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or that his movements were ever intentionally delayed.
On the contrary, he was most zealous and energetic, and, in many things, efficient.
He simply on this occasion displayed once more the unmilitary features of his character.
Not being a professional soldier, he was disinclined to overrule a skilful engineer, the very man whom Grant had selected to command the expedition; and, not going ashore, he did not encounter Curtis, or ascertain his temper or that of his men. He was impressed, naturally enough, by Weitzel's description of the strength of the fort, and he gave too much importance to the fact of approaching reinforcements.
But, above all, he had not appreciated the force of Grant's in structions in regard to remaining and entrenching on the peninsula, or else he forgot them altogether at the crisis.
Weitzel had never seen them, and knew nothing of them, or he would doubtless have reminded Butler of their peremptory character.1
The lack of co-operation between Porter and Butler was, at this juncture, again apparent, and again
1 ‘The order of General Grant to General Butler, which I saw published in the papers—I never saw the original of the order-stated that, in certain cases, he was to entrench and hold his position, and co-operate with the navy in the reduction of the fort.’
‘Was there anything done, or omitted to be done, which you would not have done, or omitted, if you had had full command of the expedition?’ ‘Yes, sir. If I had had the instructions that General Grant gave to General Butler, I would have done one thing that General Butler did not do—I would have entrenched and remained there. I should certainly have done that, and I have written to General Butler that I was sorry he did not show me that letter of instructions so that I could have advised him about that. There is where General Butler clearly made a mistake. The order seems to be explicit that he should remain there.’—Weitzel's Testimony.
New York Appleton 1885.
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