Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1892-03-17

general in the United States.''
The 2Sth OF Dece mber. 1860. on hi.
return from a trip of observation to
Washington, Butler, convinced that
war was at hand, and having seen the
defenseless condition of the country,
the North having been denuded of all
the arms, munitions Of war, soldiers,
accoutrements and provisions that
could be reached by jeff. Davis,
Floyd, and other secessionists, called
upon Governor Andrews and stated
to him that he believed that an at
tempt, ON the 4th of March, to pre-
vent, by armed force, the Inauguration
of Lincoln would be made. He there's
fore urged that Massachusetts be pre-
pared to march to the aid Of the gov.
eminent. Butler himself was Dem
ocrat, and the Massachusetts, militia
was largely composed Of young Dem
osrats. The Republican governor
hesitated. Butler insisted. Finally
the 10Th Ut January, 1861, he secured
secret orders to &c. his brigade ready.
The militia were, of course, not pre-
pared to take the field. Their arms
were out OF date. their accoutrements
likewise, they had neither overcoats,
blankets, haversacks, ammunition, nor
camp equipsge. At Buffers request
a secret session Of the legislature was
called, he addressed it, and he was,
by resolution, empowered to expend
100000 in making ready his brigade.
The 18th Of April the rebels opened
fire on Sumter. The 18th of April
Cameron, Secretary Of War, requisi-
toned Governor Andrew by telegraph
to send forward 1850 men. Butter
was trying u case on that day. AS
brigadier general he was ordered to
have the Sixth Regiment report at
Faneuil Hall the next morning. 1t
was 5 O'Clock p M. The regiment
was scattered over 40 square miles of
territory. Leaving the room at once
he got his regiment at the rendezvous.
But III the meantime he had done
much better. Troops cannot be
equipped and moved without money.
The Legislature could not be got to.
gether soon enough to meet the emer-
gency. Yet money must be had.
Butler applied to the presidents OF the
Boston banks, and by 9 o'clock the
morning of the 18th, when calling on
ne governor to apprize that delighted
executive Of the ful6 lment Of his or
Ter to the Sixth Reg iment, he could
'lso inform him that there would be
3, 100000 to tie credit Of the CONS
nonwealth before night.
While this was gong on Butler had
aused requisltion for a brigadier
cneral and staff to come from Wash
'gton. Butler being a Democrat,
aving been a candidate for governor
t the last election, and there being
republican brigadiers, how could he
Q appointed? Butler brought such
ressure to bear on the Governor that
hat patriotic man, finally overcoming
II political scruples, appointed him at
he instance of General Henry X.
Diver, State Treasurer, who urged:
Well, however, as General Butler has
ound the means to go. l think he
'ught to 60"
An order coming from Washington
0 send two regim. nts to Fortress
lonroe, Butler moved with such vieor
hat the Third and Fourth Regiments
allied, on the afternoon of the 18th.
nd the other the morning of the 18th,
re latter arriving at their destination
le Goth, and thus saving the strong.
It OF our fortresses to the Union, as the
abels had, in tho absence of troops.
ready begun preparations to capture
The 18th Of April another regiment .
the Sixth observation-disclosures sent
y Butler by rail, with orders to pro-
led direct to Washington, to save !;
he National Capital, General Butler
aging behind to see that tho other
Tree regiments of his brigade were
Of ready. In the afternoon of the
sth his last regiment paradcd be. .
re the State House and was ad.
,essed by the Governor, the tailors