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

“Is Mr. Chase making any headway in his candidature?” I asked.

“ Yes, some; and he is using the whole power of the treasury to help himself.”

“Well,” said I, “that is the right thing for him to do.”

“ Do you think so?” said he.

“ Yes. Why ought not he to do that if Lincoln lets him?”

“ How can Lincoln help letting him?”

“ By tipping him out. If I were Lincoln I should say to the Secretary of the Treasury: ‘ You know I am a candidate for re-election, as I suppose it is proper for me to be. Now, every one of my equals has a right to be a candidate against me, and every citizen of the United States is my equal who is not my subordinate. Now, if you desire to be a candidate I will give you the present opportunity to be one by making you my equal and not my subordinate, and I will do that in any way which will be the most pleasant to you, but things cannot go on as they are.’ You see I think it is Lincoln's fault and not Chase's that he is using the treasury against Lincoln.”

“Right again,” said Cameron; “I will tell Mr. Lincoln every word you have said.”

What happened after that is history.

Preparations were pushed with vigor for the opening campaign. During the early days of April despatches came from General Peck that the enemy were preparing to attack Plymouth.

General Wessels, in command there, however, whose gallant defence of the place is applauded, gave me his belief that the post could be held, if the navy could hold the river. Commander Flusser (who was a Farragut, wanting thirty years experience, and no higher praise can be given) was sure that he could meet the rebel iron-clad ram, and laughed to scorn the idea of her driving out his gunboats.