(Unofficial)
New Orleans, December 10th, 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 perfectly 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 a 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 Pontchitoula.
This information reached me two days ago and since then I
have been investigating the matter and am satisfied that it was a predetermined
plan to take the cargo to Pontchitoula 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 $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 Matamoras, 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. Butler'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 London,”
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.
P. S. Pontchitoula is in the northern part of Lake
Pontchartrain — somewhat inland.
SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual
Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol.
2, p. 338-9
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