The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-11
ABOUT BEN BuTLER.
His Professional and Political Life-His
Happy Dsnaestic Relations.


Happy Domestic Relati0ns.
Boston Letter.
The element of hope and courage in Buffers
composition has served him good purpose in his
professional as we'll as his political life In his
law practice stHpendous difficulties do not battle
him, but only spur him on. to renewed effort. I'm
his political career, too, he has faced oppositoH
which would weaken less determined man. He
has sought the Office of Governor in face of the
almost unanimous opposition Of the press, the
pulpit and the better element" Successive de-
feats do not crush him. for, like the plueiy prize
fighter in the saw-dust ring. he comes up smiling
for another round General Butler is 8 man Of
strong likes and dislikes IF he fancies person,
if he has sworn allegiance to him, he
is firm friend through trials and
tribulations; but If, on the other hand, he
chefishes gTudge against one he can never
bury his prejudices Even the ex Governors
legal and political duties do not occupy quite all
his time. His pecuniarY interest in a number Of
manufacturing corporations In Lowell are large,
and ne exercises personal supervision over
them with the aid Of his son Paul General
Buffers domestic relations have ever been Of the
happiest Though terror to the cringing pris-
ofer at the bar, or the timid witness on the
stand and a bdgbear to political opponents his
whole nature seems changed in the charmed
circle about his friends. EARLY in life he mar
ried the daughter of DR.. Hildreth, of Dracut a
town just out Of Lowell, and the union proved
happy IN every respect At the time Butler was
COuIpllk MISS I1ItuTG6n ne DdQ 1uSV 60U6TeQ UPON
the practice of law in Lowell, and it is related
that an incident occurred during those happy
days which we'll illustrated the determined
stuff Of which Butler was made. In
those days toll was charged all persons cross
ing the bridge at Dracut. Young Butler re-
garded the tax as an imposition and doubted its
legality. 70 make test case he refused to pay
toll and went to law about it, winning his ease.
This incident helped to increase his practice for
he was then young barrister just entering
r o.
lives in quiet elegance at BeIyidere, as his fine
estate in the City of Spindles is called. His
equipageS are not snowy or gaudy, but all that
comfort and good taste require
The number Of stories and anecdotes told to
illustrate General Buffers characteristics is
something formidable, and would fill many large
volumes Will not attempt to repeat them, but
am tempted to give one which is related BY an
old army friend Of the ex- Governor. The scenes
occurred at the time the rebels were in
possession of Baltimore. The Secretary Of
War and General Scott, at Buffers re-
quest, agreed to allow him to attempt to.
take possession of the Monumental City. A day
or two after the arrival Of Butler and his staff at
Annapolis they were riding from camp to his
headquarters when they passed in the road an
italian with his organ and monkey. Butler
quietly ordered one of his staff to arrest the fell
low and take him and his outfit to the guard
house, and be sure that the monkey did not es-
cape The arrest was made forthwith, and the
Butler requested young Irishman named Hags
gertyy a captain and member Of his staff. to re-
main Haggerty was a young lawyer Of Lowell,
a swarthy complexioned, registering, dare devil,
who could play most any, instrument and sing a
good song He was brilliant in intellect and
gave promise of a bright future at the bar.
but was among the first to volunteer. He
was clever mimic, could personate sue
cessfully variety Of characters, never lost
his head, and had his wits at ready command.
Butler told him his scheme. He was to dress
up III the Italians clothes, take the monkey and
organ and go into Baltimore and find out every
thing, and report in three days. This was Just
the task Haggarty was looking for, but what was
to be done with the Italian2 Send him to me
under guard, said Butler Now, my good fell
low, said Butler to the organ grinder, II want
your old clothes, your organ and monkey; what
will you take for the lotp Finally, the peripa
teti1 musician said that he would take $50, and
the bargain was struck instantly. Haggerty
was soon rugged out in the organ grinders
Clothes and, with hand orgsn and monkey, dis
appeared without the knowledge Of any one save
General Butler He was gone three days On
the night of the third day Buffers troops marched
into Baltimore. The amateur organ grinder
had safely and securely perambulated every part
of the city; had played the organ and exercised
the monkey to the delight Of the children; had
his eyes and ears wide open; saw and heard all
he wanted to see and hear, and reported in per-
son to General Butler.