I  hope,  for  the  country's  sake,  it  is),  it  may  necessitate  a 
delay  in  the  execution  of  my  task,  but  only,  I  trust,  to  make  it 
more  worthy  the  doing. 

I  wait  for  information  of  your  movements.  Meanwhile,  I 
shall  hasten  to  wind  up  my  present  occupation,  or  rather,  get 
myself  in  readiness  to  do  so,  and  collect  the  printed  matter 
that  has  already  appeared  relating  to  the  subject  before  me. 

With  the  highest  respect,  JAS.  PARTON 


584       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  R.  C.  Hale 

Ed.  Quars.  Pennsylvania  Militia,  Qr.  M.  General's  Office,  HARRIBBURG, 

January  20, 1863 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  LOWELL,  MASS. 

GENERAL:  I  have  read  with  great  interest  your  remarks  to 
your  neighbors  at  Lowell.  Like  yourself,  this  foul  rebellion 
found  me  a  democrat.  I  was  appointed  to  the  office  I  now 
hold  by  a  Republican  Governor  and  unanimously  confirmed 
by  a  Republican  Senate;  but  the  Governor  said  to  me,  "I 
appoint  you  because  you  are  a  Democrat,  and  if  I  knew  a 
better  Democrat  I  would  appoint  him/5  I  claim  still  to  be  a 
Democrat,  but,  like  you,  if  I  have  not  changed  my  principles, 
I  have  changed  some  of  my  ideas.  No  man  of  ordinary  intel- 
ligence can  have  peeped  through  the  scenes  of  the  past  two 
years  without  being  fully  convinced  that  slavery  is  the  cause 
and  foundation  stone  of  the  rebellion,  and  the  latter  cannot 
be  crushed  out  till  slavery  is  swept  away. 

I  trust,  on  some  new  and  ample  field  you  will  finish  the  work 
so  nobly  begun,  and  that  the  grateful  thanks  of  a  united 
country  may  be  yours. 

Yours  respectfully,  R.  C.  HALE,  Q.  M.  Genl. 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

WASHINGTON,  Jan.  20,  1863 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  I  could  not  come  to  Boston,  and  very 
sorry  was  I  that  it  was  not  possible.  You  are  appreciated  as 
you  merit.  How  prompt  the  people  are  to  recognize  real  ser- 
vice when  they  see  it!  My  duties  confine  me  too  closely  to 
allow  much  knowledge  of  anything  outside  of  my  Department, 
but  the  President  says  you  are  to  go  back  to  N.  0.  It  can 
hardly  be  too  soon.  Mr.  Flanders,  elected  for  one  of  the  Dis- 
tricts there,  is  a  valuable  support  to  you;  very  intelligent,  and, 
as  far  as  can  be  judged  on  short  acquaintance,  altogether 
reliable. 

You  see  the  intercepted  diplomacy.  The  use  the  Confed- 
erates would  make  of  permission  to  take  out  cotton  is  now 
clear  enough.  g  p 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       585 

From  General  Butler 

LOWELL,  MASS.,  January  %%nd,  1863 

Brig.  Genl.  L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant  General 

GENERAL:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
the  communication  of  Fred.  Camden  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
—  referred  to  me  from  your  office  for  information. 

It  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  my  despatch  to  the  Secre- 
retary  of  the  Treasury,  under  date  of  June  19th,  1862,  that  I 
received  of  the  Citizens'  Bank  certain  sums  standing  to  the 
credit  of  the  Confederate  States  receivers,  amounting  to  about 
a  quarter  of  a  million  dollars,  which  were  sent  to  the  Treasury 
of  the  United  States  —  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Government. 

This  amount,  together  with  much  more,  was  collected  from 
property  of  loyal  citizens  confiscated  by  the  rebels  and  depos- 
ited to  their  credit  in  gross.  Many  drafts  were  drawn  against 
this  fund,  and  the  balance  only  was  got  by  me. 

There  are  very  many  claims  upon  this  fund  by  loyal  citi- 
zens whose  property  was  thus  taken.  It  is  not  sufficient  to 
pay  all.  It  cannot  be  shown  that  any  given  citizen's  property 
is  in  it,  as  his  amount  may  have  been  drawn  out  by  the  re- 
ceivers and  his  neighbor's  left  behind. 

Therefore  I  have  suggested  that  a  commission  be  estab- 
lished to  adjudicate  on  all  their  claims,  and  divide  the  amount 
pro  rata  amongst  the  just  claimants. 

But  this  is  for  the  wisdom  of  the  Government.    I  know  of 
nothing  further  upon  the  topic  that  would  be  for  the  advan- 
tage of  your  office  to  communicate.    I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  Respect.  Your  obedient  Servant, 

BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Maj.  Gen.  U.S.V. 

From  J.  M.  Bell  to  General  Butler 

BOSTON,  January  22nd,  1863 

GENERAL:  I  do  not  think  that  any  transplanted  cabbage 
ever  wilted  faster  than  I  have  done  since  I  was  shaken  out  of 
your  company.  But  "one  blast  upon  your  battle-horn  is  worth 
a  thousand"  pills,  as  I  believe  that  Scott  did  not  write,  and  I 
live  in  hope  to  hear  your  summons  to  work  again  as  my  restor- 
ative. I  will  be  ready  at  any  time,  any  where,  every  where, 
in  any  capacity,  to  do  what  in  me  lies,  for  you  and  your  inter- 
ests, and  write  this  only  to  assure  you  that  nothing  but  sick- 
ness superinduced  by  laziness  has  prevented  my  coming  up 
to  inquire  if  there  was  anything  that  I  could  do. 


586       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  suppose  from  what  Shaffer  writes  that  there  is  prospect 
of  a  return  to  N.  O.  I  should  prefer  to  see  your  abilities  at 
Washington.  The  country  needs  this,  and  should  demand 
it,  but  the  country  rarely  gets  what  it  needs. 

Mrs.  Bell  wishes  to  tender  her  respects  to  you,  and  both 
join  in  kind  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler.  With  the  highest  respect, 

Your  friend  and  servant,  J.  M.  BELL 

From  Oliver  Warner 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  Secretary's  Office,  BOSTON,  Jan,  %Srd,  1863 

Major  General  BUTLER,  LOWELL,  MASS. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  copy  of  a 
"Resolve,  presenting  the  thanks  of  the  Legislature  to  Major 
General  Butler." 

Allow  me  personally  to  congratulate  you  upon  the  successful 
administration   of  affairs  in  your  late  department,   and  to 
express  my  cordial  wish  for  your  continuous  prosperity. 
Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

OLIVER  WARNER 

Resolve  —  presenting  the  thanks  of  the  Legislature  to 
General  Butler 

RESOLVED,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives are  hereby  tendered  to  Major-General  Benjamin 
F.  Butler,  for  the  energy,  ability,  and  success  characterizing 
his  late  administration  and  command  of  the  Department  of 
the  Gulf. 

House  of  Representatives,  January  %Qth,  1863 

Passed,  ALEX.  H.  BULLOCK,  Speaker 

In  Senate,  January  20^,  1863 

Passed,  JONA.  E.  FIELD,  President 
January  20th,  1863,  Approved,  JOHN  A.  ANDREW 

Secretary's  Department,  BOSTON,  January  list,  1863 

I  HEREBY  certify  the  foregoing  to  be  a  true  copy  of  the  origi- 
nal resolve.  Witness  the  Seal  of  the  Commonwealth  here- 
unto affixed  at  the  date  above  written. 

OLIVER  WARNER,  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        587 

From  President  Lincoln  l 

Executive  Mansion,  WASHINGTON,  Jan.  23rrf,  1863 

Hon.  Secretary  of  War 

SIR:  I  think  General  Butler  should  go  to  New  Orleans  again. 
He  is  unwilling  to  go  unless  he  is  restored  to  the  command  of 
the  department.  He  should  start  by  the  1st  of  February,  and 
should  take  some  force  with  him.  The  whole  must  be  so 
managed  as  to  not  wrong  or  wound  the  feelings  of  General 
Banks.  His  original  wish  was  to  go  to  Texas;  and  it  must  be 
arranged  for  him  to  do  this  now  with  a  substantial  force;  and 
yet  he  must  not  go  to  the  endangering  the  opening  of  the 
Mississippi.  I  hope  this  may  be  done  by  the  time  General 
Butler  shall  arrive  there;  but  whether  or  not,  I  think  we  can- 
not longer  dispense  with  General  Butler's  services. 

Yours  truly,  A.  LINCOLN 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

WASHINGTON,  Jany.  23,  1863 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Mr.  Bullitt  is  appointed  acting  Col- 
lector at  New  Orleans,  as  I  told  you  he  would  be  when  you 
were  here. 

I  am  very  sure  you  misapprehend  his  personal  disposition 
towards  yourself  and  your  administration  there;  as  I  have 
said  to  him  that  I  would  like  to  have  him  satisfy  you  that 
such  is  the  fact.  He  proposes  either  to  write  or  see  you;  and, 
as  the  frankness  of  a  personal  explanation  is  most  likely  to 
produce  a  clear  and  good  understanding,  I  think  well  of  the 
idea  of  his  making  you  a  visit. 

Please  give  him  such  a  reception  as  you  would  give  me;  let 
no  insurmountable  obstacle  prevent  the  establishment  of 
friendly  and  cordial  relations. 

You  must  go  back  to  New  Orleans,  and  I  want  cordial 
cooperation  for  you  and  with  you  from  all  officers  connected 
with  my  Department.  j^  sincerdy>  ^  p  CHASE 


From  Isaac  Ironside  to  General  Butler 

Foreign  Affairs  Committee,  SHEFFIELD,  January  ZMh,  1863 

SIR:    This  Committee  have  had  under  consideration  your 
letter  to  the  Citizens  of  New  Orleans  of  Dec.  24th,  1862,  and 

1  "Lincoln's  Complete  Works,"  Vol.  II,  pp.  305-306. 


588       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

they  request  me  to  do  an  impossibility  in  reference  thereto, 
which  is  to  convey  to  you  their  high  sense  of  admiration  and 
satisfaction  at  the  value  of  your  words,  and  at  your  clear  and 
convincing  statement. 

Before  and  since  the  rebellion,  the  Committee  lost  no  proper 
opportunity  of  raising  their  humble  voice  in  support  of  the 
United  States,  and  against  the  rebellion  and  its  objects  and 
real  promoters. 

When  Lord  Russell  granted  belligerent  rights  to  the  rebels, 
the  Committee  sent  him  a  protest  against  the  act  as  being 
unlawful  and  unprecedented;  when  he  declared  that  the 
blockading  of  the  Southern  ports  was  "unjustifiable,"  the 
Committee  exposed  his  hypocrisy  by  comparing  the  conduct 
of  England  in  suppressing  the  Indian  insurrection  —  a  lawful 
one  —  with  that  of  the  United  States,  and  asked  him  if  it 
would  be  justifiable  in  them  to  blow  the  rebels  from  guns 
instead  of  stopping  their  supplies,  which  he  said  was  unjusti- 
fiable. When  the  affair  of  the  Trent  happened,  the  Committee 
petitioned  the  Queen  praying  that  her  officers  who  had  vio- 
lated her  proclamation  might  be  punished  according  to  law. 
These  are  but  a  few  of  the  acts  of  the  Committee  in  the  same 
direction,  and  they  have  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  in  some 
degree  the  fruit  of  their  labours.  All  the  newspapers  in  this 
town  support  the  rebels.  Over  and  over  again  have  they 
falsely  declared  that  the  inhabitants  w^ere  favorable  to  the 
rebels.  A  large  public  meeting  was  recently  held  on  this  sub- 
ject, at  which  the  supporters  of  the  rebels  fought  with  much 
tenacity.  The  meeting  lasted  four  hours.  They  moved  two 
amendents  upon  the  original  resolutions,  and  displayed  a 
zeal  worthy  of  a  better  cause.  However,  the  original  resolu- 
tions in  favor  of  law  and  order  and  the  abolition  of  slavery 
were  carried  by  an  overwhelming  majority,  not  more  than  a 
dozen  voting  for  the  two  amendments. 

Your  letter  fully  explains  the  reason  of  the  virulent  hatred 
of  you  displayed  by  the  rebels  and  their  supporters.  You  are 
terribly  in  earnest,  and  before  that  earnestness  slavery  is 
doomed,  and  with  its  doom  the  cause  of  the  poor  and  the 
labourer  in  every  land  will  receive  an  infinite  support,  which 
nothing  can  take  away.  The  Committee  trust  you  will  per- 
severe in  your  high  and  holy  course  whatever  may  be  the  con- 
sequences. You  are  no  doubt  aware  that  Russia  is  the  real 
promoter  of  the  rebellion.  Many  years  ago  Sir  John  MacNeill 
wrote  in  the  Quarterly  Review,  "The  Cabinets  and  statesmen 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       589 

of  Europe  are  the  tools  with  which  Russia  works. "  Those  tools 
have  been  worked  by  fyer  in  every  way  relative  to  the  rebel- 
lion. Mr.  Buchanan  is  one  of  her  tools.  Russia  seeks  univer- 
sal dominion  in  order  to  permanently  establish  the  aristocrats, 
the  rich,  the  landowners,  against  the  poor,  the  laborer.  By 
the  publication  of  your  letter,  if  not  before,  you  placed  the 
filet  on  your  brow,  designating  you  for  her  victim.  She  will 
use  every  means  to  crush  you,  but  the  Committee  trust  you 
will  escape  her  machinations. 

Your  obedient  servant,  ISAAC  IRONSIDE,  Chairman 

From  T.  B.  Thorpe  to  General  Butler 

NEW  ORLEANS,  January  24J/1,  1863 

DEAR  SIR:  I  have  been  intending  to  write  you  ever  since 
you  left,  but  a  variety  of  duties  have  constantly  interfered, 
but  nevertheless  I  have  daily  thought  of  you,  as  ten  times  a 
day  I  have  been  made  to  feel  how  much  the  city  and  the  Union 
have  lost  by  your  absence.  I  assure  you  that  there  is  a  deep 
under-current  of  indignation  and  regret  at  your  removal, 
that  you  can  scarcely  realize  many  of  your  former  opponents, 
among  the  respectable  people,  now  admit  that  you  of  all  others 
was  the  man  for  the  place.  Your  departure  has  paralyzed 
business,  destroyed  hope,  and  sent  things  to  the  backwards 
generally.  I  have  watched  your  progress  north  with  pleasure, 
your  reception  was  no  more  than  I  expected.  I  say  in  the 
bottom  of  my  heart,  God  bless  you  for  your  thorough  Union 
practices.  As  a  sign  of  the  times  here  and  the  heart  of  public 
opinion  I  send  you  the  account  of  a  Union  meeting  held  last 
evening.  This  is  the  record  of  a  spontaneous  movement,  I 
had  nothing  to  do  with  it.  The  feeling  here  of  the  Union  men 
is  deep  indignation,  fear,  and  a  hopelessness  of  the  future. 

In  haste,  Your  friend  and  admirer,  T.  B.  THORPE 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

PRIVATE.     Metropolitan  Hotel,  WASHINGTON,  January  %5th,  1863 

DEAR  GENERAL:  I  arrived  here  Wednesday  morning,  and 
have  been  confined  to  my  room  ever  since.  I  have,  however, 
seen  a  great  many  persons  who  have  called  to  see  me.  The 
present  plan  no  doubt  is  to  send  you  back  to  New  Orleans, 
but  there  is  a  strong  party  desirous  of  putting  you  in  the  War 
Department.  I  prevailed  on  the  Republican  members  from 


590        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Illinois  to  call  in  a  body  on  Mr.  Lincoln  and  warn  him  of  the 
dangers  of  continuing  Stanton  and  Halleck  in  their  present 
positions,  but  the  interview  was  not  satisfactory.  Blair  came 
in  and  interrupted  them.  They  think  that  Mr.  Lincoln  is 
past  doing  anything  with,  he  pays  no  attention  to  what  his 
friends  say.  General  Cameron  called  on  me  this  morning  and 
agreed  to  see  Mr.  Lincoln  to-morrow  and  protest  against 
your  being  sent  South.  He  says  Washington  is  your  place,  he 
will  let  me  know  the  result  of  his  interview  with  Mr.  Lincoln, 
and  I  will  write  you.  The  truth  is,  that  the  President  is  about 
played  out,  and  acts  like  a  child.  I  am  discouraged  and  out 
of  all  patience  with  him.  Cameron  says  that  you  must  be 
put  where  you  can  make  yourself  strong  with  the  people,  that 
you  are  the  only  man  for  next  President.  He  wants  me  to 
go  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  says  I  can  be  of  more  use  in  shap- 
ing matters  for  you  than  in  any  other  place.  I  told  him  that 
I  intended  first  to  get  well,  and  then  I  would  be  willing  to  go 
any  place  or  do  anything  that  was  thought  best.  I  will  not  get 
from  here  for  several  days,  and  would  like  to  hear  from  you. 

Truly  Your  Friend,  J.  W.  SHAFFER 

From  0.  C.  Gardiner 

NEW  YORK,  January  15th,  1863 

MY  DEAR  BUTLER:  In  1845  and  6,  the  year  of  my  connec- 
tion with  O'Sullivan  in  the  Demo.  Hevieu\  he  was  in  Europe, 
and  Caleb  Gushing,  Alex.  Everett,  Prof.  Tucker  of  Va.,  Atty. 
Gen.  Gilpin  (H.  D.),  Dudley  Field,  B.  F.  Butler  of  N.  Y.,  E. 
P.  Whipple,  Hawthorne,  Whittier,  etc.,  some  twenty  were 
contributors.  After  it  was  sold  I  penned  a  series  of  articles  for 
Cotton's  Whig  Ileview  on  "Foreign  Immigration,"  one  of  which 
was  a  history  of  the  Irish  famine,  as  an  inducing  agency,  and 
another,  a  resume  of  the  public  and  private  charities  of  this 
city  —  their  necessity  as  related  to  the  influx  of  foreign  popu- 
lation. This  connection  with  the  press  (afterwards  with  the 
Daily),  which  continued  down  to  1851,  brought  me  into  the 
centre  of  both  the  secret  and  open  influences  which  shape  and 
form  public  opinion  in  this  central  metropolis.  In  1848,  I 
wrote  the  pamphlet  called  the  "Great  Issue,"  200  pages, 
going  briefly  over  the  National  Legislation  on  slavery  from  the 
Congress  of  1774  down  to  that  date.  Gen.  Dix  and  John  Van 
Buren  read  my  Mss.,  and  the  Gen.  wrote  for  me  two  pages  — 
the  history  of  the  stormy  session  when  he  made  two  noted 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       591 

speeches  in  the  Senate.  These  and  other  associations  have 
given  me  some  knowledge  of  the  real  strength  and  influence 
of  the  men  who  are  now  actively  prominent  here. 

And  from  the  day  of  your  first  march  through  this  city  on 
your  way  to  Annapolis,  I  have  endeavored  quietly  among  the 
press,  and  the  strong  loyal  men  here,  —  those  who  give  body 
to  public  opinion,  —  to  strengthen  your  good  name  whenever 
and  wherever  covertly  attacked.  I  have  done  it  not  for  any 
selfish  ends,  but  both  in  memory  of  past  pleasant  scenes,  and 
to  aid  the  cause  of  our  imperiled  country.  With  an  intimacy 
and  warm  attachment  with  the  best  men  of  the  press  here  a 
sensible  man  can  do  a  good  work. 

But  I  write  to  tell  you  how  matters  are  shaping  in  regard 
to  your  proposed  reception  in  New  York.  I  met,  day  before 
yesterday,  Mr.  Prosper  M.  Wetmore,  one  of  the  most  active 
of  the  committee.  He  says,  and  I  know,  there  is  a  great  desire 
to  have  you  make  a  speech  in  the  Academy  of  Music.  They 
have  circulated  a  petition  to  this  effect,  and  it  has  already  there 
been  signed  by  over  two  hundred  of  the  best  men  in  New  York, 
—  three  ex-Governors,  Morgan,  King  and  Hamilton  Fish, 
the  Mayor  of  the  city,  Opdyke,  and  the  Presidents  of  three 
colleges,  President  of  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  some  of  the 
first  clergymen  —  old  Dr.  Spring  and  Prof.  Hitchcock,  etc. 
After  the  speech,  they  propose  a  private  banquet.  Such  a 
speech  would  go  broadcast  through  thousands  of  presses  over 
the  country,  and  over  all  Europe.  I  hope  you  will  make  one 
of  an  hour  at  least,  with  all  the  simplicity,  earnestness,  and 
force,  which  can  be  condensed  into  the  great  and  solemn 
truths  of  this  crisis. 

I  was  exceedingly  gratified  with  the  simplicity  and  direct- 
ness of  your  remarks  at  Lowell  and  Boston. 

President  Lincoln  was  elected  to  discharge  the  ordinary  duties 
of  President  of  the  United  States.  But  thickening  events 
brought  responsibilities  unforeseen  and  unheard  of  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  world.  He  has  no  great  lights  of  past  experience 
to  guide  him.  Forbearance  was  therefore  a  great  virtue,  until 
in  every  aspect  of  the  crisis  it  ceased  to  avail.  You  were  his 
agent  at  N.  O.  with  delegated  power,  to  act  on  the  instant, 
when  the  struggle  was  one  of  life  or  death.  You  were  far 
removed  from  the  source  of  your  power,  with  no  past  experi- 
ences in  history,  and  only  reason  and  constitutional  or  mili- 
tary law  to  guide.  It  is  not  strange  if  some  errors  were  made, 
and  you  deserve  all  honor  for  having  done  so  bravely  and  well. 


592        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

It  would  be,  it  seems  to  me,  a  fit  moment  to  receive  in  New 
York  the  cunning  devices  of  our  foe  in  New  Orleans,  and  his 
abettors  abroad  "to  whip  the  devil  round  the  stump  "  and  to 
prevent  at  all  hazards  the  resumption  of  the  Federal  authori- 
ties in  this  chief  city  of  the  South.  And  in  so  doing  to  show 
without  bitterness,  and  with  that  dignity  which  rises  above  it, 
incidentally  the  malignity  of  the  charges  made  against  you 
both  at  home  and  abroad. 

This  is  what  I  would  desire.  You  of  course,  see  the  whole 
horizon  of  your  position,  and  can  judge  best.  You  have  out- 
lived in  the  events  of  this  rebellion  all  motives  for  anything 
but  the  good  of  your  country  and  a  lasting  fame,  one  founded 
in  just,  heroic,  and  good  deeds.  You  have  had  and  still  have 
my  fervent  prayers.  If  God,  in  his  Providence,  has  placed 
you  as  a  marked  agent  in  the  path  of  his  great  events,  to  work 
in  and  for  their  accomplishment,  may  you  have  the  courage 
to  work  calmly  and  fearlessly,  trusting  in  Him  unto  the  end. 
My  kind  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler,  and  believe  me,  as  ever, 

Yours  sincerely,  O.  C.  GARDINER 

From  Edwin  J.  Davis 

PRIVATE.     NEW  ORLEANS,  LA.,  Jan.  27th,  1863 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  WASHINGTON,  D.C. 

MY  DEAR  SIR:  I  suppose  that  you  will  have  seen  Gen. 
Hamilton  before  this  reaches  you.  Matters  have  arrived  at 
such  a  pass  in  this  department  as  rendered  our  Texas  affairs 
hopeless,  under  the  present  Military  head.  It  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that  Gen.  Hamilton  did  not  return  to  Washington 
a  month  sooner  —  we  could  have  been  so  far  advanced  towards 
a  decision  of  some  sort. 

I  have  furnished  Gen.  Hamilton  some  late  information  from 
Western  Texas,  brought  by  a  schooner  last  Saturday.  To  cut 
off  the  immense  trade  of  the  Rebel  Government,  being  put 
under  way  by  that,  I  submitted  a  plan  to  Gen.  Banks,  but 
he  will  not  act  upon  it.  I  have  sent  a  statement  of  the  plan 
to  Gen.  Hamilton,  who  will  show  it  to  you  if  you  desire  it. 
From  your  knowledge  of  the  country  where  that  trade  is  car- 
ried on,  I  am  satisfied  that  you  will  agree  with  me  that  the 
plan  is  feasible. 

General  Banks  seems  to  have  a  complete  disgust  of  every- 
thing relating  to  Texas.  The  Galveston  disaster  had  com- 
pletely upset  him.  The  worst  of  the  matter  for  us  lies  in  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       593 

queer  idea  he  seems  to  have  adopted,  that  all  his  troubles  are 
in  some  way  mixed  up  with  Texas  and  Texans.  Consequently 
he  slights  us  in  every  possible  way. 

As  it  is  probable  the  force  intended  to  act  in  Texas  will  be 
largely  made  up  of  nine  months'  men  already  in  this  depart- 
ment, I  have  a  suggestion  to  make  which  I  think  will  obviate 
the  objection  to  their  use,  on  account  of  the  shortness  of  the 
term  they  have  still  to  serve.  I  find  that  the  most  of  these 
men  will  agree  to  extend  their  term  of  service  for  six  or  nine 
months  longer,  on  condition  that  they  are  immediately  sent 
to  Texas.  An  offer  could  also  be  made,  conditioned  on  success, 
that  each  man  should  receive  from  the  public  lands  of  Texas 
from  three  to  five  hundred  acres  of  land  if  he  was  willing  to 
remain  as  a  settler  in  the  State.  I  believe  all  Unionists  in 
Texas  would  willingly  see  our  public  lands  disposed  of  in  this 
way.  At  any  rate,  we  must  have  some  arrangement  made 
by  which  the  term  of  service  of  the  men  composing  the  expedi- 
tion shall  be  at  least  nine  months  after  landing  in  Texas.  With 
this  arrangement,  and  say  fifteen  thousand  men,  the  re-estab- 
lishment of  lawful  authority  in  Texas  is  sure.  Of  course  this 
class  of  men  is  not  requisite  for  such  a  raid  as  I  proposed  to 
General  Banks. 

I  trouble  you  with  these  particulars  because  I  believe  you 
are  well-posted  concerning  our  State,  and  take  a  sincere 
interest  in  our  success;  besides,  it  is  not  impossible  that  you 
may  yet  take  an  active  part  with  us. 

Truly  yours,  EDWIN  J.  DAVIS 

From  President  Lincoln 

TELEGRAM.     WASHINGTON,  Jan.  28/A 

Maj.  Gen.  BUTLER 

PLEASE  come  here  immediately.    Telegraph  me  about  what 

time  you  will  arrive.  A     T 

A.  LINCOLN 

From  J.  W.  Turner 

CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS,  January  29<A,  1863 

Major  General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  GENERAL:  Though  the  New  York  Tribune  persist- 
ently has  it  that  you  are  going  back  to  New  Orleans,  not 
having  heard  from  you  I  have  given  it  no  credence.  Without 
any  positive  knowledge,  I  have  felt  at  no  time  that  this  ad- 
ministration would  send  you  back.  Should  a  change  occur 

VOL.    II — 38 


594        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

in  it,  which  has  been,  and  is,  probable  from  the  aspect  of 
affairs,  should  you  not  be  called  to  fill  a  higher  place,  I  have 
no  doubt  but  what  you  would  be  offered  the  command  of  the 
Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  with  probably  a  much  larger  field  of  action. 
I  doubt  not  though  by  that  time,  if  not  already  by  this,  it 
has  become  in  your  estimation  no  longer  desirable.  It  woulci 
depend  I  presume  somewhat  upon  the  field  they  gave  you, 
and  the  disposition  of  other  Generals. 

You  have  completely  satisfied  the  public  mind  in  this  part 
of  the  country  in  your  administration  of  affairs  at  New 
Orleans  —  both  Republicans  and  Democrats  too;  and  then 
a  cavil  can  always  be  traced  to  a  no  well-wisher  of  the 
Union. 

Your  original  and  summary  method  of  dealing  with  rebels 
brings  a  smile  to  lighten  the  face  of  every  one,  in  striking  con- 
trast to  the  lank,  cadaverous  countenance  with  which  they 
view  the  prospect  of  affairs  elsewhere. 

It  is  as  true  that  the  West  desire  to  see  these  rebels  pum- 
melled, as  it  is  that  there  is  a  rapidly  gaining  genuine  feeling 
of  opposition  to  the  radicalism  of  the  administration,  which 
will  vent  itself  unless  heeded,  in  confusion  to  our  unhappy 
country. 

I  have  been  confined  to  my  room  by  illness  during  the  last 
five  days.  I  shall  leave  for  the  East  about  the  7th  if  I  get  no 
orders  in  the  meantime.  I  would  like  to  see  you  or  hear  from 
you  before  I  went  on  to  Washington.  On  my  arrival  in  New 
York,  should  you  still  be  in  Lowell,  I  will  come  on.  I  will  go 
direct  to  New  York.  I  have  done  almost  as  much  heavy  sit- 
ting around  as  I  am  capable  of  doing.  I  am,  respectfully, 

Yours  sincerely,  J.  W.  TURNER 

From  General  Daniel  Butterfield 

Head  Quarters,  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Jan.' 30th,  1863 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL:  Gen.  Hooker  has  called  me  to  the 
position  of  Chief  of  his  staff.  In  entering  upon  the  duties,  I 
find  no  system,  organized  or  otherwise,  of  espionage  for  col- 
lecting information  of  the  enemies'  movements.  We  are  almost 
as  much  in  the  dark  in  this  respect  as  if  the  Chinese  wall  sur- 
rounded us,  and  we  could  neither  get  inside,  outside,  nor  on 
top  of  it. 

I  cannot  find  that  any  method  or  system  has  been  organized 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       595 

in  this  army  of  late  for  any  such  purpose.  Of  course,  the 
necessity  of  this  thing  must  be  apparent  to  you,  and  I  feel 
that  I  am  not  mistaken  when  I  judge  that  your  experience  in 
this  line  will  prove  valuable.  Can  you  give  me  advice  as  to 
your  plans  and  operations  in  securing  information  of  the  ene- 
mies' movements;  or  the  names  of  any  persons,  white  or 
black,  or  any  other  color,  who  can  undertake  this  duty  to  per- 
form it  properly  with  the  certainty  of  reward  commensurate 
with  their  services.  Please  consider  this  confidential. 

Yours  truly, 
DANIEL  BUTTERFIELD,  Maj.  Gen.  Ch.  of  Staff 

From  Stephen  M.  Allen 

BOSTON,  May  %6th,  1890    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  General  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  In  regard  to  the  interviews  of  January,  1863, 
for  the  committee  on  the  conduct  of  the  war,  I  will  say  from 
memory  without  consulting  papers,  that  in  February,  1862, 
all  was,  as  you  know,  confusion  in  Washington.  Being  there 
for  a  few  weeks,  and  having  a  large  acquaintance  among 
members  of  Congress,  I  was  asked  by  some  members  of  the 
Committee  on  "The  Conduct  of  the  War,"  to  aid  them. 

The  meetings  were  generally  held  at  the  rooms  of  John 
Cavode,  at  the  Avenue  Hotel,  who  took  a  leading  interest  in 
all  war  matters,  and  generally  acted  as  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee. A  large  proportion  of  the  business  was  hearing  re- 
ports of  "Scouts,"  and  giving  orders  for  investigation.  In 
fact  there  was  a  large  corps  of  informers,  or  employees  of  the 
Committee,  not  under  pay  of  course,  whose  business  led  them 
into  all  sorts  of  examinations  of  men  and  things,  at  their  sug- 
gestion. Their  books,  if  extant,  would  show  a  strange  record. 
Some  in  high  places  (including  the  Adjutant  General  himself) 
were  set  down  as  traitors.  Of  course,  character  was  much 
handled,  and  the  fidelity  of  the  officers  in  the  army  was  a 
constant  topic  of  discussion.  I  had  every  opportunity  to  see, 
hear,  and  read  of  these  matters,  which  lasted  some  few  weeks, 
by  an  every  day  meeting  with  the  Committee.  You  were  much 
spoken  of,  as  one  that  could  be  thoroughly  relied  on  for  what- 
ever you  took  to  accomplish.  It  was  thought,  too,  that  you 
were  more  free  from  jealousy  of  the  regular  army  officers  than 
any  other  of  the  new  Generals.  The  decided  stand  you  took 
against  treason  at  the  Charlestown  Convention,  your  memor- 


596        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

able  words,  "I  will  not  sit  in  a  Convention  where  the  African 
Slave  trade,  which  is  Piracy  by  the  laws  of  my  country,  is 
approvingly  advocated,"  which  rang  like  a  "Fiery  Cross" 
through  the  press  North  and  South,  were  remembered  and 
cherished  by  Pres.  Lincoln,  as  well  as  the  important  fact  that 
you  have  been  among  the  first  to  arouse  the  military  valor  of 
Massachusetts,  and  that  your  services  at  Annapolis,  Balti- 
more, and  in  Virginia  were  of  the  first  magnitude  —  Negro 
Slaves  became  "contraband  of  war"  under  your  rule. 

I  returned  to  Boston  before  the  summer  of  1862,  and  did 
not  go  back  to  Washington  until  after  New  Year's  in  1863, 
when  Cavode  again  requested  my  services  with  the  Committee, 
and  I  was  constantly  with  him  and  them,  as  before,  until 
about  the  17th  of  February.  There  was  terrible  confusion 
all  round,  and  most  everybody,  including  the  President, 
was  very  much  discouraged. 

Many  of  the  members  of  the  House  and  Senate  of  Congress 
had  become  very  strongly  opinionated  in  regard  to  measures, 
and  there  was  doubt  and  distrust  on  every  side.  Some  were 
for  overriding  the  President  and  giving  the  management  of 
the  war  to  their  favorite  generals.  Few  were  liberal  and 
practical  in  their  views,  and  there  was  insubordination  all 
round.  Many  changes  in  the  army  were  made  on  purely 
political  grounds,  or  as  matters  of  strategic  policy.  This  was 
the  case  in  regard  to  your  recall  from  New  Orleans.  During 
all  the  discussions  of  the  Committee  when  I  was  present,  or 
in  conversation  with  any  of  them,  or  with  other  members  of 
Congress  at  this  period,  I  never  heard  a  word  against  your 
ability,  integrity,  or  fidelity  to  the  great  cause  in  which  you 
are  engaged,  but  on  the  contrary  a  full  expression  of  con- 
fidence in  your  whole  motive  and  action  was  often  made. 
This  speaks  a  great  deal  when  you  consider  the  amount  of 
public  abuse  you  were  getting  from  your  jealous  and  selfish 
enemies  outside,  who  spared  no  pains,  nor  the  use  of  any  means, 
to  ruin  your  character  before  the  world. 

When  the  question  of  interviewing  you  came  up  I  told 
the  Committee  I  did  not  know  you  personally,  but  of  course 
knew  of  you.  "So  much  the  better,"  says  Cavode,  "you 
know  what  we  think  personally,  and  can  the  better  negotiate 
for  us." 

He  then  stated  to  me  frankly  and  fully  that  the  Committee 
had  the  highest  opinion  of  your  loyalty,  character,  and  ability, 
and  felt  that  the  government  was  under  great  obligations  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       597 

you  already  and  hoped  to  be  more  so.  He  desired  me  First, 
to  ask  your  own  explanation  of  your  commercial  transactions 
in  New  Orleans,  which  had  been  so  foully  misrepresented  in 
the  papers,  taking  notes  to  be  sent  to  the  Committee.  Second, 
if  they  seemed  satisfactory  to  me,  as  he  said  no  doubt  they 
would  be,  to  make  you  the  following  offer,  Viz :  —  You  to  take 
50,000  men  from  McClellan's  army  in  Virginia,  march  to  the 
Ohio  River,  and  go  down  and  take  Port  Hudson  (I  think  it 
was  Port  Hudson).  After  you  made  the  statements  before 
referred  to,  and  feeling  perfectly  satisfied  myself,  I  did  state 
to  you  their  offer.  You  answered  very  promptly,  and  as  I 
thought  rather  tartly,  that  you  would  not  do  it.  First,  you 
said  it  was  no  way  to  take  any  place  on  the  Mississippi  by 
a  fleet  going  down  from  above,  where,  if  crippled,  they  would 
drift  into  the  lion's  jaws  and  be  destroyed  at  once.  A  fleet 
to  be  safe  should  come  up  the  river,  instead  of  down,  that 
unless  you  started  from  New  Orleans  you  would  not  under- 
take it,  and  I  might  so  report.  After  a  moment's  reflection 
you  remarked  that  you  would  be  happy  to  do  any  thing 
proper  and  practical  for  the  government,  but  you  would  not 
undertake  that  project  as  it  was  impractical.  After  a  few 
moments  more  you  said,  "Besides  all  this,  before  such  a  thing 
could  be  done  Port  Hudson  will  be  taken,  and  the  cost  of  the 
effort  would  be  lost."  You  then  went  into  a  detailed  account 
of  how  long  it  would  take  to  move  that  body  of  men  to  the 
Ohio,  how  many  cars  it  would  take,  how  much  equipment, 
how  many  steamers,  with  such  an  armament,  etc.,  and  how 
long  to  get  down,  proving  what  you  had  said  as  to  time.  "No, 
I  will  not  undertake  it,  and  it  is  impractical." 

You  then  opened  upon  Mexico,  Maximilian,  Louis  Napo- 
leon, England,  etc.,  and  gave  a  very  long  and  detailed  account 
of  what  they  were  up  to  in  regard  to  Texas,  etc.,  etc.,  also 
what  England  was  waiting  for,  and  what  she  would  do  if  she 
could,  etc.,  also  that  you  would  like  to  pay  off  the  Mason  and 
Slidell  affair  by  landing  5000  men  on  the  west  coast  of  Ire- 
land, to  keep  their  attention  at  home.  All  of  which  informa- 
tion I  sent  to  the  Committee.  On  renewing  a  cigar,  and  sitting 
back  in  your  chair,  you  reminded  me  of  Ike  Marvel  in  his 
"Reveries  of  A  Bachelor,"  and  soon  began  to  talk  again. 
"Now,  I  will  make  the  government  a  proposition,"  said  you, 
"and  will  carry  it  out  too  if  they  will  aid  me.  I  will  take  the 
50,000  men  proposed  and  get  them  to  tide  water  as  soon  as 
practicable,  land  above  Charleston,  and  in  connection  with 


598       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Farragut  in  the  Bay  will  take  the  city.  I  will  then  march  back 
into  the  interior,  and  spend  the  hot  weather  in  the  pineries  of 
the  West,  and  in  the  early  fall,  if  the  government  will  send 
me  a  recruit  from  Rosecrans'  army  in  We^t  Tennessee  or  some 
other,  I  will  march  to  the  coast  (by  the  Tombigby  River,  I 
think),  and  thus  cut  the  confederacy  in  two,  which  will  prac- 
tically end  the  war."  You  then  were  called  to  Washington, 
and  changes  prevented  your  carrying  out  your  plans  pro- 
posed, 19  months  sooner  than  Sherman  did. 

If  there  is  anything  else  I  can  do  for  you  please  inform  me. 

STEPHEN  M.  ALLEN 

Surviving  Presiding  Officer  of  the  Worcester  Convention,  July 
20,  1854)  which  formed  and  gave  name  to  the  Republican  party 
in  Massachusetts. 

From  J.  E.  Bouligny 

American  Telegraph  Company,  WASHINGTON,  Jan.  SQth,  1863 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  BUTLER,  LOWELL,  MASS. 

SIR:  I  was  informed  yesterday  only  of  your  despatch  to 
Flanders.  My  testimony  as  published  in  the  Times  does  not 
contain  one  word  of  truth. 

Respectfully,  J.  E.  Bouligny. 

From  Hannah  K.  Lovering 

BOSTON,  February  1st,  1863 

General  B.  F.  BUTLER 

DEAR  SIR:  Excuse  the  liberty  which  I  a  stranger  thus 
take  in  writing  you  a  letter,  but  I  have  heard  of  you  so  often, 
and  have  so  frequently  read  your  speeches,  that  I  feel  I  am 
not  entirely  unknown. 

Your  many  and  noble  deeds  performed  in  the  service  of 
your  country,  have  endeared  your  name  to  all  who  love  their 
country  and  their  common  cause,  and  in  accordance  with  my 
husband's  request,  a  soldier  who  formerly  served  under  you, 
I  have  this  day  named  my  young  son  "Benjamin  Butler  Lov- 
ering" in  honor  of  yourself,  and  that  he  may  become  as  great 
and  good  a  man  as  his  namesake  is  my  fervent  wish  and  prayer. 

Trusting  my  choice  of  name  will  not  displease  you  and 
wishing  you  all  success,  I  am, 

Yours  very  truly, 
HANNAH  K.  LOVERING 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       599 

Feb.  6th 

Answer.  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  supposed 
compliment.  I  only  pity  the  boy  that  he  should  bear  so 
unfortunate  (a)  name.  B.  F.  B. 

From  Governor  Tod 

The  State  of  Ohwt  Executive  Department,  COLUMBUS,  February  4th,  1863 

Major  General  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER, 
WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.C. 

DEAR  GENERAL:  The  general  assembly  of  the  state  of  Ohio 
have  devolved  upon  me  a  most  pleasant  and  agreeable  duty, 
in  directing  that  I  send  you  the  enclosed  resolution.  The 
assembly  have  but  expressed  the  sentiment  of  all  the  loyal 
people  of  Ohio. 

Hoping  that  you  may  soon  have  an  opportunity  to  win 
new  laurels  for  our  country  and  yourself.  I  am 

Truly  yours,  DAVID  TOD,  Governor 

Ohio  House  Joint  Resolution 

RESOLVED.  By  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio, 
that  Major  General  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  by  reason  of  his  dis- 
tinguished service  to  his  country  during  the  present  rebellion, 
is  entitled  to  the  grateful  acknowledgments  and  thanks  of  the 
loyal  people  of  the  country. 

RESOLVED.     That   the   Governor   communicate   copies   of 
these  resolutions  to  Major  General  Butler. 
JAMES  R.  HUBBELL,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
B.  STANTON,  President  of  the  Senate 

Office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  January  SQth,  1863 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

I  CERTIFY  the  foregoing  to  be  correctly  copied  from  the 
original  Roll  on  file  in  this  office. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name, 
and  affixed  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  at  Columbus, 
the  31st  day  of  January  A.D.  1863. 

W.  W.  ARMSTRONG,  Secretary  of  State 


INDEX 


"A.  B.  SEGER,"  the,  451 

Abadie,  Mr.,  360,  376,  460 

Abbott,  Capt.,  176,  197 

Abbott,  Judge,  304,  338 

Abellando,  Frederico,  472 

Abolitionists,  the,  78 

Academy  of  Music,  the,  591 

"Adams,"  the,  524 

Adams  Express  Co.,  Agent  for.  See  Blake, 
Asa  S.;  B.  makes  draft  for  payment  of 
troops  in  favor  of,  32,  33;  President  of. 
See  Daismore,  W.  B.;  83;  draft  de- 
livered to  Vice  President  of,  151 

Adams,  Charles  Francis,  letter  to  B. 
fictitiously  alleged  from,  70;  extract  of 
letter  from  Seward  to,  74 

Africans,  Regiments  of.  See  Phelps, 
Brig.  Gen.  J.  W. 

Alabama,  168,  428,  533,  551 

Alexander  the  Coppersmith,  308 

Alexander,  William,  letter  to  Blair  from, 
577 

Alez,  Severo,  495 

Algiers,  49;  letters  from  Davis  to  Provost 
Marshal  of,  49,  50,  278,  401,  430,  440 

Allen,  Brig.  Gen.,  168,  169,  302 

Allen,  Lieut.,  223,  225 

Allen,  Mr.,  477,  478 

Allen,  Stephen  M.,  letter  to  B.  from,  595; 
Presiding  officer  of  Worcester  Conven- 
tion, 598 

"American  Conflict,"  the,  553 

American  Historical  Association  Report, 
1902,  228,  270,  328,  355,  378,  412,  426, 
504,  515,  528,  543,  550,  565,  571 

Amiti  River,  150 

Andre,  Maj.,  506 

Andrew,  Gov.  John  A.,  42,  43;  Commis- 
sions of,  234,  235;  re-nominated,  285; 
354,  499 

Andrews,  Judge  John  W.,  sentenced  to 
Ship  Island,  15,  25,  61,  62;  B.  asked 
to  review  sentence  of,  62,  63 

"Anglo  American,"  the,  249,  250 

"Anna  Pervette,"  the,  8 

Annapolis,  486,  513 


Anonymous,  letter  to  B.,  479 

Antonio,  Juan,  495 

Appleton,  Capt.  John  F.,  letter  to  B. 

from,  547 

Arkansas,  132,  223,  550 
"Arkansas/*  the,  141,  160,  161,  164,  168, 

169,  176,  178,  179,  180,  181,  202,  307 
Arlington  Heights,  144 
Armstrong,  W.  W.,  599 
Army  of  the  Gulf,  the,  B.  commends  the 

soldiers  of,  172-173 
Arnold,  Brig.  Gen.  L.  G.,  letters  from  B. 

to  54,  230;    B.  asks  for  officer  from,  54; 

request  for  transfer  of  district  under 

command  of,  107;  transferred  to  Dept. 

of  the  Gulf,  199,  233,  316;    illness  of, 

402;  526 

"Aroostook,"  the,  382 
Assistant  Secretary  of  War.     See  Wol- 

cott,  C.  P. 
Assistant  Treasurer  of  the  U.   S.,   the, 

32,33 

Astor  Hotel,  166 
Astor  House,  the,  499 
Atchafalaya,  8 
Augusta,  Ga.,  sword  presented  to  Twiggs 

by,  5,  6,  570 
Austria,  71 

Avendaflo,  Don  Peregrim,  280 
Avendafto  Brothers,  279,  280,  281,  887, 

388,  389,  390 
Avenue  Hotel,  the,  595 
Avery,  Dr.,  357 

B 

BACON,  THOMAS  SCOTT,  78,  79 

Bahne,  Albert,  90 

Bahne,  Dick,  90 

Bailey,  Captain,  436 

Bailey,U.  S.  N.,  Captain,  7 

Bailey,  Wm.  H.,  470 

Bainbridge,  Captain,  43 

Baldwin,  Mr.,  259 

Ballot  Box,  the,  475 

Baltimore,   36,  45,   236,   256,  259,   285, 

308,  5 IS 

Bank  of  America,  the,  21,  496 
Bank  of  Commerce,  the,  337 


601 


INDEX 


603 


Bonnegass,  Monsieur,  188 

Bonnet  Carre,  231 

Bonzano,  H.,  asks  that  the  sentence  of 
Judge  Andrews  be  reviewed,  62;  105, 
106 

Bonzano,  M.  F.,  letter  to  B.  from,  503 

Borgne,  Lake,  494,  495 

Borrowes,  J.  J.,  442,  443 

"Bossu,"  479 

Boston,  7,  34,  87,  42,  61,  77,  247,  314, 
569 

Bougere,  Francis,  complaint  of,  391, 
398,  399 

Bouligny,  Mr.,  379,  447,  449,  598 

Bouttee  station,  411,  429 

Brady,  Capt.,  246 

Bragg,  Gen.,  223,  401,  430,  439,  458 

Bragg,  Mrs.,  458 

Brainard,  Lieut.,  199 

Brandt,  A.,  90 

Brashier  City,  401, 411,  430, 440, 490,  515 

Breckinridge,  Maj.  Gen.  J.  C.,  Ill,  150; 
at  Baton  Rouge,  159,  160,  161;  letter 
to  Col.  Cahill  from,  160;  letter  from 
Col.  Cahill  to,  161;  attacks  Vicksburg, 
168, 179, 186, 187, 191;  goes  to  Mobile, 
242;  540 

Breese,  Lieut.  Commanding,  246 

Bremen,  Republic  of,  222 

Brie,  E.  H.,  statement  of,  579 

Brien,  J.  O.,  371 

British  Corps  of  Scouts,  the,  68 

British  Government,  the,  73 

British  Guards,  the,  442 

British  Legation,  the,  11 

Brooklyn,  568 

Brooks,  John,  106 

Brooks,  Mr.,  538 

Brothers,  Alexander,  accused  of  dis- 
loyalty, 381;  furniture,  etc.  taken 
from,  382 

Brown,  J.  George,  B.  warned  by,  242 

Brown  £  McMamms,  397 

Brownlow,  Dr.,  51 

Brownsville,  421;  occupation  of,  565 

Buchanan,  Mr.,  589 

Buchanan,  Lieut.  Comg.  Thomas 
McKean,  430;  letters  to  B.  from,  450, 
451,  521;  asks  permission  to  buy 
cotton,  522 

Buck,  Capt.  A.  E.,  69,  70,  494 

Buell,  Gen.,  223,  401 

Bullitt,  Cuthbert,  9,  131,  136,  285,  587 

Bullitt,  Cuthbert.    See  Bullet*,,  Cuthbert 

Bull's  Run,  72,  350 

Bullock,  Alexander  H.,  speaker  House  of 
Representatives,  586 


Burbank  and  Chase,  380,  454 

Burbank,  E.  W.,  231 

Burbank,  Thomas  S.,  asks  B.  for  relief 
for  brother,  216,  231 

Burbank,  William,  treatment  by  Con- 
federates of,  216,  217 

Burden,  Mr.,  359 

Bureau  of  Emancipation,  the,  531 

Burnside,  Gen.,  469,  500,  533;  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  539,  541;  552 

Burr,  Aaron,  582 

Burton,  Mr.,  Ill 

Busac,  Mr.,  523,  524 

Butler,  Col.  Andrew  Jackson,  letter  from 
Palfrey  to,  2;  in  treaty  to  sell  one  half 
of  "Saxon,"  55;  not  interested  with 
Snow,  76;  business  relations  with  B., 
76,  83,  92,  93,  122,  197;  229,  338,  354, 
356,  357,  358,  423,  424,  425,  426, 
528,  529;  business  with  Fay  Jr.,  234, 
236,  262;  charges  against,  242,  422, 
503,  530,  560;  menace  to  B.,  320, 
503;  asked  to  leave  New  Orleans,  424, 
464,  519,  522,  538 

Butler,  Gen.  Benjamin  F.,  sequesters 
Gen.  Twiggs'  house,  1,  2,  3,  7;  Special 
Orders  by,  No.  138,  2,  No.  146,  9. 
No.  150,  36,  No.  151,  24,  No.  152,  25, 
No.  156,  26,  No.  166,  30,  No.  179,  57, 
No.  181,  57,  No.  206,  90,  No.  232,  131, 
No.  235,  130,  No.  244,  158,  No.  246, 
162,  No.  268,  195,  No.  278,  200,  No. 
294,  213,  No.  326,  237,  No.  374,  579, 
No.  441,  397,  No.  513,  475,  No.  560, 
525;  pistols  given  to,  3;  plates  for 
printing  C.  S.  Treas.  notes  sent  to  Sec. 
of  Treas.  by,  3,  151;  presents  flags  to 
Gen.  Dix,  4,  151;  Gen.  Twiggs' 
swords,  5,  151,  570;  feeling  of  people 
at  home  for,  7,  44,  86,  114,  119,  283, 
284,  285,  500,  519,  532,  563;  informa- 
tion concerning  Gov.  Moore  received 
by,  8;  "qualified  amnesty,"  9;  re- 
quires oath  of  allegiance  from  for- 
eigners in  New  Orleans,  9,  11,  38,  47, 
73,  299;  State  Dept.  approves  action 
in  Mexican  Consulate  case,  9;  difficulty 
with  Phelps  on  negro  question,  10,  41, 
109,  123,  125,  126,  127,  142,  143,  144, 
145,  148,  154,  158,  207;  relations  with 
Coppell,  12,  46,  47;  conflict  between 
Foreign  Consuls  and,  12,  26.  251,  252, 
253,  254,  255,  298;  conditions  at 
Baton  Rouge  reported  by,  13;  se- 
questers funds  in  banks  of  Louisiana, 
14;  payment  of  troops,  14,  31,  32,  33, 
66,  398,  525;  treatment  of  traitors. 


INDEX 


605 


See  also  Native  Guards,  the;  orders 
arms  of  citizens  of  New  Orleans  to  be 
delivered  up,  188,  189,  190,  228; 
attitude  toward  Spanish  government, 
193,  346,  454;  orders  selling  of  sugar, 
195;  sends  pistols  home,  199;  Gen. 
Arnold  ordered  to  New  Orleans  by, 
199;  Sawyer  dishonorably  discharged 
by,  200;  concerning  correspondence  of 
Spanish  Consul,  204-206;  treason 
plots  in  Gas  Works  reported  to,  207; 
equipment  of  Mercier  Guards  brought 
to  notice  of,  208;  concerning  exchange 
of  commodities  for  cotton,  209;  rumors 
of  transfer  of,  212,  242,  243,  248,  249, 
256,  262,  273,  282,  283,  304,  308,  320, 
327,  539;  orders  banks  to  go  into 
liquidation,  213;  on  the  bombardment 
of  Donaldsonville,  214,  215;  reply  to 
Kruttschnidt,  222;  recognition  of 
Kruttschnidt  as  Acting  Consul  of 
Republic  of  Bremen,  222;  reinforce- 
ments promised  to,  223,  226,  349; 
friendliness  of  Loring  for,  223;  asked 
to  protect  and  assist  Mr.  Dexter,  225; 
tribute  from  James  T.  Whitney  to, 
228;  suspected  of  interest  in  specula- 
tions of  Col  Butler,  230,  242,  270, 
329,  356,  357,  358,  422,  426,  503,  544; 
appeals  to  Gen.  Arnold  for  consulta- 
tion and  reinforcements,  230;  Burbank 
reports  on  movements  of  the  Con- 
federates, 231-232;  Gen.  Arnold  added 
to  command  of,  233;  Gen.  Sherman 
sent  to,  233;  in  connection  with  case 
of  Lieut.  Prince,  234,  235;  at  Carrol- 
ton,  236;  program  of  a  day's  work  of, 
236;  Licard  pardoned  by,  237;  sends 
Gen.  Thomas  roster  of  officers  for 
commission  in  1st  Regt.  La.  Vols., 
237;  borrows  from  City  Relief  Fund, 
237;  in  the  case  of  the  "Tennessee," 
238,  239,  240;  concerning  children  of 
incarcerated  women,  240,  241;  reports 
good  condition  of  men,  244,  400; 
report  upon  letter  of  Com.  Porter,  245, 
247;  praised  by  Beecher,  247;  on  the 
prospect  of  going  home,  248;  in  the 
case  of  Messrs.  Pelie,  257,  258;  on 
the  release  of  McLaurin,  260,  261 ;  busi- 
ness transactions  with  Richard  Fay,  Jr., 
262,  289,  290,  519,  538;  degree  con- 
ferred upon,  263;  Taylor  accuses  and 
threatens  troops  of,  265-266;  answers 
Taylor,  266-269;  attitude  of  soldiers 
toward,  270;  tribute  of  Denison  to 
270,  324,  328,  360,  379,  413,  566; 


health  of,  271,  277,  286;  order  con- 
cerning captured  property,  273;  sup- 
presses CompilateuTy  276;  Spanish 
government  complains  of  action  taken 
by,  279,  387;  friendliness  of  Chief 
Justice  Bigelow  toward,  283;  registra- 
tion of  neutral  foreigners  ordered  by, 

286,  299,  331;   muddled  by  conflicting 
reports  from  the  North,  286;   effect  of 
wife  upon,  287;  longs  to  be  home,  287; 
on   the  pillage  or  plunder  by  soldiers, 

287,  288,  289,  315;    the  Lunt  episode 
told  to,  290-291;    calls  for  steamers, 
291,    292;     orders    release    of    Mrs. 
Phillipps,  292;  on  complaint  of  Maj. 
Holbrook,   293,    294    Gov.   Holbrook 
asks  for  Court  of  Inquiry,  295;  replies 
to  Gov.  Holbrook,  295;  attitude  toward 
acts  of  violence  committed  by  U.  S. 
soldiers,    296,    360;     in    case    of    Dr. 
Knapp,    296,    297;     releases    sugars, 
property   of    Covas   and    Megropont, 
300;    General  Orders  by,  No.  13,  301, 
No.    19,  130,  No.   28,  15,  35,  72,  74, 
77,  86,  119,  148,  549,  554,  No.  30,  27, 
No.  36,  485,  No.  40,  51,  299,  No.  41, 
9,  47,  No.  42,  47,  No.  46,  3,  No.  48, 
52,  No.  54,  203,  No.  55,  152,  158,  167, 
219,  220,  221,  222,  361,  362,  366,  No. 
56,  161,  No.  57,  172,  No.  60,  195,  237, 
352,   No.   62,   243,  294,  295,   No.  63, 
209,  459,  No.  71,  285,  298,  No.  73,  305, 
318,  No.   74,   315,  No.  76,  332,  333, 
No.  79,  353,  No.  85,  409,  No.  88,  437, 
No.  91,  426,  449,  522,  560,  572,  No.  93, 
462,  No.  98,   482,  No.    106,  545;    ex- 
change of  prisoners,  301,  302,  303,  353, 
394,  462,  473;   asks  return  of  wounded 
men,  302;    Confiscation  Act,  305,  307, 
315,  316,  318,  323,  333;    makes  test 
case  of  the  Fago  affair,  307;    feelings 
toward    Reverdy    Johnson,    308;     in 
connection  with  "Essex"  affair,  309, 
310,    318-319,    329,    350,    351,    355; 
thanks     Major     Shaw,     311;      Gen. 
Thompson   accepts   apology    of,    311; 
testimony    on    sugar    "Speculations," 
312-314;    urges  Mrs.  B.  to  join  him, 
317;    criticises  government,  317;    Col. 
Butler  a  menace  to,  320;   advice  from 
Mrs.  B.  and  Capt.  George,  321,  322, 
335,    336,    337,    499;     in    matter    of 
Spanish    transports,    324,    325,    340; 
commends    action    of   Major    Strong, 
326;  Mrs.  B.  suggests  a  place  be  made 
on  his  staff  for  Major  Bell  by,  827; 
tribute  to  Dr.  Mercer  by,  333;  attitude 


606 


INDEX 


toward  Hildreth,  338;  bill  for  paintings 
from  Lux,  339;  reports  on  complaints 
of  Spanish  legation,  339,  368;  cordial 
relations  established  between  Callejon 
and,  346;  with  regard  to  wrecking, 
348,  349;  complaints  against  ad- 
ministration of,  349;  sends  gift  to  his 
mother,  352,  393;  expecting  Mrs.  B., 
353;  charters  the  "Frank  Mumford," 
853;  declines  further  dealings  with 
Dillon,  354;  with  reference  to  trading 
with  enemy,  357,  358,  359,  378,  379, 
390,  395,  396,  425,  469;  gives  state- 
ment of  foreign  population  of  New 
Orleans,  363,  364,  365,  367;  in  con- 
nection with  violation  of  neutrality 
laws  by  Spanish  vessels,  374,  375,  419; 
answers  complaint  of  Castillo  and 
Harrisse,  378;  sends  ship  for  Mrs.  B., 
380,  453;  reports  on  case  of  Dacres, 
383;  return  of  property  of  Consul  of 
the  Netherlands,  385;  statement  of 
facts  concerning  case  of  Avendafio 
Brothers,  387;  release  of  railroad  iron, 
392;  on  white  labor,  397;  management 
of  financial  affairs  of  Dept.  by,  398, 
425;  recommends  promotion  to  Brig. 
Gen.  for  Strong,  402;  reports  on 
"Tennessee"  affair,  402;  sends  Dow 
instructions  concerning  use  of  vessels, 
404;  in  the  "pitch*'  transaction,  406; 
sends  home  disloyal  clergymen,  408; 
orders  Court  Martial  to  dissolve,  409; 
in  the  matter  of  salvage  claimed  by 
Dow,  411,  412;  raising  forces  in  Texas, 
413,  428,  465;  on  buying  of  arms,  416; 
417;  reports  facts  concerning  com- 
plaint of  Consul  General  of  Switzerland, 
422;  orders  sent  to  Col.  Thomas  by, 
429;  pays  his  respects  to  Admiral 
Reynaud,  431;  controversy  with 
French  consul  over  seizure  of  blankets, 
431-436;  use  of  contraband  labor 
suggested  by  Mithoffas  to,  436;  au- 
thorizes Merchants  Bank  to  meet 
claims,  437;  disarming  of  the  people, 
439,  463;  on  employment  of  negroes, 
439,  447,  449,  474,  475;  forwards 
parole  to  Borrowes,  443;  returns 
letters  to  Count  Mejan,  443;  reports 
on  matter  of  Gautherin  &  Co.,  446; 
sends  photograph  to  Mrs.  Pugh,  461; 
Gen.  Banks  replaces  B.,  461,  541,  542, 
543,  544,  547,  596;  Hildreth  reports 
on  consignments  and  drafts,  464;  asks 
aid  of  Henry  Wilson,  465-466;  asks 
Sec.  of  State  for  instruction  concerning 


French  citizenship,  467;  Wainwright 
asks  help  for  people  of  Galveston,  471; 
refers  case  of  murder  of  soldiers  to 
Halleck,  472;  organizes  Commission 
to  take  charge  of  merchandise,  474; 
in  connection  with  Lingham  case,  476, 
477,  478;  on  subject  of  foreign  aid  to 
Rebellion,  480,  510;  restores  colors  to 
7th  Vermont  Volunteers,  481,  482,  483; 
in  case  of  Lasalle,  485;  asks  for  Maj. 
Gen.  Hamilton,  486;  tribute  from  J. 
C.  Hamilton,  487;  asks  parole  for 
Soule,  489;  disapproves  of  allotment 
system,  493;  on  the  detention  of 
Spanish  subjects,  495;  in  case  of 
Pepin  vs.  Bank  of  America,  496-498; 
forbids  Canal  Bank  to  purchase  ex- 
change, 498;  in  the  matter  of  the 
"West  Florida"  pass,  501,  502;  aids 
Bonzano,  503;  criticised  by  London 
Times,  503;  in  connection  with  Texan 
Expedition,  504-506,  512,  541,  550; 
on  the  punishment  of  crime,  506;  in 
the  Lemore  case,  509-511;  friendliness 
toward  Banks  of,  513,  542;  obliged  to 
postpone  attack  at  Fort  Hudson,  514; 
on  payment  of  bounty,  517;  submits 
proposition  of  the  banks  to  War  Dept., 
517;  friendliness  of  Sumner  for,  520, 
571 ;  on  matter  of  captured  steamboats, 
522;  in  case  of  Phoenix  Iron  Co.,  524; 
permits  supplies  to  be  shipped  to 
Galveston,  524;  plan  for  roof  on 
Custom  House,  526;  in  "L.  L.  Davis" 
case,  527,  529,  544;  political  news 
from  home,  584,  540,  542,  552;  publica- 
tion in  World  against,  539;  tribute 
from  Bartles,  539;  Congress  in  praise 
of,  542;  Farragut  comments  on,  543; 
final  order  of,  543,  545,  547;  tribute 
from  Appleton  to,  548;  tribute  from 
Stafford  to,  548;  accused  of  inter- 
fering with  Custom  House,  550; 
rumored  intention  of  joining  extreme 
radicals,  550;  Greeley's  estimate  of, 
553;  farewell  address  of,  550,  554-557, 
587;  called  to  Washington  by  Lincoln, 
553,  593;  declared  a  felon  by  Jefferson 
Davis,  559;  reward  offered  for,  562; 
tribute  from  Tyler  to,  562;  authorities 
in  Washington  work  against,  563-564; 
friendliness  of  Morgan  for,  565; 
tribute  from  Gurowski  to,  566;  friend- 
liness of  E.  L.  Pierce  toward,  567; 
tribute  from  citizens  of  New  York  to, 
567-568;  threatened,  569;  attitude  of 
Lincoln  toward,  571 ;  vote  of  thanks  to, 


INDEX 


607 


571;  Banks  compared  with,  572,  575, 
577;  rumored  candidate  for  Cabinet, 
573;  denial  of  falsehoods  in  London 
Herald,  574;  resolutions  adopted  by 
House  of  Representatives,  574;  tribute 
from  White  to,  576;  congratulations 
from  Evans,  578;  incensed  by  Bidwell 
case,  579;  Wendell  Phillips  on,  580; 
Bates  appeals  for  help  to,  580;  Parton 
wishes  to  write  history  of  administra- 
tion in  New  Orleans  of,  582,  583; 
return  to  New  Orleans  rumored,  583, 
584,  586,  587,  589,  593;  friendliness  of 
Maj.  Bell  toward,  585;  thanks  of  the 
Mass.  Legislature  presented  to,  586; 
tribute  of  Warner  to,  586;  Bullitt  to 
call  on,  587;  tribute  from  Thorpe  to, 
589;  suggested  for  War  Dept.,  589; 
suggested  as  Pres.,  590;  contribution 
to  Democratic  Review,  590;  invited  to 
speak  in  New  York,  591;  respect  of 
Gardiner  for,  591,  592;  praise  from 
Turner,  594;  Butterfield  asks  advice 
of,  595;  at  the  Charlestown  Conven- 
tion, 595;  attitude  of  Congress  toward, 
596;  Allen's  interview  with,  596,  597; 
B.  B.  Levering  named  for,  598,  599; 
Ohio  House  Joint  Resolutions,  599. 

LETTERS  FROM  B.  TO 

Arnold,  General,  54,  230 

Banks,  Gen.  N.  P.,  545 

Barker,  Jacob,  480 

Bates,  Moses,  241,  524 

Beaurcgard,  Gen.  P.  G.  T.,  520 

Benachi,  M.  W.,  300 

Blake,  Asa  S.,  32 

Blockading  Squadron,  the  officers  of  the, 
502 

Bonfanti,  Capt  209 

Butler,  Paul,  79 

Butler,  Mrs.  Sarah,  46,  55,  76,  83,  93, 
109,  110,  115,  124,  148,  153,  176,  177, 
185,  190,  198,  233,  236,  241,  248,  271, 
277,  286,  297,  316,  323,  338,  380 

Callejon,  Juan  de,  192,  249,  331,  373,  495 

"Cardenas,"  Captain  of  the,  204 

Carney,  J.  G.,  35 

Champlin,  J.  T.,  263 

Charity  Hospital,  Committee  of  Administra- 
tion of,  58 

Chase,  S.  P.,  3,  26,  31,  105,  113,  394,  398, 
423 

Clara,  Superior  S.  M.,  215 

Coppell,  George,  46,  479 

Daismore,  W.  B.,  33 


Denison,  G.  S.,  528 
Dillon,  William,  354 
Dix,  General,  4 

Dow,  Brig.  Gen.  Neal,  59,  404,  485 
Durant  &  Earner,  523 
Dwyer,  J.  D.,  437 
Etheridge,  Emerson,  574 
Fauconnet,  299 

Farragut,  Adm.  D.  G.,  140,  149,  183,  184, 
273,  406,  413,  441,  450,  501,  522,  527 
Foster,  Dwight,  248 
Fowler,  Joseph  S.,  140 
Fox,  Capt.  G.  V.,  348 
Halleck,  Maj.  Gen.  H.  W.,  Ill,  242,  278, 
326,  394,  400,  410,  459,  472,  481,  490, 
514 

Hamilton,  J.  C.,  486 
Herrera,  Jose  Manuel  Dias  de,  182,  325 
Holbrook,  Gov.  Frederick,  295,  481 
Holt,  Joseph,  399,  472,  506,  522,  579 
Hosford,  Mayor,  45 
January,  Capt.,  330 

Johnson,Reverdy,  80, 81, 83, 94, 98-102,120 
Jones,  Col.  E.  F.,  45 
Kruttschnidt,  J.f  310,  318,  350 
Labitat,  Jonathan,  417 
Lafeye,  J.  W.,  437 
Lamed,  Col.  B.  F.t  31 
Larue,  Mrs.,  57 

Lincoln,  President,  5,  123,  447,  512,  547 

Marshal  in  New  York,  the  U.  S.,  408 

Meigs,  General,  118,  291,  526 

Mejan,  Count,  25,  127,  188,  433,  435,  443, 
485,  491 

Mercer,  W.  N.,  278,  332,  437 

Mobile,  Commanding  Officer  of  Forces  at, 
121 

Morris,  Com.  H.  W.,  26,  239,  240,  353 

New  Orleans,  Treasurer  of  City  of,  257 

New  York,  the  Mayor  of,  235 

Nims,  Capt.,  508 

Opelousas,  Officer  Commanding  Forces  at, 
217 

Paine,  Col.  C.  J.,  377 

Paine,  Col.  H.  E.,  159,  170,  193,  203 

Parton,  James,  582  r 

Pemberton,  General,  473 

Perkins,  Lieutenant,  330 

Phelps,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  W.,  102,  126,  143. 
154,  155,  244 

Piaget,  A.,  491 

Picayune,  Editors  of  the,  48 

Pierce,  L.,  Jr.,  463 

Ponier  &  Co.,  34 

Porter,  Capt.  W.  D.,  141,  187 

Pugh,  Mrs.,  461 

Quartermaster  General,  the,  249 


608 


INDEX 


Rathburn,  H.  A.,  498 

Reynaud,  Admired,  431,  509 

Roy,  Lieut.  T.  A.,  288 

Rozier,  J.  Ad.,  55 

Sanborn,  John,  110 

Seward,  Wm.  H.,  40,  123,  275,  306,  377, 
398,  467,  508,  512 

Shepley,  Gen.,  261,  277 

Sherman,  Gen.  T.  W.,  331,  339 

Shufeldt,  M.,  454 

Slocumb  and  Urquhart,  Mesdames,  1 

Stafford,  Capt.,  88 

Stanton,  E.  M.,  6,  13,  40,  42,  53,  59,  66, 
82,  107,  112,  142,  168,  191,  194,  243, 
298,  315,  339,  361,  368,  375,  383,  384, 
385,  387,  392,  397,  402,  407,  411,  416, 
419,  420,  422,  431,  442,  446,  474,  478, 
489,  493,  516,  517,  525 

Taylor,  Gen.  Jo.,  118 

Taylor,  Maj.  R.,  266 

Thomas,  Gen.,  234,  237,  245,  293,  585 

Thompson,  Gen.  M.  J.,  302,  303,  311 

Walden,  D.  T.,  292 

Weitzel,  Gen.  Godfrey,  158,  429,  439,  455 

Welles,  Gideon,  287 

Williams,  Gen.,  83,  150 

Wilson,  Henry,  465 

LETTERS  TO  B.  FROM 

Adams,  C.  F.9  70 

Allen,  S.  M.,  595 

Anonymous,  479 

Appleton,  Capt.  J.  F.,  547 

Arnold,  Gen.  L.  G.,  107 

Banks,  General,  545 

Barker,  Jacob,  52,  337,  338,  480 

Bartles,  Charles,  533,  538,  552 

Bates.  Moses,   58,    106,    113,    139,    240, 

580 

Bauer,  F.,  167 
Bell,  Major,  283,  585 
Benachi,  M.  W.,  300 
Bird,  F.  W.,  531 
Blake,  Mrs.  A.  S.,  33 
Bonzano,  M.  F.,  503 
Bouligny,  J.  E.,  598 
Brown,  J.  G.,  242 

Buchanan,  Lieut.  T.  M.,  450,  451,  521 
Burbank,  Thomas,  216,  231 
Butler,  Mrs.  Sarah,  163,  175,  196,  201, 

218,  225,  232,  247,  256,  258,  304,  305, 

319,  321,  326,  333 
Butterfield,  Gen.  Daniel,  594 
Callejon,  Juan,  331,  374,  494 
Carney,  J.  G.,  91,  119 
Chartant,  A.,  466 


Chase,  S.  P.,  107,  131,  323,  422,  468,  541, 

584,  587 

Childs,  G.  W.,  51 
Cisco,  J.  J.,  117 
Clara,  Superior  S.  M.9  213 
Clark,  John,  285 
Copeland,  Henry,  207 
Coppell,  George,  46,  163 
Council  of  Ten,  the,  61 
Coxe,  B.  F.,  75 
Davis,  Edwin,  592 
Deming,  Col.  H.  C.,  150 
Democratic  League,  the  Committee  of  the, 

531 

Denison,  G.  S.,  66,  84 
Derby,  E.  H.,  61 
Dow,  Gen.  Neal,  199 
Eliot,  T.  D.,  571 
Elliott,  Joseph,  249 
Etheridge,  Emerson,  574 
Eustis,  W.  T.,  177 
Evans,  Estwick,  578 
Everett,  Edward,  198 
Fairfax,  Capt.  D.  M.  W.,  180 
Farragut,  Adm.  D.  G.,  47,  182,  183,  186, 

330,  382,  393,  403,  416,  470,  501,  502, 

526 

Farwell  &  Co.,  Messrs.  A.  G.,  56 
Fauconnet,  275,  296,  298,  351,  376,  391, 

468 
Fay,  R.  S.,  Jr.,  88,  92,  122,  211,  225,  250, 

262,  289,  314,  354,  518,  537 
Fay,  R.  S.,  ST.,  238 
Fisher,  J.  A.  G.,  207 
Foster,  Dwight,  284 
French,  J.  H.,  324 
Fuller,  T.  K.,  463 
Gardiner,  0.  C.,  590 
George,  P.  R.,  44,  499 
Girault,  J.  F.,  462 
Griffin,  J.  0.  A.,5SO 
Gurowski,  Count,  566 
Hale,  R.  C.,  584 
Halleck,  General,  212,  223 
Hamilton,  J.  C.,  486 
Herrera,  Jose  Manuel  Dias  de,  325 
HUdreth,  F.  A.,  464 
Holbrook,  Governor,  173.  295 
Holbrook,  Kendall,  189 
Hunt,  Randall,  56 
Hurley,  Jeremiah,  138 
Ironside,  Isaac,  587 
J.  P.  M.9  84 

Johnson,  Gov.  Andrew,  139 
Johnson,  Reverdy,  56,  80,  94,  95,  96,  98, 

102,  104,  120,  121 
Killborn,  G.  W.,  382 


INDEX 


609 


Kinsman,  J.  B.,  37 

Krultschnidt,  J.,  220,  309,  317.  351,  355 

Labitat,  Jonathan,  417 

Lincoln,  President,  447,  553 

Lingham,  J.  G.,  478 

Loring,  George,  223 

Lovering,  H.  K.  598 

McCormick,  Charles,  421,  435 

McMillan,  Col.  D.  W.t  102,  187 

Maignan,  General,  51 

Meigs,  Gen.  M.  C.,  185 

Mejan,  Count,  25,  127.  128,  432,  459,  485, 

492 

Mercer,  W.  N.,  332 
Merrill,  Capt.  C.  JR.,  113 
Mithoffas,  M.t  436 
Morgan,  P.  H.,  563 
Morris,  Com.  H.  W.,  238,  240,  316 
Murphy,  W.  W.,  574 
Myers,  J.  B.,7 

New  Orleans,  Merchants  of,  276 
New  York,  Citizens  of,  567 
"New  Yorker"  569 
O'Brien,  J.,  170 
Parton,  James,  582,  583 
Perkins,  Capt.  E.  H.,  180 
Pevie,  General,  208 
Peyster,  Gen.  Walter  de,  78 
Phelps,  Gen.  J.  W.,  145,  155 

Piaget,  A.,  491,  492 

Pierce,  Carlos,  87 

Pierce,  E.  L.,  566 

Pinot,  J.  L.,  372 

Ponier  &  Co.,  34 

Porter,  Com.  D.  D.,  246 

Porter,  Com.  W.  D.,  140,  269 

Reynaud,  Admiral,  430,  431,  508,  511 

Richardson,  D.  S.,  86 

Robinson,  W.  G.,  300 

Roselius,  C.,  207 

Ruggles,  Gen.  Daniel,  67.  215 

/fr^,  Henry,  Jr.,  64 

Jtyan,  J.  2\,  381 

Seacock,  W.  T.,  63 

Seward,  W.  H.,  399 

S/*af er,  Col.  J.  W.,  405,  483.  589 

"  She  Adder,"  A,  548 

s/,  0.  F.,  59,  147,  260 
*,  Colonel,  319 

Shipper,  G.  M.,  103 

Stopper,  Mr*.  G.  M.,  104 

Shufeldt,  R.  W.,  418 

Stafford,  Col.  S.  H.,  548 

Stanton,  E.  M.,  9,  41,  222,  250,  298,  377, 
392,  421,  501,  518 

Strong,  Maj.  G.  C..  114,  165 

Sumner,  Charles,  520.  570 
VOL.  n — 39 


Taylor,  Maj.  R.,  265 

Taylor,  I.  T.,  191 

Tod,  Governor,  599 

Thomas,  Gen.  Lorenzo,  234,  247 

Thomas,  Col.  S.,  242 

Thompson,  General,  311 

Thorpe,  F.  B.f  184 

Thorpe,  T.  B.,  589 

Turner,  Col.  J.  W.,  414,  593 

Tyler,  William,  562 

Union  Man,  A,  3 

Vacherie,  Residents  of,  89 

Veritas,  374 

Fictor,  J.  M,  53 

Wainwright,  Capt.  W.  M.,  470 

Warner,  Oliver,  586 

JFafcon,  P.  H.,  274, 279,  298, 442, 445, 476 

White,  R.  G.,  576 

Whitney,  J.  T.,  124,  227 

Wilson,  Henry,  516 

Wolcott,  C.  P.,  60 

TELEGRAMS  TO  B.  FROM 

Z)oi0,  Gen.  Neal,  316 
Lincoln,  President,  593 

TELEGRAMS  FROM  B.  TO 
Dow;,  Gen.  Neal,  151,  161 


Butler,  Mrs.  Sarah  H.  F.,  37,  114; 
letter  to  Major  Strong  from,  40;  letters 
from  B.  to,  46,  55,  76,  83,  93,  109,  115, 
124,  148,  153,  176,  185,  190,  198,  233, 
236,  241,  248,  271,  277,  286,  297,  316, 
323,  338,  380;  letters  to  B.  from,  163, 
175,  196,  201,  218,  225,  232,  247,  256, 
258,  304,  319,  321,  326,  333;  letter 
from  Whitney  to,  204;  letter  to 
Hildreth  from,  282;  339;  letters  to 
Mrs.  Heard  from,  393,  410,  438,  453, 
488,  503,  520,  530,  547;  at  New 
Orleans,  393,  407,  488;  letters  from 
George  to,  500;  feeling  against  Col. 
B.  of,  504,  530;  sends  gifts  home,  530; 
plans  for  returning  home,  547 

Butler,  Benjamin  Israel,  79,  80,  115,  165, 
196,  248,  338,  339,  453,  504 

Butler,  Blanche,  89,  46,  55,  75,  83,  93, 
109,  115,  124,  149,  165,  196,  218,  226, 
232,  233,  234,  259,  277,  317,  327,  338, 
339,  393,  453,  503 

Butler,  Charles,  568 

Butler,  Mrs.  Charlotte  Ellison,  219,  393, 
410 


610 


INDEX 


Butler,  Paul,  letter  from  B.  to,  79;  age  of. 

79;    gifts  to,  83,  530;    115,  165,  196, 

219,  249,  453 

Butler,  William  Allen,  568 
Butterfield,   Gen.   Daniel,    letter   to   B. 

from,  594;    called  to  staff  of  Hooker, 

594;   asks  advice  of  B.,  595 
By  am,  Mr.,  Mayor  of  Baton  Rouge,  13 


CABEZAS,   EDWARD,  369;   deposition  of, 

370 

Cadwallader,  General,  rumored  as  suc- 
cessor to  B.,  283 

Cahill,  Col.  Thomas  W.,  affair  at  Baton 
Rouge  reported  by,  159,  160;  letter 
from  Breckinridge  to,  160;  letter  to 
Breckinridge  from,  161;  in  command 
at  Vicksburg,  169;  letter  to  B.  from, 
495,  496 
"Calhoun,"  the,  273,  394,  445,  451,  452 

Calleja,  Mr.,  369,  371 

Callejon,  Juan  de,  correspondence  of, 
128,  205;  letters  from  B.  to,  192,  249, 
331,  $73,  495,  325;  letters  to  B.  from, 
331,  374,  494;  in  the  "Roanoke"  case, 
340,  344,  345;  cordial  relations  estab- 
lished between  B.  and.  346;  asked  to 
bring  Puig  before  B.,  369;  complains 
of  detention  of  Spanish  subjects,  494; 
512 

Calleza,  M.     See  Calleja,  Mr. 

Cambridge,  37,  39,  62,  86 

Camden,  Frederick,  585 

Cameron,  General,  540,  590 

Camp  Chalmette,  85 

Camp  Moore,  21,  50,  66,  150,  167,  349, 
357 

Camp  Parapet,  102,  113,  143 

Camp  Verde,  803 

Canal  Bank,  the,  498 

"Cardenas,"  the,  182,  205;  letter  from 
B.  to  Capt.  of,  204;  249,  340,  342, 
343,  344,  345,  346,  389 

Carnere,  A.,  276 

Carney,  J.  G.,  letter  from  B.  to,  35; 
B's  consignment  to  be  explained  to, 
77;  letters  to  B.  from,  91,  119;  pay- 
ment of  drafts  of,  91,  93,  212;  148, 
326,  464 

Caroline,  55,  77,  232 

Carrington,  Mr.,  98 

Carrolton,  66,  102,  143,  228,  236,  237, 
244,  273,  400,  436 

Castillo,  Mr.  377,  378 

Castle,  Henry,  54,  67 


"Catawba,"  the,  407,  531 

"Catinat,"  the,  431,  508,  510 

Cavode,  John,  595,  596 

Center,  the,  69 

Centreville,  247 

Cerro  Gorde,  5 

Chamber  of  Commerce,  the  N.  Y.,  569, 

591 
Champlin,  Rev.  J.  T.,  letter  from  B.  to, 

263 

Chander,  J.,  420 
Chapman,  Mr.,  479 
Chapultepec,  5 

Charity  Hospital  of  New  Orleans,  the, 
resignation  of  trustees  of,  15;   state  of 
funds  of,  58;  525 
"Charles  Kean,"  the,  464 
Charleston,  72,  390,  597 
Charlestown,  352 

Charlestown  Convention,  the,  595,  596 
Chartant,  Surgeon  A.,  466 
Chase,  Kate,  134 

Chase,  Salmon  P.,  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury,  3;  letters  from  B.  to  3,  26, 
31,  105,  113,  394,  398,  423;  friendliness 
toward  B.  of,  38,  66,  134;  release  of 
liquor  ordered  by,  39,  107,  108;  funds 
transmitted  by  B.  to,  83;  B.  asks 
permission  to  coin  small  coin  from, 
105,  letters  to  B.  from,  107,  131,  323, 
422,  468,  541,  584,  587;  release  of 
matches  ordered  by,  109;  B.  sends 
copy  of  Records  of  Mortgages  to,  113, 
114;  on  the  negro  question,  132-135; 
plates  delivered  to,  151;  letters  from 
Denison  to,  228,  269,  328,  355,  378, 
412,  426,  504,  515,  528,  543,  550,  565; 
in  favor  with  Lincoln,  334;  335,  358, 
499,  504,  535;  resignation  of,  552,  566, 
585 

Chicago,  197 
"  Chickahominy,"  24 
Chickering,  Thomas,  Regt.  of,  354 
Childs,  George  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  51 
Choate,  Rufus,  42,  194 
Chubbuck,  Mr.,  232,  256 
Cincinnati,  257,  286 

Cisco,  John  J.,  letters  to  B.  from,  117,  566 
Citizen's  Bank  of  New  Orleans,  the,  221, 

585 
Citizens  of  New  York,  letter  to  B.  from, 

567 
Claiborne,  J.  F.  H.,  information  given  to 

Captain  Buck  by,  69-70 
Clara,  Superior  S.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

213;  letter  from  B.  to,  215 
Clark,  Captain,  284,  326,  333 


INDEX 


611 


Clark,  Colonel,  111 

Clark,  H.  C.,  479 

Clark,  John,  reports  to  B.  on  conditions 

in  North,  285 
Clark,  Mr.,  358 
Clark,  Robert,  355 
Clarke,  Brig.  Gen.  Charles,  prisoner  of 

war,  160,  161,  168,  169,  215;    visited 

by  his  children,  319;   473 
Clarke,   Mrs.   Charles,   allowed   to  visit 

her  husband,  216;   301 
Clarke,  James  Freeman,  566 
Clemence,  Major,  110,  304,  305,  322 
"Clifton,"  the,  140,  330,  471 
"Colored    Brigade,"     the.     See    Native 

Guards,  the 

Colton,  Charles  C.,  86 
Columbus,  364 
Commercial     Water    Works     Co.,     the, 

497,  498 
Commissary   of   Subsistence,   the   Chief. 

See  Turner.  Col.  John  W. 
Commissioners  of  Peace,  336 
"Committee  of  Public  Safety,"  152,  364 
Compilateur,  the,  275 
Comstock,  Capt.  A  ,  103,  104 
"Conduct  of  the  War,"  the,  Committee 

on,  595 

Confederacy,  the,  17,  19,  329,  332,  346 
Confederate  Army,  the,  26,  65,  66,  261, 

343,  353,  357,  358 
Confederate  Government,    the,    17,    19, 

90,  95,  268,  371,  395,  422,  425,  446, 

462,  473 

Confederate  money,  3,  8 
Confederate  officers,  21,  23 
Confederate  States,  the,  Treasury  notes 

of,   3,   14,   20,   81;    Secretary   of   the 

Treasury  of.     See  Memminger,  C.  G.; 

Myers,  Quartermaster  of,  6,  17;  una- 
nimity of  the  people  of,  19,  52,  67,  69; 

Receivers  of,  83;  101,   179,  265,  300, 

332,  363,  365,  370,  509 
Confederate    States    Treasury,    the,    B. 

sends  to  Sec.  of  the  Treas.  certificates 

of  deposits  in,  26 

Confiscation  Act,  the,  151,  315,  316 
"Congress,"  the,  571 
Congress,  sword  presented  to  Twiggs  by 

act  of,  5 

"Connecticut,"  the,  124,  142,  176,  343 
Connecticut  Volunteer  Militia,  the,  168; 

9th  Regt.  of,  278,  357;   13th  Regt.  of, 

342,  358 

Conscription  Act,  14 
Consul,    Acting    British.     See    Coppell, 

George 


Consul  General  of  Havana.  See  Shufeldt, 
R.W. 

Consul  of  Bremen,  Acting.  See  Krutt- 
schnidt,  J.;  Rudolf  I.  Keus  vice,  222 

Consul  of  France.  See  Mejan,  Count; 
Acting.  See  Fauconnet,  Monsieur 

Consul  of  Greece.    See  Benacki,  M.  W. 

Consul  of  Italy,  the.     See  Lanata,  Mr. 

Consul  at  Malta,  61 

Consul  at  Matamoras.     See  Pierce,  Mr. 

Consul  of  Mexico,  the,  24 

Consul  of  the  Netherlands,  the.  See 
Conturie,  Amedee.  See  also,  Mejan, 
Count 

Consul  of  Prussia.  See  Vogel,  William; 
Acting.  See  Kruttschmdt,  V.;  Rei- 
chart,  late,  222 

Consul  of  Spain,  the.  See  Callejon, 
Juan  de 

Contraband  of  War,  39,  109,  264,  310, 
357,  368,  558 

Contrabands,  the,  126,  127,  436,  437 

Conturie,  Amedee,  conflict  with  military 
authorities  of  New  Orleans  and,  80, 
81,  82,  95,  96,  252,  253,  254,  255,  306; 
failure  to  exercise  functions  of  Consul 
by,  255;  invited  by  Dutch  minister  to 
receive  articles  seized  at  his  house, 
298;  return  of  property  of,  385,  386.  387 

Cook,  Captain,  394,  406,  451 

Cooper,  Peter,  568 

Copeland,  Henry,  207 

Coppell,  George,  in  connection  with  oath 
of  allegiance,  9,  73;  duly  appointed 
Acting  British  Consul,  11;  in  connec- 
tion with  the  sugar  transaction,  12; 
letters  to  B.  from,  46,  163;  letters  from 
B.  to,  46,  479;  re-establishment  of 
official  relations  between  B.  and,  47; 
in  connection  with  arrest  of  Borrowes, 
442 

Corinth,  191,  223,  354 

Cornwell,  Captain,  358 

Corpus  Christi,  428 

Correction  of  Slaves,  84 

"Cortes,"  the,  419 

Cottman,  Mr.,  449 

"Cotton,"  the,  444,  445,  451,  452,  453 

Cotton  Factors,  the,  362 

Coulon,  Justin,  351,  459,  460 

Council  of  Ten,  the,  letter  to  B.  from,  61 

Courier,  the  Boston,  36,  290,  291 

Court  Martial,  150 

Court  of  King's  Bench,  the,  524 

Covas  and  Megroponte,  Messrs.,  300 

Coxe,  B.  F.,  appeals  to  B.  for  protection, 
75 


612 


INDEX 


Crampton,  Captain,  118 
"Creole,"  the,  54,  149,  404,  537 
Crescent  City,  the.     See  New  Orleans 
Crescent  City  Bank  of  New  Orleans,  the, 

213 

Crocker,  Captain,  502 
Crossman,  Colonel,  87 
Cross  State  Station,  the,  65 
Crottes,  Martial,  377 
Cruz,  Ignacia  de  la,  495 
Cuba,  204,  205,  280,  316,  340,  342,  343, 

345,  346,  418 
"Cumberland,"  the,  571 
"Cumbria,"  the,  572 
Curtis,  General,  with  Grant  at  Vicksburg, 

111 

Curtis,  George  W.,  86 
Gushing,  Mr.,  148 
Cushing,  Caleb,  590 
Custom  House,  the,  526 

D 

DACRES,  JAMES,  claim  of,  383 
Daily  Advocate,  the,  475,  480 
Daismore,  W.  B.,  letter  from  B.  to,  33 
Davis,  Capt.  R  S.,  gives  orders  to 
Palfrey  concerning  Twiggs'  house,  2; 
Special  Orders  issued  by,  No.  138,  2, 
No.  146,  9,  No.  150,  36,  No.  151,  24, 
No.  152,  25,  No.  156,  26,  No  166,  30, 
No.  179,  57,  No.  181,  57,  No.  206,  90, 
No.  232,  130,  No.  235,  130,  No.  244, 
158,  No.  246,  162,  No.  268,  195,  No. 
278,  200,  No.  294,  213;  General  Orders 
issued  by,  No  46,  3,  No  48,  52,  No  55, 
152,  No.  56,  161,  No.  57,  173,  No.  60, 
195,  No.  63,  209,  No.  85,  409,  No.  93, 
462;  B.  asks  promotion  for,  42; 
letters  to  Col.  McMillan  from,  49,  50, 
58;  return  of  stolen  articles  to  Provost 
Marshal  of  Algiers  La.,  by,  49;  copies 
of  information  furnished  by  scouts 
sent  to  Col.  McMillan  by,  65;  orders 
concerning  quarantine  issued  by,  91; 
letters  from  Gen.  Phelps  to,  125,  126; 
letter  to  Lieut.  Weitzel  from,  158; 
letters  to  Col.  Paine  from,  159,  170, 
193;  letter  from  Col.  Cahiil  to  159; 
330 

Davis,  Colonel,  413,  428,  463,  572 
Davis,  Commander,  15,  48,  286 
Davis,  Edwin  J.,  letter  to  B.  from,  592 
Davis,  Jefferson,  3,  78,  535;    Proclama- 
tion by,  557-562,  563;  562 
Davis,  Judge.     See  Davis,  Colonel 
"Dean,"  the,  380 


Dean,  Mr.,  304,  338 

De  Bauer,  Major,  160 

De  Kay,  Lieutenant,  36,  37 

Delta,  the,  332,  363,  540,  550 

Deming,  Col.  Henry  C.,  16,  42,  55;  letter 
to  B.  from,  151;  482,489 

Democratic  League,  the  Corresponding 
Committee  of  the,  letter  to  B.  from, 
532 

Democratic  party,  the,  334,  335,  336 

Democratic  Review,  the,  590 

Denegre,  J.  D.,  117,  118 

Denegree,  General,  on  Board  of  Survey, 
110 

Denison,  George  S.,  Sec.  of  the  Treas. 
gives  instructions  regarding  ardent 
spirits  to,  39,  107,  108;  letters  to  B. 
from,  66,  84;  concerning  permits 
granted  by  B.  to,  84,  423;  instruc- 
tions concerning  matches  given  to,  109; 
letters  to  Chase  from,  228,  270,  324, 328, 
355,  378,  412,  426,  504,  515,  528,  543, 
550,  565,  571;  suspects  B.,  357,  423; 
statements  made  to,  357,  358;  letter 
to  Lincoln  from,  447;  in  the  "L.  L. 
Davis"  case,  527,  528,  529,  544;  re- 
commends thorough  opening  of  river, 
550;  estimate  of  Banks,  572,  573; 
on  arming  the  negroes,  573 

Denison  and  Wyckoff,  Messrs.,  109 

Department  of  the  Gulf,  the,  59,  107,  199, 
303,  516,  541,  547,  567,  575,  594 

Department  of  the  Mississippi,  the, 
Van  Dorn  in  command  of,  13,  462 

Department  of  the  Navy,  the,  287 

Department  of  New  England,  the,  235 

Department  of  Ordnance,  the,  417 

Department  of  State,  the,  9,  10,  12,  250, 
274,  275,  279,  300,  306,  308,  309,  315, 
361,  387,  396,  398,  399,  432,  442 

Department  of  the  South,  the,  107,  199 

Department  of  the  Treasury,  the,  39, 
264;  condition  of,  324 

Department  of  the  West,  the,  111 

Department  of  War,  the,  9,  16;  despatch 
from,  55;  63,  89,  154,  199,  237,  295, 
313,  339;  General  Orders  from,  No. 
107,  315,  404,  No.  184,  461;  368,  369, 
375,  409,  411,  417,  426,  436,  442,  446, 
459,  533,  535;  party  desirous  of 
putting  B.  in,  589 

Derby,  E.  H.,  review  of  case  of  Andrews 
requested  by,  61;  letter  from  Bonzano 
to,  62 

Deslonde,  Capt.  A.,  216,  217,  218,  268 

Destrihan,  M.  A.,  list  of  articles  belonging 
to,  49 


INDEX 


613 


Dexter,  T.  C.  A.,  212,  225,  518,  519,  537, 
538 

"Diana,"  the,  430,  451,  452,  521 

Diario,  the,  419 

Dickenson,  Lieutenant,  69 

Dillon,  William,  354,  522,  523 

Dimick,  Col.  J.,  60 

Dix,  General,  letter  from  B.  to,  4;  B. 
presents  flags  to,  4;  248;  rumored  as 
successor  to  B.,  282,  283;  dinner  to 
Johnson  given  by,  349;  394,  590 

Donaldson,  Thomas  C.,  476,  477,  478 

Donaldsonville,  bombardment  of  orphan 
asylum  of,  214,  215;  232,  287,  302; 
expedition  to,  406,  412,  427,  430,  490; 
440,  455,  468,  491,  492,  522 

Douglas,  Mr.,  540 

Dow,  Brig.  Gen.  Neal,  B.  orders  dis- 
tribution of  wines  and  liquors  stopped 
by,  59;  telegrams  from  B.  to,  151,  161; 
quarantine  order  to,  151;  letter  to  B. 
from,  200;  at  New  Orleans,  316; 
letters  from  B.  to,  404,  485;  B.  gives 
instructions  on  use  of  vessels  to,  404; 
orders  relating  to  pitch,  405,  406,  407; 
in  relation  to  recovery  of  a  chain  cable, 
411,  412;  letter  to  Strong  from,  411; 
letter  from  Martin  to,  412;  sale  of 
"Neafic"by,483;  484;  Special  Orders 
No.  136  by,  485 

Dow,  Colonel,  316 

Dracut,  259 

Dred  Scott  decision,  the,  553 

Dubois  and  Mish,  221 

Dubos,  Francis,  275 

Duclos,  Lucien,  391 

Dudley,  Act.  Brig.  Gen.  N.  A.  M.,  294 

Dudley,  Col.  N.  H.  M.,  508 

Dumas,  Alexander,  360 

Dupasseur  and  Co.,  81,  251 

Durand,  A.,  case  against  officers  of  the 
Bank  of  Louisiana  and,  27—30 

Durant  &  Homer,  letter  from  B.  to,  523 

Durant,  Mr.,  186,  489,  531 

Durant,  Thomas  J.,  136 

Durivage,  Messrs.,  198 

Dwyer,  J.  D.,  letter  from  B.  to,  437 

Dyer,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  405 

E 

EAST  INDIAN  WAR,  the,  69 
Eastman,  304 
Eddy.  Mr.,  246 
Edson,  Dr.,  454 
Elam,  R.  H.  ,140 
Eliot.  T.  D.,  571 


Elliott,  Joseph,  friendliness  toward  B.  of, 

249 

"Ellis"  Cliffs,  141 
"Elmira,"  the,  8 
Eloisque,  F.,  871 
El  Paso,  551 

"Emblem,"  the,  519,  538 
"Emma,"  the,  329 
"Empire  Parish,"  the,  90,  245 
England,  71,  74,  75,  101,  120,  177 
English  Legation,  the,  38 
English  Parliament,  the,  86 
"E.  P.  Stewart,"  the,  39 
"Essex,"  the,  141,  160, 169, 173, 178,  179, 

180,  181,  187,  269,  271,  273,  309,  310, 

817,  318,  319,  329,  350,  351,  355,  430, 

477,  478,  550,  552 
"Estrella,"  the,  451,  452 
Etheridge,  Emerson,  574 
Eustis,  George,  374 
Eustis,  M.  M.  Delain,  374 
Eustis,  William  T.,  claim  of,  177-178 
Evans,  Estwick,  letter  to  B.  from,  578 
Evening  Post,  the  N.  Y.,  532 
Evening  Press,  the  Providence,  562,  563 
Everett,  Alexander,  590 
Everett,  Edward,  letter  to  B.  from,  198 
Ewbank,  Thomas,  532 


FAGO,  C.  MCDONALD,  306,  307 

Fairfax,  Capt.  D.  M.  W.,  assailed  by 
Captain  Porter,  179,  180 

Fair  Oaks,  92 

Fallon,  Martin,  case  of,  383 

"Fancy  Natchez,"  the,  451 

Fard,  Mr.,  444 

Farragut,  Rear  Adm.  D.  G.,  letters  to  B. 
from,  47,  182,  183,  186,  330,  382,  393, 
403,  416,  470,  501,  502,  526;  shelling  of 
Vicksburg  by,  47;  guerillas  fire  upon, 
54,  85;  letters  from  B.  to,  140,  141, 
149,  183,  184,  273,  406,  413,  441,  450, 
501,  522,  527;  gives  up  Vicksburg, 
148;  164,  169,  179;  about  to  leave 
Mississippi  River,  183,  350;  on  co- 
operation of  army  and  navy,  183,  187, 
245;  praised  by  B.,  184;  186;  proud  of 
title  of  Rear  Admiral,  186;  215,  329, 
349;  tribute  paid  by  Fox  to,  350;  in 
connection  with  trading  permits,  383, 
395,  396;  401;  in  connection  with 
"Tennessee"  affair,  403;  in  connection 
with  "pitch  transaction,"  405,  406, 
407;  asked  to  investigate  case  of 
Garrison,  441;  asked  to  stop  "Oreto," 


614 


INDEX 


441;  46S;  in  the  "L.  L.  Davis"  case, 
527,  528,  529;  comments  on  B.,  543; 
quotation  from  "Life  &  Letters"  of, 
543,  544,  551;  arrives  at  Galveston, 
572;  criticism  of,  577 

Farrar,  Mr.,  319 

Farrington,  304 

Farwell  &  Co  ,  Messrs.  A.  G.,  letter  to 
B.  from,  56 

Fassman,  Mr.,  485 

Fauconnet,  Monsieur,  addresses  B.  in 
behalf  of  Dubos,  275;  reports  acts  of 
violence  committed  by  U.  S.  soldiers, 
296,  351;  letters  from  B.  to,  296,  352, 
360,  376,  398;  concerning  complying 
with  General  Orders  Nos.  40,  41  and 
71,  298,  299,  300;  letters  to  B.  from, 
376,  391,  468;  399,  402,  403,  459; 
gives  certificates,  479 

Fay,  I.  S  ,  290 

Fay,  Richard  S.,  Jr.,  7;  and  shipment  of 
merchandise,  34,  89,  92;  35,  238,  290, 
314;  letter  to  Mrs.  Butler  from,  65; 
letters  to  B  from,  88,  92,  122,  211, 
225,  250,  262,  289,  314,  354,  518,  537; 
91;  sends  private  account  of  B.,  122; 
refuses  false  draft,  211;  234;  purchases 
draft  for  B.,  250;  business  transactions 
with  B  ,  262,  289,  290,  338,  354,  538, 
administration  criticised  by,  263; 
supports  the  Courier,  290;  Bonfanti 
draws  on,  328;  with  regard  to  hay  in 
New  Orleans,  354 

Fay,  Richard  S.,  Sr.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
238;  289,  290,  291 

"  Fearnot,"  the,  238,  240 

Federal  Government,  the,  12,  68,  72 

Federal  Troops,  67 

Field,  Lieut.  C.  G.,  153,  437 

Field,  Dudley,  590 

Field,  Jonathan  E.,  Pres.  of  the  Senate, 
586 

Fifth  Ave.  Hotel,  the,  567 

Fish,  Hamilton,  591 

Fisher,  J.  A.  G.,  207,  421 

Fiske,  Capt.  Wm.  O.,  43 

Flanders,  B.  P.,  163,  329,  449,  528,  534, 
542,  584,  598 

Fleyd,  Mr.,  390 

Florence,  Miss  Rowena,  Twiggs  leaves 
swords  and  silver  to,  5,  6 

Florida,  161 

Fonin,  Vr.,  468 

Foretell,  Edmund  I.,  80,  95,  96,  252, 
253,  308 

Fortenberry,  J.  M.,  letter  to  Stanley 
from,  438 


Fort  Gaines,  330,  382,  394 

Fort  Hudson,  514 

Fort  Jackson,   73,   128,   200,   230,   231, 

293,  473,  509,  510 
Fort  Lafayette,  408,  489 
Fort  Luforth,  37 
Fort  Macomb,  440 
Fort  Monroe,  513 
Fort  Morgan,  401 
Fort  Pickens,  43,  70,  107,  230,  476,  477, 

509,  510 
Fort  Pike,  406 

Fortress  Monroe,  232,  247,  349,  504 
Fort  St.  Philip,  45,  161,  187,  188,  230, 

385,  411,  412 
Fort  Taylor,  207 
Fort  Warren,  37,  60,  62,  63 
Foster,  Dwight,  expression  of  regard  for 

B.  made  by,  284;   B.  replies  to,  284 
Fowler,  Joseph  S.,  140 
"Fox,"  the,  99,  245,  246,  388 
Fox,  Capt.  G.  V.,  89,  290;    letter  from 

B.  to,  348;   letter  to  B.  from,  348-350 
Fox,  Mrs.,  348 
France,  71,  74,  75,  250;  minister  of,  445, 

446;  laws  of,  467 
Francisco,  Lorenzo,  495 
Franklin,  440,  444,  445 
"Franklin,"  the,  575,  576 
"Frank  Mumford,"  the,  353 
Frazer,  225 

Fredericksburg,  538,  539 
"Free  Colored  Brigade,"  the.     See  Na- 
tive Guards,  the 

Fremont,  General,  44,  93,  335,  454,  533 
French,  George  A.,  139 
French,  Mrs.,  453 
French,  Gen.  Jonas  H.,  42;   letter  to  B. 

from,  324;    351;    suspected  of  interest 

in   speculations   of   Col.    Butler,   356; 

seizures  released  by,  357;  371,  432,  435, 

468 

French  Legation,  the,  38,  367 
"French   Legion,"  the,    the   storing   of 

arms  of,  51 

French,  Zouaves,  the,  68 
Fuller,  H.  M.,  letter  to  George  from,  575 
Fuller,  Capt.  T.  K.,  445,  463,  491 
Fulton,  Reverend  Wm.,  408 


GAINSVILLE,  69,  70 

Galveston,  382,  401,  406,  413,  428,  440, 

463,  465,  506,  524,  525,  535,  565,  566; 

disaster  at,  571,  592;   575,  577 
Galveston  Island,  470 


INDEX 


615 


Gardiner,  Henry  C.,  532 

Gardiner,  O.  C.,  letter  to  B.  from,  590; 

"Foreign  Immigration"  by,  590;    the 

"Great  Issue'*  by,  590 
Garibaldi  Company,  the,  479 
Garrison,  L.,  441,  499 
Gautherin,  &  Co.,  M.,  445,  446,  509 
"General  Butler,"  the,  34 
George,    Capt.   Paul   R.,   letters   to   B. 

from,  44,  499;    46,  87,  114,  122,  166, 

259,  283,  305,  321,  322,  337,  381,  464; 

warns  B.,  499-500;   letter  from  Fuller 

to,  575 

Georgetown,  39,  232,  256,  282,  327 
Georgia,  sword  presented  to  Twiggs  by, 

5,  6;   168,  570 
Germany,  71 
Gerolt,  Baron  Fr.,  letter  to  Seward  from, 

219 
Gibson,  Captain,  ordered  to  stop  boats 

approaching  New  Orleans  via  lakes,  91 
Giddings,  Major,  228 
Gill,  Mr.,  213 
Gilpin,  H.  D.,  590 

Girault,  Maj.  J.  F  ,  letter  to  B,  from,  462 
Gladden,  General,  171 
Glenn,  L.  F.,  103 
Godbury,  James,  231 
Goicouria  and  Co.,  D.D.,  358 
Goicouria,  Don  G.,  358 
Gonzales,  convicted  for  murder,  399 
Goodman,  Mr.,  261 
Goodrich,  Reverend  Mr.,  408 
Goodwin,  Acting  Master,  521 
Gould,  Charles,  568 
Graham,  I.  A.,  130 
Grailhe,  Mr.,  374 
Grand  Lake,  521 

Grant,  Gen.  U.  S  ,  advance  upon  Vicks- 
-      burg  by,  82,  111;  124 
Grant's  Pass,  183,  394 
Gray,  W.  C.,  350 
Great  Britain,  250,  305 
Greece,  71 

Greeley,  Horace,  estimate  of  B.  by,  553 
Green,  Son  &  Co.,  George,  355 
"Green  Mountain  Boys,"  the,  174 
Green,  Lieut.  Wm.  L  G.,  462.  468,  495 
Greenwood,  Moses,  129;   the  cotton  deal 

of,   177;    in  connection  with  case  of 

Heidrick,  372 
Grenada,  551 
Griffin,  Mr.,  304,  338 
Griffin,  J,  O.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  580 
Grima,  F.,  220,  221 
Grivot,  Adjutant  and  Inspector  General, 

210,  211 


Grover,  Brig.  Gen.  C.,  outlaws  Bates, 

580,  581 
Guerillas,  Farragut  fired  on  by  band  of, 

54;    cotton   destroyed    by  bands   of, 

58;  Steal's  band  of,  69;   103,  111,  144; 

attack  on,  150;  199,  215,  281,  232, 243, 

267,  268,  269,  270,  278,  279,  288,  291, 

312,  378,  428 
Guerilla  warfare,  13,  15 
Guest,  Capt.  John,  in  connection  with 

cattle  shipped  to  Ship  Island,  414,  415, 

416 

Gulf  of  Mexico,  the,  388 
Gurowski,  Count  Adam,  566 

H 

HAAS,  JOHN  GEO.,  34 

Haggerty,  Captain,  45,  55,  165,  202,  203, 
339,  352;  report  of  delivery  of  property 
to  Consul  of  the  Netherlands,  885 

Hahn,  Mr.,  534,  542 

Haidel,  Doct.,  231 

Haines,  Major,  160 

Hale,  R.  C.,  letter  to  B.  from,  584 

Halieck,  Maj.  Gen.  Henry  W.,  48,  83; 
letters  from  B.  to,  111,  242,  278,  326, 
394,  400,  410,  459,  472,  481,  490,  514; 
established  in  Washington,  122;  124; 
letters  to  B.  from,  212;  appointed  Sec- 
retary of  War,  321,  223;  calls  on  Chase, 
323;  334;  Weitzel's  report  sent  to,  459; 
469;  B.  refers  case  of  murder  of 
soldiers  to,  472;  486,  487,  488,  520, 
533;  statement  concerning  re-enforce- 
ment of  McClellan,  536,  537;  General 
Orders  by,  No.  184,  547;  in  connection 
with  Mumford  case,  557,  558;  590 

Rambling,  Mr.,  351 

Hamburg,  221 

Hamilton,  A.  J.,  427 

Hamilton,  John  C.,  letter -from  B.  to, 
486;  letter  to  B.  from,  486;  on  em- 
ployment of  negroes,  487 

Hamilton,  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  486; 
favors  occupation  of  Brownsville,  565; 
566,  573,  577,  592 

"Hanna  Thornton,"  the,  89 

Hardy,  P.  D.,  210 

Harper's  Ferry,  518 

"  Harriet  Lane,"  the,  571,  572 

Harris  &  Co.,  H,,  290 

Harris,  Mr.,  402 

Harrison,  Mr.,  405 

Harrisse,  Charles,  377,  378 

Harry,  410 

"Hart,"  the,  445,  451 


616 


INDEX 


"Hartford,"  the,  521 

Hartley,  Lieutenant,  49 

Harvey,  S.  H.,  articles  taken  from  house 
of,  49,  50 

Hatteras,  43,  513 

Havana,  96,  97,  98,  99,  100,  151,  192, 
280,  316,  342,  343,  344,  345,  346,  361, 
368,  388,  390,  416,  417,  434,  530 

Havre,  346 

Hawthorne,  Nathaniel,  590 

Haynes,  W.  H.,  477 

Heard,  Mrs.  Harriet,  110,  124,  247: 
letters  from  Mrs.  B.  to,  393,  410,  438, 
453,  488,  503,  520,  530,  547 

Heath,  E.,  163 

Heidsick,  Charles,  127,  128,  129,  130, 
212;  merchants  of  New  Orleans  ask 
clemency  for,  276,  277,  372,  373 

Helme,  Brig.  Gen.  Robert  G.,  at  Vicks- 
burg,  168,  169 

Hensley,  Dr.  A.  C.,  461 

Herald,  The  London,  574 

Herald,  the  N.  Y.,  166,  487 

Herrera,  Jose  Manuel  Dias  de,  letter  to 
B.  from,  325;  420,  512 

Hewett,  Captain,  46 

Higgins  Hotel,  the,  110 

Hildreth  et  al.,  Messrs.,  91 

Hildreth,  Fisher  A.,  35,  46,  55,  93,  110, 
124,  149,  164,  175,  196,  201,  202,  203, 
218,  225,  226,  227,  228,  232,  234,  236, 
241,  247,  256,  257,  259,  272;  letters 
from  Mrs.  B.  to,  282,  393;  304,  305, 
316,  317,  821,  327,  338,  381,  410,  454; 
letter  to  B.  from,  464;  489,  500,  503, 
531,  576 

Hildreth,  Laura  Wright,  410,  489 

Hill,  D.  H.,  394 

Hilton  Head,  107,  219,  227 

History  of  Ireland,  the,  350 

"  History  of  the  Great  Rebellion,"  by 
Lossing,  51 

Hitchcock,  Professor,  591 

Holbrook,  Gov.  Frederick,  offers  support 
to  B.,  174;  asks  B  for  advancement 
of  son,  174;  asks  for  court  of  inquiry, 
295;  letters  from  B.  to,  295,  481 

Holbrook,  Kendall,  189 

Holbrook,  Maj  W.  C.,  174;  complaint 
of,  293;  calls  for  court  of  inquiry, 
294,  481 

Holcomb,  Colonel,  430 

Holt,  Joseph,  letters  from  B.  to,  399, 
472,  506,  522,  579 

Hooker,  General,  469;  Butterfield  called 
to  staff  of,  594 

Hooper,  Mr..  290 


Hope  and  Co.,  Messrs.,  80,  82,  95,  96, 

252,  253,  306 

Hope  Insurance  Co.,  the  80,  253 
Hopkins,  the  plantation,  351,  459 
Hosford,  Mr.,  letter  from  B.  to,  45 
House  Mutual  Insurance  Company,  the, 

381,  382 
House  of  Representatives,  the,  569,  570; 

resolutions  adopted  by,  574 
Houston,  506,  535,  571,  577 
Hubbard,  J.  B.,  163 
Hubbell,  James  R.,  599 
Hughes,  Frank,  540 
Hunt,  Randall,  letter  from  B.  to,  56 
Hunt,  Seth  B.,  568 
Hunter,  General,  133,  134,  164 
Hunton,  Thomas,  381,  382 
Hurly,  Jeremiah,  138 
Hutchins,  Mr.,  571 


I 


"IBERVILLE,"  the,  131 

"Ida,"  the,  342 

"  licaltipec,"  the,  421 

Indiana,  324 

Indiana  Volunteer  Militia,  the,  21st  Regt. 

of,  13,  50,  160,  168,  169,  278,  295,  451, 

473 

Indianola,  578 
Irish  Rebellion,  the,  72 
Ironside,  Isaac,  letter  to  B.  from,  587 


JACKSON,  127,  425,  551 

Jackson,  Gen.  Andrew,  93,  247,  256, 
259,  305,  574,  582 

Jackson,  garrison  of,  45 

Jackson,  R.  R.,  the,  382 

Jackson,  Stonewall.  See  Jackson,  Gen. 
A  ndrew 

"Jackson,"  the,  415,  441 

James  River,  the,  10,  323 

January,  Captain,  330 

Jefferson,  Texas,  8,  26 

"John  Griffin,"  the,  464 

Johnson,  Gov.  Andrew,  letter  to  B.  from, 
139-140 

Johnson,  Captain,  239,  240 

Johnson,  Reverdy,  appointed  by  President 
as  Commissioner  to  inquire  into  proceed- 
ings between  B.  and  foreign  Consuls,  9, 
12,  56,  95,  96,  251,  252,  253,  254,  307; 
letter  from  Seward  to,  12;  letters  to, 
B.  from,  56,  80,  94,  95,  96,  98,  102, 
104,  120,  121;  letters  from  B.  to,  80, 


INDEX 


617 


81,  83,  94,  98-102, 120;  asked  by  B.  to 

investigate  Citizen's  Bank  transactions, 
81;  B.  asks  advice  of,  83;  letter  to 
Puffer  from,  95;  decision  on  claims  of 
Kennedy  &  Co.,  96,  98,  98-102; 
judgment  in  case  of  Maull  and  Han- 
cock, 104;  114,  118,  letters  from  Pres. 
Lincoln  to,  131,  133;  goes  home,  148; 
151,  166,  191,  230;  reports  of,  308, 
309,  552;  dinner  for,  349;  396,  425, 
426;  letter  to  Shepley  from,  448;  atti- 
tude toward  B.  of,  444 

Johnstown,  70 

Joint  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the 
War,  the,  report  of,  312 

Jones,  Col.  Edward  F ,  letter  from  B.  to, 
45;  promotion  of,  45;  499 

Jose,  H.  M.,  464 

Journal,  the,  Boston,  91 

J.  P.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from,  84 

Jufante,  Basilio,  495 

Juge,  Paul,  363 

Juge,  Paul,  fib,  276 

Juge  &  Tarry,  Paul,  276 

K 
KAHL,  MR.,  351 

"Katahdin,"  the,  141,  288 

Keith,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  169 

Keller,  Fidel,  15,  24 

Kellogg,  Dr  ,  166 

Kellogg,  Spencer,  269 

Kendall,  George  W.,  540 

Kendrick,  Capt.  R  M.  H.,  108 

"Kemo,"  the,  141,  169,  180 

Kennedy  and  Corvere,  98 

Kennedy  and  Co.,  S.  H.,  claims  of,  55, 

56,  96,  97,  98,  99,  100,  101,  105 
Kensel,  Capt.  George  A.,  42,  230,  440 
Kentucky,   42,   86,   118,  223,   324,   349, 

427,  430 

Keus,  Rudolf  1 ,  222 
Key  West,  91,  207,  233,  575 
Killborn,  G.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  382 
Kimball,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  10 
Kimball,  S  S  ,  177 
King,  Charles,  568 
King,  ex-Governor,  591 
King,  Lieutenant,  394,  406 
Kingdeus,  James  G.,  118 
Kingdeus  Co  ,  James  G.,  117 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  the,  60 
Kinney,  Lieutenant,  358 
"Kinsman,"  the,  444,  445,  451,  452,  521 
Kinsman,  Capt.  J.  B.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

87;  in  Washington,  38, 44;  114, 203, 323 
Kirkland,  Charles  P.,  532 


Klatt,  Captain,  S10f  317,  318,  351,  355 

Knapp,  P.  H.,  patrol  of,  296 

Knight,  Thomas  C.,  39 

Knowles,  Samuel,  108 

Knox,  Mr.,  496 

Kruttschnidt,  J.,  220;  letters  to  B.  from, 
220,  309,  317,  351,  355;  reply  of  B.  to, 
222 ;  recognized  as  Acting  Consul  of  Re- 
public of  Bremen  222,  223;  the  "Essex" 
case,  309,  317, 318,  319,  350,  855;  letters 
from  B.  to,  310,  318,  850;  subscriber 
to  "  city  defense  fund,"  363,  365;  367 

Kruttschnidt,  V.     See  Kruttschnidt,  J. 


LABADIEVILLE,  462 

"Labarge,"  the,  199 

Labitat,  General,  417 

Labitat,  Jonathan,  letter  to  B.  from, 
416,  417;  letter  from  B.  to,  417 

La  Bourgeois,  Capt.  Joseph,  281 

Lacaze,  Bertrand,  468 

Ladd,  Major,  282 

"L.  d'Or,"  the,  462 

Lafeye,  J.  W.,  letter  from  B.  to,  437 

Lafourche,  231,  426,  427,  428,  429; 
district  of,  440,  448,  455;  468,  491 

La  Hache,  199 

Lake  des  Allemands,  the,  89 

Lake  Ponchartrain,  130,  143,  157,  183, 
356,  357,  529 

Lambeth,  the  Rector  of.  See  Lingham, 
John 

Lanata,  Mr.,  479 

Lamed,  U.  S.  A  ,  Paymaster  Gen.  Ben- 
jamin F ,  letter  from  B.  to,  31 

Larue,  Anne,  57 

Lame,  John  H  ,  57 

Lasalle,  Gustave,  485 

Lasart,  Mr.,  199,  200 

Lea,  J.  N.,  letter  from  B.  to,  58 

Leacock,  Reverend  Doctor,  407,  408 

Lecaze,  Bertrand,  492 

Lechleiter,  Joseph,  90 

Lee,  Gen.  Robert  E.,  334,  349,  557 

Leesburg,  256 

Lemore.  Alfred,  508,  509,  510,  511 

Lemore,  Jules,  508,  509,  510,  511 

Leon,  Elie,  492 

Letter  Book,  the,  353 

Lewis,  Major  General,  211,  472,  473 

Lewis,  Mr.,  367 

"Liberty,"  441 

Licard,  Marcelin,  287 

Limburg,  Mr.  Roest  van,  letter  from 
Seward  to,  252-255 


618 


INDEX 


Lincoln,  President  Abraham;  letters 
from  B.  to,  5,  123,  447,  512,  541,  547; 
B.  sends  Twiggs*  swords  to,  5, 151,  570; 
a  "qualified  amnesty"  brought  to 
attention  of,  9;  General  Order  No.  41 
brought  to  attention  of,  9;  on  Gen. 
Phelps  and  negro  question,  10,  41,  131, 
133,  135,  136,  143,  145,  146,  148,  155, 
157;  Oath  of  Allegiance  required  by 
B.  from  the  foreign  residents  of  New 
Orleans  objected  to  by,  11;  requests 
B.  to  remove  impression  of  injury  from 
Mr.  Coppell,  12;  Johnson  appointed 
commissioner  to  examine  into  pro- 
ceedings between  B.  and  foreign 
consuls  by,  9,  12,  56,  251,  252;  Cabinet 
of,  71;  75;  blockade  removed  by 
Proclamation  of,  98,  99,  263;  119; 
Roselius  sent  to  give  his  views  of  negro 
question  to,  123,  124,  207;  plan 
of  compensated  emancipation,  132; 
133;  letter  to  Johnson  from,  135; 
letter  to  Bullett  from,  136;  answers 
Durant,  135-138;  interview  with  Gen. 
Shepley,  147;  148,  orders  volunteers, 
151;  resignation  of  Gen.  Phelps  sent 
to,  154,  207;  164;  call  for  more  troops 
by,  173;  criticism  of,  224,  533,  534, 
590,  591,  594;  view  of  conflict  between 
Foreign  Consuls  and  military  author- 
ities in  New  Orleans,  253,  255;  rela- 
tions with  Spanish  government,  282; 
does  not  act  on  advice  of  Sec.  Chase, 
323,  324;  Proclamation  of  Emancipa- 
tion of,  327,  334,  534,  550;  re-instates 
McClellan,  334;  leans  on  Chase,  334; 
335,  336,  422;  letters  to  B.  from,  447, 
553;  barrel  of  sugar  sent  to,  447;  459; 
directs  Gen.  Banks  to  take  command 
of  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  461,  469;  removes 
McClellan,  469,  533;  appoints  Burn- 
side,  469,  533;  487;  on  capital  punish- 
ment, 507;  520;  re-nomination  of,  533, 
536,  declines  resignation  of  Chase  and 
Seward,  552;  calls  B.  to  Washington, 
553,  593;  563;  disposition  of  Twiggs' 
swords  by,  570;  attitude  toward  B. 
of,  571;  letter  to  Stanton  from,  587; 
protest  against  B.  being  sent  South  to, 
590,  596 

"Lincoln's  Complete  Works,"  587 

Ling  ham,  John,  Rector  of  Lambeth,  476, 
477,  478 

Lingham,  John  George,  476,  477,  478, 
479 

Lion,  Elie,  468 

Liverpool,  307,  318,  355 


"L.  L.  Davis,"  the,  527,  528,  544 

Lloyd,  Richard,  359 

Locke,  Major,  14,  31,  398 

Lod,  Mr.,  521,  522 

London,  97,  99,  100,  417 

Loring,  George  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  223- 
225 

Lossing,  Mr.,  51 

Lote.     See  Hildreth,  Laura  Wright 

Louisiana,  B.  sequesters  funds  in  banks 
of,  14;  Shepley  made  military  Gov.  of, 
16,  55;  address  by  Moore  to  People 
of,  16-24;  case  of  Bank  of,  27,  278; 
52;  a  nest  of  traitors,  79;  questions 
with  regard  to,  82;  law  for  Correction 
of  Slaves  in,  84;  89,  101;  Secession 
Ordinance  of,  123,  136;  convention  of, 
123;  124;  the  negro  question  in,  133; 
rebellion  in,  137;  147;  purchase  of, 
157;  168;  library  of,  233;  235,  236; 
law  for  children  of  imprisoned  parents 
in,  240,  241;  Citizen's  Bank  of,  252, 
306;  former  Gov.  of,  265,  bonds  of 
state  of,  300,  388,  410,  419,  472,  507, 
542,  550 

"Louisiana,"  the,  148,  173,  179 

Louisiana,  the  Bank  of,  President  of. 
See  Mercer,  W.  N.;  cashier  of.  See 
Montr  evil,  Auguste\  case  of  Durand 
against,  27-30 

Louisiana  Club,  the,  25,  62 

Louisiana  Volunteers,  the,  B.  organizing, 
54,  82;  B.  on  the  payment  of,  66;  143; 
1st  Regt.  of,  192,  228,  234,  237;  2nd 
Regt.  of,  517 

Lovell,  General,  removed  from  command 
of  Department  of  the  Mississippi,  18, 
70;  363 

Lovering,  Hannah  K.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
598 

Lowber,  Daniel  C.,  parole  of,  60 

Lowell,  37,  40,  149;  Mayor  of.  See 
Hosford,  Mr.;  Railroad  Bank  of,  464 

Lowery,  Lieutenant  Commanding,  287 

Ludlow,  Lieut.  Col.  W.  H.,  558 

Luis,  Ambrosio  de,  495 

Lunt,  Mr.,  290 

Lux,  Rudolph  T.,  bill  from,  339 

Lyons,  Lord,  47,  383,  384,  385,  469 

M 

MCCLELLAN,  GEN.  GEORGE,  at  Richmond, 
10,  41,  44,  92,  151,  536,  537;  not 
defeated  at  Fair  Oaks,  92;  122;  256; 
rout  of,  272;  re-instated  Commander- 
in-Chief  on  the  Potomac,  321,  334; 


INDEX 


619 


Sec.  Chase  advocates  substitute  for, 
823;  the  military  man  for  the  Demo- 
cratic party,  334,  335,  330,  removal 
of,  464,  469,  500,  533;  rumored 
successor  to  Halleck,  533 

"McClellan,"  the,  4,  31,  380,  453,  503 

McCIernand,  Mr.,  349 

McCluskey.  Colonel,  112 

McCormick,  Charles,  271,  346;  letters 
to  B.  from,  421,  435 

McCuliough,  Joseph,  208 

McCullough,  William,  208 

McCurdy,  R.  H.,  568 

McDowell,  General,  honorable  acquittal 
of,  536,  537 

Mclnnis,  Captain,  69 

McKim,  Quarter  Master,  44,  87,  89,  125 

McLaughlm,  Captain,  452 

McLaurin,  Archibald,  40,  260,  261 

McLoughlm,  Mr.,  208 

McMillan,  Captain,  521 

McMillan,  Col.  J.  W.,  asked  to  recover 
articles  stolen  from  house  in  Algiers, 
49;  a  call  for  re-enforcements  from, 
50,  103;  orders  concerning  selling  of 
cotton  sent  to,  58,  102,  111;  B.  sends 
information  concerning  movements  of 
the  Confederate  army  to,  65;  93,  150, 
disturbed  by  conditions  at  Baton 
Rouge,  187,  278,  440;  letter  to  Strong 
from,  444;  580 

MacNeill,  Sir  John,  588 

McPheeters,  Colonel,  490 

McQuestion,  Serg't.  Joseph,  496 

Madisonville,  150 

Mafford,  Colonel,  296 

Magee,  Mr.,  115 

Maginnis,  Mr ,  259 

Magruder,  Col  J  Bankhead,  571 

Maignan,  Gen,  of  French  Brigade,  51; 
letter  to  B.  from,  51;  the  safeguarding 
of  arms  in  arsenal  of  French  Legion 
promised  by,  51 

Maine,  87,  285 

Maine  Volunteer  Militia,  the,  12th  Regt. 
of,  10;  14th  Regt.  of,  50,  160,  168,  169; 
13th  Regt.  of,  65,  200,  414,  493,  494, 
15th  Regt.  of,  112,  113 

"Major  Farewell,"  the,  371 

Mallony,  Mr.,  390 

Manassas,  232 

"Manassas,"  the,  173,  178,  348 

Manchac,  232 

Manchac  Pass,  10,  326 

Mandeville,  Sergeant,  150,  376 

Mange,  Dr.,  460 

Mann,  John,  150 


Mansfield,  Lord,  524 

Maria,  410,  503 

"Maria  Felicia,"  the,  346 

Mariano,  Juan,  495 

"Marie  Galante,"  the,  340,  375,  419 

"Marion/'  the,  537 

Marshall,  C.  W.,  568 

Martin  City,  455 

Martin,  Dr.  327 

Martin,  Lieut.  Frederick,  166,  330,  412 

Martin,  Gen  Robert,  arrest  of,  232 

Martin  and  Wood,  shipment  of  liquors, 
39 

Marvel,  Ike,  597 

Maryland,  324,  334,  349 

Mascuard,  Frederic  Adolphe,  114 

Mason,  Honore,  351 

Mason,  M.,  361 

Massachusetts,  87,  Governor  of.  See 
Andrew,  Gov  John;  Republican  party 
formed  in,  598 

Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  the, 
487 

Massachusetts  Volunteer  Militia,  the, 
Everett's  Battery,  13,  168,  30th  Regt. 
of,  42,  234,  6th  Regt.  of,  45,  2nd 
Regt.  of,  3,  Nim's  Battery  of,  168, 
508,  Manning's  Battery  of,  168, 
Magee's  Cavalry  of,  168,  26th  Regt. 
of,  496 

Matagonda  Bay,  471 

Matamoras,  395,  413;  Consul  at  See 
Pierce,  Mr.  L.,  421,  428,  501,  502,  527, 
528,  529,  565 

"Matanzas,"  the,  316 

Maull  and  Hancock,  104,  105 

Maury,  1 ,  121 

Mayor  of  New  York,  the,  letter  from  B. 
to,  235 

Mechanics  and  Traders  Bank  of  New 
Orleans,  the,  300 

Mechanics  Bank  of  New  Orleans,  the, 
45,  300 

Medford,  538 

Meigs,  Gen.  M.  C.,  88,  89,  92;  letters 
from  B.  to,  118-119,  291,  526;  reten- 
tion by  B.  of  the  "Saxon"  approved 
by,  124;  letter  to  B.  from,  185;  290 

Mejan,  Count,  letters  to  B.  from,  25, 
127,  128,  432f  459,  485,  492;  letters 
from  B.  to,  25,  127,  188,  433,  435,  443, 
485,  491;  conflict  between  military 
authorities  at  New  Orleans  and,  81, 
188,250,251,306;  the  Slidell  mortgage 
legalized  by,  114;  letter  from  Heidsick 
to,  128,  205;  appointed  temporary 
Consul  of  the  Netherlands,  256;  372; 


620 


INDEX 


blanket  controversy  with  B.,  431-436; 
complains  of  negro  violence,  459;   467; 
asks  return  of  prisoners,  468;  508,  509, 
576 
Memminger,  C.  G.,  C.  S.   Treasurer,  3; 

letters  from,  3,  4 
Memphis,  132 
Meneely  and  Son,  78 
Mercer,  Dr.  W.  Newton,  27,  189;  letters 

from  B.  to,  278,  332,  437 
Merchants  Bank  of    New  Orleans,  the, 

213,  437,  478 

Merchants  Insurance  Co.,  the,  98 
Mercier,  Doctor,  208 
Mercier  Guards,  the,  208 
Mercier,   Mr.,     Minister  of  H.   M.   the 

Emperor,  511 

Mercury,  the  Charleston,  540 
Merrill,  Capt.  C.  R  ,  112,  113 
"Merrimac,"  the,  173,  178 
Mexican  Consulate,  the,  9 
Mexico,  5,  161,  268,  420,  421,  463 
M.  H.  L  Insurance  Co.,  122 
"Miami,"  the,  140,  184 
Michigan    Volunteer    Militia,    the,    6th 

Regt.  of,  13,  168 

Middlesex  Co.,  122,  354,  519,  538 
"Milan,"  the,  206 
Military  Academy,  the,  570 
Military  Commandant  of  New  Orleans. 

See,  Shcpley,  Acting  Brig.  Gen. 
"Militia  of  the  Seas,"  the,  68 
Millandon,  the  Plantation,  376 
Miltemberger,  J.  Oliver,  198 
Miltemberger,  Mrs.  J.  Oliver,  197 
Minturn,  Edward,  568 
Mississippi,  37,  168,  223,  428,  542 
"Mississippi,"  the,   173,   178,  273,   313, 

383 

Mississippi  River,  the,  8,  12,  20,  22,  26, 
70,  89,  141,  232,  265,  278,  323,  348, 
349,  356 

Mississippi  Sound,  183 
Missouri,  427 

Mithoffas,  M.,  letter  to  B.  from,  436 
Mobile,  16,  70,  80,  95,  96,  120,  121,   127, 
28,  129,  149,  186,  187,   192,  205,  209. 
226,  242,  253,  273,  316,  349,  372,  390, 
395,  401,  425,  441,  466,  490,  533,  541, 
542,  551,  552 
Mobile  Bay,  183 
Mobile,  the  Commanding  Officer  of  Forces 

at,  letter  from  B.  to,  121 
Molino  del  Rey,  5 
Mongenot,  Jules,  460 
Monterey,  5 
Montgomery,  A.,  shipments  of,  89,  379 


Montgomery,  R.  H.,  359 
Montreuil,  Auguste,  27 
Moore,  Mr.,  187 

Moore,  Gov.  Thomas  Overton,  informa- 
tion received  by  B.  relating  to,  8; 
Proclamation  of,  8,  15,  243,  268,  362; 
at  Washington,  8;  address  by,  13,  16- 
24;  rules  laid  down  by,  23;  letter 
from  Count  Mejan  to,  25;  commissions 
officers  of  Native  Guards,  209-211; 
orders  arrest  of  Gen.  Martin,  232; 
268,  307;  conditions  of  passes  given 
by,  361;  petitioned  to  prevent  ship- 
ments of  cotton  to  New  Orleans,  362; 
permits  given  by,  362 

Morgan,  223 

Morgan  &  Co.,  Charles,  402 

Morgan,  Cosma,  441 

Morgan,  E.  E.,  568 

Morgan,  ex-Governor,  591 

Morgan,  Judge,  379 

Morgan,  P.  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  563 

"Morning  Light,"  the,  522 

Morris,  Captain.  See  Morris,  Com. 
Henry  W. 

Morris,  Com.  Henry  W.,  letters  from  B. 
to,  26,  239,  240,  353;  48;  warned  of 
C.  S.  boats  in  Red  River,  50;  ordered 
to  look  out  for  steamer  "Music,"  93; 
letters  to  B.  from,  238,  240,  316;  245, 
278;  communication  referred  to  B.  by, 
287-288 

Morse,  Mr.,  319,  320 

"Mound  City,"  the,  401 

Mount,  Mr.,  477,  478 

Mudget,  Mr.,  292 

Mumford,  Wm.  B.,  22,  72,  557,  558,  562, 
569 

Mure,  Mr.,  477 

Murphy,  Captain,  473  » 

Murphy,  W.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  574 

"Music,"  the,  94,  169 

Myers,  Colonel,  Quartermaster  General 
of  C.  S.  Government,  6 

Myers,  J.  Bailey,  letter  to  B.  from,  7; 
friendliness  for  B.  of,  7 

Myrick,  Augustus  C.,  493,  494 

N 

NAPOLEON,  EMPEROR,  proposition  of,  537 

Napoleonville,  412 

Nashville,  140,  486 

Nassau,  40,  91,  316,  342,  390,  420 

"Nassau,"  the,  292 

Natchez,  141,  243 

"Natchez,"  the,  127 


INDEX 


621 


Natchitoches,  La.,  78 

Native  Guards,  the,  192,  209,  211,  270, 
328,  860,  400,  401,  412,  427,  428,  429, 
430,  439,  450,  455,  456,  458,  465,  474, 
490 

"Neafic,"  the,  483,  484 

Nelson,  George  P.,  532 

Nelson,  Mr.,  131 

Netherlands,  the,  250,  254 

"Nevens,"  the,  107 

New  Basin,  the,  528 

New  Bedford,  164,  225,  228 

New  Canal,  the,  358,  359,  529 

New  Hampshire  Volunteer  Militia,  the, 
8th  Regt.  of,  444 

New  Iberia,  401,  428,  440,  516 

"New  London,"  the,  273,  529 

New  Orleans,  B  sequesters  property  of 
Twiggs  in,  3;  Banks  of,  3, 4, 81,  82,  83, 
114,  117,  139,  140;  flight  of  Twiggs 
from.  See  Twiggs,  Brig.  Gen.  David 
E  ;  9,  10;  Johnson  in,  12,  25,  252,  307, 
308,  352;  the  Commercial  Depot  of 
the  State,  16;  occupied  by  enemy,  16; 
17,  18;  supplies  of  provisions  for,  21, 
23;  tearing  down  of  flag  on  Mint  at, 
22,  72,  557;  loss  of,  21,  23;  B.'s  plan 
of  relief  of  distress  in,  30,  152, 153,  158, 
184,  553;  34,  36;  liquors  shipped  to, 
39,  43;  Pruvost  Marshal  of  See 
French,  Lieut.  Col.  Jonas  H.;  Provost 
Judge  of.  See  Bell,  Jos.  M.;  City 
Library  of,  45;  judgment  of  B.  in 
matter  of  Union  Bank  vs.  Mechanics 
Bank  of,  48;  Office  of  Military  Com- 
mandant of.  See  Shepley,  Acting 
Brig.  Gen.;  57,  59,  60;  B.  condemns 
to  imprisonment  citizen  of,  61;  62,  65; 
Castle  and  Pennington  taken  to,  67; 
69,  71;  criticism  of  treatment  by  B.  of 
citizens  of,  73;  74,  76;  bonds  of,  80,  95, 
96;  treatment  of  negroes  in,  85;  Acting 
Provost  Marshal  of.  See  Stafford, 
Captain;  88;  approach  of  boats  to,  91; 
capture  of,  92;  restoring  of  commerce 
at,  94;  95,  98,  99, 101, 103,  109;  Acting 
Collector  at.  See  Dennison,  George 
S.;  copy  of  Records  of  Mortgages  in, 
113,  114;  Major  Strong  due  in,  114; 
consolidated  debt  of  the  City  of,  117, 
253;  123,  124,  127,  131,  146,  147,  151, 
152;  Commission  of  Relief  appointed 
at,  162;  164,  166,  176,  177,  178; 
danger  of  negro  insurrection  in,  186; 
threatened  attack  on,  187,  192,  193, 
194,  198,  230,  233,  243,  257,  273,  279, 
286,  315,  320,  321,  326,  401;  disarming 


of  citizens  of,  189,  195,  228;  197,  198, 
201,  204;  treason  in  the  gas  works  at, 
207-208;  Merchants  Bank  of,  213, 
437,  478;  Crescent  City  Bank  of, 
213;  218,219;  city  ordinance  No.  5949, 
220;  Citizen's  Bank  of,  221,  585;  222; 
holding  of,  223,  226,  228,  238,  272; 
conditions  in,  229,  242,  243,  271; 
employment  of  secessionists  in,  229; 
B.  borrows  from  City  Relief  Fund  of, 
237;  defence  loan  of  the  city  of,  250, 
863;  conflict  between  Foreign  Consuls 
and  military  authorities  at,  250,  251, 
253,  254,  306;  letter  from  B.  to  Treas. 
of  City  of,  257;  plunge  of  unprincipled 
men  in  City  Treasury,  257,  258;  260; 
opening  of  port  of,  263,  264;  265,  274; 
clemency  for  Heidsick  asked  by 
merchants  of,  276;  robbery  at  Custom 
House  at,  292;  Mechanics  and  Traders 
Bank  of,  300;  bonds  of  city  of,  300; 
transfer  of  property  in,  307;  309,  312, 
313,  314;  excitement  over  Confiscation 
Act  in,  315,  316;  mails  at,  330;  case 
of  yellow  fever  in,  342;  trade  at,  356, 
357;  outlets  to  Gulf  from,  361;  ship- 
ping of  cotton  at,  361,  362;  foreign 
population  of,  363;  City  Council  of, 
363,  364;  Common  Council  of  the 
city  of,  364;  371,  390,  411,  412,  418; 
Spanish  vessels  take  refugees  from, 
419;  the  barter  of  salt  for  cotton  at, 
438;  exportation  of  lumber  from,  446; 
the  Bank  of,  447,  508,  510,  512,  513; 
many  being  fed  in,  448;  Chartant 
asks  to  enter,  466;  Acting  Consul  at. 
477;  War  Dept.  withholds  sanction  to 
proposition  of  Banks  of,  518,  526,  534; 
Gen.  Banks  goes  to,  541,  543;  B. 
leaves,  547;  B.'s  farewell  address  to 
citizens  of,  554-557,  587;  conditions 
under  Banks  in,  575;  B.'s  rumored 
return  to,  583,  584,  586,  587,  589,  593; 
Acting  Collector  at,  587 

New  Orleans  Coupons,  122 

New  Orleans,  Jackson,  and  Great 
Northern  R.  R.  Co.,  198 

New  York,  32,  33,  87,  47,  71,  109,  117, 
236,  313,  567;  Mayor  of.  See  Op- 
dyke,  Mayor 

New  York,  the  State  of,  87;  Gov.  of. 
See  Seymour,  Governor 

New  York  Volunteers,  the,  176th  Regt. 
of,  579 

"New  Yorker,"  letter  to  B.  from,  569 

Newport  News,  513 

Nims,  Captain,  letter  from  B.  to,  508 


INDEX 


Nina  [Mrs.  Henry  Read],  115,  297,  503 

"Nina  Simms,"  the,  8 

N.  O.  &  I.  R.  R.,  the,  208 

Norfolk,  92 

Norton,  Sidney  S.,  letter  to  Barney  from, 

263;  355 
Nowland,   Adjutant,  dropped  from  roll, 

405 
Nutt,  Commodore,  333 

O 

O'BRIEN,  J.,  170 

"Ocean  Queen,"  the,  40,  202,  230,  277 

Odell,  Mr.,  313 

Official  Record*,  94,  306 

Ohio,    324;     Gov.    of.     See    Tod,    Gov. 

David 

"Old  Point,"  110 
Old  Red  River,  8 
"Oneida,"  the,  169 
Opdyke,  Mayor  591 
Opelomay  Rail  Road,  the,  265 
Opelous,  the,  8 
Opelousas,  217,  268,  401 
Opelousas  Railroad,  the,  379,  392,  401, 

425,  427,  439,  575 
Ordinance  of  Secession,  the,  449 
O'Rielly,  Henry,  532 
"Orieto,"  the,  *441 
O'Sullivan,  Mr.,  590 
Ould,  Robert,  558 
"Owasco,"  the,  414,  471 


"PACIFIC,"  the,  40 

Paeohar  &  Co.,  Mr.,  367 

Paine,  Col.  Charles  J  ,  letter  to  B.  from, 

296;    297;  letter  from  B.  to,  377;    397 
Paine,  Col.  H.  E.,  at  Baton  Rouge,  159; 

ordered   to   employ   contrabands   and 

secessionists,  170;   ordered  to  evacuate 

Baton  Rouge,  193,  203 
"Pajaro  del  Oceano,"  the,  418 
Palfrey,  H  W.,  orders  concerning  Twiggs* 

house  given  to,  2;  letter  to  A.  J.  Butler 
from,  2 

Palmers  ton,  Lord,  77 
Palo  Alto,  5 
Parapet,  436 

Paris,  France,  49,  81,  114,  418 
Parish  of  Jefferson,  49 
Parish  of  St.  James,  the,  89 
Parish  Prison,  57 
Parker,  Mrs.  J.  M.  G.,  259 
"Parliament,"  the,  225 


"Parmelia,"  the,  108 

Partisan  Rangers,  the,  13,  22,  67,  69,  90, 
268,  278 

Parton,  James,  asks  to  write  history  of 
B.'s  administration  in  New  Orleans, 
582,  583 

Pascual,  Pedro,  495 

Pass  Christian,  485 

Passes,  the,  91,  361 

Patent  Office,  the,  6,  570 

Pattersonville,  444 

Paulson,  Mr.,  551 

Pearson,  George,  247,  322 

Peck,  Maj.  Frank  H.,  157;  Pres.  of 
Court  Martial,  409 

Pelie,  Messrs.,  257,  258 

Pelot,  Charles  F.,  468,  491,  492,  493 

Pemberton,  C.  S.  A.,  Lieutenant  General, 
Commanding  Dept.  of  Mississippi, 
462;  letter  from  B.  to,  473 

Pemington,  473 

Penitentiary,  the,  factory  of,  57,  106,  111, 
113,  139,  208;  179,  193,  580,  581 

Pennington,  Thomas  C.,  67 

Pensacola,  54,  107,  124,  201,  233,  236, 
238,  272,  277,  329,  330,  396,  404,  405 , 
406,  407,  415,  441,  483 

"Pensacola,"  the,  93,273 

Pepin,  J.  F.,  vs.  Bank  of  America,  496, 
497,  498 

Pepper,  Cdpt  Daniel,  125,  219 

Peree,  Lieut  S  W.,  581 

Perkins,  Lieutenant,  181,  330 

Perkins,  Capt.  E.  H  ,  86,  180 

Perkins,  William,  359 

Perryville,  439 

Peters  Reports,  98 

Petit  Anse,  428,  521 

Pevie,  Quarter  Master  General  Alexander 
I  ,  employment  of  convicts  approved 
by,  209 

Peyster,  Gen.  Walter  de,  letter  to  B. 
from,  78;  asks  to  redeem  bells,  78 

Phelps,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  W.,  B.'s  report  of, 
10;  Gen  de  Peyster  known  by,  79; 
letters  from  B.  to,  102,  126,  143,  154, 
155,  244;  sustained  in  negro  question, 
109,  letters  to  Davis  from,  125,  126; 
proposes  to  raise  African  Regiments, 
125,  142,  143,  145,  146,  148,  154,  157, 
271;  employment  of  "Contrabands" 
by,  126,  127,  142,  143,  144,  145,  148, 
154,  155;  resignation  of,  127,  142, 
143,  144,  145,  146,  148,  154,  155,  156, 
207,  270;  138;  letters  to  B.  from,  145; 
155;  B's  feelings  toward,  155,  156,164, 
201,  203,  at  Carrolton,  228,  229;  234, 


INDEX 


623 


goes  home,  287;  gives  horse,  etc.,  to 
Weitzel,  287;  Sherman  takes  place  of, 
316 

Phi  Beta  Kappa,  the,  86 

Philadelphia,  39,  87 

Phillipps,  Mrs.  Philipp,  15,  24,  36,  292 

Phillips,  Wendell,  eulogizes  B.,  580 

Phoenix  Iron  Co.,  the,  523 

Piaget,  A.,  letters  to  B.  from,  491,  492, 
letter  from  B.  to,  491 

Picayune,  the  New  Orleans,  letter  from 
B.  to  editors  of,  48;  "  the  reliable  man" 
lies  published  in,  48;  B.  discontinues 
publication  of,  130;  copy  of  General 
Orders  No.  57  published  in,  178;  540 

Pierce,  Mr.,  835,  500 

Pierce  Bros.  Co.,  88 

Pierce,  Carlos,  letter  to  B.  from,  87 

Pierce,  Edward  L.,  letter  to  B.  from,  566 

Pierce,  L.,  Jr.,  420,  421;  letter  from  B. 
to,  463 

Pinot,  J.  L.,  372 

"Pinta,"  the,  193,  340,  347,  375 

Pittsburgh,  198 

Plaquemine,  94 

"Planet,"  the,  420,  421 

Playson,  S  ,  276,  277 

Plussan,  S.,  372,  373 

Point  Isabel,  578 

Polish  Lancers,  the,  68 

Polk,  Leonidas,  79 

Polk,  Right  Rev.  Warrior  Bishop  Gen., 
408 

Ponier  &  Co,  letter  to  B.  from,  34; 
sugar  consigned  to,  34;  letter  from  B. 
to,  34 

Pontchatoula,  302,  326,  357,  402,  439, 
527,  528,  529,  544,  566 

Pope,  General,  232,  247,  285,  286,  321,  334 

Porte,  Mr.,  Vice  Consul  at  Mobile,  372 

Porte  au  Prince,  419 

Porter,  Commander  David  D.,  letter  to 
B.  from,  246 

Porter,  Commodore  Wrm.  D  ,  140,  141, 
148,  161;  attack  on  the  "Arkansas" 
reported  by,  178,  180;  Capt.  Fairfax 
denies  charge  of,  181;  accusations  of, 
184;  letter  from  B.  to,  187;  B/s  report 
on  letter  of,  245;  letter  to  B.  from,  269 

Portervins,  Capt.  John,  69,  70 

Portervins,  Capt.  Wm.,  70 

Port  Hudson,  66,  269,  428,  439,  466,  505, 
522,  551,  565,  573,  597 

Port  Republic,  93 

Port  Royal,  107,  164,  233,  263,  425 

Post  Master  General.  See  Blair,  Mont- 
gomery 


Potomac,  272,  321,  334,  439 

"Potomac,"  the,  382,  453 

Potomac,  the  Army  of  the,  44,  144,  349, 

466,  533 

"Prean  &  ConturieV'  386,  387 
Prensa,  the,  419 
Price,  Sterling,  466 
Prince,  Lieut.  James  B.,  Jr.,  234,  235 
Proctor,  Mr.,  520 
Proctor,  Mrs.,  520 
Proctorville,  496 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  the,  407, 

408 

Provisional  Commission,  the,  237 
"Provisional     General."      See     Twiggs, 

Brig.  Gen.  David  E. 
Provost  Court,  the,  27,  28,  29,  48 
Provost  Marshal,  of  New  Orleans.      See 

French,  Lieut.  Col.  Jonas  H.;  274,  275 
Prussia,  Minister  from,  318,  355,  387 
Puffer,    Lieut.    T     A.    F.,    letter    from 

Johnson  to,  95;    245,  300,  311,  331, 

339,  377,  407,  408,  410 
Pugh,  Mrs.  Laura,  461;    letter  from  B. 

to,  461 
Puig  Brothers,  205 ;  complaint  of  Spanish 

Minister  in  connection  with  house  of, 

368,  369,  370;  United  States  vs.,  370,  371 
Puig,  Majin,  205,  371 

Q 

QUARANTINE  RECORDS,  the,  346 
Quarterly  Review,  the,  588 
Quartermaster  General,  the,  letter  from 

B.  to,  249 
"Quincy,"  the,  576 


R 


"RAAMEN,"  the,  207 

Raceland,  440 

Rafel,  Joseph,  116 

Rankin,  Gilmour  &  Co.,  350 

Rankin,  Ilayton,  350 

Ransom,  Captain,  180,  181,  383 

Rappahannock,  the,  212 

Rathburn,  H.  A.,  from  B.  to,  498 

Read,  Lieut.  Commander,  527,  529 

Read,  Mr.,  297,  381,  464,  531,  576 

Read,  Mrs.  Henry,  381,  410,  547.     See 

also  Nina 

Red  Bill.     See  Wilson,  William 
Red  River,  the,  8,  26,  50,  83,  102,  140, 

141,  142,  150,  171,  273,  349,  505,  515, 

578 
Red  River  County,  15 


624 


INDEX 


Regina,  Sister,  525 

Reichard,  General,  319,  347;    subscribes 

to  "city  defense  funds,"  363,  365,  367 
Reichard  &  Co.,  220,  221,  367 
Relay  House,  the,  513 
"Relief,"  the,  227,  228,  272,  277,  286, 

576 

Renshaw,  Commander,  471,  524,  572 
Rents  Commentaries,  98 
Republican  party,  the,  335,  598 
Resaca  de  la  Palma,  5 
Revere  House,  the,  41 
"Reveries  of  A  Bachelor,*'  the,  597 
Reynaud,   Rear  Admiral,   letters   to   B. 

from,   430,    431,    508,    511;     declines 

invitation  from  B.,  430;  letters  from 

B.  to,  431,  509;    508;    protests  to  B., 

509 
Rhode   Island,    Gov.    of.     See    Sprague, 

Governor 

"Rhode  Island,"  the,  55,  176,  273,  330 
Richardson,  Daniel  S.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

86 

Richardson,  Dr.,  219 
Richardson,  Mr.,  227 
Richmond,  reverses  of  McClellan  at, 

10,70,77;  21;  the  Picayune  publishes 

news  of,  48;    148,  170,  171,  224,  263, 

335,  357,  395,  536,  539,  541 
Rigolets,  the,  361,  527 
"Rinaldo,"  40,  46,  47,  206 
Ring,  Lieut.  Aaron,  413,  415 
Rio  Grande,  349,  428,  565 
Ritchie,   David,  flags  rescued  from  the 

"McClellan"  by,  4 
Roah,  Jfimes  O.,  70 
"Roanoke,"  the,  204,  238,  340,  344,  345, 

417 

Robb,  Mrs  ,  197 
Roberts,  Colonel,  169 
Robinson,  Jno.  G.,  350 
Robinson,  Walter  G.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

300 

Rochereau  &  Co.,  367 
Rochereau,  Mr.,  365 
Rogers  and  Co.,  G.  H.,  108 
Roman  Catholic  Priest,  a,  358 
Roselius,   C.,  sent  to  Washington,   123, 

142,  207;   legal  advisor  of  Mrs.  Vogel, 

221 

Rosin  Oil  Works,  the,  405 
Rosing,  Mr.,  Charge  d'affaires  of  Bremen, 

222 

Rost,  Commissioner,  388 
Rowell,  J.  C.,  84 
Roy,  Lieut.  T.  A.,  letter  to  Morris  from, 

287;  letter  from  Wiegel,  289 


Rozier,  J.  Ad.,  letter  to  B.  from,  55; 
letter  from  B.  to,  58 

Ruggles,  Brig.  Gen.  Daniel,  letters  to  B. 
from,  67,  215;  existence  of  Partisan 
Rangers  championed  by,  67-69;  in 
command  of  Louisiana  East  of  Missis- 
sippi, 70;  168,  169,  187 

Russell,  Earl,  260,  261,  476,  477,  478,  537, 
588 

Russia,  real  promoter  of  rebellion,  588 

Rust,  Col.  Henry,  Jr.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
64;  letter  from  Captain  Guest  to, 
415 

Ryan,  John  T.,  letter  to  B.  from,  381 


SABINE,  the,  578 

Sabine  Pass,  395,  501,  502 

Sacred  Heart  Convent,  the,  214 

"St.  Charles,"  the,  249,  250 

St.  lago  de  Cuba,  419 

St.  Martinsville,  216 

"St.  Mary's,"  the,  382,  394,  404,  405, 

406,  451 

"St.  Matahda,"  the,  288 
"St.  Matanzas,"  the,  382 
"St  Maurice,"  the,  288 
St.  Nicholas,  the,  282 
Sanborn,  John,  letter  from  B.  to,  110 
"Sanders,"  the,  98 
Sarjeant,  Mr.,  551 
Saudego,  Marcelino,  495 
Savannah,  390 

Sawyer,  Capt.  Joshua  L.,  200,  496 
"Saxon,"  the,  55,  125,  149,  197,  202,  204, 

218,  219,  226,  227,  277,  286,  316,  322, 

323,  352,  576 

Schiffer,  Messrs.  S.  and  J.,  108 
Schmidt,  F.  W.,  221 
Schneider,  T.  J.,  90 
Scholefield,  Mr-,  261 
Scotch  Rifles,  the,  207 
"Scotia,"  the,  287 
Scotland,  261 

Scott,  General,  161,  486,  488 
Scott,  Charles,  381 
Scott,  Capt.  J.  W.,  103 
Scott,  Hetty,  381 
Seacock,  W.  T.,  asks  B.  for  clemency 

toward  Andrews,  63 
Secession    Governor.     See    Moore ,    Gov. 

Thomas  0. 
Secession  Ordinance,  the.    See  Louisiana, 

the  State  of 

Secessionists,  the,  15,  843,  365,  408 
Secretary  of  State.    See  Seward.  Wm.  H. 


INDEX 


625 


Secretary  of  the  Navy,  the.  See  Welles, 
Gideon,  349 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  See  Chase, 
Salmon  P. 

Secretary  of  War.  See  Stanton,  Edwin 
M. 

Seide,  Karl,  90 

Senate,  the,  569,  570 

Sequestration  Act,  113 

Seward,  F.  W.,  223 

Seward,  William  H.,  letters  to  Stanton 
from,  10,  256,  274,  442;  views  on  the 
Consular  questions,  38,  251,  252,  255; 
attitude  toward  B.  of,  38,  564;  diplo- 
matic dinner  given  by,  38;  letters 
from  B.  to,  40,  123,  275,  306,  377,  398, 
467,  508,  512;  case  of  McLaurin,  40, 
260;  the  power  behind  the  throne,  44, 
45;  61;  extract  from  letter  to  Adams 
from,  74.  Life  of,  74;  interview  with 
Gen.  Shepley,  147;  views  on  negro 
question,  164;  receives  Roselius,  207; 
letter  from  Gerolt  to,  219;  letter  to 
Stuart  from,  251;  letter  to  Treilhard 
from,  251;  letter  to  van  Limburg 
from,  252-255;  letter  to  Shepley  from, 
260;  in  connection  with  complaints  of 
Spanish  Minister,  274,  279-283,  347; 
suggests  establishment  of  joint  com- 
mission, 282;  298;  and  the  appoint- 
ment of  Shepley  as  Military  Governor 
of  New  Orleans,  317;  losing  power, 
334;  335,  336,  368;  letter  to  B.  from, 
399;  487,  499,  520;  resignation  of, 
552,  566 

Seymour,  Governor,  334,  500 

Shaffer,  Col.  J.  W.,  confiscated  property 
ordered  to  be  sold  at  auction  by,  57; 
84;  endorses  Gen.  Meigs'  statement 
about  discharging  of  freight,  185; 
B.  desires  inquiry  made  of,  246;  284, 
285,  392;  letters  to  B.  from,  405,  483; 
447,  589;  letter  from  Shepley  to,  483; 
522 

Shaw,  Captain,  301 

Shaw,  Major,  311,  312 

Shaw,  Frank  George,  568 

"She  Adder,"  a,  letter  to  B.  from,  548 

Shenandoah  Valley,  the,  536 

Shepley,  Nelly,  164 

Shepley,  Brig.  Gen.  George  F.,  made 
Military  Governor  of  Louisiana,  16, 
55,  59;  53;  letters  to  B.  from,  59,  147, 
260;  resignation  of  Office  of  Military 
Commandant  of  New  Orleans  by,  59; 
goes  to  Washington,  82,  131,  147; 
sent  home,  109;  interview  with  Presi- 
VOL.  H — 40 


dent  and  Secretaries  of  State  and  War, 
147;  164,  166;  coin  taken  from  Con- 
turi£  by,  252;  Military  Governor  of 
New  Orleans,  254,  255,  258,  282,  317; 
letter  from  Seward  to,  260;  letter 
from  B.  to,  261;  275,  292,  300;  letter 
to  Stanton  from,  306;  with  B.  at  New 
Orleans,  316,  339;  exacts  pay  from 
Weitzel,  352;  suspected  of  interest  in 
speculations  of  Col.  Butler,  356; 
grants  trading  permits,  358,  359,  378, 
379,  423;  396,  408;  letter  from  Johnson 
to,  443;  496 

Sherman,  Gen.  T.  W.,  added  to  B/s 
command,  233,  316;  B.  advised  to 
cultivate,  322;  letters  from  B.  to,  331, 
339,  orders  regarding  negroes,  339; 
515 

Sherwood,  Lorenzo,  532 

Shields,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  216;  letter 
to  B.  from,  319 

Shields,  Mr.,  93 

Shiloh,  194 

Ship  Island,  24,  25,  37,  57,  61,  62,  63,  64, 
290,  304,  312,  313,  329,  330,  331,  359, 
363,  413,  414,  415,  416,  424,  441,  505, 
513,  552 

Shipley,  Capt.  A.  N.,  letter  to  Colonel 
Shaffer  from,  483 

Shipper,  G.  M.,  103,  104 

Shipper,  Mrs.  G.  M.,  104 

Shreveport,  505 

Shufeldt,  R.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  418; 
letter  from  B.  to,  454 

Siegel,  Mr.,  93 

Silcott,  Robert,  208 

Sivanler,  P.  A.,  276 

Slidell,  Benjamin,  390 

Slidell,  John,  114 

Slocumb,  Mrs.,  B.  promises  protection 
to,  1 

Smith,  349 

Smith,  Captain,  383 

Smith,  Lieutenant,  429 

Smith  &  Co.,  Samuel,  the  seizure  of 
specie  of,  31,  71,  338 

"Smyrniote,"  the,  108 

Snow,  Mr.,  76 

Snow,  Capt.  Josiah,  103 

Soldiers  Insane  Asylum,  the,  407 

Somonville,  Charles,  letter  from  B.  to,  58 

Soniat,  Theodore,  436 

Soule,  Pierre,  309,  488,  489 

South  Carolina,  436 

Southern  Confederacy,  the,  85 

Southern  Independent  Association,  the, 
308 


626 


INDEX 


Spain,  268;  Vice-Consul  of,  324;  Min- 
ister from.  See  Taraara,  Gabriel  G.; 
B/s  friendliness  toward,  346 

Spanish  Nation,  the,  182 

Spanish  Transports,  324,  325 

Spark,  Pat  C.,  421 

Speed,  John  J.,  532 

Sprague,  Governor,  of  Rhode  Island,  563 

Spring,  Dr.,  59 

Stafford,  Captain,  order  from  B.  concern- 
ing negroes,  88;  106 

Stafford,  Col.  S.  H.,  339,  360,  376,  377, 
429,  430,  439,  490,  548 

Stafford  County,  Va.,  552 

Stancel,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  428 

Stanley,  D.  C.,  letter  from  Fortenberry 
to,  438 

Stanton  and  Palmer,  claim  of,  249,  250 

Stanton,  B.,  599 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
6,  13,  40,  42,  58,  59,  66,  82,  107,  112, 
142,  168,  191,  194,  243,  298,  315,  339, 
361,  368,  375,  383,  384,  385,  387,  392, 
397,  402,  407,  411,  416,  419,  420,  422, 
431,  442,  446,  474,  478,  489,  493,  516, 
517,  525;  letters  to  B.  from,  9,  41, 
222,  247,  250,  298,  377,  392,  421,  501, 
518;  letters  from  Seward  to,  10,  256, 
274,  442,  friendliness  for  B.  of,  37, 
212,  516,  520,  564;  appoints  Kinsman 
Capt.,  37-38;  54;  certified  copy  of 
parole  of  Lowber  sent  to  B.  by,  60; 
manufacture  of  clothing  at  Peniten- 
tiary suggested  to,  106;  Gen.  Arnold 
requests  change  from,  107;  on  the 
negro  question,  131;  B.  refers  case  of 
Gen.  Phelps  to,  142,  207;  interview 
with  Gen.  Shepley,  147;  refuses 
recruits,  151;  147,148;  refuses  resigna- 
tion of  Col.  Deming,  151;  166;  General 
Orders  by,  No.  98,  199,  No.  184,  461; 
communication  from  Dept.  of  State, 
222;  orders  B.  to  recognize  commission 
of  Lieut.  Prince,  234,  235;  in  connec- 
tion with  complaints  of  Spanish 
Minister,  274,  279;  290;  letter  from 
Shepley  to,  306;  334,  354;  letter 
from  Mrs.  Pugh  to,  461;  withholds 
sanction  from  Banks  of  New  Orleans, 
518;  letter  from  Lincoln  to,  587;  590 

Steiner  &  Marioni,  Messrs.,  422 

Stephens,  Commander  H.  K.,  179,  181 

Stewart,  W.     See  Stuart,  William 

Stinson,  Captain,  89 

Strong,  Mrs.,  41,  218,  380,  453 

Strong,  Maj.  George  C.,  letter  from  Mrs. 
Butler  to,  40;  44;  letters  to  B.  from, 


114,  165;  asks  B.  for  instructions,  114; 
promotion  of,  166,  218;  asks  B.  for 
commission  for  Martin,  166;  answer 
to  Whipple  sent  to  "Herald"  by,  166; 
goes  to  New  Orleans,  218;  226,  256; 
General  Orders  issued  by,  No.  36,  485, 
No.  71,  285,  No.  73,  305,  No.  74,  315, 
No.  79,  353,  No.  88,  437,  No.  98,  482; 
Special  Orders  issued  by,  No.  441,  397, 
No.  513,  475,  No.  560,  525;  starts  on 
expedition,  287;  323;  successful  attack 
upon  Gen.  Thompson  of,  326,  339; 
commended  by  Gen.-in-Chief,  402; 
recommended  for  Brig.  Gen.  by  B., 
402,  letter  from  Dow  to,  411;  letter 
from  Garrison  to,  441;  letter  from 
McMillan,  444;  letter  to  Nims  from, 
508 

Stuart,  William,  Her  Britannic  Majesty's 
Charge  d' Affaires,  11,  74;  settlement 
in  matter  of  seizure  of  sugar,  251; 
asks  for  release  of  McLaurin,  260; 
letter  from  Russell  to,  261;  submits 
affair  of  Borrowes  to  Sec.  of  State,  442; 
complains  of  treatment  of  Lingham, 
476,  478 

Sturgis,  Russell,  568 

Sullivan  Randall  and  Budd,  114 

Sumner,  Charles,  285,  335,  336;  letters 
to  B.  from,  520,  570 

"Sumter,"  the,  141,  169,  179 

S.  W.  Pass,  316 

Switzerland,  complaint  of  Consul  General 
of,  421;  422,  491 

"Sykes,"  the,  393,  404,  405,  406,  483 


TABSABA,  GABBIEL  G.,  communications 
concerning  quarantine  laws,  274,  275, 
339,  342,  343,  345,  346,  347;    prefers 
complaint  in  behalf  of  house  of  Messrs. 
Avendafto  Brothers,   279,   387;    com- 
plaint concerning  house  of  Puig  Bros, 
of,  368,  369;   B.  asks  that  information 
concerning    Spanish     man-of-war    be 
given  to,  368,  389 
Tate,  Capt.  Wilson,  67 
Taylor,  Dr.,  on  Board  of  Survey,  110 
Taylor,  I.  F.,  letter  to  B.  from,  191 
Taylor,  Brig.  Gen.  Jo..  B.  sends  sword  to, 

118 

Taylor,  Maj.  Gen.  Richard,  commander 
District  of  Western  Louisiana,  265; 
notifies  B.  of  unlicensed  acts  on  part 
of  soldiers,  265;  B.'s  reply  to,  265; 
threats  of,  302,  303;  refuses  to  ex- 


INDEX 


627 


change     prisoners,     330;     expedition 

against,  401 

Taylor,  Gen.  Zachary,  sword  of,  118,  191 
Teche,  the,  444,  445,  451,  452;   Military 

District  of,  455 
Tennessee,  Governor  of.      See  Johnson, 

Gov.  Andrew;    168,  223;    Buel's  Army 

in  East,  324 
"Tennessee,"  the,  111,  238,  239,  240,  330, 

402,  403 
Terrebonne,  440 
Texas,  5,  6,  8,  16,  40,  44,  168,  191,  194, 

303,  349,  382,  395,  401,  413,  421,  454, 

461,  463,  466;   expedition  to,  504,  505, 

512;  490,  500,  502,  535,  541,  550,  575, 

587,  592,  593 
Texas  Volunteer  Militia,  the,  1st  Regt. 

of,  463,  572;   1st  Cavalry  of,  525 
Thaddeus  Norris  and  Co.,  105 
Thibodeaux,  401,  429,  430,  440,  491 
Thomas,  Judge,  B.  T.,  563 
Thomas,  Brig.  Gen.  Lorenzo,  letter  from 

Gen.  Phelps  to,  146;  letters  to  B.  from, 

234,  247;   letters  from  B.  to,  234,  237, 

245,     293,     585;      letter     from     Maj. 

Holbrook  to,  294 
Thomas,  Col.  S.,  letter  to  B.  from,  244, 

399;    command  from  B.  to,  429;    439, 

440,  452,  490 
Thome,  R.  J.,  568 
Thompson,  Gen.  M.  Jefferson,  187,  191; 

letters  from  B    to,  301,  302,  303,  311; 

letter  to  B.  from,  311;    attack  upon, 

326 

Thornton,  Captain,  130,  302 
Thorpe,  F.  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  184 
Thorpe,  T.  B.,  163;    letter   to  B.  from, 

589 

"Thug  Association,"  the,  507 
Tilghman,  Brigadier  General,  353 
Times,    the,  leading  Journal  in  Europe, 

75;  503 

Times,  the,  N.  Y.,  91,  598 
Times  Weekly  Courier,  the,  212 
Tod,  Gov.  David,  letter  to  B.  from,  599 
Tompkins,   Col.  D.D.,  on  discharging  of 

freight,  185 

Touro  Charity  Building,  the,  211 
Townsend,  Gen.  E.  D.,  199 
Treilhard,  the  Viscount,  letter  from  Sec. 

Seward  to,  251 
Tremont  Temple,  580 
Tribune,  the  N.  Y.,  44.  444,  583,  593 
Troy,  N.  Y.,  78 
True  Delta,  the,  540 
Tucker,  Professor,  590 
Turkey,  71 


Turkey  Point,  10 

Turner,  Col.  John  W.,  15,  195,  392; 
cattle  sent  to  Ship  Island  by,  414; 
letter  to  B.  from,  593 

Turo  Building,  the,  296 

Twiggs,  Brig.  Gen.  David  E.,  B. 
sequesters  house  of,  1,  2,  3,  7;  swords 
of,  5,  6;  flight  from  New  Orleans  of, 
5,  6;  letters  addressed  to,  6;  treason 
of,  7;  appointment  as  "Provisional 
General"  of,  7;  decimation  of  position 
of  Major  General  by,  7;  petitioned  to 
prevent  shipments  of  cotton  to  New 
Orleans,  362;  concerning  disposition 
of  swords  of,  570 

Tyler,  William,  letter  to  B.  from,  562 

U 

UNION  ASSOCIATION,  the,  138 
Union  Bank  of  New  Orleans,  the,  48 
United  States,  the,  vs.  Puig  Bros.,  370 
United  States  Ambassador.     See  Adams, 

Charles  Francis 
United  States  Troops,  the,  22 
Urqhart,    Mrs.,    B.   promises   protection 

to,  1 
Usher,  Maj.  R.  G.,  493,  494 


VACHERIE,  letter  to  B.  from  residents  of, 
89 

Van  Buren,  John,  590 

Van  Dorn,  Major  General,  in  command 
of  Department  of  the  Mississippi, 
13,  70;  General  Order  No.  1  issued 
by,  13;  111,  187,  191,  194,  223 

Vanity  s  Fair,  the  N.  Y.,  275 

Van  Nostrand,  Benj.  T.,  109 

"Varuna,"  the,  348,  349 

Vendetta,  the,  61 

"Vengeur,"  the,  470 

Vera  Cruz,  5 

Veritas,  letter  to  B.  from,  374 

Vermilion  Bay,  428 

Vermont,  Gov.  of.  See  Holbrook,  Gov. 
Frederick,  295 

Vermont  Volunteer  Militia,  the,  7th 
Regt.  of,  160,  168,  169,  174,  293,  294, 
295,  481,  482,  483;  8th  Regt.  of,  267, 
278,  302,  330,  401,  412,  456,  472,  490 

Vicksburg,  attack  upon,  15,  47,  109,  140, 
168;  transportation  of  Confederate 
Army  at,  65,  66;  Gen.  Williams  re- 
called from,  82,  83,  111;  advance  of 
Gen.  Grant  upon,  82,  111;  98, 103;  fail- 


628 


INDEX 


ureof  fleet  at,  124,  148;  withdrawal  of 
fleet  from,  168;  upper  fleet  above,  171; 
rebels  leave,  187,  191;  229,  244;  ex- 
pedition to,  245 ;  exchange  of  prisoners 
at,  302;  356,  388,  444,  462,  467,  505, 
514,  551 

Victor,  J.  N.,  letter  to  B.  from,  53; 
protection  asked  for  sisters  by,  53 

Villanueva,  495 

"Vincent,"  441 

Virginia,  62,  242,  277,  291,  317,  334 

"Virginia  Antoinette,"  the  346 

Vogel,  Mrs.,  221,  319,  365 

Vogel  &  Co  ,  220 

Vogel,  William,  late  Consul  of  Prussia, 
220,  221;  subscriber  to  "City  defense 
funds,"  367 

"Volunteer,"  the,  342 

W 

WADSWORTH,  JOHN,  334,  568 
Wainwright,  Capt.  W.  N.,  letter  to  B. 

from,  470 

Walden,  D.  T.,  B.'s  reply  to,  292 
Walden,  Philip  E.,  292 
Walker,  Captain,  208 
Walker,  Mr.,  331,  332,  339 
Walles,  Major,  278 
Wamesit  Bank,  122 
Ward,  Samuel  G.,  complains  of  seizure 

of  iron  by  B.,  392 

WTarner,  Oliver,  letter  to  B.  from,  586 
Washington,  Power's  statue  of,  233,  235, 

236 
Washington,  D.  C.,  37,  38,  43,  44,  65, 

71,  82,  92,  123,  131,  142,  147,  148,  232, 

247,  256,  273,  277,  286,  290,  307,  309, 

321,  324,  334,  355,  513 
Washington  Mills  the,  538 
Waters,  D.,  24 
Waterville  College,  263 
WTatson,  P.  H.,  222,  274,  279,  298,  377, 

392,  421,  442,  445,  476 
Watts,  Maj.  H.  G.,  462 
"WTebb,"  the,  50,  169 
Webster,  Mr.,   110,  241,  248,  304,  319, 

320,  464 

WTebster,  Fletcher,  285 
Weed,     Charles    A.,    given    charge    of, 

plantations,  397 
Weeks,  Captain,  521 
Weitzel,  Brig.  Gen.  Godfrey,  promotion 

to  Brig.  Gen.  of,  43,  54,  147,  192,  273; 

126;     sent    to    Camp   Parapet,    143; 

letters  from  B.  to,  158,  429,  439,  455; 

at   Baton   Rouge,   158,   159,    sent  to 


Vicksburg,  169;  170;  at  Fort  St. 
Philip,  188;  surrender  of  arms  ordered 
by,  189;  Phelps  gives  horse,  etc.,  to, 
287;  letter  from  Knapp,  297;  at  New 
Orleans,  316;  339;  made  to  pay 
Shepley,  352;  expedition  of,  379,  401, 
410,  412,  429,  439,  444,  448,  452,  454, 
459,  466,  490;  in  command  of  district 
of  Lafourche,  440,  455,  474,  491,  515; 
496 

Welles,  Gideon,  letter  from  B.  to,  287; 
matter  of  pillage  by  soldiers  referred 
to,  289;  instructions  concerning  trad- 
ing from,  395,  396 

Western  Gulf  Blockading  Squadron,  the, 
396,  406 

"Westfield,"  the,  140,  471,  572 

West  Florida,  199;  the  District  of,  230 

"West  Florida,"  the,  395,  396,  501,  502, 
524 

West  Point,  6,  43,  161,  570 

West  River  Bank,  the,  278 

West  Roxbury,  566 

West  Tennessee,  598 

West  Virginia,  534 

Wetmore,  Prosper  M.,  591 

Wheaton's  Law  of  Nations,  98,  101 

Whig,  the  Richmond,  540 

Whig  Review,  Cotton's,  590 

WTiipple,  E.  P.,  166,  590 

White,  Richard  Grant,  letters  to  B.  from, 
568,  576 

Whitney,  J.  S.     See  Whitney,  James  T. 

Whitney,  James  T.,  letters  to  B.  from, 
124,  227;  164,  197,  203,  204,  218 

WThittemore,  E.,  163 

Whittier,  C.  S.,  464 

Whittier,  J.  G.,  590 

Wickliffe,  R.  C.,  265,  266 

Wiegel,  Lieut.  W.  H.,  Morris  warned  of 
C.  S.  boats  in  Red  River  by,  50;  222; 
Special  Orders  issued  by,  No.  326,  237; 
301,  302;  cause  of  trouble  on  yacht, 
311;  advice  to,  311;  resignation  of, 
352,  381;  certifies  finding  of  box 
marked  "Prean  &  Conturie,"  386 

Wiggins,  Captain,  452,  521 

Wiggins,  Lieutenant,  444 

Willard,  Mr.,  110 

Williams,  John,  and  Co.,  140 

Williams,  Brig.  Gen.  Thomas  at  Vicks- 
burg, 15,  53;  recalled  from  Vicksburg, 
82,  83,  111;  Shipper  released  from 
prison  by,  103;  ordered  home  109; 
113;  unable  to  make  attack  at  Vicks- 
burg, 124;  refuses  privileges  to  Bates, 
139;  at  Baton  Rouge,  149,  161,  202; 


INDEX 


letter  from  B.  to,  150;   death  of,  159, 

161,  162,  169,  201,  202;   168,  385 
Wilmot,  Mr.,  540 
Wilson,  Mr.,  570 
Wilson,  Henry,  letter  from  B.  to,  465; 

letter  to  B.  from,  516 
Wilson,  William,  472 
Winchester,  93 
Wisconsin    Volunteer    Militia,    the,   4th 

Regt.  of,  159,  168,  436 
Witz,  Charles,  351 
Wolcott,  C.  P.,  letter  to  B.  from,  60 
"Women    Order,"     the.     See     Butler, 

Benjamin  F.t  General  Orders  No.  28 
Wood  and  Brothers,  Messrs.,  letter  from 

Memminger  to,  4 


Wood,  P.  N.,  208 
Woodstock,  93 
Woodworth,  Captain,  415 
Wool,  Brevet  Major  General,  110 
World,  the,  N.  Y.,  538 
Wright  &  Allen,  307 
Wyer,  Mr.,  527,  528,  529 
Yager,  Lieutenant,  160,  161 
Yazoo  River,  the,  244,  273,  279 
"Yeadon,  Richard,"  562 


ZEIGLER,  580,  581 
Zeighler,  106 


Date  Due 


Demco  293-5 


138451 


;** 


38451