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OPERATIONS OF 1861 ABOUT FORT MONROE.

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ARRIVAL OF THE ORIGINAL “CONTRABAND.” FROM A WAR-TIME SKETCU.

on the ground that if left on farms or in gardens “ aid and comfort ” to theenemy might ensue. There were few cases of real lawlessness, consequentlythe “ Beauty and Booty” proclamation ☆ of General Beauregard was uncalledfor, and even in the vague and uncertain light of that day was absurd.

The negroes in Virginia, learning of our presence, began to arrive at ourcamp in large numbers. While other commanders were hesitating and quib-bling over the question, General Butler promptly declared slaves of Con-federates “ contraband of war,” inasmuch as they gave, or had given, aidand comfort to the enemy. Contrabands at this date were not anxious toserve as soldiers, and no commander had the temerity to employ them assuch. Commanding officers were seriously in error as to the value of menin the early days of the war. I 11 my regiment, 118 men were discharged fordisability, who enlisted later in other regiments, making first-class soldiers.

During the time in which General Butler was in command at Fort Monroe,he developed remarkable ability in civil organization, and showed courage anddetermination in any project in which he was interested. While just andeven generous in dealing with the men in his department his manner wasdecidedly autocratic. He rarely tolerated conduct savoring of insubordi-nation, and yet under peculiar circumstances he overlooked it. r l

This proclamation by General Beauregard wasdated “Department of Alexandria, Camp Pickens,June 5th, 1861,” and was addressed “ To the GoodPeople of the Counties of Loudoun , Fairfax, andPrince William,” in which, referring to the Unionforces, he says : “ All rules of civilized warfare areabandoned, and they proclaim by their acts, if noton their banners, that their war-cry is 'Beautyand Booty.’”— Editors.

I On one occasion, when residents were com-plaining of acts of vandalism, Butler was informed

that a certain regiment was guilty. LieutenantButler, the general’s nephew, then quite young,was sent to summon the colonel of the regiment.Entering the colonel’s tent, he said,“Colonel, UncleBen wants you, and is going to give you hell !”“Who is Uncle Ben?”inquired the colonel. “Why,General Butler!” “Very well, I will attend, butnot to ‘get hell,’ young man, I did not come herefor that purpose.” “That’s right,” said the lieu-tenant, “I like to see men who are not afraid ofUncle Ben.”—J. B. C.