The New York herald., 1862-08-13


n. schnler Miss 2 Plate, Miss n. Plate, G. D. Moody
G. W. Griffin II n Julien. s. S. Green, Thos. Rhodes
G. G. ST. Cyr G. L. ST Cyr R. Tloson, lady and daugh-
ter; " Tloson, Mrs De Iaba, L. De Labla, and 33 in
the steerage.
Orr New Orleans Correspondence.
NEW ORLEANS August 8, 1852
The Nero Question Assuming Primary HnrortancsAn
Addition Genera, the Rompoge-Gen. Bntler's Con.
siiurioral Poliey-Interetn9 Correspondence Brcsen
Gcne. al Butler and Secretary Stanton the Suect Of
A,nrinG Nesroes-A Scribe Insrectson Eaton Rouo
Frnd ated-Wholesale Ara Of Prominent sseesonists
IN M For,sh Of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Flanta
tionS-Naosrapers Suprgessed-2hetr Editors Sent d
Fov1 JqcIos-Ar7est Of Charles Heilseict If Cham
raqne CeeJ-ity-?he Leusst0na STATE Bank C,osei-A
secrtt gent Come to Grief-Heah of the City-Naral
Matters, dc.
Ono OF my recent letters probably prepared you to
pec that the negro question would very 70 be
one OF the most important within this department as it
is likely TO be every other throughout the country
General Phelps has long dreamed Of the hour when he
should be able to the umeIt OF his iondest wish
the arng Of the black peasanry OF the South against
their mastes-and engrossed has he become in this
subject that he has already taken steps towards this
ccnsummation that only prevented from the most
mplete by his being subject controlling
power Illustrate hts Intentions before they
could be developed.
10 the negroes OF necessity has encouraged
General Phelps and induced speedy action his part
II he command OF the department should have
two three coorsd regiments armed and equipped be-
fore the Washington could learn OF aud
suppress 1t, If they Inclined; but as It Is have
officer at the head Of army who, while he is as
alive the demands or the age, still too loyal and
oecdient soldier to anticipate without serious cause
important and doubtful action. II the time comes
that actual necessity compels this course general in
the field will be found prompt and thorough SO deter
mined and unhesatng in the discharge Of this duty as
General Butler but long there is chance that the
White OF our nation subugate this accursed re-
oeon he viii be the last attompt the inaugura
ton of policy the only apology OF which will be the
Utmost urgency This preface s simply to introduce the
fact that the Both u General Phelps sent TO Captain
Davis Acting Assistant Adutant General acquisitions for
uniforms arms, camp equpage and all the appointments
for the organization Of brigade, and stated that he
wished them for three regiments Of Africans, which he
satisfied could be raised in very short time and
would prove of inesmabe value to the government as
soldiers He also stated that he had already five comra
MES organized and learn that they have been for some
time drilled military tactics and evoutions, although
1t las been urged that their drill amounted TO nothing
more than amusement for themselves.
To this statement OF General Phelps, Captain Davis re-
Piled instructng him to employ the negroes in cutting
away the between the camp and the lake, plan
which both General Phelps and Lieutenant Wetze chief
OF the Engineer Corps had decided nearly three months
was Of great importance protection against any
attack upon the city from above.
These Instructions General Phelps chose to regard
placing him in the character Of slave driver role
which he thinks all the line OF his talents. He
therefore answered by tender Of his resignation and
request for immediate leave Of absence until should
be accepted
General Butler refused accept bis resignation and
insisted upon his obeyng tho orders Of his superior on
GER
This letter OF General Buffers win be found to be one
Of the most admirable productions Of . mind dstin-
gushed for soundnsss Of logic and cearness Of demon
sraon But think ii is most happy in the calm, quiet
dignity which enhances the Of its reminder
General Phelps that his resignation, Gin the face OF
the enemy, for such would bc) would be entirely in.
compatible with his distinguished reputation for courage
and devotion to his government The annoyance which
this negro question gives General Butler only be con
ceved by remembering the great length Of time takes
70 communicate with the administration and receive an
answer Already he has sent three agents TO Wash.
ington-Colone Demng, Governor Shepley and Chr.
Roseius, Esq.but yet has received deGnvs reply
How General Phelps will receive the commanding
generals refusal to accept the resgnaton and his in
ssting upon obsdioucs the order which, while 1t was
kind OF compromise to prevent any unpleasant conse
qusnces until the administration should decide the mat
ter is Of matter OF speculation but of the firm
ness o. General Butler It is unnecessary to speak
Gensral Phelps unless he is demented good SOL
dlcr to dl.obty positive orders.
The following despatch from General Butler to the Sec
retary o. War enclosing the entire correspondence
the matter viii be found very interesting instructive
TO the whole subject
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THs GUy
NEw ORLEANS, August 2, 1s62
Hon. Erwin ". STANTON, Secretary of War
sI bag leave 10 enclose y you copies Of orders and
correspondence with General Phelps upon the subject Of
arming ana cqupping the negroes
General Phelps, without orders and without my
knowledge, has Organized i've companies Of negroes and
Official reformation had OF his doings in that be-
half eluisiton for arms and equipments for them.
II becomes more necessary in my jGigmentto to employ
them differently, aud thought by the could hnd
yueat lor ali and not raise the question ohsnsively
between General fhes and myself until II settled
Washington, and therefore, sent the order 10 employ
III negroes without sending answer 70 his requison
Bot ms eter OF resignation has lett choice but 10
INSIST that my order should be obeyed.
limit the whole matter TO the department. need
not discuss It, General Shepey who has been with you
can DO y much better than can. Mr.. Roseus, who
have coat " the tonnectcut can tell you much more
fuzzy than II possible do in despatch what has
been the eisct of the course Of General Phelps.
An insurcction br ke out amongst the negroes few
miles up the river, which caused the women Of that
ghborhoOd TO apply 70 an armed boat belonging Us,
pei by informing The negroes that should repc
uttack by them upon tie women and children.
All s for the determination OF the department to which
sha give the ful est obedience have the honor to be
your o6edient sery ant,
BENZ. b. BUTLER, Major General Commanding
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT ov rHsluLrl
NEW ORLEANS, July 80, He2 /
Capt. r. s. DAVIS A. A. A. General
sR--l enclose herewith acquisitions for arms sccou
trements cot hing camp and garrison cqupnVe 30 for
three regiments Of Africans which propose 70 fnsa for
the defence Of this point. The location is ~ lnpy and
unhealthy, AID men dying ut tho rate q
three day. The southern loyas;s are wiling a. w.
stand TO furnish their share Of the t for tho support
If he war but they should also furnish their quota q
non which they have not thus far done. An opportuD
" now offers Of supplying the deficiency and il Is not