Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

Report at once in person to the Secretary of War.

Edwin M. Stanton.

I ordered my vessel to be coaled as soon as possible for two days sailing. I reflected upon the despatch. What could it mean? Was I to be summarily dismissed? Was I to be promoted? What had happened? As in duty bound I at once telegraphed the despatch to General Grant for his orders and received Grant's answer.¹ I reached my boat with my officers before the coaling was completed, and ordered the captain to stand out to Cape Henry until he received further orders. When fully out of sight of the fort I directed him to steam slowly until dark, and then to proceed with all speed to Washington,

We arrived the next morning. As soon as a landing could be effected I mounted my horse and rode to the War Department, where I arrived just before nine o'clock. Throwing my reins to an orderly I went to the office of the Secretary of War, where I was instantly admitted. Even at that early hour he had three visitors.

“I am here, Mr. Secretary, by your orders,” said I. “What am I to do?”

“Step into my private office and wait until I can come to you.”

I did so, and in a few minutes he came in bringing a thick bundle of papers.

“Read these papers, General. They contain very important information from New York. Before you get through I will be with you.”

I carefully read the papers. They were the reports of his confidential agents and detectives, and of prominent loyal men in the city and State as to the condition of affairs there. They contained matter sufficiently alarming, but, as is always the case, exaggerated.

In substance they stated that there was an organization of troops which was to be placed under command of Fitz John Porter; that there was to be inaugurated in New York a far more widely extended and far better organized riot than the draft riot in July, 1863; that