Christopher G. Peena

General Butler: Beast or Patriot - New Orleans Occupation May-december 1862 Christopher G. Peena

After only eight months in Louisiana, GeneralBenjamin Butler departed New Orleans vilified by many Confederate politicians,their military leaders, the Southern press, and some citizens and foreignconsuls living in the city. Hiseight-month stay was long enough for some Northern politicians who viewed himas a troublemaker. In the South, Butlerwas regarded as a thief, murderer, and beast. But was he those things, orsimply a patriot who sought to punish the South for its treason? The answerslie within.