This period print shows Maj.  Gen. Benjamin F. Butler interviewing the three runaway slaves -- traditionally identified as Shepard Mallory, Frank Baker and James Townsend -- who sparked his landmark May 24, 1861 decision to give such slaves refuge as "contraband of war." 

This period print shows Maj.  Gen. Benjamin F. Butler interviewing the three runaway slaves -- traditionally identified as Shepard Mallory, Frank Baker and James Townsend -- who sparked his landmark May 24, 1861 decision to give such slaves refuge as "contraband of war."