Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-08-21

THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN BUTLER AM
PHELPS.

THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN BUTLER AND
PHELPS.
We have New Orleans dates to the I'd. The
matter of most interest is the elimination 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 a requisi-
ton to headquarters for arms camp equipage,
&c., for them Gen. Butler sends word back
that he has no authority to enlist colored SOL
diers and no right to take arms for their use,
and directs him to employ the Africans as la
borers in cutting down the trees between his
camp and the lake, in order to remove any
cover in which the enemy might shelter him
self for an attack on the Union troops also to
clear the ground for the cooperation of the
gunboats on the lakes; finally, to erect abattis
for defense, and to prepare some of the timber
for frewood for the army in the city, of which
there wus great need. Gen. Phelps makes the
irrelevant reply that he is not willing to become
a slavedriver and tenders his resignation.-
Gen. Butler refuses to accept the resignation
reiterates his orders as to the negroes, and re-
fers the whole matter TO the President for final
decision. The following portions of the cores
pondence cover the whole matter -
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE GUILE,
NEW ORLEANS, July 80, 1862.
Capt: r. S. DAVIS, A. A. A General -
Sir-I enclose herewith acquisitions for arms,
accoutrements, clothing, camp and garrison
equipage &c., for three regiments of Africans,
which propose to raise for the defense of this
point. The location is swampy and unhealthy,
and our men are dying at the rate of two or
three day. The southern loyalists are willing,
as understand to furnish their share of the
tax for the support of the war but they should
also furnish their quota of men. which they
have not thus far done. An opportunity now
offers of supplying the deficiency, and it is not
safe to neglect opportunities in war. ! think
that, with the proper facilities, could raise the
three regiments proposed in short time, with
out holding out any inducements or Offering
any reward. | have now upwards of three
hundred Africans. organized into five compa-
nies, who are all willing and ready to show
their devotion to our caus in any way that it |
may be pat to the test. They are willing to |
Society in the South seems on the point OF |
dissolution, and the best way to prevent the |
African from becoming instrumental in gem
eral state of anarchy is to enlis! him in the |
cause of the republic. If we neglect his SER |
vices, any petty military chieftain, by offering |
him freedom, can have them for the purpose
of robbery and plunder. 1t is for the interests
of the South as well as the North that the AZ |
rican should be permitted to offer his block for
the temple of freedom. Sentiments unworthy |
of the man of the present day, worthy only OF
smother Cain, could prevent such an offer from
being accepted | would recommend that the |
cadet graduates of the present year should be |
sent to South Carolina and this point to organ |
ize and discipline our African levies, and that
the more promising non-commissoned officers
and privates of the army be appointed as COM
pany officers to command them. Prompt and |
energetic efforts in this direction would proba-
bly, accomplish more towards a speedy termina-
ton of the war, and an early restoration of
peace and amity, than any other course which |
could be adopted. | have the honor to remain, |
sir, very respectfully, your obedent servant,
j. w. PIiELPs, Brigadier General |
u
hhADeoA"rEnS s lIErAhiMhNr OF TUE ,se1 SuI
NI" '"LHNNS' Aus"S' . i0o-
General was somewhat surprised to re-
ceye your resignation Tor the reason stated
When you were put IN command at Camp |
Parapet, sent Lieut.. Wtitzel, my chief engi-
neer' to make a reconnaissance OF the lines OF
Carrollton' and understand 1t was agreed be-
tween you and the engineer that removal of
the wood between Lake Ponchartrain and the
right of your intrenchments was necessary |
military precaution.
The work could not be done at that time be-
cause of the stage of water and the want of
men. But now both water and men concur
You have five hundred Africans organized into |