Benjamin Butler

• 1. The Boy From Lowell

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  Benjamin Franklin Butler was born on the 5th of November 1818 in Deerfield, New Hampshire. He grew up as the sixth and youngest child of John Butler and Charlotte Ellison Butler. His father served under General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 before dying of yellow fever in the West Indies shortly after Benjamin's birth. The family moved to Lowell, Massachusetts in 1828 where his mother operated a boarding house for textile mill workers. At age nine he won a scholarship to Phillips Exeter Academy but spent only one term there. A schoolmate described him as "a reckless, impetuous, headstrong boy" who regularly got into fights. He attended public schools in Lowell from which he was almost expelled for fighting. The principal described him as a boy who "might be led, but could not be driven." He later attended Waterville College but rebelled against his mother's wish that he prepare for the ministry. He graduated in August 1836 and returned to Lowell to clerk and read law as an apprentice with a local lawyer. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1840 and opened a practice in Lowell.

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• 2. The Beast Of New Orleans

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  Butler commanded the first Union expedition to Ship Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast in December 1861. In May 1862 he led the force that captured New Orleans following the occupation by the Navy after the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. His administration showed great firmness and political subtlety until it failed with the city's Jewish population. He infamously wrote in October 1862: "They are Jews who betrayed their Savior, & also have betrayed us." Butler imposed strict quarantines during yellow fever season resulting in only two cases reported in 1862 when ten percent usually died. General Order No. 28 issued on the 15th of May 1862 stated any woman insulting or showing contempt for a U.S. officer might be treated like a prostitute. This order followed incidents including spitting in officers' faces and pouring chamber pots full of human excrement on patrolling soldiers. Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard nicknamed him "Butler the Beast" despite leaving his wife under Butler's personal care. Another nickname "Spoons Butler" derived from an incident where Butler seized a 38-piece set of silverware from a woman attempting to cross lines.

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• 3. Cotton And Contraband

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  Upon arriving in New Orleans Butler immediately began attempts to participate in lucrative inter-belligerent trade. He used a Federal warship to send $60,000 in sugar to Boston expecting to sell it for $160,000. Military authorities permitted him to recover only his $60,000 plus expenses after reporting his use of government ships. His brother Andrew officially represented the family in such activities thereafter. Everyone in New Orleans believed Andrew accumulated a profit of $1, $2 million while in Louisiana. Treasury Secretary Chase asked about profits in October 1862 and Butler claimed his brother cleared less than $200,000. When replaced by Major General Nathaniel Banks Andrew tried to bribe Banks with $100,000 if Banks would permit his commercial program. Butler's administration of the Norfolk district was also tainted by financial scandal and cross-lines business dealings. Historian Ludwell Johnson concluded extensive trade with the Confederacy occurred in Butler's Norfolk Department. This trade was extremely profitable for Northern merchants and significantly helped the Confederacy. It was conducted with Butler's help and a considerable part was in the hands of his relatives and supporters. Grant wrote that Lee's army received supplies through inefficiency or permission from an officer selected by Butler.

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• 4. The Prosecutor Of The President

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  Butler became one of the managers prosecuting President Andrew Johnson before the Senate in early 1868. He served as lead prosecutor among House-appointed impeachment managers during the trial proceedings. Thaddeus Stevens was the principal guiding force behind the effort but Butler stepped in to become main organizing force. The case focused primarily on Johnson's removal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton violating the Tenure of Office Act. The weather was hot and humid while the chamber was packed during the uncomfortable affair. Defense attorney William Evarts drowned proceedings by repeatedly objecting to Butler's questions often necessitating Senate votes. Despite some missteps by defense and Butler's vigorous cross-examination the impeachment failed by a single vote. On the 16th of May 1868 Johnson was acquitted on first article voted on. Later on the 16th of May 1868 the House enabled investigation into alleged improper means used to influence Senate determination. Butler led this investigation approving summons for several eyewitnesses same day investigation authorized. He looked into possibility four of seven Republican senators voting acquittal had been improperly influenced. He uncovered evidence promises of patronage made and money may have changed hands but unable to link actions to specific senator. Johnson wrote the 3rd of August 1868 that Butler was "the most daring and unscrupulous demagogue I have ever known." Butler published final report the 3rd of July 1868 having failed to prove alleged corruption.

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• 5. Legislative Firebrand

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  Butler wrote initial version of Civil Rights Act of 1871 also known as Ku Klux Klan Act. After his bill defeated Representative Samuel Shellabarger of Ohio drafted another bill slightly less sweeping successfully passed both houses Grant signed April 20. Along with Republican senator Charles Sumner Butler proposed Civil Rights Act of 1875 banning racial discrimination in public accommodations. Supreme Court declared law unconstitutional in 1883 Civil Rights Cases. In March 1866 Butler argued U.S. Supreme Court case Ex parte Milligan holding military commission trials could not replace civilian trials when courts open and no war existed. He served four terms from 1867 to 1875 before failing reelection after hostile Republicans led by Ebenezer Rockwood Hoar denied renomination for congressional seat 1874. He elected again 1876 serving single additional term. As former Democrat initially opposed by state Republican establishment unhappy with support women's suffrage and greenbacks. Conservative party organization closed ranks rejecting two attempts 1871 and 1873 gaining Republican nomination for Governor Massachusetts.

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• 6. The Governor And The Gambler

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  In 1882 Butler successfully litigated Juilliard v. Greenman before Supreme Court confirming government right issue paper currency public private debts. He ran for governor Massachusetts again 1882 elected 14,000-vote margin winning nomination both Greenbacks undivided Democratic Party. As governor active promoting reform competence administration despite hostile Republican legislature Governor's Council. Appointed state first Irish-American judge first African American judge George Lewis Ruffin appointed first woman executive office Clara Barton head Massachusetts Reformatory Women. Graphically exposed mismanagement state Tewksbury Almshouse under succession Republican governors. Snubbed notoriously Harvard University traditionally granting honorary degrees state governors. Board Overseers headed Ebenezer Hoar voted against honorarium. Bid reelection 1883 one most contentious campaigns career presidential ambitions well known. State Republican establishment led Ebenezer George Frisbie Hoar poured money campaign against him. Running against Congressman George D. Robinson whose campaign manager young Henry Cabot Lodge defeated by 10,000 votes out more than 300,000 cast. Butler credited beginning tradition lone walk ceremonial exit from office Governor Massachusetts finishing term 1884.

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