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, which was followed by a long career in Congress. LS signed “Benj. F. Butler,” one page, 5.5 x 9, April 17, 1890. Letter to O. D. Barnett. In full: “I have seen Jayne. He insists that the bills upon which claims are made upon me, and upon which I have shed, have all been paid: and he promises me truthfully that he will start Sunday or Monday next, and be in Pueblo on Wednesday. Wait for him, and aid him in settling matters up; and go with him to McDaniels, whom I have instructed in my cases. I am on route for Washington, where I shall be until next Wednesday (23rd). If you are going back to New Mexico, I wish you would see the Deeds which have been put on file by Darling and his son-in-law, each to the other, and see where Darling is described to be a citizen of. I will write you from Washington as to my matter I think it important. Prince has been instructed to make a report on the ‘White-Cap’ matter.” Matted and framed with a period engraving, ‘patriotic’ mailing envelope, and brief biography to an overall size of 18 x 22. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and some light creases. Las Gorras Blancas (translated as ’The White Caps’) were a resistance organization formed in 1899 as a response to Anglo-American settlers taking land from Native and Mexican Americans. Tactics included cutting fences, burning barns and haystacks, disrupting railroad construction, and scattering livestock. A month before Butler’s letter, the group issued a manifesto which read, in part, “Our purpose is to protect the rights and interests of the people in general; especially those of the helpless classes…We want no 'land grabbers' or obstructionists of any sort to interfere…We are all human brethren, under the same glorious flag…We have no grudge against any person in particular, but we are the enemies of bulldozers and tyrants...Be fair and just and we are with you, do otherwise and take the consequences.” The Gorras Blancas were relatively successful in their guerilla tactics, but petered out after they failed to garner popular support for their more legitimate political ambitions. RRAuction COA.
