New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-08-23

tire revolution in public opinion that accom-
panied the great uprising-that the promulga-
ton of the order was received with such
grateful enthusiasm. For his keepness in dis
corning the opportunity and his boldness In
embracing 1t he deserves great credit, and we
would not detract from it one iota- But
be has had the credit also for readiness
Of invention, fertility of resource, ana the
genius of craftsmanship, to which, If the story
lately published by captain who was IN ms
command at that time is true, he IS not 1airly
entitled. This gentleman. who served In the
Mexican war and in the war OF the Rebellion,
and whose standing and veracity are vouched
for, relates how he, being q captain under Gen.
Butler, at Fortress Monroe, in May, 1861, had
in his service slave named Luke, who, with
a great many others, had escaped from their
masters and come into our lines. Luke's
master, Col. Mallory, sent to Gen.
Butler and demanded his rendition, to which
the General consented upon condition of NAL
Iorys taking allegiance. Luke hearing of it
rushed terror-stricken to the Captains quar-
'ters. and told him the story with much excite
ment, saying he would kill himself, his wife,
aud children rather than be sent back. The
ttptalh QtilcbSu ulul, anu Jucu aSkcu hin WueIc
he came from when he entered the Union lines.
Luke replied that he came from Sewall's Point.
where he had been put at work on the FORTH
cations by his master and cruelty treated. The
Captain, who was lawyer, questioned him
closely, and on being convinced that he had
really been at work ON the rebel Notifications,
assured him that he was in no danger that
ae..1.s.. frcsf,fcut lincoln him
.oIc covla eand him hack IN his
Luke went away treasured, and of course
circulated the story among his fellow contra
bands 1t having come to Gen. Buffers ears,
the next morning there came an order to the
: Captain to report at headquarters instantly"
Upon reporting he found the General and his
staff and some officers of the 4th U. 5. Artil-
lery $50 if there is any mistake about it these
gentlemen can correct iD around him. The
Captain says:
went directly to the General, made my salute and
said Il am Captain T. 1 ordered 70 report at
headquarters. and report accordingly"
The General sat with his arms crossed on his chest
bead up and countenance fun Of genuine fury Then in
a loud aud aggravated voice he said
A" l understand Capt T, that you have been telling
the negroes that they be back their
masters N0to Sir, want to know by what authority
you have told them soi"
Looking the General straight in the that was on
nty at the time said, "By what authority, Gen. But
seri b the authority OF common sense"
At this the General broke out, with like lion
"what DO you mean by that. sirP'
SO invited or ordered, the Captain presented
his argument in the case, concluding with the
statement that he had told his servant that
he was contraband Of ,rar, coniiscated to the
United States and freeman, and entitled to
protection as such from the United States"
AT the first mention of the phrase contra
"'band of war;" the Captain continues,
"Gen Buffers whole demeanor changed, his
arms fell upon the table before him, and his
"head was thrown forward so that l could
mot see his face and so directed the most
y" of my argument at the top of his head"
Nothing more was said for some minutes, till
in answer TO the Captains inquiry if there
were "any further ORDERS" the General very
mildly replied, "No, Captain; you can go if
you wish.' And the next day the famous
proclamation was issued.
And so it seems that Gen. Butler is not en-
titled 20 the credit of inventing the applica-
ton of cOntraband" to the slaves. He is
entitled however, to the credit of knowing
a good thing when he sees it, and of doing
a very bold and timely thing when some one
else suggested it. That fairly belongs TO him.