The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-09-07
BUTLER IN NEW ORLEANS.

meaning OF "JuSt RESTITUTION" pup.
fishes a leading article, which we give
below, in reference to the favors granted
by the President to Mrs. Ida Cora Slo.
comb, in the return of her property and
the restoration of her civil rights,
through the Intervention of General
Butler, and upon his disinterested rep
resentation. But the Picayune goes on
to make some very unfair statements re-
garding other matters, twisting facts to
suit its purposes and the purposes of the
Generals enemies and by wilful sup
preston of the truth, and devilish inu-
endo, leaves much to be inferred, when
it might have made all Us plain as day
had its object been to do justice. But,
like many others, who have not the
courage to boldly face a depraved public
taste for dealing in unjust detraction
whenever the nam of this statesman
is Observation-Disclosures it knows the
utter falsity of the thousand vile fabri-
cations touching his fair fame-the
Picayuae, which is also much indebted
to his forbearance and kindness, must
needs, undercover of hypocritical praise,
Join with the balance of the hungry
pack in a sort of Blanch Sweetheart, and
Tray in his persecution.
The facts of this case, as we ~recollect
them, are these Mrs. Slocomb, a very
wealthy lady of New Orleans, remained
there after the city was captured, and
conducted herself in q becoming and
very lady.like manner, scorning to de.
scend to the vulgar practices Of those
who thronged the streets, and improved
every opportunity to insult the Federal
officers and the flag. She had gallant
son in the rebel army, young Cuthbert
Slocomb, who was a Captain in the
Washington Artillery, and as courteous
in bearing, and liberal in feeling, as he
was gallant in action. Now, although,
Cuthbert, was perhaps the head of the
family still the property actually be-
longedt tt his mother. The oldlady's SYM
pathies were, of course, all with the cause
in which the hope ofher house wasspend-
ing his dearest action, and as she desired
to go into the C%onfederacy, In order tosu-
perintend the education of her daughter,
abe addressed o note to General Butler,
placing her property at his disposal and
requesting permission to cross the lines.
The note was couched in the politest
terms; and the General promptly an
swered that he would facilitate her pro-
posed journey, and would, besides, take
care. of her property, by placing o guard
over 1t and see that not an article was
molested while he was in command.
Mrs. Slocomb left her fine mansion, OH
Lafayette square, and other property, in
charge of the General, and the trust was
aacredly fulfilled, up to the time he was
relieved by General Banks-after which,
we believe, it was used as the residence
of General w. 4. Sherman, who lost a
leg at Port Hudson, and others. How
we'll General Butler performed the obi
cations he had imposed upon himself,
by reason of the womanly conduct OF
Mrs. Slocomb, the Picayune tells; but
it insinuates that there are other ladies
who suffered loss of property that are
equally entitled to restitution, and
makes the false assertion that there was
scarcely q family, or a lady in New Or
leans that did not lose personal property
or valuables, such as jewelry, furniture,
silver ware, books and paintings : for
which. we are led to infer, General But
Ter is responsible. Did any person, lady
or gentleman, who quietly remained in
the city, and RETAINED from meddlinp
with " affairs of State" or took the oath
Of allegiance to the Government, lose a
single article through any United Suites
officer? Why did not the Picayune tell
all the truth, and inform it's readers that
several thousand persons fled the city
when it was evacuated, leaving their
mansions to the care of negro servants,
abandoning everything-so eager were
they to get beyond the reach of the
Yankees-and that many of these
houses, after having been robbed
of everything that was valuable, being
found abandoned, were taken possession
Of in the name and for the use of the
Government as abandoned and enemy'i
property, by the right of war. DE-
these fugitive enemies, who would no
remain and trust In General Butler,
protection and humanity, now expect
the General to hunt up their deserted
property and return il to them? The
General is very good natured and very
obliging; but we fear they will be disap.
pointed in their expectations if they rely
too much upon, these pec...iar weak
nsasesip the otherwise .esere character tt
ofBenjamin F. 81 - MeIsunnosa fhe
o..sires to saddle General But
Asr w...n' all the acts of the Banks adj
authorization, The registered eehisstAtess
torthe number of several. thonsaHd were
forcedsto 60 across the lines by General
Banks order, leaving their worldly
goods, except what they lst6odafR, sba-
hind them, and all theft property theit
plate, fine furniture and splendid libra
rieas. fell into the hands eiRthef'o Of Cen
erai Banks qiiuiaaftetmaster st The pafhe-
ularr friend of Mr.. Chase, BehjarhimIF
FIandeetrss, Treasury ,Ageht, who hsdl d
49, = =. -. -. laIl r. IT, "A 4 "a