Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-08-22
LATEST FROM NEW ORLEANS.


THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN B6rrLER AMI
PHELPS.
We have New Orleans dates to the 2d..--
The matter of most interes, is the culmina-
ton of the controversy between Gen. Butler
and Gen. Phelps on the contraband question
/ 1t appears from the published correspondence
| between them that Gen. Phelps undertook
TO raise three negro regiments, and had got
/ together enough to form five companies when
he sent requisition to headquarters for arms,
camp equipage, &c, for them. Gen. Butler
sends word back that he has no authority 20
I enlist colored soldiers and no right to take
arms for their use, aud directs him to employ
the Africans as laborors in cutting down the
/ trees between his camp and the lake, in order
to remove any cover in which the enemy
might shelter himself for an attack on the
/ Union troops also to clear the ground for
( the corporation Of the gunboats on the
/ lakes ; finally, to erect abattis for defense,
I and to prepare some Of the timber for fire.
/ wood for the army in the city. OF which there
was great need. Gen. Phelps makes the il.
relevant reply that he is not willing to be-
come a slave driver, and tenders his rcsigna-
ton. Gen. Butler refuses to accept the resig-
nation, reiterates his orders as to the ] egroes,
4 anu iNlNih tnt Wunlt UluAttI " tue plttlutuA
for final decision The following portions of
4 the correspondence cover the whole matter
HEADQUARTERS DrrARrMEsr or THE Cur,
New Orleans, July 3d. 1862
Capt. r. S Davis, A. A. A. General -
/ SR-I enclose herewith requsitions for arms &C.
coutrements clothing camp and garrison equpage, &c
for three regiments OF Africans which propose raise
for the defense Of this point The location is swampy
and unhealthy. and dying at the rate 0f two
three day The southern loyalists are willing,
undefsand furnish their share Of he tax for the sup
port Of the but they should also furnish their quaa
uf which they have not thus far done An oppor-
uni,y offers Of supplying the deficiency, and Is
not safe TO neglect opportunities IN wat think that
with the proper facilities could raise the three rcg-
proposed in short time, without holding out Any
I inducements offering any reward. | have now up
wards Of three hundred Africans, organized into five
companies, who willing and ready to show their de
votion to in any way that may be put 10 the
test They willing to submit to anything rather than
: to slavery.
Society in the South seems to be the point Of dis
solution, and tho best way Of preventing the African
from becoming instrumental in general state u Nnar
chy TO enlist him in the cause of the republic If We
neglect his services ary petty military cthan by Of
ferng him freedom, can have them fof The purpo O.
robbery and nunder Iii for the interest VI the South
as we'll as the North that the African should be permit
| ted to otter his block for the temple Of freedom.
Sentiments unworthy Of the man Of the present day
worthy only of another Cain could prevent such an Of
fer from being accepted. ! would recommand that the
cadet graduates Of the present year should be sent
South Carolina and this point to organize aud discipline
our African le'ies, and that the more promising non
ssioned officers and pryates Of the army be ap
pointed as company officers 20 command them Pfomp
and energetic efforts IN this direction would probably ac
uomplish more towards speedy termination OF the wat
and early restoration Of peace and amy, than an
other course which could be adopted have the hone
remain, sir very respectfully your obedien servant
J. " PnELrs, Brgadier General.
HEADQUARTERS DErARrsENr OF THE GULF,
New Orleans. Aug.
I General--I was somewhat surprised receive yot
resignation for the reason stated.
When you were put 10 command at Camp Paapet,
sent Lieut.. wcizel my chief engineer, to make r.
Of the lines of CarTOlltun aud 1 unue
stand agreed you and the engineer that
of the wood between Lake Poncharain and the rihht
your inIenc nchments necessary military preeautioi
I The work could not be done at that time because
the stage Of the and the want Of men. But no
both water and men concur. You have 800 Africans or
Ranked iuto companies. You write me this work the
arc tilted TO do IL must either be done by them or ~
seiiief- new drilled and discipncd Nnp have said tn
1caou Is unhealthy the sodeTsti is not the 20 negro
Is best that these unemployed Africans should d.
this labor My attention Is especially called 70 this mat
ter at the present time because there are reports OF de
monsitations to be made your lines BY the rebels
and in my judgment 1t is matter Of necessary precAu
on thus 10 clear the right of our line, 50 that you car
receive the prOpe aid from the gunboats on the lake
besides preventing the enemy from having 10 do
this negroes ought 10 be employed aud employin.
them see no evidence Of slave driving or employing
YOU as a slave driver
The soldiers Of the army Of the Potomac did thi, yer
thing last summer, in front Of Arlington Hights. Ar
The negrOes any better than they Because of orde
TO do h necessary thing protect your front, threa,
ened by The enemy YOU tender your fesigna9n anu as
immediate leave OF absence. assure you dld not eA
Ct this, either from your courage your patriotism
good To resign in face of an enemy has no
.ccn the highest plaudit soldier especially when III
eason assigned Is that he is ordered do that which
cccnt act Of Congress has specially authorized com
handler to dol e. employ the African 10 do the neees
ary work about camp or upon toruhcaton Gen
ra your resignation will not be accepted by me- leaY
4 absence vi not be granted and SOU Will see to 1t
hat my orders thus necessary for the defense Of the city
faithfully and diligently executed, upon the respons
oily that a soldier in the field TO his superior
will that all proper equstons for the food sheltt
md clothing Of these negroes at work file
ny the proper department You will also send cut PRO
per guard 10 protect the laborers against the gueri
iorco. if any there may be in the neigbborhood.
BENJAMfH T. BUTLER,
! Major General commanding.