MAJOR GENERAL BENJAMIN F. BUTLER - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 10/24/1877 - HFSID 252610
Price: $700.00
GENERAL BENJAMIN F. BUTLER
Union General Benjamin F. Butler wrote this letter in 1877 to answer a
question, not about himself, but about someone that he was often confused with:
U. S. Attorney General Benjamin F. Butler.
Manuscript letter signed "Benj F Butler". 1 page, 4¾x8, ruled paper.
Black ink notations at top edge and on verso and pencil notations on verso, both
in unknown hand. Washington, D. C., Oct. 24, 1877. Addressed toVictor Wolff, Esq., New York City. In full: "Dear Sir:- Attorney
General Benjamin F. Butler was mourning the loss of stated preaching at Sandy
Hill when I was ten years old". President Andrew Jackson's U. S. Attorney
General (1833-1838) was also named Benjamin F. Butler; he lived from
1795 to 1858. The American Civil War general and the Attorney General don't
appear to be related. A well-known lawyer and political leader and a
Brigadier General of the Massachusetts militia, Butler (1818-1893)
entered the Civil War in a dramatic way. Leading the 8th Massachusetts, he
broke the blockade of Washington five days after the bombardment of Ft.
Sumter. President Abraham Lincoln rewarded him with an appointment as the
first volunteer Major General. Butler was appointed Military Governor
of New Orleans in May of 1862, but he served only until December, earning the
sobriquet "Beast Butler" from angry Southerners. He returned to combat duty
with command of the Army of the James in 1863. He proved to be inept
against General P.G.T. Beauregard at the Battle at Bermuda Hundred (May 16,
1864), and Grant sent him to New York. Butler resigned his commission in January
of 1865. He was a member of the House of Representatives (1867-1875,
1877-1879), where he played a prominent part in the impeachment of President
Andrew Johnson. He changed political parties several times, and was elected
Massachusetts' Democratic Governor (1882-1884). In 1884, Butler, who
advocated an eight-hour workday, ran unsuccessfully for president on an
anti-monopoly platform. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Large stain in center
of letter, which touches signature and body of letter. Light nicks at right
edge. Neatly torn from binding at left edge. Folded twice and unfolded.
Otherwise in fine condition.
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