The Portland daily press., 1863-01-09


In the course of his remarks last evening,
Gen. Butler referred to the execution of Num-
ford as an act OF high executive responsibility,
which, in the performance, duly became a
painful necessity. After referring to the Incl
dents of the day, he said
The flag of the United States was raised
upon the U. S. Mint, and after floating there a
short time was dragged down by drunken
gambler in the presence of the fleet, in broad
daylight. The symbol of our nationality,
which we all reverence, was torn in shreds,
and every one that could, tore off piece as a
trophy. That act, in its consequences, might
have been most calamit0us. The Commander
Of the Federal fleet had right to suppose
that the Mayor Of the city had come to the
conclusion to renew the contest, and the sym
Dol of the renewal was the tearing down of
the flag. 1t might, as a military position, have
brought upon the city instant bombardment.
Applause. But through the very proper
caution of Commodore Farragut, shot or
two was fired and no response made.
Mark you, it was not the fault of Mumford
that New Orleans was not laid in ashes, and
the men, women and children crushed beneath
the shelling of the Federal feet. 1t was in
mercy for the towns that we should take here
after that felt it necessary to punish Num-
ford according to the just laws of war. After
the confession of guilt, whether right or
wrong, the act still commelds itself to my
judgment. Applause.
Feeling the utter worthlessness of the man
that treason had attempted to exalt into a
patriot, was inclined to spare him, but that
was not permitted. The thugs, rowdies and
gamblers assembled before the execution and
resolved that he should not be hung. 1t be-
came a question whether they would rule
New Orleans or the Commanding General of
the United States, and from that day there
was never any question upon the subject
IApplause.
have been betrayed into saying more than
anticipated Cries of go on" $50 on"
/ look upon the campaign in the southwest
as substantially ended. The rebel campaign
was TO concentrate all their forces on General
Rosecrans, and after defeating him, to concen-
trate against Gen. Grant, and relieve Vicks-
burg, and afterward to regain New Orleans
We have not yet quite appreciated that noble
and brave soldier, Gen. Rosecrans, and his
great victory at Murfreesboro'. Applause. l.
III there is anything soldier desires more than
anything else, it is that his fame, nobly won on
the battlefield, even If he lead his troops to
the charge himself, shall be cherished by his
fellow countrymen.
Subsequently Gen. Butler was serenaded,
and at the solicitation of the crowd gathered
outside, made few remarks in reply to the
compliment
Later from Meuco-heports of French Vic
tories not Confirmed
NEW YORK, Jan. s.
The Herald has dates from the City Of Mex
leo to Dec. 9th.
Juarez had returned from Puebla, where he
distributed 5000 medals and decorations
among the officers and soldiers who defended
that city against the French. When he left
the entire garrison of Puebla amounted to
14,000 men.
On his return the Mexican army was divid-
ed into two corps, one under command of
Comonfort, the other under Gen. Doblado.-
The first was appointed for the defense of the
City Of Mexico; the second was to operate
against the Indian guerrilla, Mejia, who was in
the vicinity of Queritaro, committing all sorts
of depredations.