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,” two pages, lightly-lined, 5.5 x 9, Fifth Avenue Hotel letterhead, October 12, 1884. Letter to Colonel T. E. Major. In part; “The lie published in the Herald by J. T. G. has been answered by the Sun. Ask O’Reilly to publish it and give it as wide a circulation as possible. I think you do well to hold up on Flags it is too late for flags to do much good and while I have every confidence in Dinkwalet I have but little financing of the gentleman you name—I regret to hear that Litchman is such a fool as your information would seem to indicate. I will see that the Beath note is taken up as soon as I return.” In fine condition. Butler was running for president as a member of the Greenback and Anti-Monopoly parties. A great letter from the end of Butler’s political career, as he provides damage control shortly before the election. RR Auction COA.
