American military officer, lawyer, and politician (1818–1893) whose strict administration of New Orleans following the Union occupation in 1862 made him one of the most controversial figures of the Civil War. His mismanagement as a general ultimately led to his resignation in 1865, followed, naturally, by a long career in Congress. Stirring AQS, “This Union cost our fathers much treasure and much blood we must not part with for less than the first cost,” on an off-white 7 x 9 sheet, signed “Benj. F. Butler, May 19, 1861.” Light scattered soiling (mainly to blank portions) and light stains touching a few words of text, otherwise fine condition. Significant and quite unusual! R&R COA.
