The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-07-11

State flag. which the Mayor had refused to take
down. We also raised the Stars and Stripes on
the u. S. Mint and Custom house. At the
latter place the writer was stationed with
about so others as guard to the colors hoisted
on tho roof
We occupied the city until May !, on which
date Mai.-Gen. Benjamin +. Butler arrived
from Fortress Monroe with two regiments the
21st Ind and the Goth Mass. The General
came up on the gunboat Wissahickon, and the
troops on the gunboat Miami.
After passing the forts and on reaching New
Orleans, Commander ID. ID. Porter demanded
and received the surrender of the works and
their garrison. The terms of captulation,
copy of which is in possession of the writer,
were arranged on board the u. S. 8. Harriet
Lane, Porter's flagship. Soon after the surren-
der he transferred his flag TO the gunboat Octo-
raro and the Harriet Lane, having been sent
TO Galveston, was eventually captured by tho
enemy in Galveston Bay.
THEY DID NOT LIKE THE ARMY.
As soon as the people of New Orleans became
Teconcied 10 their changed relationship, we
found them friendly and socable towards the
navy, but they looked upon Butler and his
men with feelings of supreme contempt. Tho
sloop-of-wa Pensacola and several gunboat5
remained at New Orleans to protect Butler,
while the rest Of tho fleet proceeded up the
river, capturing Baton Rouge, D0nelsOn, Grand
Gulf, Bayou Sara, aud some smaller places,
until we anchored two miles below Vicksburg.
The capture of New Orleans was severe
blow to the enemy, and dispellcd all hopes of q
Southern Confederacy. IL was q naval victory
exclusively, in which the army did not or
colld not participate in any way whatevor
When we took possession of the city two
large batteries located about five miles up the
river at Carrollton were promptly evacuated
by the enemy, the garrison going with Lowell
to Jackson, from which place they were ordered
to Vicksburg. Their escape was made possible
by the fact that we had no troops TO pursue
them. And for the same reason. and for want
Of accommodations TO retain them, the prison.
ers we captured at tho forts were released on
parole
The estimated value of vessels, coal and sup
plies captured was 81 l,os0000; but best Of all
the flag of the Union floatcd In triumph over
tho largest and richest city in the Southern
States, the possession of which made the Con-
federacy an impossibility and eiectuaily pre-
vented foreign recognition.
Capt. Farragut, his officers and men, received
the thanks of Congress and the President OF
the United States. About two months after
ward the grade of Rear Admiral having been
established, that rank was conferred ugon Far
Tagut. He was also the hOnoreh recipient OF q
purse of $4,000 from the patriotic citizens of
New York city. lie died at Portsmouth, N.
H., Aug. II. 1870, and was buried in Woodawn,
near New York.
Commander D. y. Porter. for conspicuous
bravery and valuable service rendered, was
appointed to the command of tho Western Flo.
tilla. with the rank Of Rcar-Admiral. Here he
rendered important service, and made the
capture Of Vicksburg possibility. in Septem
ber 1864, he was transferred 10 command the
North Atlantic Squadron. where ho played a
very important part in the capture of Fort
Fisher, Wilmington, y. C., aud Richmond, Va.
lie is still in tlie service.
Commodore Tbeodorus Bailey was assigned
to command the East Gulf Squadron as Acting
Rear Admiral. his headquarters being on tho
frigatc st. Lawrence at Key West, Fla.
Gen. Benjamin r. Butler who was Military
Governor st New Orleans after its capture,
proved TO be the right man in tho right place
His legal talent served him well in his peculiar
surroundings. and IL may be honestly said to
his credit that his administration was char
actcrized by firmness, sound practical common
sense and executive ability Of superior order.
While his orders sometimes seemed severe, vet
his loyalty 70 the old flag was hevcr questioned.
For the purpose Of procuring cotton IL was re.
ported that he gave authority 10 some vessels
TO violate the blockade, aud thus got into tron-
BILE with the Navy Department, and WIS re-
lieved from command by order of the Presi
dent, his successor being Gen. n. =. Banks.