(Private and
Unofficial)
New Orleans, Sept. 24th, 1862.
Dear Sir: Your
kind letter of the 8th. inst. reached me yesterday. I showed it to Gen. Butler,
as you gave me permission to do. The General requests me to present to you his
kindest regards. He is satisfied that Slavery must be abolished, 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
President. He says that after properly organizing and drilling them, he
believes they can march triumphantly from here to Kentucky. To-morrow the first
Reg't. 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 Louisiana.
Every thought seems to be given to the interest of the Government, and his
powers of endurance are remarkable. 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 contact with the best minds in the State, and is
equal, or superior, to them till.
During the week ending last night, the number of people who
have taken the 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 realty 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”1
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 satisfactorily.
The Mr. Flanders2 I spoke of is not the one you know, but his
brother, and is not perhaps a proper person for Surveyor. 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 position
as Special Agent and Acting Collector.
_______________
1 In the next letter this name is given as
"Elma."
2 Mr. B. F. Flanders is frequently mentioned
(June 23, 1862, etc.) and, except toward the close of the period, with
approval. The second Mr. Flanders is not elsewhere mentioned, either in these
letters or in the important printed sources bearing on the period.
SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual
Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol.
2, p. 315-7
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