Lot 60: BUTLER, BENJAMIN F.

60. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER (1818 - 1893) Union major general, called "The Beast" for his authoritarian control of occupied New Orleans. Later in the war, he commanded the Army of the James. War-date L.S. "Benj. F Butler", 4pp., 4to., "In the field", June 7, 1864 in reply to an application received from Surgeon Charles McCormick for a leave of absence to attend a trial in his home state of Indiana. In part: "...Surgeon McCormick is Medical Director of this department, having charge of hospitals now holding more than 4,000 sick and wounded as well as the entire transportation from this Army to Fortress Monroe, Pt. Lookout and elsewhere...It is utterly impossible to dispense with his services for such a length of time...as we are in daily expectation of attack or offensive movements... Public duty and the dictates of humanity to the suffering soldiers of my command would alike prevent my granting such leave..." Pinholes in top left corner of all sheets, usual folds, mounting remnants on verso of last page. $300-400