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

After I had proceeded in the same manner with the accounts of all the public property, and had recommended to his kind consideration the gentlemen of my staff who were ordered to report to him, he returned to City Point and reported to General Grant. That he was satisfied with the accounts I have an indirect means of knowing, for a gentleman on the staff of General Grant, who happened to be present when the report was made, informed me that Ord said, “Whatever they may say of General Butler, one thing is certain, he is no rogue.” And that was Ord's opinion I know, for I had his cordial friendship for years afterwards until his death.

Meanwhile I had received from Washington, through the kindness of an official friend, a copy of the documents which Grant had sent to Washington to get leave to make the order. They showed me that Stanton had nothing to do with it, as he was absent, and that I was indebted to my virulent foe, General Halleck, for the influence which prevented my having any information of the alleged causes.

General Grant's letter to the Secretary of War and his telegram to the President are as follows:--

City Point, Virginia, Jan. 4, 1865.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:

I am constrained to request the removal of Maj.-Gen. B. F. Butler from the command of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. I do this with reluctance, but the good of the service requires it. In my absence General Butler necessarily commands, and there is a lack of confidence felt in his military ability, making him an unsafe commander for a large army. His administration of the affairs of his department is also objectionable.

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

City Point, Virginia, Jan. 6, 1865.
President A. Lincoln, Washington:

I wrote a letter to the Secretary of War, which was mailed yesterday, asking to have General Butler removed from command. Learning that the Secretary left Washington yesterday, I telegraph you, asking that prompt action may be taken in the matter.

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.