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

Now I know, and solemnly aver, that no such thing ever did happen or could have happened between the three of us. First, I was under no such relations at that time as to have been visiting Smith at his headquarters. I don't usually visit, until apology is made, any man, general or other, who has insulted me. I did meet him at Grant's headquarters about that time. The inference which Smith seeks to have drawn is that Grant got that first glass of whiskey, which he said did him good, from me or at my headquarters. But Smith knew, and all of the other officers under my command knew, that I drank no spirituous liquors in the field nor had any at my headquarters. Smith, reckless as he is, does not dare to say what he cowardly insinuates.

Again, he does not give any word or act of Grant that shows that he was drunk, but only says that his voice showed plainly that the liquor had affected him. That I can deny, because there never was any such happening as Smith relates. I never saw General Grant drink a glass of spirituous liquor in my life. I had heard of such slanders against him in his younger days, and I observed his conduct in that regard narrowly. I had seen him drink wine at the dinner table but nowhere else, and upon the question of his drinking or not drinking, or having drank or not having drank, no word ever passed between Grant and myself. I should never have dreamed of insulting General Grant by such an accusation. If I could have so far demeaned myself, I should have expected Grant to dismiss me from the service at once, as he ought to have done, and as I would have done to him under the same circumstances. Smith's letter shows that he is dastard enough to use such weapons.

The official orders and correspondence which I publish will show the state of facts. I had not suggested that he be relieved from the army for his misconduct, even after the insulting and garbled correspondence which he sent to Grant in an unmilitary manner. On the 21st of June he had asked that he be relieved from under my command. Grant had taken no official action in regard to this application. On the 2d of July Smith had asked for a leave of absence, pleading ill-health. That was granted for a period of ten days.