Much controversy exists concerning Major General Benjamin F.
Butler's administration in New Orleans during the second year of
the Civil War. Some historians have extolled the general as a great
humanitarian, while others have vilified him as a brazen
opportunist, agreeing with the wealthy of occupied New Orleans who
labeled him "Beast" Butler. In this thorough examination of
Butler's career in the Crescent City, Chester G. Hearn reveals that
both assessments are right.
As a criminal lawyer prior to entering politics, Butler learned
two great lessons -- how to beat the rich and powerful at their own
game, and how to succeed as a felon without being caught. In New
Orleans, Butler drew on these lessons, visibly enjoying power,
removing those who questioned his authority, and delighting in
defeating his opponents. Because of his remoteness from Washington,
he was able to make up his own rules as he went along, surrounding
himself with trusted friends and family members who had no choice
but to keep his secrets lest they incriminate themselves.
Butler made every effort to humble the rich, who abhorred him
and whose sordid characterizations of his regime -- some true, some
not -- became legendary. As Hearn explains, Butler's legacy of
corruption clouded many admirable aspects of his administration. He
championed the poor, many of whom would have starved had he not fed
and employed them. He also established sanitation policies that
helped rid the city of disease and saved the lives of thousands of
New Orleans' less-fortunate.
Vividly describing Butler's childhood and his political career
before and after the war, Hearn deftly places Butler's New Orleans
reign in the context of his life. He also offers new information on
Butler, including the first investigation of his suspicious
accumulation of great wealth late in life.
In a fast-paced, colorful narrative, Hearn shows Butler to be a
fascinating case study of contradictions, a remarkable man with a
politician's appetite for wealth and power as well as a sincere
empathy for the poor. All Civil War historians and buffs will savor
this riveting, insightful portrait of the man behind "the
Beast."
General
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