HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT
OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, May 14,
1862.
Messrs. WILLIAM N. MERCER and J. M. LAPEYRE,
Committee:
MESSRS.: I have given very careful consideration to the
matter of the communication handed me through you from the banks of the city.
With a slight variation, to which I called your attention,
you were correct in your understanding of the interview had by me with the
banks. Specie or bullion in coin or ingot is entitled to the same protection as
other property under the same uses, and will be so protected by the U.S. forces
under my command. If, therefore, the banks bring back their specie, which they
have so unadvisedly carried away, it shall have safe-conduct through my lines
and be fully protected here so long as it is used in good faith to make good
the obligations of the banks to their creditors by bills and deposits.
Now, as in the present disturbed state of the public mind
specie, if paid out, would be at once hoarded, I am content to leave the time
of redemption of all bills to the good judgment of the banks themselves,
governed in it by the analogy of the laws of the State and the fullest good
faith. Indeed, the exercise of that on both sides relieves every difficulty and
ends at once all negotiations.
In order that there may be no misunderstanding, it must be
observed that I by no means mean to pledge myself that the banks, like other
persons, shall not return to the U.S. authorities all the property of the
United States which they may have received.
I come to retake, repossess, and occupy all and singular the
property of the United States of whatever name and nature.
Further than that I shall not go, save upon the most urgent
military necessity, under which right every citizen holds all his possessions.
But as any claim which the United States may have against the banks can easily
be enforced against the personal, as well as the property of the corporation,
such claims need not enter into this discussion. In such form, therefore, as in
good faith safe-conducts may be needed for agents of banks to go and return
with property of the banks, and for no other purpose whatever, such
safe-conducts will be granted for a limited but reasonable period of time.
Personal illness has caused the slight delay which has attended this reply.
I have the honor to
be, your most obedient servant,
BENJ. F. BUTLER,
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series III, Volume
2 (Serial No. 123), p. 130
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