New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-11-19
THE CAPTURE or NEW ORLE1NS.

To IN. Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: The return of Admiral Farragut suggests
correction of a statement published in TIM NEW
YORK TRIBUNE of the 9th inst. In an article headed
Gen. Buffers Canvass" it is stated:
Though his military career was not in all respects
attering criticism Of Gen Grant IL Is certain that the
expedition to ship Island and New-Oreans was suDstan-
gave the Rebellion the heaviest and most damaging blow
mat IL received during the first years OF the In
Wrestling rrecoyerably from the Confederacy its most
wealthy and populous city, ts commercial focus and
storeh0use Gen Butler did it greater material and moral
damage than II received atIDOnelsOn Shiloh Antieam
MurfreeshOrOugh."
The truth is the expedition to Ship Island and
Ncw-Orleans not projected by Gen. Butler
and the was not aware that such an expedition was
contemplated for weeks if not months after 1t had
been protected NOT until long after no had raised
troops FOR an expedition which given out going
elsewhere. The expedition Was projected in the Navy
Department, and AS cooperating land force was con
sdored essential the Secretary Of the Navy, in company
with the President visited Gen Mcclellan at his head
quarters FOR the purpose OF securing one II having been
detormnedto preserve the greater secrecy-that the
matter should 90 through the War Department
Gen. Mcclellan unwilling TO detail FOR the purposes
OF the expedition any ~ The regiments then In the field
but assented that those raising IN Massachusetts, and
other parts OF New England by Butler should be
held for the purpose.
The Navy Department then commenced preparations
the avail part It's
addressed the present. Vice Admiral Porter, directing
him TO examine and procure mortar Vessels and dated
Nov. ls6i II after Mr. Cameron had retired from
the War Department and Mr.. stanton had assumed It's
duties and when the expedition about ready to sail
I'm January 1902 and OF his forces had been
dered 10 ship Island that Gen. Butler came 80 Washing
ton and in an interview with Mr. stanton at which Mt
Fox the then Assistant Secretary OF the Navy.
present expressed dissatisfaction. he had supposed
that his destination Charleston II was at this inter
view that Mr. Fox mentioned the real destination OF the
expedition. and gave Gen. Butler his first intmaton as
TO where he was going.
whether or not Gen Butler executed" the expedition
&c requires but few words. he himself has definitely
settled In a debate in the House Of Repre-
sentatyes the 10th Of December last Gen Butler said
| want 10 say for ALL TO the member from New
York that do not claim &c has been flung To me two
or three times gentlemen the other side, 10 be the
hero OF New Orleans Faragut has that high honor but
do claim TO be the hero Of NewlorS City In the cleo
ton OF when they had honest elccton-the only
one before or since
recent visit 20 Washington fer harbor purposes ena
bed me get the above facts my familiarity with the
movements of the Navy during the rebellion led TO
doubt the accuracy OF the statement In THE TRIBUNE
and am DESTROYS only that the truth should De told
For Gen Butlers civil services during the Rebellion.
have always entertained the highest respect He ia my
Judgment understood their temper, aud how TO handle
them better than any other person As magistrate.
ms conduct at New Orleans. In hanging Rebel. showed
how we'll he comprehended them. Hence their hatred OF
him.
am not one OF thosewho joined in the opposition 70
Gen Buffers election | desired HIM reelected:
and seeing him. did every day nj the trial OF
non-conyicted President, must say that only
impressed with his ability but the property OF his conduct
on that occasion.
Any person that Rebel hates for services during the
Rebellion, viii do for G.w.B.
If G.. w. Il. will allow us quietly To hold
our opinion that Gen. Butler deserves great
credit for his services rs Commander chief
of that New-Orleans expedtion-and none the
less for his generous tribute To Farragut-we
will forbear comment.-Ed. Trib.l