ernment. The Governor adds: "I can perceive no reason
of military policy why a force summoned to the defence of
the Federal Government, at this moment of all others, should
be offered or diverted from its immediate duty to help rebels,
who stand with arms in their hands, in obstructing its progress
toward the city of Washington." General Butler answered that
"if the contest were to be prosecuted by letting loose the
slaves, some instrument other than myself must be found to
carry it on." He had been, with a large part of his party,
an advocate and supporter of the Fugitive Slave Law, in the
days before the war.

Third. He governed the rebel city of New Orleans with great
vigor. He understood how to deal with a turbulent and ugly
populace. He was not imposed upon by shams or pretences,
and treated the old Southern Democracy with little respect.
It is probable that his vigorous remedy saved the city from
yellow fever.

Fourth. Another thing should be added to his credit, not
of moral quality, but of that quality which accounts largely
and naturally for his influence with the people. He had a
gift of clear, racy and simple speech. He could convey his
thought to the apprehension of common men without any loss
in the process. His style was of the same class with that
of William Cobbett and Horace Greeley, without ornament,
not very copious, but simple, clear and vigorous. When these
things have been said, nothing remains to be said in his favor.

He had a ready, though rough and coarse wit, suited to the
tastes of illiterate audiences and to that class of men who
are always delighted when anything is said in disparagement
of anybody. I recall two or three examples. He was rather
fond of appropriating the bright sayings of others, whether
jesting or serious, and claiming credit for them. But he
also had a capacity of his own for such things.

I heard him argue a case involving the constitutionality
of the bill to annex Charlestown to Boston, before the Supreme
Court of Massachusetts. He was interrupted by the Mayor,
who was on the other side, a fussy and self-important little
person. Butler made the point that the meetings at which
the citizens had voted for annexation had not been legal,
the notice being not sufficient. The Mayor, who had said
it was the practice in Charlestown to hold public meetings
on a notice not longer than the one in question. He added:
"We only gave a week's notice for our e